The answer is simpler than you think - because you cannot have money if you do not have any value behind the money. If there is nothing to purchase, money is only worth the paper it is printed on (or less, since its probably pretty useles once you have divided it into small squares and put the picture of some old president on it).

And what does this have to do with the stock market and the current financial crisis. Quite a lot as it turns out. Firstly of all - forget the money that has been lost on the stock market, from pension funds, from investments and deposits. Because the frightening truth is - the money never existed. Or to be more precise - the value behind the money never existed. What your government - and probably mine to - has been constantly doing for the last century or so is nothing else than stealth robbery. Because that is what inflation really is. How do governments do it? They give out to many loans, and flood the market with money, despite the fact that there is no extra value behind that money. As with all complex systems, the effect may take a while before it shows up. This is what is happening now. Lehman Brothers was just the trigger. The value from all money saved and invested is now leaking out, to fill the holes in the economy that suddenly became apparent. And you cant stop it.

The enormous expansion of the credit market that started shortly after the .com-crash is now starting to show its effects. And the governments of the world are pouring gasoline to put out the fire. There is really only one thing to do in a situation like this. Stop creating money. Raise the interest rates. But the governments of the world are doing the opposite. What happens when the federal interest rate cannot be lowered any more (because it is zero-point-almost-nothing percent)? Hyper-inflation is my best guess. But that won't happen yet. Before that, the governments of the world will use tax-payer money to desperately try to inject some life into a dying system, and every dollar they spend is not only a dollar stolen, it is a dollar given to a bank that isn't solvent. A bank that has done bad investments, and will keep doing them.

Because that is the real secret. The only real way to lose money is bad investments. Buying into a company that produces to little, and consumes too much. Your government is doing it, not just by giving loans to motor companies that will go bankrupt, but by trying to save insolvent banks.

The truth is staring you in the face. You choose the future. Do you want to live in a free democracy, that produces more than ever before? Or do you want to live in Zimbabwe? Its time to say no. It's time to demand a return of free banks. It is time to demand that governments are constitutionally forbidden to touch the economy. No one can save us, but capitalism. Laissez-faire.

SvD DN DI FT CNN

The ultimate price: One’s life

Soldier killed over diamond dispute with villagers in Zimbabwe

MUTARE – A Zimbabwean soldier with the rank of sergeant was murdered by villagers at Nenhowe near Nyanyadzi following a dispute over diamonds, police have confirmed.

Michael Jimu, who was based at Three Brigade in Chikanga, Mutare, died as a result of assaults by close to 100 villagers and illegal diamond miners.

Police spokesman in Mutare, Inspector Brian Makomeke told the media the soldier was attacked with stones, open hands and booted feet after a dispute over diamonds had gone out of hand.

The police said the soldier had been hired together with two other men to recover a piece of diamond from one Joseph Hamusa of Nenhowe Village. He was accompanied by Lovemore Musapingura and Denis Mangudya.

The solider and his team went to Hamusa’s home, searched and took $Zd80 million (revalued) resulting in a fight breaking out between the two parties.

“A fight erupted between the two parties resulting in Mangudya stabbing Hamusa’s mother on the arm,” Makomeke, the police spokesman said. “Other villagers joined in the fight resulting in the assault of Jimu.”

The police spokesman said the soldier was taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His colleagues were arrested and are being charged with robbery and assault.

The dead soldier has since been buried at Yeovil Cemetery. The funeral parade was held at the Three Brigade.

Since the discovery of diamonds at Chiadzwa in Marange several people have been murdered following disputes arising from the precious stones.

Powerful cartels which are immune to arrest and prosecution have also emerged amid concerns this may fuel high profile crime in the eastern province

Police have launched countless operations to stop the illegal mining and dealing in diamonds but the exercise appears not to be yielding any result.

So far only small time miners and dealers have been successfully arrested and prosecuted. Big time dealers continue to make forays in and out of the fields to buy the diamonds without much hassle.

A ‘stone’ for a life.

It’s not worth it

Source: Zimbabwe Journalist

This is a story about a paradise lost. . . . About an African dream that began with a murder . . .

In 1978, in the final, bloodiest phase of the Rhodesian civil war, eleven-year-old Lauren St John moves with her family to Rainbow's End, a wild, beautiful farm and game reserve set on the banks of a slowflowing river. The house has been the scene of a horrific attack by guerrillas, and when Lauren's family settles there, a chain of events is set in motion that will change her life irrevocably.

