WOZA members outside Msiteli School, Bulawayo

Members directly engaged schools in Bulawayo today on issues of education today as part of an ongoing campaign to demand affordable education for all children. Community-based demonstrations were held at five schools in Bulawayo whilst representative groups met with school heads at another five schools to outline the concerns of parents. Today’s activities will be duplicated across Bulawayo at other schools in coming days.

At all schools, members were protesting against the extra demands placed on parents by schools, in particular the demand for stationery and cleaning materials. In most schools, each child is instructed to bring several items of stationery for the teacher and also several items of cleaning materials or groceries for the school. Many children have been chased away from schools for not bringing these items, even if school fees have been paid. Teachers at some schools are also demanding extra money for lunch or transport from each child in their class. All of these demands are on top of the gazetted school fees and stationery and uniform needs of each child.

The five schools targeted in today’s protest were selected because of the high number of complaints by parents about the demands from that particular school.

At Pumula High School, approximately 70 parents met at the school gates to peacefully protest the outrageously high demands placed upon them by the school. Five representatives of the group were welcomed by the headmistress who accepted the petitions and flyers and promised not to send home any pupils who had not paid school fees.

In Nkulumane, nearly 100 parents protested at Nkulumane High School whilst three representatives were sent to deliver the petitions and flyers. Those left outside the school carried on singing “umtwana uyakhala, ukhalela imfudo” (the child is crying, crying for an education.) The representatives were well received. The headmaster promised that no pupils would be sent home for non-payment of school fees although he stressed that parents should see the relevant authorities if they are unable to pay. He also mentioned that the City Council is now demanding 20 litres of fuel to cut grass and as much as he would like school fees to be affordable to all, headmasters were just implementers, not policy makers.

In Pelindaba, 120 members marched to Induba Primary School amidst encouragement from bystanders. Five representatives were sent in to deliver the petition and flyers which were wrapped like a gift. Only three could see the headmistress as there was a shortage of chairs in her office. The headmistress addressed them promising not to send any pupils home if the fees are not paid but encouraged parents to buy exercise books for their children.

In Mpopoma, the two schools selected as targets, Mpopoma High School and Gampu Primary School, were compromised as around 20 riot police were seen waiting within the vicinity. Members decided to reconvene at Lukanyiso Primary School and Msitheli Secondary School where both authorities welcomed and addressed the representatives who presented them with petitions and flyers. Both authorities commended WOZA for the good work it is doing. The headmaster at Msitheli Secondary School explained that the ‘civvies’ day money was to kick start the school facilities and buy sundries for the running of the school. He explained that they did not have permanent staff as they had left without any notice. He also addressed members who were singing and chanting slogans outside the school, promising that their children would no longer be sent home because parents failed to pay fees.

In addition to the peaceful protests, representative groups of parents also engaged with the heads of schools at other schools in their area, delivering the petitions and flyers and outlining the concerns of parents. In Pumula, the reception was not very cordial at Amaswazi and Malindela Primary Schools for the representative groups. At Malindela, the headmaster refused to meet with the five parents selected (although they were able to leave the petitions and flyers in his office). At Amaswazi, the headmaster insisted that he did not understand the petitions or what the members were demanding. He asked them to return at another time to explain it to him. He has since called a meeting of all parents that signed the petition for tomorrow morning (Tuesday).

Headmasters were more receptive in Nkulumane with heads at both Ihlathi High School and Maphisa Primary School welcoming the representative groups cordially and listening to their concerns. As with the headmaster at Nkulumane High School, the heads at Ihlathi and Maphisa promised that no children would be sent away for non-payment of fees. The headmaster of Ihlathi also commended WOZA for doing a great job in fighting for human rights.

In Mabutweni, representatives visited Nsukamini Primary School despite the fact that plain-clothed police officers were observed entering the school premises. The headmaster received the group cordially and explained that he was open to engagement with parents but he did not want a demonstration at the gates of his school that is why he called the police. There was no incident and the parents dispersed peacefully.

These protests follow a meeting between Minister of Education David Coltart and nearly 300 WOZA members last week where members again outlined their concerns to the Minister. The Minister took pains to explain to the parents present what fees and levies should cover and also explained some of difficulties facing his ministry. He listened attentively to the concerns raised by those present and asked for patience from parents.

Please see below a copy of the text of the petition being handed in at schools, copies of which have also been handed in to Minister Coltart.

To: Minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture – Honourable David Coltart

Copy to: School Head and Chairperson of SDA

PROTEST NOTE

Honourable Minister Coltart,

On 24th February 2009, leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) met with you to advise you that members of WOZA are unhappy with the state of education in our country. We feel that parents have carried the education system on their heads for several years now. They are not receiving their right to an education because there have been not enough or no teachers present or proper lessons given. Our children have suffered as a result of adult hatred and intolerance. We feel that this new government must put our children’s education first.

