Bennett breaks ranks over John Nkomo tributes
Contested legacy ... John Nkomo with Vice President Mujuru and PM Morgan Tsvangirai
18/01/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
ROY Bennett broke ranks with his MDC-T party on Thursday over tributes to the late Vice President John Nkomo, accusing colleagues of “telling lies” and “stupidity”.
MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai described Nkomo as “an eminent nationalist, a liberation war icon and a committed patriot who will be sadly missed by all Zimbabweans”, while extending “heartfelt condolences over the loss of such a committed Zimbabwean”.
The party’s spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said “Nkomo’s politics was different from that of his colleagues which is that of blood”, adding: “He was a reconciliatory man and befittingly he was leading the Organ on National Healing.”
But Bennett, the party’s treasurer who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, said the tributes showed that the deaths of prominent Zanu PF politicians were becoming “occasions for all sorts of nonsense and stupidity”.
He made reference to a tribute by the United States embassy which said Nkomo was a “patriot who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe's sovereignty and prosperity” – hardly any more gushing than those of Tsvangirai and Mwonzora.
“Excuse me. We may not like to speak ill of the dead, but let's not tell lies,” stormed Bennett, a white former commercial farmer once jailed for assaulting Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa in parliament.
He went on: “How can anyone with any sense say that John Nkomo dedicated his life to Zimbabwe's prosperity? Since the 1980s, he has sat at the heart of the beast that has destroyed Zimbabwe's economy. He has held the hand of the dictator that has obliterated our hopes and freedoms.
“He must now be remembered by the choices he made. He chose to oppose the people, rather than serve them. He walked around in tailor-made suits while Zimbabweans walked in rags. He received private medical treatment in South Africa, while Zimbabweans in South Africa were dying in the townships.”
Bennett said his advice to “the Americans and others who appear to be bending over backward to show their neutrality in 2013” was: “Better to shut-up and say nothing than to insult the millions of Zimbabweans who have been murdered and impoverished by Zanu PF.”
Meanwhile MDC leader Welshman Ncube said Nkomo was a “unifying force” while Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa spoke of Nkomo as a “stabilising force in everything”.
Added Dabengwa: “He didn’t like to hurt the feelings of anybody. He was diplomatic and if he knew he did not agree with you, he wouldn’t use the word ‘no’, but would find a diplomatic way and from that point. I think people felt he was a stabilising factor.”
COMMENTS
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Dzimbabwe
This is why MDC must be careful about apparent support they get from those of the pale skin to borrow Jukwas Favorited term though it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth just by saying it. For once I am tempted to use jukwa'a language. This is the heart of the difference between white Zimbabweans and black Zimbabweans and in indeed with the west. We have an axe to grind with Zanu PF but that axe is different between us and the whites. Bennet has just shown what really is in his heart and that is something personal and not national. Sorry Pachedu, this time Pachedu Na Mudhara John. He did have his wrongs but many if us are more grateful than we are angry at him. You and us can not and will never share the experience of having been liberated by chimurenga. That's an experience that will always give you and us a different perspective on the current and past national leaders. I am not saying they have been angels over the last 30 years NO, but when a father pays your school fees, feeds you and gives you a point to start from in life you will not stand on his graveside and say this man was a bad man even if on one or two occasions he forgot to pay school fees and went drinking with his money. We are what we are today, we are sought after in all these countries today because independence empowered us and gave us an opportunity for education that many of us might never have had. Again many things went wrong, and horribly wrong over the last 30 years but in the eyes of a normal black Zimbabwean who tasted apartheid and understood its macro implications, (not just the fact of not going to the same bars- that's nothing) the man and women who brought independence (and please that's not just Mugabe, Nkomo and the Ovets - its many Zimbabweans men women, boys and girls) will always have a special place in our hearts. We know and would like to correct what they did wrong but we will not forsake them. This is something that Morgen and many other politicians apart from those in Zanu, understand very well and Bannet can never share or understand this experience, ever.
Rest in peace Mtwana wenhlabati.
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Rafique702
Bennet is the only one who is able to call a spade a spade....we will all die......do we fear that if we call it as it is we will die, we will die regardless!!!!.....So would it be correct to speak well of Hitler by his grave side?and say he was a good man who contributed to his country..well yes he did...but is that a balanced testimony? I work with Black South Africans who are good people on a one on one basis but stick together regardless of whether they are right or wrong against an "outsider"... ......is this why we then attack Bennet?because he criticized while white?..what if this criticism came from a black man? we have to get over this pretending to give people titles and accolades at their grave sides..Mugabe has been praising Murderers for years...remember Bennet was violated by Zanu, would we you say good things about someone who abused you at their grave site...yes John Nkomo was a moderate but he carried on the usual Zanu way so when inflation raged on and people suffered was it well with him?Is he not also culpable for the misrule by Zanu?..Was he unaware of the torture, killings and maimings and starvation..I will let you know for a FACT the John was USED by Mugabe to frustrate the Matebeleland Zambezi water project....did he do that to keep the peace????.if not did he stand against corruption???.....Bennet indeed has a point...we are not hear to insult the dead but we must not give praises where they are not due......
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GottaBeMe
Shame on you bro.
Without ZANU and ZAPU I doubt if I was going to have a chance to receive the good education I received. I doubt if I was going to make it to be what I am now if there was no independence of 1980 that these guys fought for. However ZANU made too many wrong moves but I will not completely wipe them off. I appreciate the liberation we had in the 80s and 90s.
I grew up in Kwekwe so I saw some of the Gukurahindi stuff in the Midlands. Still everything ZANU is not bad. I am sorry for your poor soul.
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Jacques Marneweck
It's called "accountability" And I think its more disrespectful of the dead to sing there praises and pretend they where someone they where not than to remember them as who they where. It's like killing them again by wiping away there history. The west still have a bad view of Hitler even tho he managed to make the most indebted country the most powerful in less then a decade. But we remember him as a monster that pushed for race based laws just like zanu and that is how it should be. And by all accounts Hitler did all that Mugabe did but he actually at some point in his career at least put the majority first.
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nhamodzenyika
What a load of Rubbish, Zimbabweans are the most racist lot under the sun and judging from the posts we read on these forums, one thinks there is a level of being delusional as well amongst ZImbabweans. If something thats right is said by a white Zimbabwean, he is then reminded of his skin colour and all sorts of vile cr*p that ZANU has fed to its people.
What Bennett is saying is spot on, that c*nt Nkomo must rot in hell and as Bennett puts it he sat in the heart of the beast and massaged it all along. His fellow people from matebeleland were massacred and never once did this man ever publicly call for an inquiry. Clearly he was now sorted and had a position in government so stuff the rest. Bulawayo or should i say the Matebeleland region continues to fall apart, industry closing, water woes, no development and yet people like Nkomo, Khaya Moyo etc sit as puppets in the ZANU machine that nearly wiped clean its own people.
I support Bennett for he is brave enough to tell it as it is not Tswangirai who is trying to entice the lot.
Zimbabweans are like South Africans and the ANC, one track mind, no good can come from a white person period. The west should pull its plug on even Aid to these useless countries and watch what happens, cause as a people governance and management are so alien to Africans its shocking.
Good Words Bennett and always speak your mind, if they don't like it, punch em like you did that monkey in parliament
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greatcontroversy
Arikutaura chokwadi murungu uyu. Nkomo obviously supported all the evil done by Zanu, all the people they have killed, he was put of it in a way unlike Dabengwa who made up his mind not 2 be partt of that evil.....