Rainbow's End captures the overwhelming beauty and extraordinary danger of life in the African bush. Lauren's childhood reads like a girl's own adventure story. At the height of the war, Lauren rides through the wilderness on her horse, Morning Star, encountering lions, crocodiles, snakes, vicious ostriches, and mad cows. Many of the animals are pets, including Miss Piggy and Bacon and an elegant giraffe named Jenny. The constant threat of ruthless guerrillas prowling the land underscores everything, making each day more dangerous, vivid, and prized than the last.

After Independence, Lauren comes to the bitter realization that she'd been on the wrong side of the civil war. While she and her family believed that they were fighting for democracy over Communism, others saw the war as black against white. And when Robert Mugabe comes into power, he oversees the torture and persecution of thousands of members of an opposing tribe and goes on to become one of Africa's legendary dictators. The ending of this beautiful memoir is a fist to the stomach as Lauren realizes that she can be British or American, but she cannot be African. She can love it -- be willing to die for it -- butshe cannot claim Africa because she is white.

Review and Grade: B+

I'm in the middle of proctoring an exam and I just finished Rainbow's End. As I was reading it, I couldn't figure out how I felt about it and now that I'm done, I'm more ambivalent than ever.

There is something to be said for Lauren St. John's vivid descriptions about a world that is entirely foreign to me. I was able to picture and understand everything as though she was speaking in a very human language that appeals to us all. She was also able to portray the complexity and evolution of the many relationships more clearly than I would have thought possible. I realized when I finished that book that I could think back over earlier experiences as if they were memories with a new perspecitve as the reader grew up along with her.

I think my only problem is that the war didn't have the drama that I expected. I never fully felt the constant fear, which I suppose she meant to do because she mentioned how accostomed to the terror they had become. I understand that the book was more about the relationships between St. John and her family, her country and her understanding of her sef. In that regard, it was very good. I think I just got bogged down in the middle because I couldn't see where it was going. She would mention the height of the war and I was so nonplussed by it that I had trouble committing to finishing the book.

Basically, I was hooked initialy by the tragedy described that occured at Rainbow's End. I was interested in the beginning by the fascinating descriptions of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). I hated the middle because I couldn't see a point or direction, thus any purpose to continue reading. However, I loved the final portrayal of her dissillusionment and rapid maturation as a result that is so real and universal and described by St. John in a moving way that few authors have accomplished.

The silent killer sweeps the country in a savage attack as young children fill run down wards dying of malnutrition in overwhelmed hospitals.

As a potentially deadly famine gains momentum aid agencies say that half the population, that’s around five million people face starvation. And if that’s not bad enough water shortages have lead to deadly cholera outbreaks.

People can go up to a month without getting running water and as the evidence shows, the results are devastating.  

One wonders how President Robert Mugabe can honestly say that the country is still behind him when so many people are suffering. It is a scary prospect but considering who we are talking about it is possible that in his (Mugabe’s) head he truly believes that his actions are for the benefit of “his” people.

Various reports claim that the Zimbabwean government is doing its best to cover the situation as most doctors are told not to talk about the situation publicly. This is about only thing the Government has managed successfully; hiding its people’s suffering.

The saddest part of this whole catastrophe is that on the rare occasions when Zimbabwe’s government does spend money on the health sector it does not actually help the people.

Five Million dollars (£ 3 million) allocated by the Central Bank three months ago was used to buy imported cars for the state’s 100 specialist doctors. This alone beggars belief as that money could have been used to provide better care, and equipment for Zimbabwe’s struggling hospitals.

There is no point in a doctor driving an imported car whilst his patients die. One could argue the doctor’s probably have a hard time driving the care anyway due to not only the expense of fuel but the shortage of fuel and they’d be right.  

At least people still care about a country that it its self has lost all hope and belief as the World Food Programme made an urgent international appeal for US$140 million in additional emergency food aid so it can begin to feed the hunger stricken country. 

A while back some one said “good things come to those who wait” and an ever wiser individual said “patience is a virtue”. Well after eight years of farms seizures, 231 million percent inflation and political chaos, Zimbabwe is a country millimeters away from economic collapse and famine.

Pushed to the back of our minds are other concerns we have about the world. Global warming is hardly mentioned anymore, who knows what’s happening in the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Pakistan have already had skirmishes with US special forces operating in cross border raids into Pakistan in what appears to be a new front in the War on Terror.