We thank you for advertising the school fees in the newspaper. Unfortunately many of us cannot afford to pay the advertised fees. The fees are also just a small part of the total amount being demanded of parents of their children’s education. The demands from school are not torture for us. Parents are being asked for additional amounts of money in the form of levies, as well as stationary, cleaning materials and teaching aids; even money for teachers’ transport and lunch. Below is a list of concerns our leaders have already raised with you. Please you cannot suck blood out of a stone.

– We ask school officials if they genuine about teaching our children because all they seem to be doing is chasing them away. Children are being chased away from school for no clear reason including no school uniforms or school shoes.

– The demands by schools for EACH CHILD in class to provide teachers with stationery are also unreasonable. These include pens, 196-page counter books, reams of newsprint and bond paper, dustless chalk, receipt books, ink for stamp pads, manila for charts, text books and exercise books. Children are chased away from school if they do not bring these items.

– Also unreasonable is for EACH CHILD to have to bring floor polish, harpic, jik, handy andy, washing powder, six rolls of toilet paper and bars of soap. It is not clear what is happening to all these cleaning materials , as the schools remain dirty.

– We are also not happy that teachers demand bus fare or ‘entrance fee’ into the classroom from every child in the class. Some teachers demand money for lunch – 50 Rand per month from each child in the class. Children are chased if they do not bring these items.

– On top of all of this, parents are expected to pay for civvies days and other ‘days’ without knowing what the money is being used for.

– All of these extra demands, on top of the stationery and uniform needs of our own children, means most parents cannot afford to send their children to school, regardless of what the fees are.

We ask you to do the following as a matter of urgency:
1. Be honest with what schools can deliver and tell us what cannot be done.
2. Give instructions that no child must be chased away from school.
3. Stop the civvies and any other fundraising days.
4. Make a policy statement about levies and other charges so both school officials and parents know what is allowed and what is not permitted. Government education is now becoming privatised and commercialised by school officials.
5. Make a policy statement about what the fee announced by government covers. It is only teacher’s salaries or is it everything?
6. We demand a new education assistance module urgently – we cannot afford to educate our children.
7. Without some clarity of policy and discipline among school officials, 2009 is going to be another wasted year and will be the end of the road for many children’s education.

Please take our request seriously; millions of children’s lives are in your hands. We have sacrificed to bring our children to this stage and sometimes even starve them today so that they can go to school for a better tomorrow. Enough is enough!

The two WOZA members, Trust Moyo and Cynthia Ncube, who have spent the last two nights in police custody, were released into their lawyer’s custody at noon today. They had been taken to court earlier this morning charged with ‘distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace’, Section 37 1(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The court documentation was not in order however and they were returned to Bulawayo Central Police Station.

They returned to court late morning where they were released into their lawyer’s custody. They are expected to report back to the police station tomorrow morning at 8am to see what else they could be charged with.

Both are in good spirits after their ordeal.

Trust had been arrested after the second demonstration by a plain clothed police officer who claimed to have seen him in the original protest. Surrounded by police officers so that he couldn’t be seen, he was driven into the bush and around the streets in an attempt to disorient him. He was then taken to the private residence of a senior-ranking police officer (wearing three stars on his shoulder) in Khumalo, a suburb of Bulawayo. This officer ordered he be released into the surrounding bushy area. The arresting officers argued amongst themselves that they could not do this however as people knew he had been taken. Trust, as he had been trained to do in an abduction scenario, had made a commotion when he was being arrested, shouting that he would die for WOZA if necessary. They then resolved to take him to Bulawayo Central where riot police tried to force him to eat the WOZA banner that he had been arrested with. When he refused they began to beat him and when he fell to the ground, continued to kick him with their booted feet before finally pouring a bucket of cold water over him.

Cynthia had been arrested outside butchery after the second demonstration by a police officer that she had given a Woza Moya newsletter. She was taken to the police post in Lobengula Street Mall and questioned as to why WOZA was demanding bread and roses. A female police officer slapped her across the face several times, accusing WOZA of being the reason that they are so badly paid but claimed that now that they had arrested her they had ‘hit the jackpot’. Officers also threatened to dump her at Chipangali (a wildlife orphanage just outside of Bulawayo) so that the lions could eat her. She was later walked to Bulawayo Central, being pushed and shoved all the way.

More members have continued to receive medical treatment for injuries they sustained on Monday, including a young man who had been hit across the head with a baton stick and a woman that had to receive three stitches on her leg after being hit with a baton stick.

News update 5pm Tuesday 6 May: 2 WOZA members spend second night in Bulawayo Central

The two WOZA members, Trust Moyo and Cynthia Ncube, who were detained yesterday following a peaceful demonstration, are set to spend a second night in police custody at Bulawayo Central Police Station. They were allowed access to their lawyers this afternoon however and have been charged with ‘distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace’ – a charge under the Public Order and Security Act (Section 19 1b) that has been incorporated into the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act in Section 37 1(b).