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Mthwakazi
well said my brother Roy is telling the truth Nkomo must burn in hell he died a zanu he is zanu
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Ngoko
Fools in abundance
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berekanai
Why monkey and why not say 'punch them like you punched that man'. Is monkey the only word that is suitable for Chinamasa? To me it shows that you have used the platform to express your racist attitude. By nature you are a racist and people like you do not have any room in Zimbabwe no matter how poor we might be. Why not stay in your homeland where there are no problems and leave everything to those who want to sort out the problems faced by Zimbabweans? Shame on you!!
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Wilberforce Majaji
Hahaha u r such an idiot. I have no idea why such idiots get the blessing of a computer. You are fighting a losing battle son. Bennett will never set foot in Zimbabwe again. He will remain a prisoner of hope. The hope,of once again returning to his farm. Let me make clear to you and your ilk, Rhodes like you will be crushed ruthlessly and without remorse. Just for punching Chinamasa, Bennett went on a good diet program for 2 years in a rural jail.imagine what will happen if he comes back now. Zimbabweans will be relentless in making sure, once and for all, that Bennett and his selous thugs like you will never again be given the chance to subjugate te great people of Zimbabwe
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Elma Sabudo
You should endeavour to promote free speech and free press .Our judiciary has liable laws enforced through civil courts and more such as inflammatory can be enacted .But that is very impossible Robert Mubage will be locked up as well .
Last time you posted Indianapolis as place of residence and yet nothing has been learned ever since that is the sad part of your story .An African wants enslaved living in the West caught in dichotomy of hate along racial lines and cannot see beyond that .
The implications of your misguided drivel is not only Bennet will never step back to Zimbabwe but other black Zimbabweans too ,because of nihilistic behaviour like yours .And more Africans perishing escaping repressive country's ,with more naturalised and contributing within their new founded homes .Making it impossible for Africa to catch up with current modernity .
SHAME ,DAI MAGARA KU ZIMBABWE ZVE NHAI BHUDI .MARI YE TICKET MAKATENGA MA SHARES .
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Wilberforce Majaji
Whilst in your vile attempt to soil me by misquoting everything I've said it is your right and you're free to say wha pleases you, try or not! What is interesting, however is you seem to portray the Mage that you know me! Look, I don't use a pseudo name like he coward that you are! If you want to know all about me ask me or those who know me. Talking about things that you don't know is a b1tch a$$ trait.
You may continue to parade as if you know my situation, I'll leave that to folks like yôu! It could be that you get some sort of satisfaction from talking about things you don't know. But what I know is this, I'm a free man and I don't need your lecture to put food on my table.
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Elma Sabudo
Here is what you posted BHUDHI with typos .
"He will remain a prisoner of hope. The hope,of once again returning to his farm. Let me make clear to you and your ilk, Rhodes like you will be crushed ruthlessly and without remorse ".
For free speech !!! ,your quoted drivel is a catalyst of Rwanda genocide and yet you live in developed country where free speech is enshrined in the constitution and enforced by courts system .You should school your party about it not incite hatred .
I am not trying to soil you ,but displaying your limited intellectual threshold driven by an IQ of a mosquito BHUDHI.Now that you are marinated ,learn to unite and debate with civility .
OUCCCH NOW THAT IS GOING TO HURT LIKE BAST@@RD!!!.
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Wilberforce Majaji
So there is a lot of civility in what you just said? Listen, I don't have time to debate with you. Besides, why would you want to debate with someone with a "limited intellectual threshold". So I'll do you a favor. You are free not to read what I say but best believe, I won't stop
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Ngoko
Notice to the Public
DEAD BODY, AVOID PROXIMITY
placed by Ngoko
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GottaBeMe
I agree with freedom of expression, but to go like this is neither moral nor right.
This shows that Bennett wants all these guys dead. I hate that, I now support the assertion that he should never set his foot in Zim. He has offended many. When Smith was killing and oppressing our fathers Bennett was quiet. Shame on him. Ngaanovhiya mbudzi vakuru titaure nyaya.
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shumba
Listen to what Roy is saying, do not just read his words. There is nothing right mukoma. The man is angry with whoever has said the right thing, at the right time. The Late cde Nkomo, Nyongolo, Tongogara, JZ etc and Mugabe and company are well known throughout the world for their contributions to the struggle for black freedom. Is that racist? And you think it is right for somebody from planet Z to ridicule their contributions and turn their graves into rubbish dumps. Makadyeyi nhayi mukoma. Mucharutsiswa nani vangodobori vakapera kufa, kwasara tsikamutanda chete.
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GottaBeMe
Nhamodzenyika, I got a question for you. Are you white?
Yes/no please.
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Toots
I do not believe Bennett's anger is directed at the late John Nkomo or Zanu-PF at all. He is not even angry at the Americans.
For years, the man worked his arse off raising funds for Tsvangirai's MDC-T. The man invested huge amounts of time and money in the MDC-T dream. His main objective was to land his stooge in State House so that he can undo everything that Zanu-PF had done. He wanted to restore white Rhodesia with a black President. He did that task so successfully that Tsvangirai nearly sneaked into StateHouse. But that dream is now water under the bridge.
Bennett never imagined that his front man would one day sup with and eulogise over the same people that he planned to dislodge from power.
Bennett is not angry with Robert Mugabe, Simon Moyo, John Nkomo, Welshman Ncube, Dumiso Dabengwa or the American Embassy.
His profuse anger is directed at Morgan Tsvangirai for defrauding him and misappropriating the time and money that he sweated for to invest in the MDC-T project.
He gambled and lost. Simple.
His anger is completely understandable, but also laughable
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Mozart
Did Bennett lie? It's critical that you read past the man's skin colour??
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Chivhu Mdhara
Nkomo and co liberated Zimbabwe and they should be thanked for that and they handsomely rewarded themselves farm, cash and company. The fact that they were part of the liberation struggle does not give them the right to abuse us. They acted as if they are the only ones who fought for this country. In as much as we abide by the African values of honouring the dead, we should not go overboard so as to loud the works of a man who has been part of the machinery that has left millions starving and millions in the diaspora. Let us not forget those who are living as ophans because of the political differences with the regime that Nkomo so vehemently supported. People talk about how the Nkomo family is feeling. Have the same people considered how the victims of politicall violence felt when thier loved ones were taken away. May Nkomo rest in peace. We honour him for the scars that he had on account of the struggle but also still see the scars that his party has left on our children and our people.
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GottaBeMe
Good points in there.
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Black Light
Accurate! A man's life, villainous as it might seem should be put on a balance of scales and judged accordingly. He participated in the treacherous and deadly war to liberate this country from a toxic, inhumane system that was colonialism, sought to expand the previously marginalized and disenfranchised Black capacity by education policies and died while seeking their economic empowerment. Were all these undertakings, policies and decisions correct? Not even close, but will Mr. Bennett claim that mantle of immaculate morality for himself?
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berekanai
Well said indeed!
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imbofungawega
Thank you for respectfully putting the issue into proper perspective. This really could be our defining point as Zimbabweans. Understanding each other with compassion and stepping forward with a common purpose. What perceptions we had of each other along racial, tribal, or other should really be understood in the context that for the long run cutting the nose to spite the face is not doing anyone any good. We probably should worry more about what our current existence means. True we do not speak ill of the dead. They rest, but we are still here. So yes we still have got to make this work.