Robert Mugabe has seized power again in Zimbabwe, under the disguise of power sharing with the MDC. And yet again he is getting away with it as the world turns its attention to the financial crises.

There have been mutterings from Harare about why is it a problem when Bob prints money but its fine in the eyes of the world when “that little Bush” prints money. Once again Mugabe’s timing is impeccable as he points out how deurmekaar* (*African word for confused) the Westerners are and that him and Zunu PF know how a run a show better than any Westerner would ever be able to.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s financial position implodes even further. 80 % unemployment, a currency that is worthless and an economy that is in total ruins.

There is no more talk about aid packages to Zimbabwe as European leaders scramble to prevent a depression occurring that would affect the entire world, Africa included. It would seem that South Africa will have to provide for the restructuring of the Zimbabwean economy as world aid funding comes under pressure or simply dries up.

Any why not? Our economy has stood up well to the financial crises. The South African government and big business must take hands and take the opportunity to help our neighbours to a prosperous financial future in a democratic political environment.

Give the big corporate’s tax incentives to invest in Zimbabwe and kick start a market driven economy. Tourism, agriculture, mining, construction and banking are just a few of the opportunities that are available to bolster the economy and stabilize the currency.

Let Zimbabwe become the bread basket of Africa again and lets all benefit from achieving it without the help of the rest of the world who can’t care as they try to solve their own economic meltdowns and wars against mythical enemies.

3 Nephi 24:5

Better verse of Scripture I couldn't find to participate in this Blog Action Day - Poverty.

This post is to shout loud and clear against all those who knowing and willingly pay low wages to their co-workers and allow themselves multi-millionaire wages, bonuses and benefits.

On this Blog Action Day my special thoughts go to the suffering people of Zimbabwe who are suffering beyond measure under Mr. Mugabe.

These latest figures are the official rate for July and are a staggering 20 times higher than Junes official figures. That is the equivalent of 500 percent inflation increase a week and with the UK struggling to cope with 5.5 percent inflation it puts the state of Zimbabwe’s economy to another level.

Hundreds of people are queuing on a daily basis outside banks in an attempt to get some money to cater for every day needs. As the Central Bank released a new Z$ 50,000 note this week to try and combat the problem, there does not seem to any improvement in the situation as there are still severe cash shortages.

The daily withdrawal figure has been increased from Z$20,000 to Z$50,000 to match the new Zimbabwe dollar note as the previous limit was barely enough to buy a newspaper. But due to the cash shortages as the government can’t  afford to print bank notes to keep up with inflation there doesn’t seem to a point to it as shops are now trading in foreign currency. Zimbabwe’s government has recently allowed shops to accept US dollars and  South African because of the depreciation of its national currency has virtually made it use less.

Only as recent as 9th October the cost of two loaves of bread was US$7 and considering that Zimbabwe’s teachers earn the equivalent of US$10 a month the situation couldn’t get worse if it tried. But seeing as its Zimbabwe were are talking anything is possible and with Independent economists predicting that inflation will run into trillions this month, the future looks bleak indeed.

Global Handwashing Day is an initiative of the Public Private Partnership for Hand washing (PPPHW), which is spearheaded by UNICEF; USAID; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Bank; Water and Sanitation Program; Unilever; and Procter and Gamble.Initiators of the day say that by washing hands with soap, families and communities can help reduce child morbidity rates from diarrheal diseases by almost 50 per cent.

More than 5,000 children under the age of five die every day as a result of diarrheal diseases, caused in part by unsafe water, lack of access to basic sanitation facilities and poor hygiene.

The continental award will be decided by votes from coaches of the group phase clubs of the CAF-MTN Champions League whilst the coaches of the 53-National associations affiliated to CAF, voting for the best player across the world.The shortlist for the Glo-CAF Best Player on the continent are Mohamed Aboutreika (Al- Ahly, Egypt), Ahmed Hassan (Al-Ahly, Egypt), Flavio Amado (Al-Ahly, Angola), Tresor Mputu Mabi (T.P. Mazembe, DR Congo) and Stephen Worgu (Enyimba, Nigeria).