It is hoped that both members will be taken to court tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Trust was beaten by police on the street and also in a police vehicle. Apparently they were driven out of town and driven through a busy area near the army barracks, before being taken to Bulawayo Central. Eight police officers were in this vehicle. It is not clear what injuries he has sustained as a result of his beatings as he has not been allowed to receive medical attention. It is also not clear how Cynthia has been treated since her detention.

Three more members received medical treatment this morning. All three had been struck by the police vehicle and sustained deep tissue bruising.

Please continue to call Bulawayo Central Police Station on +263 9 72515, +263 9 61706 or +263 9 63061 to demand that these members be released and to ask police why peaceful demonstrators who were calling for an end to violence were beaten so badly.

News update Tuesday 5th May 9am:

The whereabouts of all WOZA members arrested yesterday afternoon has been established. Two members, one female and one male, spent the night at Bulawayo Central Police Station whilst all other members were released by late afternoon or early evening yesterday. Lawyers have not been allowed access to the two members in Bulawayo Central and it is not clear what they are being charged with or how they have been treated. Both are in good spirits however and have been allowed food both last night and this morning.

Five of the other members arrested had been taken to the police post (a tent) at Lobengula Street Mall whilst four had been taken to Drill Hall. They were all searched and questioned at length about why they were in town. After being held for hours, they were all finally released without charge.

59 members received medical attention but the number is expected to rise as several more members have requested appointments this morning. Injuries included deep tissue bruising caused by baton sticks and open wounds, mostly on the knees from where members fell from either the beatings they received or from being hit by the police vehicle that drove into the back of the crowd.

Two people, one woman and one man, hit by the vehicle, fractured their elbows, whilst another woman broke a finger from being hit by a baton stick. It was also discovered that another woman who had been hit across the stomach with a baton stick was actually pregnant, something she did not know herself, but she and the baby are fine.

Part of the message being delivered yesterday reads…. “We call on the uniformed forces to realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. When change comes, and it will come, WOZA will demand an audit of all civil servants, including the uniformed forces.” The ‘audit’ continues and the driver of ZRP 3039M and the officer in charge of Bulawayo Central, Inspector Mabhari, have been added to the list of those who will face justice. The latter was heard ordering the beatings.

Please call Bulawayo Central Police Station on +263 9 72515, +263 9 61706 or +263 9 63061 and demand the immediate release of the two WOZA members. Please also ask Inspector Mabhari why he ordered the beating of innocent protestors and bystanders. You can also remind the officers that they are unlikely to receive immunity from justice when democracy returns to Zimbabwe but they have an opportunity to be remembered for the good they have done by releasing members today and treating them fairly.

*******

Monday 5th May: WOZA members beaten in Bulawayo today; at least 11 arrested – concern for their whereabouts

Members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise took to the streets of Bulawayo today to call for an end to the politically motivated violence that has left more than 20 people dead in the last few weeks. The protest is also part of WOZA’s participation in the ‘make your vote count’ campaign. Ironically the peaceful protestors were met with brutal violence by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). At least 59 have needed to seek medical attention for injuries caused by baton sticks or being hit by a police vehicle.

The demonstrators had planned to deliver a demand to the High Court that the Chief Election Officer declare Morgan Tsvangirai as president, as the candidate that secured the greatest number of votes, rather than hold a run-off which would only result in more violence.

The group of several hundred had just gathered and began to march when they were violently set upon by two truckloads of riot police who viciously beat people with their baton sticks.

Seven people were arrested after this first attempt, some several blocks away. It is not clear where these seven people are as lawyers have not yet been able to locate them.

An hour the determined members regrouped near St. Mary’s Cathedral and were able to conduct a silent march for four blocks before being intercepted by uniformed police officers one block from the High Court. A discussion took place between the senior officer present and WOZA National Coordinator, Jenni Williams, who was in the process of asking members to disperse peacefully when two truckloads of riot police arrived and once again began beating people.

Riot police from one vehicle disembarked and began indiscriminately beating the crowd whilst a second police vehicle ZRP 3039 M deliberately drove into the back of the crowd injuring many people. As well as the brutal assault on the peaceful protestors, any women in the vicinity were also beaten. Eyewitness accounts include seeing a completely innocent bystander be slapped across the face by a uniformed police officer until she fell to the ground, all the while protesting her innocence.

Amongst those injured was Jenni Williams, who was beaten with baton sticks, both on the street and in a police vehicle (ZRP 2030M) when she was temporarily arrested. She was later released but others were not so lucky. At least four members were observed being arrested but once again lawyers have not been able to ascertain their whereabouts as they were observed being driven to a busy area near Brady Barracks.

There is concern as to the whereabouts of all those who were witnessed being arrested and also as to how they are being treated.

It has also been reported that riot police have been beating any group of women that they come across in town throughout the afternoon. Once again displaying the violent and brutal behaviour that has become synonymous with the ZANU PF regime.

