I am offering myself for the position of Secretary General in the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.
I have travelled to several parts of the country on a consultative process and the majority of the Union's membership has given me the thumbs up.
I wish to point out here as I launch my campaign that the time for corrupution at ZUJ is over, the time for personal agrandisement is over, the time for favouritism is over, say NO to segregation in union business and Vote Frank Chikowore for Secretray General.
Time is now for generational change! Time is now for leadership renewal! Time is now to reclaim our Union! Time is now to reclaim our profession!
Say No to de-facto ZUJ president Matthew Takaona's leadership style. I wish to remind him that ZUJ is not a dynasty, neither is a tuckshop or Animal Farm. All I need is your vote to provide capable leadership at ZUJ.
I assure the Union's membership that all ZUJ business would be conducted in a democratic and transparent manner in line with the mandate of Congress.
Vote Frank Chikowore for S-G.
Change Starts Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hotline: 0912 963 673
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Reporters Without Borders Calls On Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
Dear Prime Minister,
Reporters Without Borders would like to congratulate you on taking office on 13 February as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe’s new government of national unity.
As you know, our organisation is very concerned about the many violations of human rights and press freedom that have taken place in Zimbabwe in recent years.
Reporters Without Borders therefore calls on you as Prime Minister to demonstrate a genuine political will to restore the rule of law. We think that the Zimbabwean government currently being formed should, as a matter of urgency, take the following three measures.
Firstly, we urge you to take effective action to obtain the release of all political prisoners, including journalist and human rights activist Jestina Mukoko and press photographer Shadreck Manyere. Your government should guarantee that no journalist is henceforth imprisoned in connection with their work.
Secondly, we ask you to adopt thorough reforms that guarantee press freedom and commit Zimbabwe to democratisation. We think that it is essential that your government should repeal that press law known as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), which was adopted in 2002. The Interception of Communications Act should also be repealed in order to guarantee Zimbabweans’ civil and political freedoms. Adopted on 3 August 2007, this law allows the government and the police to tap phone calls and intercept email messages and faxes without requesting permission from a judge.
Finally, we urge you to do everything possible to ensure that the Daily News, which was Zimbabwe’s leading independent newspaper, is able to resume publishing. The previous authorities always managed to prevent this, despite several court rulings in its favour. This newspaper’s reappearance on the newsstands would send a clear signal of the government’s determination to promote media diversity and independence.
Reporters Without Borders stands ready to make its expertise available to the Prime Minister’s office in achieving these goals.
We thank you in advance for giving our requests your careful consideration.
Respectfully,
Jean-François Julliard
Secretary-General
Friday, January 30, 2009
Award presentation at Syracuse
It comes with a lot of hard work, commitment and passion for the profession.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Frank scoops the Free Speech Award
I was honored with the Tully Center Free Speech Award here in the United States on Tuesday night.
I would like to thank the Tully Center, the people and organizations that nominated me for this award, not forgetting the panel of judges that saw it fit to recognize my work in poor Zimbabwe as well as all the people who braved the snowy weather to attend the awarding ceremony in the auditorium. It was "fantabulous".
I owe the award to the Zimbabwean people whose right to express themselves has been taken away. Freedom of expression is curtailed with impunity yet citizens continue to be exposed like a defenseless chick besides a hawk.
I must also say that there is freedom of speech in Zimbabwe but there is no freedom after the speech. Thanks again to the Tully Center and I would want to urge to continue the struggle for speech throughout the world.
I would like to thank the Tully Center, the people and organizations that nominated me for this award, not forgetting the panel of judges that saw it fit to recognize my work in poor Zimbabwe as well as all the people who braved the snowy weather to attend the awarding ceremony in the auditorium. It was "fantabulous".
I owe the award to the Zimbabwean people whose right to express themselves has been taken away. Freedom of expression is curtailed with impunity yet citizens continue to be exposed like a defenseless chick besides a hawk.
I must also say that there is freedom of speech in Zimbabwe but there is no freedom after the speech. Thanks again to the Tully Center and I would want to urge to continue the struggle for speech throughout the world.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Students Campaign for Mugabe's Deportation
The Zimbabwe National Students Union yesterday, the 26th of January 2009 launched a campaign dubbed "Bring Bona Mugabe back to Zimbabwe". Please find below the petition to the Chinesse Embassy demanding the immediate return of President Mugabe''s daughter Bona back to Zimbabwe who is advancing her education at Hong Kong University.