RIP Vice President Nkomo.
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GottaBeMe
This is the best comment I read today. Well balanced.
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Jukwa
Dzimbabwe
The 'pale' in 'pale devil' is merely a means to physically IDENTIFY an invader in a Black land.
And the 'devil' in 'pale devil' identify the KNOWN history of beastly barbarianism practiced UNPROVOKED by european invaders against indigenous peoples!
The evil euros are not devils on account of their pale pigmentation. NO!
They are horrible creatures; BECAUSE OF THEIR HISTORY OF BEASTLY AND BARBARIC ACTIONS!
So please feel free to say 'pale devils'.
From now on, it shouldn't leave a 'bad taste' in the mouth now that you know it represents the truth about a set of criminal invaders from European & Arabian Peninsulas. lol
And by the way, you are observing correctly that the differences in groups of human; forms, geography of origin, and culture ARE REAL & NATURAL.
They are not artificial.
And they ARE NOT to be ignored in interactions.
The pale devils & their weird culture, ARE invaders in African Ancestral lands. And they need to be gone from Africa!
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Patience Nyangove
munyori wanyatsoreva zvako iwe very objective and Bennet must also realise at some point in his life he was supporting and one of those people who were ill treating and killing of black Zimbabweans but many of us embraced him back and made him one of our own that does not mean we are blind to the wrongs he committed against us
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nyamuzinga takesure
Thanx Patience.Yes at one time Bennet was also on the wrong side of the spectrum,but our people embraced him. Thats what reconciliation is all about. Thats what the Americans, judging from their tone are trying to achieve.This is the way forward.As long some people keep spitting venom.We will always be on each other's necks.
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GottaBeMe
Thanks Patience. Bennett was quiet when our fathers and mothers were being ill-treated. He must shut up or go fly a kite!
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Makate
Well said, thank you very much !!!!
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Life!
There is a lot truth in what Roy said, however it was the wrong time and from a wrong official.Those nasty words are better left for me Life! To dish out....spicy rhetoric uncut! Roy you are screwed! Stay safe.
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Ngoko
Notice to the Public
DEAD BODY of Life!
AVOID PROXIMITY
placed by Ngoko
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Life!
Why are you always wishing me death? I am not calling for truce anymore... we are going to war!
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Ngoko
Public Warning
DANGER! Life's decomposing CADAVAR
Advanced state of decomposition
AVOID PROXIMITY
By ORDER
Ngoko 24/7
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Life!
Your elimination papers have been signed, and the order will be carried out as directed.
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Mhanzi Mhanzi
Well said mudhara
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zvinhu_zviedzwa
Bull's eye!
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Sabakas
Breaking ranks? More like breaking wind(just commenting on the picture)
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Jukwa
Nice interpretation of the facts. lol
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zvinhu_zviedzwa
TO ROY BENNET
If I may ask....Who is Bennet?
Answer....Some WHITE *** nestled in the UK after stealing diamonds from Charleswood farm where he canvassed his diamond mining activities under green leaves.
Benet, shut up....because you are not Zimbabwean that's why you went to your country of origin misrepresenting to the word as exiled.....wakamboona exile kumusha kwako??
You never worked with Nkomo and your assertions are just fictitious....Ncube and Chamatama at least worked with him in the GNU and they comments are acceptable
Bennet....you will never set your foot in this country...you MORONIC WHITE thief!
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DZ
A white scumbag who stole from Zim never paid taxes or declared diamonds that he robbed us off, has supported regime change and was charged with treason and ran off and now has an opinion on our of our heros. He needs to focus on managing his ill gotten wealth in the Cayman Islands or Mauritius or wherever his offshore accounts are and F off. We wont be lectured to by former Selous Scouts. Pamh*ta
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zvinhu_zviedzwa
Taura zvako DZ.....I will not give a white a$$hole an opportunity to lecture me....NO!
Benet looted the country's resources then sponsored terror groups during elections and financed regime change agenda.....dai aiva mutema zvaiva nani....varungu imbudzi mhani! Vanoba uchiwona hiding under so called human rights laws....to hell with Benet....he is not entitle to comment on our HERO let alone open his PINK lips.
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AmaiZim
Try learning to spell correctly you fool
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zvinhu_zviedzwa
MRS WHITE PIG....you have no case in defending your kith and kin
Benet will not set foot in this country.....this time Chikurubi maximum is waiting for him.
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Ndinodyagochajongwe
Zvinhu, It takes a pig to know a pig, no matter the colour. Was your mother a pig? or was your father a pig F u ker? whatever the case, you sure have inherited all the traits of a pig. Go oink oink to your pen!
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Mashco
U are an idiot , used condom,a morron bafoon tsvina voetsek
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zvinhu_zviedzwa
WHITE PIGs will not intimidate us TRUE PATRIOTS......ask Bennet we send him to a jail in Mutoko!
Your words are just like a fly in soup....it does not change the soup in fact the soupd becomes a death trap for a fly.....i liken you to a white fly
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berekanai
I did not hear him say the same when Ian Smith passed away, it would have been different if he had given the same comments at that time. Most of the whites, not all, pretend to be in the same boat with the majority of Zimbabweans but hell no, we know all about it. However, there is a little bit of sense in what he is saying although there might seem to be a motive behind. Nkomo should have distanced himself from the dictator just like some of his colleagues did. He is a freedom fighter who has got innocent people's blood on his hands and thats the truth.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, MDC, ROY BENNETT
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President mourns Nkomo
Thursday, 17 January 2013 14:54
Herald reporter
President Mugabe has expressed shock at the death of Vice President Nkomo. Announcing the death at State House, President Mugabe who is also the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mugabe said Vice President Nkomo who has been battling with cancer in the past few years passed on at St Anne’s Hospital this morning. “ "
The moment we are in are sad moments, we have lost our Vice President John Landa Nkomo."
“He was suffering for a long time from cancer and all of a sudden we heard the situation had deteriorated yesterday.
“He was taken to St Annes Hospital and he passed on sometime this morning. I would like to express on behalf of Government, our party Zanu-PF, my own self, Cabinet, our sincerest condolences to his family, to his dear old mother, relatives and his friends.
“We have lost a real revolutionary, a fighter for freedom, a friend of the people, a lover of children, he will be dearly missed by all of us,” President Mugabe said.
Meanwhile, the United States has also expressed its condolences to the family and the people of Zimbabwe on the death of VP Nkomo.
It said Vice President Nkomo was a patriot who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and prosperity, whether as a teacher, a politician, an advocate for Zimbabwe’s independence, or as a public servant,
"As a leader of PF ZAPU and ZANU-PF, Mr. Nkomo played an important role in shaping the course of Zimbabwean history. May he rest in peace," the embassy said.
Founding member of the African National Congress between 1958 and 1959.
Joined the National Democratic Party in 1960 before joining the Zimbabwe African People’s Union in 1961.
Arrested on several occasions by the Smith regime and detained at Gonakudzingwa in 1966-68.
Joined the African National Council where he was deputy secretary-general in 1971.
Attended the Geneva Conference as part of as part of the Zimbabwe African People’s Party (Zapu) delegation that was led by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo in 1976.
Was seriously injured in a parcel bomb that killed Cde Jason Ziyapapa Moyo in 1977.
After the country gained independence in 1980, he became Member of Parliament for Matabeleland North between 1980 and 1985.