As well as carrying demands for the Chief Elections Officer, WOZA also demanded that the uniformed forces and war veterans refrain from further violence, reminding them that the ‘chefs’ probably will be allowed to cut deals, whilst they will be left to face the justice of the law and the anger of the people.

In the week leading up to Mother’s Day, the peaceful protest was also expected to demonstrate courage to Zimbabweans and show that ‘mothers’ are speaking out and demanding that their vote count and be respected.

More information will be given when it becomes available.

To see a copy of the flyer that the demonstrators were handing out as they marched, click here. Woza Moya English May 2008

Join WOZA!

Download and complete the Sisterhood Bond in your language.

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Post it to us at:
WOZA/MOZA, P.O. Box FM701, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

In her judgement that was delayed from Monday, Magistrate Rose Dube ruled this morning that the two WOZA members arrested last week for distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace should go on trial and set the trial date for 23rd June.

Trust Moyo and Cynthia Ncube had been arrested in Bulawayo last Monday, 5th May, after a demonstration calling for an end to the recent spate of politically motivated violence.

The two are charged under Section 37 1(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act – ‘… distributes or displays any writing, sign or other visible representation that is obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting, intending thereby to provoke a breach of the peace…’

The defence had argued that materials carried by the two were not ‘obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting’ and therefore the charges should be dropped. The Magistrate ruled that as the two had not denied carrying the materials, a trial was necessary to decide whether the messages were obscene etc. The materials in question are a banner stating ‘we want bread and roses’ and a newsletter that includes the sentence; “we immediately call on Robert Mugabe to hand over power to the winner of the presidential election, Morgan Tsvangirai”.

To read a copy of the newsletter that is deemed to be ‘ obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting’, click here. Woza Moya English May 2008

A demonstration by WOZA and MOZA members in Harare on Wednesday May 28 resulted in the arrest of 13 women and 1 man, all of whom remain in custody up to today, Monday June 2.  The demonstration was held to commemorate Africa Day, mourning the lack of anything to celebrate,  and to protest against the political violence being perpetrated in the weeks leading up to the Presidential run-off election of June 27.

Approximately 200 members were stopped by the police as they marched in the street in central Harare carrying placards and distributing flyers.  Specific members were targeted for arrest, including Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu.  Three were assaulted during interrogation, but they were not seriously injured.  All were first brought to court on Friday afternoon, several hours after the 48 hour limit, where they were remanded until the following day to make a bail application.  On Saturday they were granted bail by the magistrate, Rusinahama.  Jenni Williams’ bail was set at $10,000,000,000 ($US20) and for the other 13 at $5,000,000,000 ($US10).  All were also to turn in their passports.  However, the prosecutor then announced that the state would appeal against bail, so all 14 were remanded in custody until June 6, 2008.  While the single man is being held at Harare Remand prison, the ladies are all at the women’s remand section of Chikurubi.

All 14 have been charged under s 37 1c (ii) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (formerly part of the Public Order and Security Act) – “Participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breach of the peace or bigotry”.  This offence involves “acting with one or more others,…. intending or realizing that there is a risk of forcibly disturbing the peace, security or order of the public”.  Some of those arrested were not participating in the demonstration, but were arrested at gun point while inside a vehicle. They included the driver of the vehicle.  The vehicle was seized.

Jenni also has two other charges under the same Act:  s 30  – “Causing disaffection among the Police Force or Defence Forces”.  This charge was leveled as a result of one paragraph of the flyer which was being distributed by the demonstrators.  This paragraph was addressed to the uniformed forces and included the following words:  “We ask them to respect that Zimbabweans have voted for change and refrain from being used to perpetrate violence and to carry out injustices”.  She is likewise charged under s 31 (a) (i)  with “Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”.  This charge apparently relates to a flyer from another organisation of which she had one copy in her handbag; however she has been accused of distributing it as well.

It will be noted that all of these sections of the Act infringe on Zimbabweans’ basic right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Declaration of Rights in our constitution.  Similar sections of the notorious Law and Order (Maintenance) Act were previously judged unconstitutional by the Zimbabwean Supreme Court, but they were re-enacted in the Public Order and Security Act.  The constitutionality of these re-enacted sections has yet to be tested in the courts.

All of the detained members of WOZA and MOZA are being visited and taken food and are in good spirits and well.  It is expected that the State’s appeal will be heard before the end of this week, and it is hoped that the appeal will be rejected and the bail conditions  upheld, so that those currently detained can await further developments out of custody.  We salute those brave members of WOZA and MOZA who dare to stand up and make public their concerns about the perilous state in which most Zimbabweans are now living.  May all Zimbabweans be inspired by their actions.

The 14 members arrested on 28th May appeared on remand in Harare Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning (Friday 20th) and were further remanded to 3rd July. Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, who are still in custody at Chikurubi Women’s Prison, were remanded in absentia as the truck bringing them from prison did not arrive on time. Williams, who is facing extra charges of communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the state and causing disaffection amongst the police force, was also remanded to 3rd July on those charges.