27 January 2009
Chinese High Commissioner
Chinese Embassy
Baines Avenues
Harare,
Zimbabwe
c/o
Bona Mugabe
Corner J.Tongogara and 7th Avenues
Harare
RE: BRING BONA MUGABE BACK TO Zimbabwe Campaign
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), representing the students of Zimbabwe calls for the return of Bona Mugabe, the daughter of the President- designate Mr Mugabe back home to come and suffer with other patriotic students studying in the State Universities. It is disheartening to note that the first family insolently sent daughter Bona Mugabe under an assumed name to the University of Hong Kong, China to further her studies while students in Zimbabwe suffer. Colleges and Universities in the country have failed to open since 2008 amongst other reasons, exorbitant and dollarization of fees, lecturers striking over poor remuneration, serious brain drain of staff resulting in students failing to sit for examinations.
It is the obligation of the Government to oversee that education is accessible to all. The failure by the Mugabe led Government to administer the education sector has seen the once prestigious education sector dilapidated from being one of the best in Africa. According to a UNDP 2006 report, Zimbabwe's literacy rate was at 86% in 1996 but has fallen to 46%. The state of education system is so deplorable that the President has seen it fit to trust the Chinese for the education of his daughter whilst ordinary students are failing to get decent education. The following issues have hit hard on the education system and the Mugabe led Administration has to take immediate action in resuscitating the education system:
· Dollarization of education
The proposed new fee structure quoted in foreign currency has forced thousands of students to drop out of college as a result of failure to pay fees.
· Brain drain
The mass exodus of teaching personnel has resulted in many colleges operating below capacity. Lecturers have migrated to neighboring countries in search of greener pastures and this has had led to the deterioration of the quality of education as many colleges were left with less qualified lecturers resulting in the manufacturing of half baked graduates.
· Academic freedoms
Academic freedoms have ceased to exist in the institutions of higher learning. The imposition of suppressive laws like the Ordinance 30 at colleges has led to the violation of the freedom of expression. Student leaders have been expelled, suspended, arrested for staging peaceful protests against the college administration and the Government over the deteriorating education system.
· Examinations
Lecturers have been on industrial action the greater part of the 2008 academic year and up to date and this has resulted in students failing to write end of semester examinations. 2008 can be declared a non academic year as no meaning learning took place . Grade 7, Ordinary and A Level students were forced to write final examinations without learning the whole year.
In conclusion, ZINASU demands the return of Bona Mugabe as a way of mounting pressure on President Mugabe to resuscitate the once prestigious education system.
Yours Faithfully
Blessing Vava
ZINASU Spokesperson
+263 913 022 456
ZINASU is a national union of students representing all institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. Its vision is to see a robust education system in a democratic Zimbabwe. And its niche is to defend academic freedoms in Zimbabwe.-- Zimbabwe National Students Union353 Samora Machel Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe,+263912471673/ +263913010369http://us.mc1113.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=zinasu@gmail.comhttp://www.zinasu.org/ZINASU is a national union of students representing all institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. Its vision is to see a robust education system in a democratic Zimbabwe. And its niche is to defend academic freedoms in Zimbabwe
27 January 2009
Chinese High Commissioner
Chinese Embassy
Baines Avenues
Harare,
Zimbabwe
c/o
Bona Mugabe
Corner J.Tongogara and 7th Avenues
Harare
RE: BRING BONA MUGABE BACK TO Zimbabwe Campaign
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), representing the students of Zimbabwe calls for the return of Bona Mugabe, the daughter of the President- designate Mr Mugabe back home to come and suffer with other patriotic students studying in the State Universities. It is disheartening to note that the first family insolently sent daughter Bona Mugabe under an assumed name to the University of Hong Kong, China to further her studies while students in Zimbabwe suffer. Colleges and Universities in the country have failed to open since 2008 amongst other reasons, exorbitant and dollarization of fees, lecturers striking over poor remuneration, serious brain drain of staff resulting in students failing to sit for examinations.
It is the obligation of the Government to oversee that education is accessible to all. The failure by the Mugabe led Government to administer the education sector has seen the once prestigious education sector dilapidated from being one of the best in Africa. According to a UNDP 2006 report, Zimbabwe's literacy rate was at 86% in 1996 but has fallen to 46%. The state of education system is so deplorable that the President has seen it fit to trust the Chinese for the education of his daughter whilst ordinary students are failing to get decent education. The following issues have hit hard on the education system and the Mugabe led Administration has to take immediate action in resuscitating the education system:
· Dollarization of education
The proposed new fee structure quoted in foreign currency has forced thousands of students to drop out of college as a result of failure to pay fees.