Served as Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy in 1981
Was Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office responsible to the Deputy Prime Minister from 1982-84.
Became Member of Parliament for Tsholotsho between 1985 and 1990.
Was appointed Minister of Labour, Manpower Planning and Social Welfare from 1988 to 1995.
Served as MP for Bulawayo North between 1990 and 1995.
Was re-elected legislator for Bulawayo North from 1995 to 2000.
Was Minister of Local Government and Rural Development in 1995 before being appointed Minister of Local Government and National Housing in 1997.
Between 2000 and 2001, he was Minister of Home Affairs.
In 2002, he was appointed Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for Special Affairs.
He became Speaker of the Parliament in 2005 up to 2008.
Nkomo was appointed Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration, 2009 after the inception of the Inclusive Government.
He was appointed Vice President in December 14, 2009.
Labels: ANC, JOHN NKOMO, ROBERT MUGABE, ZANU-PF
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Vice President John Nkomo dies
17/01/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
VICE President John Landa Nkomo has died aged 79. Nkomo, who has been battling cancer, died at around noon Thursday, presidential spokesman George Charamba said.
"I can confirm that Vice President Nkomo has sadly passed away," Charamba said. Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo said Nkomo was rushed to Harare's St Annes Hospital on Wednesday night after his conditition "deteriorated".
Water Resources Minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, a cousin to Nkomo, also confirmed his death. The news was "devastating to the family", he said.
Meanwhile, the United States embassy issued a statement expressing its condolences to Nkomo's family and the people of Zimbabwe "on the death of Vice President John Landa Nkomo".
"Whether as a teacher, a politician, an advocate for Zimbabwe’s independence, or as a public servant, Vice President Nkomo was a patriot who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and prosperity," the embassy said.
"As a leader of PF Zapu and Zanu PF, Nkomo played an important role in shaping the course of Zimbabwean history. May he rest in peace".
Labels: GEORGE CHARAMBA, JOHN NKOMO, SIMON KHAYA MOYO, ZANU-PF
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Food imports embarrassing: Nkomo
05/08/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
VICE President John Nkomo has said Zimbabwe must produce enough grain to meet its needs within two years to bring an end to the “perennial embarrassment” of surviving on food imports .
Nkomo told a field day in Murehwa that Zanu PF had established a production and labour department to lead efforts to boost agricultural production and end costly imports of grain from the region.
“We want to end the embarrassment of perennially surviving on food imports from such countries as Malawi and Zambia that used to depend on us for their food security,” Nkomo said in a speech read by a senior Zanu PF official.
“They have even been learning from us, so we cannot stand that reality of importing food from them, yet we have the human resources to turn around everything and start producing competitively.”
The United Nations World Food Programme recently said about 1.6 million of the country's estimated 12 million people would need food aid this year due to poor harvests.
The number is 60 percent higher than the one million who needed food assistance last year, with most of them living in rural areas.
Once a regional breadbasket, Zimbabwe has faced perennial food shortages in recent years following a slump in food production partly blamed on President Robert Mugabe's controversial land reforms.
The majority of the beneficiaries of the reforms lacked the skills and means for large-scale farming, and were given little support from the government.
But Nkomo said the farmers must stop coming up with excuses and start making productive use of the land.
“The land was the major reason we waged the liberation war, yet 32 years after independence, people have not yet started fully exploiting it,” he said.
“Yes, for the majority it is a matter of failing to access resources, but there has to be the individual effort and innovation to boost productivity and justify the implementation of the agrarian revolution.”
Dzikamai Mavhaire, Zanu PF secretary for production added: “The time for slogans and singing war songs has since passed. What we are facing now is a new but different war.
“It is a war whose weapon is the hoe, so we must act like real business people. Zanu PF will not tolerate laziness.”
Labels: FOOD, JOHN NKOMO
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COMMENT - I have a link to
the EU sanctions list here.
Envoys: EU Sanctions to remain
19/11/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
THE European Union (EU) will maintain sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe until the country fully implements the Global Political Agreement (GPA). EU envoys based in Harare reiterated the position during meetings with Acting President, John Nkomo on Friday.
Nkomo met separately with Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Anders Linden and his Germany counterpart, Hans Gunter Gnodtke. Both officials insisted that the sanctions would remain in place.
Linden told Nkomo Zimbabwe should fully implement the GPA, which facilitated the formation of the coalition government between President Robert Mugabe and long-time rival and now Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
For his part, Gnodtke said Germany was keen to re-engage with Zimbabwe wants reforms agreed under the GPA were completed.
"No one in Germany would want to see the sanctions go beyond the conclusion of the current political reform processes. Even the European Union will appreciate the need to revisit the restrictive measures once Zimbabweans achieve the targets they have set for themselves in the GPA," he said.
However, Nkomo said the country would move forward regardless.
"We were hoping that the West would re-examine their stance on Zimbabwe and help us promote development and reconciliation among Zimbabweans,” he said.
"Instead, they have conveniently chosen to call the sanctions restrictive measures, which they know will be divisive on our society creating suspicion and strife among our people.”
The government wants the sanctions – imposed following allegations of human rights abuses and electoral fraud – lifted, blaming them for the country’s economic problems.
But the EU and other Western countries claim that he sanctions are “targeted” at individuals blamed for the rights abuses.
[Not at all. The extra-judiciary 'allegations' are that they are part of the government and 'therefore' engaged in some unnamed illegal or unethical activity. For the full list, click here for the EU sanctions list: (NEWZIMBABWE) Zimbabwe: European Union sanctions list. - MrK]
Tsvangirai’s MDC-T party accuses Mugabe’s party of reneging on implementing aspects of the GPA while Zanu PF insists its partners have not done enough to push for the removal of sanctions.
The coalition government is expected to implement a raft of political reforms leading to elections, possibly early next year.
Civil society groups say the GPA has stalled because of the lack of political will “to achieve real reform”.
“The emerging pattern that apparently negotiated solutions are followed by interminable delays in execution reflects a fundamental deficit of political will to achieve real reform,” the International Crisis Group said in a recent report.
“Prospects for constructive engagement are diminishing, which makes it difficult to see how even minimal conditions for free and fair elections will be secured”.
Negotiators from the coalition parties met on Friday ahead of another meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma's facilitation team and party principals next week.
Zuma is the regional SADC grouping’s point-man on Zimbabwe.
Labels: EU, JOHN NKOMO, MDC, SANCTIONS
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Firms urged to contract farmers
Saturday, 24 September 2011 02:00
Agriculture Reporter
GOVERNMENT has urged agricultural manufacturing and processing companies to contract farmers to produce raw materials for them. Acting President John Nkomo made the call at the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union's 17th annual congress in Harare yesterday.
He said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe had made it difficult to mobilise finances off-shore as lenders demand high interests rate and at such rates, it also becomes difficult for farmers to borrow and make a profit hence the need for local companies to support farmers.
Cde Nkomo said the system whereby tobacco merchants, grain millers, cotton ginners and oil expressers contract farmers would benefit the two parties.
"Under such arrangements, farmers will be provided with the necessary support and will have a guaranteed market for their produce," he said.
Cde Nkomo warned farmers to be cautious when entering into contracts to avoid being offered poor prices for their produce.
"I am pleased to note that ZCFU has successfully run a winter wheat programme, where farmers were contracted by the Grain Millers Association to grow wheat," he said.