Williams and Mahlangu are now entering their fourth week in prison. They remain in good spirits despite the conditions in Chikurubi. Lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers from Human Rights (ZLHR) are continuing to work on appealing their continued detention. The two would welcome visits from anyone who would be able to make it to Chikurubi.

Meanwhile, two other WOZA members, Trust Moyo and Cynthia Ncube, go on trial in Bulawayo on Monday 23rd charged with distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace after being arrested in a peaceful demonstration on 5th May.

Click here to see a copy of the appeal launched in the independent Zimbabwean press Free Williams and Mahlangu appeal

The two members that were arrested yesterday at Mpumelelo Primary School in Mpopoma have been released. They were taken to court this morning but the prosecutor dismissed the case against them.

Meanwhile, members visited another seven schools in Bulawayo, bringing the total to 23 schools visited in the past few days.

At Ingwengwe and Babamberi Primary Schools in Pumula, the authorities welcomed the representatives and encouraged parents with grievances to continue to engage the school through parents meetings. Both headmasters promised to look into the complaints. At Amhlophe Secondary School, also in Pumula, the authorities were unavailable to engage the representatives but the Teacher In Charge took the protests and flyers and emphasized that no pupils were being sent home for failure to pay fees.

At Mtshede Primary School in Njube and Sikhulile High School in Lobengula, members were again welcomed by both authorities who empathised with the parents and promised to look into the issues raised. This was repeated at Lotshe Primary School in Makokoba and Sobukhazi High School in Mzilikazi. Mr. Hlabangene of Lotshe Primary School even went outside to address the other members who were waiting outside the gate. He said the community need to be involved in the development of the school. A sentiment repeated by the headmaster at Sobukhazi who encouraged parents to engage with school authorities about any concerns they may have and not to keep quiet about ideas on ideas of developing the school.

WOZA would like to commend all the school authorities who took the time to listen to the concerns raised by parents at their schools. We hope that they will investigate the complaints made and respond positively. Meanwhile, we continue to urge all parents to engage with schools about any concerns they may have and to speak out about issues affecting their children.

AFRICA DAY 25 MAY 2008

umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu

YOU STILL NEED TO STAND STRONG FOR YOUR CHILD

As our whole continent marks Africa Day this week, WOZA members think that it has become meaningless. 25 May is supposed to be a celebration of the African spirit and unity. Yet what is there to celebrate when poverty is increasing and our life expectancy is decreasing? What is there to celebrate when Zimbabweans no longer have faith that their right to vote is respected? We do not see evidence that African leaders still value the principles of ubuntu/hunhu and count themselves as part of the African people. Do people like Robert Mugabe and Thabo Mbeki remember the saying ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu / a person is a person because of people’.

ROBERT MUGABE is a PERSON – the person behind the fist.
This is our Africa Day message to him: Robert Mugabe, you have become known to us for the violence you have unleashed against us – the people of Zimbabwe. Although we respect the role you played to bring about Zimbabwe, the violence you direct with your trademark fist is not a good legacy. People in Matabeleland and Midlands, supporters of ZAPU, were killed during Gukurahundi in the early 1980’s. Residents of Porta Farm also paid a high price for supporting Ndabaningi Sithole. In 2000, violent land invasions were unleashed to punish Zimbabweans because they refused your constitutional amendments. We are no longer the breadbasket of Africa as a result. In 2005, Operation Murambatsvina was designed to quell rising dissent and support for the Movement for Democratic Change after the 31 March 2005 election. Recently we saw Operation MaVhoterapapi (where have you voted) conducted to punish people who exercised their right to vote. We ask you to remember the biblical verse that for everything there is a season and respect the fact that Zimbabweans voted for change in March.=>

THABO MBEKI is also a PERSON.
This is our Africa Day message to him: When you held the hand of Robert Mugabe and said “what crisis”, people in Zimbabwe and in your own country were shocked at your lack of sensitivity. A lack of sensitivity that again showed itself by your delay in commenting at the loss of innocent lives in the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. As we bury our dead, killed in Zimbabwe by state agents, and those killed in South Africa, there is no denying that their blood is on your hands. We ask you to restore our belief in your African Renaissance and practice what you preach. You still have time to leave a positive legacy.

The day of the presidential run-off, 27 June, is just four weeks away but there is no change in the political impasse and violence is widespread throughout Zimbabwe. Recognising WOZA’s role as human rights defenders, we will work tirelessly to persuade Zimbabweans that they must prepare to turn out in high numbers to vote in the run-off. We will ask them to face the fact that Mugabe as the leader of a so-called ‘liberation war party’ has failed to deliver social justice. By refusing to release results timeously and unleashing violence on voters, Mugabe has betrayed the one man one vote ideal our heroes died for. We advise Zimbabweans that their vote must be a vote for Morgan Tsvangirai, giving him a chance as a transitional president.