Mohamed Aboutreika (Al-Ahly, Egypt), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, Togo), Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic, Egypt), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Cote d’Ivoire) and Michael Essien (Chelsea, Ghana) make up the shortlist for the Glo-CAF Best Player across the world.The final three of the two categories will be named before the Awards Gala fixed for Cotonou, Benin in December 2008.Ms. Gladys Telavi, Executive Director of Legal Services of Globacom assured of her outfit’s commitment to the development of football on the continent by making the event memorable.This is the fourth time the Nigeria-based cellular giants will be sponsoring the annual event since 2008.Mali’s Frederic Kanoute won the flagship award held in Togo last year.

Zimbabwe's leaders are due to resume talks on assigning posts in a new cabinet and rescuing the country's power-sharing deal.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said there was "no conclusion" to a first day of negotiations on Tuesday.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is mediating the discussions.

Mr Tsvangirai threatened to pull out of the negotiations after President Robert Mugabe gave key ministries to officials from his own party.

The talks began on Tuesday as Zimbabwe's parliament held its first working session under opposition control since disputed elections earlier this [continue reading]

FRANCISTOWN - The President, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, has called for the immediate intervention of SADC, African Union and the United National mediators to resolve the Zimbabwean political impasse.

He was speaking at the official opening of the Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE) in Francistown on Friday.

General Khama's urgent call follows failure by the Zimbabwean President, Mr Robert Mugabe, and MDC leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, to break a deadlock over the allocation of key cabinet ministries.

He said four weeks ago the heads of states and government from SADC were in Harare to witness the signing of the power-sharing agreement, which they welcomed as a new era for Zimbabwean people.

He said they were hopeful that the signing of the deal would relieve Zimbabweans from the [continue reading]

FRANCISTOWN - African National Congress (ANC)'s Treasurer, Dr Mathews Phosa says his party supports President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama's position regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe. Dr Phosa who was a guest speaker at the Botswana Democratic Party Women's Wing fund-raising dinner in Francistown on Saturday said "just because someone was a freedom fighter does not give that person the right to override democracy. No one should claim to be a leader if he is not elected by the people." He said ANC believed that SADC should be empowered to act against dictators. "We must put pressure on the ZANU (PF) leader, Mr Robert Mugabe to abide by the principle of democracy and the rule of law," he said. President Khama was the first and the only SADC leader who openly criticised Mr Mugabe after he lost the March 29 Presidential election.

The MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, also failed to take over power on a constitutional technicality. However Dr Phosa who was also launching the BDP Women's Wing motto and theme: "We are Visible, we are Here, you can Trust us," called on government to increase women representation in [continue reading]

The Ubuntu Frosting ~ by Amber

This week, I am thrilled to offer an international blogger the opportunity to join our Ubuntu team and share our Ubuntu badge.  Robert from In Search of Meaning is filled with the spirit of Ubuntu not only on his blog, but in his real life.  He's a mentor, teacher, therapist, and friend.  His often witty comments leave his readers with a smile.

Congratulations Robert.  Thank you for all of your wonderful blog posts about life and thoughts, and about reminding us about the little things people seem to take for granted in this world.

You can see some of Robert's posts at:

• Freedom from and freedom to
• Unlearning violence
• Nothing special, but everything there is
• On individualistic oranges
• Communication with radical new agers
• Helping and being helped

SurfaceEarth wrote their post on what Ubuntu means to them, to have a read head over to  Ubuntu, in a can, if you will and Moments of Ubuntu

Vanessa has done an awesome profile series on a few of the Ubuntu tribe so far - if you want the low down head over to her blog VanessaLeigh

Amber

 The Fruits

So how do you know you are a fan of a show? Ok, lets just say Oprah? Let me put it to you this way.  I call a friend say because I broke a toe nail and need to go to hospital and then I get told "I’m Sorry, I Can’t Take Your Call Right Now… Oprah is busy with her random act of kindness and just GAVE everyone EVERYONE in the audience a BRAND NEW CAR".  Let me just say that I’m so “over” Oprah Winfrey…

I know can you believe it!  One thing is for sure (well I think it is) is that Dude and Holeycheese did not meet on the set.  The true relief comes when you realise that the CNN Pundits Don’t Know Who You Are (fact). Anything But Fiction becomes reality and soon we find ourselves trying to attain the answer to life?

Habits are interesting creatures, I personally try and avoid them like the dear Sasquatch Man. Ok suppose The truth of the matter is that It is easier just to procrastinate and go "bad habit? me? BAD HABIT? phah" but sometimes we can't avoid it, sometimes it returns and bites us on the hand (I'm being polite!).