· Brain drain
The mass exodus of teaching personnel has resulted in many colleges operating below capacity. Lecturers have migrated to neighboring countries in search of greener pastures and this has had led to the deterioration of the quality of education as many colleges were left with less qualified lecturers resulting in the manufacturing of half baked graduates.
· Academic freedoms
Academic freedoms have ceased to exist in the institutions of higher learning. The imposition of suppressive laws like the Ordinance 30 at colleges has led to the violation of the freedom of expression. Student leaders have been expelled, suspended, arrested for staging peaceful protests against the college administration and the Government over the deteriorating education system.
· Examinations
Lecturers have been on industrial action the greater part of the 2008 academic year and up to date and this has resulted in students failing to write end of semester examinations. 2008 can be declared a non academic year as no meaning learning took place . Grade 7, Ordinary and A Level students were forced to write final examinations without learning the whole year.
In conclusion, ZINASU demands the return of Bona Mugabe as a way of mounting pressure on President Mugabe to resuscitate the once prestigious education system.
Yours Faithfully
Blessing Vava
ZINASU Spokesperson
+263 913 022 456
ZINASU is a national union of students representing all institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. Its vision is to see a robust education system in a democratic Zimbabwe. And its niche is to defend academic freedoms in Zimbabwe.-- Zimbabwe National Students Union353 Samora Machel Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe,+263912471673/ +263913010369http://us.mc1113.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=zinasu@gmail.comhttp://www.zinasu.org/ZINASU is a national union of students representing all institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. Its vision is to see a robust education system in a democratic Zimbabwe. And its niche is to defend academic freedoms in Zimbabwe
Full Text: SADC Communique on Zimbabwe Crisis Talks
The Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government met at the Presidential Guest house in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, on January 26-27, 2009. The Extraordinary Summit met to review the implementation of the Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement.
2. The Extraordinary Summit was chaired by H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, Chairperson of SADC and President of the Republic of South Africa
3. The Extraordinary Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
Botswana H.E. President Lt. Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama
Lesotho Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
Mozambique H.E. President Armando Emilio Guebuza, Deputy Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Namibia H.E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba
South Africa H.E. President Kgalema Motlanthe Chairperson of SADC
Swaziland H.M. King Mswati 111, Chairpeson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
United Republic of Tanzania H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Zambia H.E. Rupiah Banda
Zimbabwe H.E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Angola Hon Assuncao Dos Anjos, Minister of External Affairs
DRC Hon Alexis Thambwe Muamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Seychelles Honourable Patrick Pillay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Malawi Hon George Chaponda, Minister of Local Governmnt and Rural Development
Madagascar Hon Dr Denis Andriamandroso, Madagascar Ambassador to South Africa
Mauritius Mr Anund Priyay Neewor, GOSK, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
4. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa and SADC Facilitator on the Zimbabwe Political Dialogue, Leaders of MDC Formations, Right Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister Designate and Professor Welshman Ncube, representing Professor Arthur Mutambara, Deputy Prime Minister Designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.
5. In his opening remarks, His Excellency President Kgalema Motlanthe, Chairpeson of SADC and President for the Republic of South Africa welcomed all delegates to the meeting and re-affirmed SADC’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the implementation of the Zimbabwe global political agreement.
6. The Extraordinary Summit noted that the people of Zimbabwe are faced with difficult challenges and suffering that can only be addressed once an inclusive government in in place.
7. In view of the above, the Extraordinary Summit decided as follows:
(i) the parties shall endeavor to cause parliament to pass the Constitutional Amendment 19 by February 5, 2009;
(ii) the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers shall be sworn in by February 11, 2009;
(iii) the Ministers and Deputy Ministers shall be sworn in on February 13, 2009, which will conclude the process of the formation of the inclusive government;
(iv) the Joint-Monitoring Implementation Committee (JOMIC), provided for in the Global Political Agreement shall be activated immediately. The first meeting of JOMIC shall be convened by the Facilitator on January 30, 2009, and shall, among other things, elect the chairpersons;
(v) the allocation of ministerial portfolios endorsed by the SADC Extraordinary Summit held on November 9, 2008, shall be reviewed six (6) months after the inauguration of the inclusive government;
(vi) the appointments of the Reserve Bank Governor and the Attorney General will be dealt with by the inclusive government after its formation; and
(vii) the negotiators of the parties shall meet immediately to consider the National Security Bill submitted by the MDC-T as well as the formula for the distribution of the Provincial Governors;
8. the Extraordinary Summit expressed its appreciation for the efforts of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa and the Facilitator of the political dialogue on Zimbabwe in helping to find an amicable solution to challenges facing the Republic of Zimbabwe and encouraged him to continue with his facilitation efforts.