WE, THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE, THEREFORE DEMAND THE FOLLOWING:
1. That ZANU PF close all militia camps and end the violence against the people of Zimbabwe immediately.

2. That the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of violence without fear or favour.

3. That political leaders at all levels remember that blood was spilt to deliver the ‘one man one vote’ ideal for Zimbabweans. We will continue to vote and defend our vote in a determined and peaceful way.

4. That the ‘real’ war veterans help us stop the violence and speak out against those perpetrating the violence in their name.

5. That the uniformed forces realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. We ask them to respect that Zimbabweans have voted for change and refrain from being used to perpetrate violence and to carry out injustices. When change comes, and it will come, WOZA will demand an audit of all civil servants, including the uniformed forces. We, your neighbours in our communities, know you for the things that you do, both good and bad. We will remember. Hear us loud and clear – your leaders may get generous retirement packages but you will be left to face the justice of the law and the anger of the people. When you see us in the streets, we come in peace with love in our hearts and you have the choice to respond likewise and allow us to do our work as mothers of the nation. Good actions will also be remembered and rewarded.

6. That the Zimbabwean government make the necessary arrangements to comply with the SADC principles governing elections and to allow ZEC to do their job without interference.

7. We call on ZEC to be professional and non-partisan and to ensure that the results are released within 24 hours of the ballots closing.

8. We call on SADC, the African Union and the United Nations to assist us by sending observers to all areas of Zimbabwe to help us feel confident of exercising our right to vote. When they attend they should show leadership by publicly acknowledging the human rights violations being perpetrated.

9. We ask the South African government to make transparent the prosecution of those arrested for xenophobic attacks so that we can feel confident that there is still justice in the law in South Africa.

We would also like to thank civic society organisations both in the region and abroad for their continued solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe – shown in demonstrations in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Botswana in the last week. We would like to invite them to come to Zimbabwe to observe the run-off and ask that they keep us in their thoughts and prayers as we face the darkest hour before dawn.

Lastly WOZA would like to implore ALL Zimbabweans to remain calm but committed to making their vote count in these next few weeks.

Stand up for your child’s future by voting on 27 June 2008 for a new president who must deliver social justice.

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE!

AFRICA DAY 25 MAY 2008

RAMBA WAKASHINGA UCHIMIRIRA MWANA WAKO

Sezvo nyika dzese dzemuAfrica dzichipemberera zuva re Africa Day viki rino, nengo dze WOZA dzakaona kusina kukosha kuita izvi. Musi wa 25 May izuva rekupemberera kugarisana kwakanaka nekubatana kwe Africa, asi hapana chekupemberera sezvo wurombo uchienderera mberi nemakore atinofanira kurarama achidzika. Chii chiripo chekupemberera sezvo maZimbabwe avasisina kuvimba kuti kodzero ravo rekuvhota richaremekedzwa. Atisi kuona kuti vatungamiri ve Africa vachirikuremekedza hunhu vachiziva kuti vari vanhu navo vemu Africa. Vanhu vakaita savaRobert Mugabe naThabo Mbeki vanoziva kuti munhu munhu ne vanhu.

Robert Mugabe munhu – anoonekwa nechi bhakera.
Awa ndiwo mashoko atirikuda kuudza vaMugabe nemusiwe Africa Day:
Va Robert Mugabe takukuzivai nemhirizhonga yamurikuunza kwatiri – vanhu vemuZimbabwe. Tino remekedza zvamakaita kuti tiwane Zimbabwe yakanaka asimhirizhonga yamurikuita inowonekwa nemaratidziro enyu echibhakera anakunaka. Vanhu vekuMatebeleland nekuMidlands vaitsigira ZAPU vakauraiwa panguva yeGukurahundi pakutanga kwegore ra 1980. Vagari vekumunda wePorta vakasangana nayo mhirizhonga iyi navo sezvo vaitsigira va Ndabaningi Sithole.Muna 2000 vakatanga chirongwa chekutora mapurazi zvisiri pamutemo vechishandisa mhirizhonga vachida kuranga maZimbabwe akaramba kuiiswa kwezvigamba mubumbiro remitemo, naizvozvo atichawani kudya kwakakwana. Mugore raa 2005 kwakaitiwa chirongwa che Operation Murambatsvina apa vaida kudzikisa hutsigiri hwe Movement for Democratic Change sevzo taibva musarudzo dza 31March 2005. Takuona chimwe chirongwa chinonzi ‘Operation Mavhotera papi’ apa vairanga vanhu vakateedzera kodzero ravo rekuvhota. Tirikuda kuti murangarire vesi remu bhayibheri rinoti zvinu zvese zvine nguva yazvo saka remekedzai kuti ma Zimbabwe akavhotera mutsauko March.