Looking BACK, moving FORWARD in the Absence of Confidence can be one of the scariest things one can experience.  Taking things for granted becomes a thing of the past and our mantra morphs into "Harden the F Up" ... no this is not The story of a Souf Efrikan journey… even though Souf Efrikan woman are tough… (so tough most people turn into "Sleepless in Souf Efrika" when they are around)!

To some it is a Message to America, to others It’s all about Zimbabwe but the truth in the Genius of Awareness is our chance to make things right in the world.  Much like Using Politics for Personal Development.

Everything has a “cost” and as we all know nothing in life is for free much like A Spiritual Riddle - We can quench your thirst completely only to have our breath taken away! 

There is always ying and yang in life, the depth of the yang can often be put into balance by the ying and visa versa.  What comes around goes around, if you put out good you get good back...

Sorry for the lateness of this Salad, it couldn't be helped.  I have stuck with the new format and admittedly have relied heavily on shared posts.  Apologies for not getting to all of yours just yet but from tomorrow I have the feeling things will start looking up... if all else fails I'll slip mother a sleeping pill in her yummy tea I make and put her to bed real REAL early so that I too can get my share of vitamins.

* I blame the fact that there is a political element in this salad on the incredibleness of Hayden's post, awesome piece on Zim by that Dude and AngryAfrican's note to Americans... blame them not me *shrug*

** If there are any spellers let me know, my brain is in speed mode and does not compute in normal captonian (chilled) fashion

***

South Africa's former president, Thabo Mbeki returns to Zimbabwe in an attempt to rescue the power sharing agreement. Last month Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe was in agreement that this deal would work saying: "This is an African solution to an African problem". The deal however has so far ended in deadlock.

Here at WHYS we constantly get texts from our African listeners who say, "It should be an African solution to an African problem". African commentators say the same thing. There is always an aversion when the west interferes. Suspiscion in fact is due to a history of colonialism. This has been said not only in the case of Zimbabwe but also Darfur, Niger Delta region etc. BUT have Africans demonstrated that they are capable of sorting out their own problems? Should they have to?

***

There's been a wave of attacks on Christians in different parts of the world over the past few months. Here in Iraq and here in India. Is it time for christians across the world to stand up and defend their own?

***

Staying with Christianity and religious discussion. BBC boss, Mark Thompson says: "Islam should be treated more sensitively than Christianity." His comments come after the comedian Ben Elton accused the BBC of being scared of making jokes about Islam. Should broadcasters give Islam special treatment?
***

The wife of best-selling UK author, Ken Follet says: "Kids nowadays just want to be famous. If you ask little girls, they either want to be footballers' wives or win The X Factor. Our society is in danger of being Barbie-dolled." Do girls just want to be famous?

***
China a Democracy by 2020?

Former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Zimbabwe on Monday night to try and save the interparty power sharing agreement from collapse. On Tuesday he was locked in closed door meetings with the leaders of ZANU PF and the two MDC formations, at the Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare.

This is the first time that Mbeki is in Zimbabwe since stepping down as South Africa’s President a couple of weeks ago. Journalists waiting outside the hotel said the normal reception for a Head of State was clearly missing, when the former President arrived for the talks in one of Mugabe's old Mercs.

The night before Mbeki was met at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi. The days of Robert Mugabe meeting him, complete with flower girls, have gone.

Journalist Angus Shaw said: “I saw him today in a motorcade with just two outriders, it wasn’t even a motorcade. He is not being afforded that protocol of being a top leader anymore. So I think we are down to a situation where his authority has been undermined.”

However, Mbeki is still the ambassador of the Southern African Development Community (SADC); a [continue reading]

JOHANNESBURG: Military commanders in Zimbabwe have pressured President Robert Mugabe to shield them from prosecution for a violent crackdown on his political foes this year, and his response now threatens to derail a power-sharing deal that was supposed to halt the country's dizzying downward economic spiral.

Mugabe's efforts to placate his generals, as well as senior politicians in his party who are disgruntled about their loss of clout, culminated in his decision last week to unilaterally claim control of ministries that have been pivotal to his 28 years of unbroken political dominance and are now critical to protecting his senior generals from the risk of being charged criminally.