ZCFU also mobilised inputs for the contract growing of 20 000 hectares of soyabeans during the forthcoming season.
It has also come up with a farming inputs scheme for salaried personnel where employees buy inputs over an extended period of payment.
Cde Nkomo, however, urged farmers to repay their loans.
"I want to remind farmers that farming is a serious business where recapitalisation is a must, and banks will not continue to advance loans to bad apples as they are not creditworthy," he said.
Cde Nkomo said Government was undertaking a number of initiatives to enhance farmer productivity.
"We are in the process of acquiring tractors from Brazil and elsewhere to complement the fleet that is on the farms and also setting up mobile service centres that will assist farmers to repair the tractors and equipment on their farms," he said.
Government has also mobilised US$45 million of the summer cropping season through the provision of subsidised seed and fertilisers.
The ZCFU held this year's congress under the theme "Regaining the country's bread basket status through enhanced agricultural production".
ZCFU president, Mr Donald Khumalo said farmers were having problems with contractors who did not supply adequate inputs and yet claim the whole crop during the selling season. "Some companies inflate input prices and offer low prices when they buy the contracted crop from farmers," he complained.
Mr Khumalo also raised concern over the continuous electricity cuts, which he said has left many farmers not willing to produce wheat.
Labels: AGRICULTURE, CONTRACT FARMING, JOHN NKOMO, SANCTIONS, ZCFU
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Nkomo urges Gukurahundi dialogue
by Staff Reporter
23/06/2011 00:00:00
VICE President John Nkomo has called for a national dialogue over the post-independence Gukurahundi atrocities and warned opposition groups against using the emotive issue to stoke divisions in the country. Speaking in Bulawayo, Nkomo, who is Acting President in the absence of President Robert Mugabe, said the dialogue was needed to bring closure to the emotive subject.
"The way to bring closure to Gukurahundi is by engagement to discuss such issues, but quite often, those who talk about it were never victims or were born yesterday and are too young to comprehend what happened and why,” Nkomo said.
“President Mugabe came to Bulawayo when we were over that period with the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo and we all went to Brethren-In-Christ Church here in town and he said it was a moment of madness. They agreed with Umdala uNkomo that it should be a closed chapter.”
In period after independence in 1980, Mugabe unleashed a North Korean-trained army unit to deal with what was described as a dissident menace in the two regions.
Rights groups, however, say over 20,000 civilians, mainly supporters of Mugabe’s then chief rival Joshua Nkomo, were killed and thousands more driven away from their homes in the two regions in the crackdown.
Mugabe has not directly apologised for the crackdown, only describing it as a “moment of madness that was regrettable”.
Vice President Nkomo said the country needed to move beyond what he described as “irreversible history”.
"We have to accept that where there are human tribulations, such things happen. Let's engage to build a better present and a better future and always remember that what happened is history and we can't reverse it,” he said.
The report of a government-commissioned inquiry into the atrocities is still embargoed even to this day. But that has not stopped clamour in the region for those responsible to be brought to book and demands for victims to be compensated.
But Nkomo warned that the issue was sensitive and needed to be handled with care.
“People must engage and as the Organ on National Healing, our task is to say how it can be handled because fires are being fanned,” he said.
"Look at the years we spent in Gonakudzingwa Prison during the liberation war and there are thousands of people who went to war and never returned so who will compensate them for losing their lives?”
Labels: GUKURAHUNDI, JOHN NKOMO, ZAPU
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Business speaks out against sanctions
Wednesday, 02 March 2011 20:56
By Tendai Mugabe and Tichaona Zindoga
ILLEGAL Western sanctions are hurting the economy with
many local firms unable to market their products in the United States of America and Europe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Joseph Kanyekanye has said.
In a solidarity message before signing the Anti-Sanctions Petition in Harare yesterday, Mr Kanyekanye said the embargo had nothi-ng to do with human rights abuses as clai-med by the West.
He cited examples of such Western firms as Tesco that had refused to buy farm produce from Zimbabwe.
The sanctions, he said, denied Zimbabwean companies access to lines of credit from multi-lateral lending institutions.
"I have come voluntarily to say no to sanctions. It is part of our 2010 resolutions where more than 300 business people said sanctions are not appropriate for Zimbabwe.
"We believe that sanctions have nothing to do with the human rights situation obtaining in the country. We have a situation where we have ZDERA, which we are having problems with as the business community.
"This law empowers the US Secretary for the Treasury to direct any US executive director sitting on international financial institutions to vote against extension of loans to Zimbabwe and cancellation or reduction of indebtedness owed by Zimbabwe," he said.
Mr Kanyekanye urged the political leadership to stop politicking and denounce the embargo.
"As Zimbabweans, we must fight the san-ctions and as CZI we had already taken a position a year ago because they have cau-sed unnecessary disunity in the country," he said.
The CZI president said the sanctions are illegal at international law because the Uni-ted Nations did not ratify them.
Vice President John Nkomo expressed dismay over the absence of the two MDC formations, which are signatories to the Glo-bal Political Agreement, at the launch say-ing: "Some GPA signatories did not come. This means they are pro-sanctions.
"During the struggle for independence we had such characters, but that did not derail the liberation struggle."
He said justice was on Zimbabwe's side as the country was being punished for expressing dominion over its God-given resources.
"We shall prosper and all we want is to control our resources. We refuse to be glorified messengers, but owners of our resou-rces."
VP Nkomo said political freedom, which Zimbabwe attained in 1980, needed to be consolidated by economic independence.
He said the anti-sanctions campaign was the first step towards busting the illegal embargo.
The campaign's success, he pointed out, rested on national unity.
Visiting Namibian Minister of Regional and Local Development, Mr Jerry Ekandjo, said Zimbabwe was being punished for re-possessing its land.
"We add our voice to unconditional lifting of the sanctions and we are going to launch the Anti-Sanctions Campaign in Namibia in solidarity with our comrades in Zimbabwe," he said.
Chiefs Council president chief Fortune Charumbira added: "Everyone across the political divide is suffering from these illegal sanctions. And as traditional chiefs we are saying they must go in their totality."
Bishop Trevor Manhanga threw the church's weight behind the campaign.
"We are here to repudiate the myth that sanctions are targeted on selected members of our country.
"Whatever punitive measures on one of us are sanctions against us all.
"Sanctions on (General Constantine) Chiwenga are sanctions on us all because he is our general."
African Apostolic Church Archbishop Paul Mwazha's contribution was: "Sanctions are anti-human and if the whites really love us they would not have imposed sanctions on us. I say Africa forward and backwards never."
Founder of United Fellowship International Pastor Emmanuel Makandiwa said no God-fearing person would support sanctions since they affect God's children and his Chu-rch all of which operate and reside in the country.
Zimbabwe Farmers' Union president Mr Silas Hungwe said sanctions hurt agriculture and must be "removed unconditionally because they are hindering our farming operations".
In his closing remarks, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya said: "Indeed these sanctions are not targeted on the leadership, they are comprehensive and affect all Zimbabweans.
"They are evil, racist . . . they are a crime against the grain of all civilised conduct - they must go.
"Those who have boycotted this milestone launch, obviously per instruction of their masters, have seriously exposed themselves as men and women of no consequence."