9. the Extraordinary Summit commended the political parties to the Global Political Agreement for their openness and constructive engagement in finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing Zimbabwe.
10. SADC shall remain seized with the Zimbabwe situation in keeping with its obligations as guarantor of the Global Political Agreement.
11. the Extraordinary Summit directed the chairperson of the SADC to present the African Union at its forthcoming summit a progress report on the implementation of the Sham- El-Sheik Resolution.
12. the Extraordinary Summit received a brief on the prevailing security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and supports the government efforts to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the Eastern part of the country. The government of the DRC expressed it gratitude to SADC for the support thus far rendered.
13. the Extraordinary Summit also urged the international community to continue providing the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo with humanitarian assistance.
14. His Excellency President Kgalema Motlanthe officially closed the extraordinary summit.
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
January 27, 2009
2. The Extraordinary Summit was chaired by H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, Chairperson of SADC and President of the Republic of South Africa
3. The Extraordinary Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
Botswana H.E. President Lt. Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama
Lesotho Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
Mozambique H.E. President Armando Emilio Guebuza, Deputy Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Namibia H.E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba
South Africa H.E. President Kgalema Motlanthe Chairperson of SADC
Swaziland H.M. King Mswati 111, Chairpeson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
United Republic of Tanzania H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Zambia H.E. Rupiah Banda
Zimbabwe H.E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Angola Hon Assuncao Dos Anjos, Minister of External Affairs
DRC Hon Alexis Thambwe Muamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Seychelles Honourable Patrick Pillay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Malawi Hon George Chaponda, Minister of Local Governmnt and Rural Development
Madagascar Hon Dr Denis Andriamandroso, Madagascar Ambassador to South Africa
Mauritius Mr Anund Priyay Neewor, GOSK, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
4. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa and SADC Facilitator on the Zimbabwe Political Dialogue, Leaders of MDC Formations, Right Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister Designate and Professor Welshman Ncube, representing Professor Arthur Mutambara, Deputy Prime Minister Designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.
5. In his opening remarks, His Excellency President Kgalema Motlanthe, Chairpeson of SADC and President for the Republic of South Africa welcomed all delegates to the meeting and re-affirmed SADC’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the implementation of the Zimbabwe global political agreement.
6. The Extraordinary Summit noted that the people of Zimbabwe are faced with difficult challenges and suffering that can only be addressed once an inclusive government in in place.
7. In view of the above, the Extraordinary Summit decided as follows:
(i) the parties shall endeavor to cause parliament to pass the Constitutional Amendment 19 by February 5, 2009;
(ii) the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers shall be sworn in by February 11, 2009;
(iii) the Ministers and Deputy Ministers shall be sworn in on February 13, 2009, which will conclude the process of the formation of the inclusive government;
(iv) the Joint-Monitoring Implementation Committee (JOMIC), provided for in the Global Political Agreement shall be activated immediately. The first meeting of JOMIC shall be convened by the Facilitator on January 30, 2009, and shall, among other things, elect the chairpersons;
(v) the allocation of ministerial portfolios endorsed by the SADC Extraordinary Summit held on November 9, 2008, shall be reviewed six (6) months after the inauguration of the inclusive government;
(vi) the appointments of the Reserve Bank Governor and the Attorney General will be dealt with by the inclusive government after its formation; and
(vii) the negotiators of the parties shall meet immediately to consider the National Security Bill submitted by the MDC-T as well as the formula for the distribution of the Provincial Governors;
8. the Extraordinary Summit expressed its appreciation for the efforts of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa and the Facilitator of the political dialogue on Zimbabwe in helping to find an amicable solution to challenges facing the Republic of Zimbabwe and encouraged him to continue with his facilitation efforts.
9. the Extraordinary Summit commended the political parties to the Global Political Agreement for their openness and constructive engagement in finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing Zimbabwe.
10. SADC shall remain seized with the Zimbabwe situation in keeping with its obligations as guarantor of the Global Political Agreement.
11. the Extraordinary Summit directed the chairperson of the SADC to present the African Union at its forthcoming summit a progress report on the implementation of the Sham- El-Sheik Resolution.
12. the Extraordinary Summit received a brief on the prevailing security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and supports the government efforts to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the Eastern part of the country. The government of the DRC expressed it gratitude to SADC for the support thus far rendered.
13. the Extraordinary Summit also urged the international community to continue providing the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo with humanitarian assistance.
14. His Excellency President Kgalema Motlanthe officially closed the extraordinary summit.
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
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