Thabo Mbeki munhu naye.
Awa ndiwo mashoko atirikuudza va Thabo Mbeki:
Pamaka batana ruoko navaRobert Mugabe mukati ‘akuna chakaipa muZimbabwe’vanhu vemuZimbabwe nevemunyika yenyu vakashamiswa nekuita kwenu. Kusava nehanya kwenyu kwakaratidzika nekunonoka kwenyu kutaura zvirikuitka munyika yenyu apo vanhu vachirasikirwa neupenyu hwavo pasina zvabaka pama. Apo tichiviga varikuraiwa nemapurisa nevarikuuraiwa mu South Africa tirikuti ropa ravo ririmawoko enyu. Toda kuti muchengetedze hunhu hwenyu muchi vanhu chedu muchiita zvamunotaura. Muchirinenguva yokuti murarame zvakanaka.

Kwasara viki rimwe kuti tiyende musarudzo dzekusarudza mutungamiri wenyika asi mhirizhonga irikuenderera mberi zvakanyanyisa. Tichitarisa mabasa eWOZA tichaedza nenzira dzese kuti tiudze vanhu kuti vano vhota. Tichavaudza kuti vanyasowongorora kuti vaMugabe ivo banotungamira ‘bato rakarwa hondo’ vakundikana kuunza Gutsaruzhinji. Nekuramba kupudisa zvakapuda musarudzo nenguva nekutanga mhirizhonga kuvanu vakavhota zvino ratidza kuti kuramba kwake rusununguko ruzere rwakafirwa nemagamba edu kuti mumwe nemumwe achava ne vhoti yake. KumaZimbabwe ose nga tivotereyi vaMorgan Tsvangirai timupe mukana kuva mutungamiri naye.

ISU ZVIZVARWA ZVEMUZIMBABWE TINODA ZVINOTEVERA:
1.    ZANU PF inofanirwa kubvisa makempu e ma militia, voregedza mhirizhonga kuvana vemu Zimbabwe.

2.    Mapurisa ngavasunge vese varikukonzera mhirizhonga besingatyi.

3.    Tirikuti kuva tungamiriri vose varimumatongero enyika ropa rakateuka kuti mumwe ne mumwe ave nevhoti yake sakatichaenderera mberi neku vhota nekudzivirira vhoti yedu murunyararo.

4.    Tirikuti kuvarwiri verusununguko vechokwadi tibetserei kupedza mhirizhonga iripo nekutaura pachena varikupama mhirizhonga iyi muzita renyu

5.    Tinoda kuudza mapurisa kuti hakuna runyararo kana kusina kutongwa kwakanaka. Gamuchirai kuti maZimbabwe avhotera mutsauko saka regerai kushandiswa kuita mhirizhonga. Kana shanduko yauya yauya. WOZA ichada kuti pave nekuongororwa kwevashandi vemuhurunde zvichivatanidzwa nemapurisa nemasoja. Isu vagarisani nemi tinokuzivai nezvese zvamurukuita zvakaipa nezvakanaka hatizokanganwi tererai zvakanaka vakuru venyu vachawana zvakanaka zvakawanda kanavakusiyi basa vachienda kupenjeni asi imi muchasiiwa pachena makutongerwa mhosva dvenyu.

6.    Hurumende yeZimbabwe yogadzirisa zvirikudiwa ne SADC pakuita sarudzo vozo teedzera mirao yacho, ne ZEC yovumirwa kuita basa rao zvakanaka

7.    Tirikuti kune ZEC ngairatidze hunyanzi hwayo  nekusadeera kudivi rimwe rematongerwo enyika, vaone kuti zvapuda musarudzo zvabudiswa pachena ’24hrs’ kubva kuvarwa kwemabhokisi atavhotera.

8.    Tirikushedzera kunyika dzemu SADC, African Union ne United Nations kuti vatumire vanotarisa nezvesarudzo  munaraunda dzese dzeZimbabwe kuitira kuti tive nechivimbo chekuvhota. Vanofanirwa kutaura pachokwadi zvirikuitika ikoko

9.    Kuhurumende ye South Africa tirikukumbira kuti moisa pachena mutongo wevanhu vakatanga mhirizhonga [Xenopphobia attacks].

Tirikuda kutenda masangano akazvimirirra oga emuno nedzimwe nyika nekuratidza hanya kumuri ye Zimbabwe – vakazviita nekuratidzira ku Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa ne Botswana maviki afura. Tirikuva koka kuti ngavauye vazoongorora sarudzo dziriku uya  nekuti vagare vachitinamatirawo sezvo tasvika murima rekuedza

Zvekupedzisira tirikuudza vanhu vemu Zimbabwe kuti vave ne runyararo voona kuti vhoti yavo ichaveregwa muviki inotevera

Mirira ramangwana remwanawako nekuvhotera mutungamiri achaunza Gutsaruzhinji musi wa27 June 2008