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, JOSEPH KANYEKANYE, SANCTIONS, ZDERA
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Sweden breaks ranks over EU sanctions
by Staff Reporter
18/08/2010 00:00:00
SWEDEN has become the first European Union country to call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe following disputed elections in 2002. The Nordic country’s outgoing ambassador to Zimbabwe said Wednesday he was “disappointed” to be leaving after a five-year posting with the travel and trade embargo targeting government officials and state-owned firms still effective.
“I am disappointed that I have to leave with most of the restrictive measures still in place,” Sten Rylander said in an interview with the News Day newspaper. On Tuesday, Rylander bade Vice President John Nkomo farewell before he leaves the country this week to return to Sweden. He retires from the government early next year.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the ambassador said: “I told the Vice President that I hope that something will happen sooner rather than later.
“A lot of things are happening in different capitals in Brussels, London and Washington because we can’t maintain the so-called sanctions for long.”
The European Union imposed the travel embargo on President Robert Mugabe and progressively more than a 100 other government officials following disputed elections in 2002. The EU also barred trade between its citizens and Zimbabwean state-owned enterprises, including banks.
Rylander revealed his country had tried to use its Swedish presidency of the European Union last year to move for the embargo to be lifted in response to the formation of a power sharing government between President Robert Mugabe and former opposition rivals Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara which ended a decade of political conflict.
Regretfully, the ambassador said, Tsvangirai’s MDC party briefly pulled out of the coalition in October 2009 – frustrating Sweden’s effort to normalise relations between Zimbabwe and the EU.
“ … we lost momentum because we could not have someone from the government to talk,” Rylander said.
Rylander said a recent visit to Brussels by a delegation from the Zimbabwe government to negotiate a normalisation of relations was a “credible process”, and hoped the coalition partners would move quickly to resolve disagreements.
“There is now a consolidated and united opinion on this (sanctions) within the Zimbabwean government and this will make progress easier. I am trying to encourage our side to be more forthcoming, and to think outside the box,” ambassador Rylander said.
Sounding an upbeat message about Zimbabwe’s turnaround, the ambassador said “the formation of the inclusive government and the work done up until now has been quite impressive in many areas”.
He added: “Zimbabwe has turned the corner and is now on a much more positive track. Progress is more clearly seen in the economic and social sectors. There is, no doubt, slow movement in some areas, which is regrettable.
“There is also no doubt, I think, that the blame for this slowness cannot be put on the MDC formations.”
He hoped the “huge diamond find” in the eastern parts of the country would “help Zimbabwe to come out of the cesspit”, adding: “Much remains to be done to arrange for orderly, transparent and accountable procedures for the production and sale of the diamonds.
“The proceeds of these sales must not continue to disappear over loose borders but be benefiting the national fiscus.”
Rylander’s comments on sanctions will be welcomed by Southern African leaders who at their two-day summit which ended in Namibia on Tuesday called for their removal.
SADC “reiterated its call on the international community to lift all forms of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe in view of the negative effects they have on Zimbabwe and the SADC region in general”, the leaders said in a communiqué.
The leaders mandated the new SADC chairman Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia and South African President Jacob Zuma “to engage the international community on the issue of sanctions on Zimbabwe.”
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, SANCTIONS, STEN RYLANDER, SWEDEN, ZDERA
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No blood diamonds in Zimbabwe: VP Nkomo
By: Our reporter
Posted: Monday, August 16, 2010 7:39 am
THE sale of diamonds last Wednesday is proof that the story on Chiadzwa has always been a story concocted by Zimbabwe's detractors as they have failed to prove that human rights abuses took place in the Marange district , Vice President Nkomo said.
Zimbabwe on Wednesday sold the first batch of 900 000 carats of diamonds from Chiadzwa, realising US$72 million after meeting minimum requirements under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Officially opening the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) parliamentarians’ two-day workshop attended by Members of Parliament and Senate from the bloc in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Thursday last week Nkomo who is currently the Acting President said:
“The world was accusing us of all sorts of things regarding our diamonds.
"They were calling our diamonds, blood diamonds. But after all the examinations done on the diamonds even by outsiders, they came up with one answer that the diamonds are clean.”
He added that principles always triumphed in the end and commended Mines and Minerals Development Ministr Obert Mpofu for his sheer determination in ensuring that Zimbabwe gets the certification.
Zimbabwe is a founding member of KP.
Acting President Nkomo urged Africans should solve their own problems instead of relying on outsiders.
He said evidence showed that due to African mediation, the majority of conflicts that had affected the continent have been resolved or were well on their way to resolution, without undue influence from the West.
Africans are determined to resolve their own problems, he added.
“This is clearly indicative of the determination that we as Africans have to deal with our own problems.
"This would allow us to channel our efforts and resources towards achieving our developmental goals,” said Acting President Nkomo.
He said parliamentarians played a critical role in shaping the development agenda in their respective countries through scrutinising and overseeing the executive as well as passing legislation.
“It is therefore most appropriate that they are also directly involved in fostering peace and security in our region, thus reinforcing the work of their governments.
“I therefore wish to commend Comesa Heads of State and Government for their wisdom and vision when they took the decision to involve parliamentarians in the Comesa programme on peace and security in 2001.
“I would also like to commend the decision of the Comesa programme on peace and security to deal with the economic dimensions of conflicts.”
Nkomo added: “It goes without saying that this was a most appropriate move given that the conflicts in the Great Lakes region in particular and others in the Comesa region had caused so much destruction to both lives and property.
“These conflicts retarded the development of the countries by diverting vital resources from development efforts to fuelling war.”
He said it was important that the bloc ensures that the transition from conflict to peace in the region also addresses the multiple factors that could contribute to the relapse of conflict.
Nkomo said Zimbabweans knew how delicate the transition to peace is, as they have waged a war of liberation against British imperialism.
“We here in Zimbabwe know only too well that the transitional period from conflict to peace is a delicate period. Having gone through a protracted and bloody war of liberation, we went through a complex phase of consolidating peace, reconciling with our former enemies while undertaking a reconstruction and rehabilitation programme,” said Acting President Nkomo.
Addressing the same gathering, the Comesa assistant secretary-general Mr Stephen Karangizi said peace was vital for the development of the bloc and the continent at large.
“We should all be involved in prevention of wars and it is better that we do it on our own instead of letting foreigners control or lead such important processes,” he said.
Labels: BLOOD DIAMONDS, CHIADZWA, JOHN NKOMO, KIMBERLEY PROCESS, STEPHEN KARANGIZI
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Forget past political squabbles: Nkomo
by Staff Reporter
15/08/2010 00:00:00
VICE President John Nkomo says Zimbabweans should forget past political squables which led to bloody clashes in the Matebeleland and Midlands provinces warning that the country could be torn apart unless people agreed “to move forward".
Nkomo, who is acting head of state in the absence of President Robert Mugabe, was speaking at celebrations to mark Zanu PF politburo member and presidential affairs minister Didymus Mutasa’s 75th birthday in Rusape on Saturday.
“It is true that after independence, there were squabbles between Zanu-PF and Zapu but whatever happened in the past should be water under the bridge. We should heal the wounds, reconcile and integrate ourselves,” Nkomo said.
A few years after independence, the then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe deployed a specially trained army brigade into Matebeleland and Midlands to quell a dissident insurrection in a campaign rights organisations say killed an estimated 20000 civilians.
The disturbances ended when Mugabe signed a unity agreement with PF Zapu leader Dr Joshua Nkomo in 1987.
Vice President John Nkomo said dwelling on the past could tear the country apart.