Mugabe, 84, signed an agreement a month ago to share power with the political opposition after a brutal election season in which more than 100 opposition supporters were [continue reading]

Former President Thabo Mbeki will travel to Zimbabwe on Monday to try to assist in a political deadlock over the agreed upon unity government in that country.

Speaking to BuaNews, his spokesperson, Mukoni Ratshitanga said he would meet with the country's political leadership to continue the SADC- mandated facilitation process which he began in March which is designed to end years of political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe.

"Yes he [Mbeki] and his delegation are flying to Harare later this afternoon to make sure there is a solution to the power-sharing deal," said Mr Ratshitanga.

He told BuaNews that Mr Mbeki will be accompanied by a facilitation team of former provincial and local government minister Sydney Mufamadi, director general in the presidency Rev Frank Chikane and Advocate Mojanku Gumbi.

President Robert Mugabe, opposition MDC party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and [continue reading]

De Verenigde Staten verliezen aan macht en gezag, en de nieuwe verhoudingen hebben hun doorslag op de Verenigde Naties. De opkomst van landen als China en Rusland zijn hier bepalend in. Niet alleen geven zij opnieuw invulling aan de Koude Oorlog, door het verloren gewaande communisme aan ontwikkelingslanden op te willen leggen, maar beweren zij de soevereiniteit van de staat te beschermen. Met andere woorden: conflicten binnen de grenzen van de natie zijn interne problemen waar de internationale gemeenschap van af moet blijven.

Opvallend genoeg volgt de internationale gemeenschap deze redenering. Dit blijkt onder meer uit de sterk afgenomen aandacht voor (en waarde die men hecht aan) schending van de mensenrechten. Resoluties worden minder vaak aangenomen en zelfs wanneer dit wel gebeurt, zijn zij sterk verzwakt.
Nog opvallender is de rol die de bepleiters van de staatssoevereiniteit zelf spelen. China en Rusland bevoorraden als gekken bovengenoemde conflictgebieden met wapens en financiële middelen. Hun invloed in deze gebieden wordt gevoed door een afkeer van het westen en met name het historisch imperialisme.

Ons simpelweg aanpassen aan de veranderende situatie is mij te makkelijk. Schending van de mensenrechten of andere conflictperikelen vragen om een antwoord. Geen westerse plicht of enkel militair ingrijpen, maar wel passend bij de context en omgeving. Als de VN daartoe niet toereikend blijkt, zullen hervormingen niet lang meer op zich mogen laten wachten. Bovendien moet er gekeken worden naar beschikbare en geschikte instituties die de vervallen rol en positie van de VN op kan of kunnen pakken. Met een groeiende invloed van Europa op het wereldtoneel is de OVSE geen slechte kandidaat.

The latest events in Zimbabwe show the extent to which Robert Mugabe continues to abuse his power.

After a bloody election campaign that resulted in more than 130 MDC officials killed and tens of thousands of supporters brutalised and displaced, Mugabe was given a chance to redeem himself in a government of national unity when the political parties signed an agreement on the 15th September to share power. But a month later he has made a mockery of the power sharing agreement by unilaterally gazetting key ministries to Zanu PF.

In typical Mugabe fashion he is behaving as if the deal between the political rivals had never been signed, resulting in the MDC saying they have been “ambushed.”

Undeterred, the ZANU PF leader went one step further on Monday and swore in his Deputy Presidents – Joyce Mujuru and Joseph Msika (who is a year older than Mugabe at 85). The swearing-in took place on the same day that Mugabe knew that former South African leader Thabo Mbeki was expected in Zimbabwe to try and save the [continue reading]

BOBONONG:The Babirwa representative in the House of Chiefs, Mmirwa Malema has urged the government to reconsider erecting an electric fence along the Zimbabwean border in the Bobirwa area, to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.

Speaking during a meeting convened by Vice President Mompati Merafhe in Bobonong last Thursday, Malema said the area is currently hit by drought and cattle disease. The movement of animals between Botswana and Zimbabwe spreads FMD. He stated that Bobirwa area does not have FMD and drought and the problems have been imported from Zimbabwe through smuggling of livestock.

After the outbreak of FMD in the area in 2006, there were plans to erect an electric fence on the border with Zimbabwe but the decision was reversed in favour of intensified patrols. But Malema feels that the government should erect the fence. "We had wanted the electric fence to be erected because now we are in a state of despair. I plead with the [continue reading]