YANGUVA YEMUTSAUKO

MELA UMNTANAKHO

Ukhetho selubuye lwedlula, ngakho iWOZA yethulela isigqoko kumaZimbabwe ahambe ayavota ngokuthula langesineke elibelaso lilinde iZEC ukuze ilungise izenzo zayo. Sekwedlule iviki singelampumela ngakho ke sithanda ukutshela iZEC ukuthi ingasijwayeli, inengi lethu sivote sikhonona sisazi ukuthi impumela ingatshontshwa. Abezombangazwe bayasongelana bethethisana lona ilizwe lisifa. Ngicela ugxile ingqondo yakho ngekusasa yomntanakho obumfisela yona nxa ubala lapha. Cabanga ukuthi abantwabakho benzani? Bangabe besesikolo bephatheke ezifundweni njalo befunda kuhle mhlawumbe balele ematafuleni esikolo baswele ababalisi? Bangabe befolele amanzi mhlawumbe badinga inkuni? Mhlawumbe bakhatshana emazweni? Kungabe kuyikufisa  kwakho lokho okwenzeka kumntanakho na? Bengaqhubeka bethumbe impumela yokhetho akulahulumende omutsha esizamthola sifune inhlalakahle kazulu esifaneleyo, kuze kube nini silinde impumela yokhetho thina vele sesabona okwakulotshwe emnyango yokuvotela njalo siyazi kamhlophe ukuthi savotela inguquko. Ngeviki eliphelileyo uzulu usebenzise ivoti ukukhuluma kuzwakale – kodwa ukukhwaza kukazulu kwenziwa ize. Lamhlanje yilo ilanga lokutshengisela ngokuthula sikhumbuza iZEC labozombangazwe ukuthi THINA abavoti yithi abanini bokhetho njalo THINA asisoze sibavumele benze santando ngevoti yethu. Senze isinqumo ngo X njalo kumele sihlonitshwe.

Umntwana ongakhaliyo ufela embelekweni.

UMNTANAKHO UKHANGELELE UKUTHI WENZE NGOKUTHULA ISENZO ESIZAVIKELA IVOTI NJALO SIKHULULE IMPUMELA.

Lamhlanje lithuba lokuqhubeka ngomzabalazo wokufuna ukuqondiswa kwamagobo kwezenhlalakahle kanye lokuzothisa uzulu weZimbabwe.

Ivoti lethu ngeviki ephelileyo, bekungenye indlela yokukhumbuza inkokheli ukuthi sifuna njalo kumele sibelenhlalakahle, engachasiswa kuthiwa yindlela enika abantu ukulingana, amathuba afanayo, ukufinyelela ezomnotho, amasiko, inkolo lokuphatheka kwezombangazwe kungakhathalekile umbala, umhlobo, ukudalwa kwakho lokunye nje ukubadlululwa.
Sithe sisiyavota sikhetha inkokheli ezintsha besifisa lokhu. Sifuna inkokheli ezizaqakathekisa okulandelayo:
·    Ukuthola amalungelo eneleyo kwezomnotho, ezamasiko, ezombangazwe lokuhlalisana kukazulu
·    Ukulingana komuntu wonke okugoqela ukulingana kwemihlobo
·    Ukuhlonipha amalungelo oluntu, okugoqela omama labantwana
·    Inkululeko egoqela ezokukhuluma, ukubuthana lobudlelwane
·    Ukuhlonipha lokubekezela amasiko lezenkolo ezehlukeneyo
·    Ukubaluleka lokwelusa indlela inkokheli ezisebenza ngayo, njalo zifeze izinqumo zikazulu
·    Ukuphathisa okulinganayo kwezombangazwe
·    Ukwethulwa kwemithetho okulinganayo lokufinyelela, ukwahlulelwa okusobala lokwazi  lokuzwisisa umthetho
·    Ukuqondisa amagobo, ukuhlukuluzwa okwadlulayo okunjengo Murambatsvina le Gukurahundi
·    Inhlalakahle yabantu
·    Ukuthola imfundo eyeneliswa nguzulu
·    Ukuthola ukudla okwaneleyo njalo esikwenelisayo
·    Ukuthola izindlu ezanelisekayo ezilamagetsi, izambuzi lamanzi ahlanzekileyo
·    Ukuthola okweneleyo kwezempilakahle lokwelatshwa lama ARVs
·    Ukwabelana umhlabathi ovundileyo ngokufanayo lokokulimisa lokubangumnini wawo
·    Amathuba alinganayo kwezomsebenzi, kwezokuziphilisa lokuthola iholo elenelayo ukuthi uziphilise
·    Ukuthuthukisa kwezakhiwo lokuthola okokuhambisa okweneliswa nguzulu
·    Ukusebenzisa ezemvelo ngonanzelelo langemfanelo

SingamaZimbabwe sifuna inhlalakahle esihlala  sikhuluma ngayo kodwa singayithola nxa sizimisele ukusukuma siyifune kunkokheli zethu. Qalisa lamhlanje.

Khathesi yisikhathi sokubopha ziqine umele ikusasa yomntanakho.