“We need peace, unity and tranquility to prevail so that we can move forward as a nation. If we say an eye for an eye, Zimbabwe will be blind,” Nkomo said at the celebrations which were also attended by cabinet ministers, Zanu-PF politburo and central committee members as well as traditional and religious leaders.
Nkomo’s remarks come at a time when several senior members of PF Zapu, led by Dumiso Dabengwa, have left Zanu PF to revive their former party as a separate political entity.
They claim that the Unity Accord has not benefitted the regions most affected by the post-independence disturbances.
Labels: GUKURAHUNDI, JOHN NKOMO, ZANU-PF, ZAPU
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COMMENT - Personally I really like Joyce Mujuru.
Nkomo calls for Zanu-PF transformation
Masvingo Bureau
VICE President John Nkomo has challenged Zanu-PF to transform itself from a liberation movement to a development-centred party to remain relevant in the country’s body politic.
VP Nkomo said after successfully prosecuting the Third Chimurenga, there was need for the party to pursue a development agenda.
He told Zanu-PF supporters and farmers in the Rarangwe area in Nyajena, Masvingo South at the start of a two-day tour organised by the South Eastern Growers Association in the province last Friday that the peace and tranquility in Zimbabwe provided an opportune time for Zanu-PF to spearhead development.
"We now have peace and tranquility in the country and Zimbabweans should continue to celebrate this peace, unity and tranquility that the founding fathers of this nation worked so hard to bring about.
"However, to Zanu–PF, this is the time for the party to shift from being a liberation movement to a party that is development-oriented if we are to continue being relevant to the needs of our people in the 21st century. We cannot continue being a liberation movement, that time is past us.
"We should now work on what we achieved after the successful execution of the armed struggle to bring majority rule. People yearn for development and that is what we must be synonymous with as a party," he said.
He said it was imperative for all Zimbabweans to optimally work on the land, which came at a price.
VP Nkomo said the Zanu-PF leadership under President Mugabe had fulfilled its pre-independence era pledge to redistribute land.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, ZANU-PF
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COMMENT - It would be interesting to know what Comrade John Nkomo means with being 'development oriented'. I hope it doesn't mean he has sold out to the neoliberals. That is for him to clarify.
Zanu PF must change to be relevant: Nkomo
by Staff Reporter
19/07/2010 00:00:00
VICE President John Nkomo says Zanu PF needs to shift from its liberation ethos into a development-oriented party in order to remain relevant.
Nkomo told party supporters and farmers in Masvingo South that having delivered on its pre-independence pledges, Zanu PF needed to change focus in order to remain relevant.
"(For) Zanu PF, this is the time for the party to shift from being a liberation movement to a party that is development-oriented if we are to continue being relevant to the needs of our people in the 21st century.
“We cannot continue being a liberation movement, that time is past us,” Nkomo is quoted as saying by the state-run Herald newspaper.
He said having brought independence and delivered on the key liberation struggle grievance of land, it was time the party considered a paradigm shift.
"We should now work on what we achieved after the successful execution of the armed struggle to bring majority rule. People yearn for development and that is what we must be synonymous with as a party," he said.
Nkomo’s remarks are likely to raise eyebrows, if not trigger outrage, in a party that postures itself as a national and regional bulwark against imperialism and neo-colonialism
Key figures in the party believe its liberation credentials have served it well in the bitter fight against Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T which they have successfully cast as a local proxy for neo-colonial interests.
Again, for some in Zanu PF, the desire by former colonial power Britain to either directly ‘recolonise the country’ or reverse what they see as the gains of the liberation struggle is not altogether fanciful.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, ZANU-PF
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Nkomo accuses Britain of hiding Zim’s mineral resources documentation
By Edwin Mbulo in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Mon 29 Mar. 2010, 04:00 CAT
ZIMBAWEAN Vice-President John London Nkomo has accused the British of hiding documentation of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources. And Vice-President Nkomo has appealed to Africans not to rely on foreign investors in the exploitation of mineral resources.
During a Spatial Development Initiative meeting in Victoria Falls Town on Friday, Vice-President Nkomo accused Britain, which had colonised most of the southern African countries, of hiding documents of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.
“Those that had colonised us had taken all the information and hidden it, everything that we had in terms of minerals was hidden and it is only now that records dating as far back as the 1800’s has been found that Zimbabwe has 32 types of mineral deposits and now we know that there are more. Let us exploit these resources to rebuild Africa. Why do we need an investor to come and mine gold? Why an investor to farm? Let us do it ourselves, that is why we are liberated. There is nothing like difficulties. These are challenges to make us think and not to rely on someone else,” he said.
Vice-President Nkomo caused laughter when he said that it was a moving moment to see two former jailbirds who became presidents meet during the opening ceremony of the Limpopo Bridge.
“Two jailbirds became presidents and it was exciting to see them coming together, teaming up to open the Limpopo Bridge. I was then minister of local government. Our borders are just artificial, it is after the 1884 Berlin Conference that foreigners made these artificial boundaries. Why do we need a visa to visit South Africa just because somebody created boundaries? Our ministers of tourism and foreign affairs can make things easier for our easy movement. South African Airways advertises that ‘come to South Africa and see the Victoria Falls’, yes it is true because one has to get there first and get on a plane to come to Zimbabwe and see the Falls. So we should also advertise that come to Zimbabwe and see the Kruger National Park,” he said.
Vice-President Nkomo charged that Africans would not claim to be free if they did not visit monuments that were used to incarcerate their freedom fighters such as the Robben Island.
“On both sides of the Beit Bridge in Zimbabwe and South Africa we have our brothers the Venda’s so we are one people and because of our common history and vision we must move forward together. Most of us and Zimbabweans are being educated in South Africa. President Robert Mugabe got a degree in South Africa, I got a degree in South Africa, so did Joshua Nkomo. There is something that South Africa has given us, so now Zimbabweans; let us now give something by strengthening this relationship. Our region and the two countries share a same vision,” said Nkomo.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, MINING, NEOCOLONIALISM, REGIONAL INTEGRATION
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EU Parly team urges politicians to compromise
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwean politicians should compromise on certain issues if the inclusive Government is to succeed, the head of a visiting European Parliamentary delegation said yesterday.
Speaking after meeting Vice President John Nkomo at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare, president of the Association of European Parliamentarians Africa Mrs Miet Smet also said it was important for everyone to support the inclusive Government to make it a success.
She said her organisation was looking at building the capacity of local legislators on peace and reconciliation issues.
"The inclusive Government must be supported by everyone and the politicians here have to work for its success. They have to compromise.
"We are looking at the interests of Zimbabwe’s political leaders and the training of new Members of Parliament. We want to help with the healing and reconciliation process," she said
Mrs Smet said they had met various donors and Western diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe to source funding for their programme.
She said the training programme would start once a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between her organisation and the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
"We are ready to start after we sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Speaker and President of the Senate," she said.
The inclusive Government established an Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation at its formation to encourage peaceful co-existence among supporters of different political parties.
Mrs Smet and her delegation will meet representatives from Zanu-PF, MDC-T, MDC and Parliament’s presiding officers during their stay.
The association works with African legislative bodies to facilitate dialogue between the continent and Europe. It brings together 78 European political parties and has an office in South Africa. It has worked with African parliaments since 1985.
Labels: EU, JOHN NKOMO
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Mujuru consoles Nkomo family
Herald Reporter
ACTING PRESIDENT Joice Mujuru has sent a message of condolence to Mrs Alice Nkomo, a commissioner in the Anti-Monopolies and Anti-Corruption Commission, following the sudden death of her son, Khumbulani Joseph Msipa, in London, on Monday.
The late Msipa, who was a nephew to Vice President John Nkomo, died after collapsing at his home.
"It is with a deep sense of shock and sorrow that I learnt of the sudden death of your beloved son, Khumbulani Joseph Msipa, who collapsed and passed away on the 28th of December, 2009 in London, United Kingdom," said Acting President Mujuru.
"May I, on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe and myself convey my deepest sympathy, empathy and sadness. Death is never easy and is even more difficult to accept when it’s so sudden.
"May you and your family take comfort in the knowledge that we are with you in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time," she added. Mr Msipa was born in Insiza on December 11, 1969 and was the second son in a family of six. He was an artist and specialised in painting.
He is survived by his wife Carol and four children and another son from a previous relationship.
According to a family spokesperson burial arrangements would be announced after his body is repatriated from the UK at the end of the week.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 8, Uxbridge Road, Bluffhill in Harare.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, JOICE MUJURU
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Mugabe endorsed by Congress, Nkom to be sworn in as VP
Ralph Mutema
Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0000
THE Fifth Zanu-PF National People’s Congress yesterday unanimously endorsed President Mugabe for the position of party President and First Secretary. This means that he remains the candidate for President for his party in the next election.
Vice President Joice Mujuru also retained the post of Zanu PF co-Vice-President and Second Secretary while national chairman John Nkomo moved up to fill the post of co-Vice-President and Second Secretary, which fell vacant following the death of veteran freedom fighter and politician Joseph Msika.
Nkomo will be sworn in as the country’s co-Vice-President around midday (local time) tomorrow.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Simon Khaya Moyo, takes up the chairmanship of the party
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, JOICE MUJURU, MUGABE, ZANU-PF
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Nkomo endorsed as VP
The Chronicle/TZG
Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:10:00 +0000
THE Bulawayo province of Zanu PF has endorsed national chairman John Nkomo to fill the vacant vice-presidency post following the death of veteran Joseph Msika in August this year.
Both Central Committee and Politburo members in the province took the decision at yesterday’s provincial co-ordinating committee meeting at Davies Hall.
Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Absolom Sikhosana, Angeline Masuku and Joshua Malinga attended the meeting.
Presenting the resolutions of the meeting, the secretary for education in the Politburo, Ndlovu, said it was clear that the vacant position was supposed to be filled by a Zapu cadre.
He said the party procedures were clear and there was no need for jostling for the vice-presidency.
“We have resolved that John Nkomo takes over the vice-presidency. It was decided that we get a person who had a national outlook as Zapu was not a party for the people of Matabeleland only,” he said.
He revealed that the province had only two weeks in which to make submissions to the Politburo for consideration.
Ndlovu said as a result of the proposed elevation of the national chairman, this would result in the post becoming vacant and it was the considered view of the committee that the post be filled by a Zapu cadre.
“The leadership in Matabeleland will consult other provinces on a suitable candidate to fill the post that would have been created by the departure to assume a higher office by Cde Nkomo,” he said.
He said Nkomo was the closest person in terms of ranking after the late Msika and as such it was natural that he takes over.
The committee also deliberated on the re-admission into the party of Tsholotsho North Member of the House of Assembly, Professor Jonathan Moyo.
Ndlovu said the province of Matabeleland North was supportive of the decision taken by the Politburo to re-admit Prof Moyo.
Other members who were in attendance at the meeting mandated the committee to look into possible names that could be proposed to take up the chairman’s post and report to the people for consideration.
Members said it might not be proper for them to come with names as some of them did not have sufficient information on all possible candidates and this could result in some potential candidates being excluded from the selection process.
Bulawayo Province chairman Isaac Dakamela called on members to remain disciplined.
He said without discipline there would be no party to talk about and as such it was critical that all members observed protocol and procedures of the party.
“We will not tolerate indiscipline in the party. Let those that have broken the rules be warned that disciplinary action will be definitely taken against those found on the wrong side of the party constitution,” he said.
The meeting also congratulated members of the women’s and the youth leagues that were elected into national positions at the just ended congresses in Harare.
-The Chronicle/TZG
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, VICE PRESIDENCY
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Zanu PF should transform, says Nkomo
Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:17:00 +0000
THE Zanu PF National Chairman, John Nkomo says the party should begin transforming itself from pursuing ideals of a liberation movement and set the development of the government as its new agenda.
Nkomo, who was speakings at an extraordinary Matabeleland South Provincial Co-ordination Committee meeting held at the party’s Provincial Headquarters in Gwanda, said that the party should remain relevant to the aspirations of Zimbabweans from all walks of life and address today's needs, and not merely dwell on past glory.
The Party Chairman told the local leadership that their energy should now be directed towards revival of key economic sectors such as agriculture and mining in order to get the country moving again.
"We should allow ourselves to be agents of change and focus on developing our country.
"The liberations struggle was fought and we are still battling with some elements that try to destabilise us. However, we should be progressive and find new ways of developing our country, without compromising our ideology or trivialising our struggle to free ourselves," said Nkomo.
Nkomo who is also Minister of State for National Healing thanked Zimbabweans for demonstrating unity during the burial of Vice President Joseph Msika. He said that level of patriotism should direct our efforts at rebuilding the country as one.
He paid tribute to the late VP Msika for leaving the people of Zimbabwe in full control of their resources, especially the land.
The meeting also discussed the Constitution making process, the forthcoming Zanu PF Annual People’s Congress and the need for the party to maintain a united front in spite of various challenges.
Critics says Nkomo is likely to replace the late VP Msika as Zimbabwe's co-vice-president.
Labels: JOHN NKOMO, MATABELELAND SOUTH, ZANU-PF
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Mugabe's ZANU-PF pledges support to Mutharika
19 January, 2009 01:49:00
Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU-PF, which is considered to be an epitome of terror and destruction in the Southern African country has pledged its support and solidarity to Malawi‘s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President Bingu wa Mutharika.
ZANU-PF National Chairperson, John Nkomo in his address to the first ever DPP convention in Blantyre, said Mutharika - a Mugabe ally - has stood firm for Zimbabwe at a time when the country has fallen out with so many leaders in Africa and beyond.
“As all of you are quite aware, in Zimbabwe, we have gone through very bad experiences. We have been victimized in so many ways. While a larger part of the world has chosen to stay away from us, Your Excellency, President Mutharika has remained in solidarity with Comrade Robert Mugabe,” said Mkomo.
“As a demonstration of reciprocity, we would like to pledge our solidarity and support to you and your party,” said Nkomo, without elaborating the support his party would provide.
The veteran politician said Mugabe’s party shared similar ideologies with Mutharika's DPP; therefore he said it was imperative for Zimbabwe to work closely with him to remain in power after the next elections.
Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF and Robert Mugabe in power since 1980 has been largely responsible for the destruction in the once Southern Africa's breadbasket, sending millions of the country's professionals fleeing the nation to seek survival in neighboring countries and beyond.
Analysts say the trend is also creeping into Malawi under Mutharika rule.
President Mutharika has always thrown his weight behind Mugabe and he even send 400, 000 metric tonnes of maize to bate food shortage in the country.
Government insiders said the maize has not been paid for by forex strapped Zimbabwe.
Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, JOHN NKOMO, MUGABE, ZANU-PF
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