Mela Umntanakho Ngo 2008

U2008 uqale ngokwenyuka kwenhlawulo yemali yesikolo okwedluliseyo. Zithe zivalwa nyakenye izikolo bekulababalisi abathize,ingwalo zokubala phose bezingekho njalo inengi lezifundi zihlale phansi emakhaya ngoba zingenelisi inhlawulo zesikolo ebezisenyuka njalonje. Lonyaka akulabungcono ilizwe lifahlakele lanxa ulemali yakho kawufinyeleli ukuyithola,uthi lanxa usuyiphethe ofuna ukukuthenga kunzima ukutholakala. Akukho okusijabulisayo empilweni njalo kumbalwa okungasenza sibobotheke, kodwa abantwana sivame ukubathola bebobotheka njalo behleka bajabula nje ngoba bayazi ukuthi kulomuntu obathandayo njalo ozabanakekela. Inengi labazali liyazinikela kanzima ukuze abantwababo bafunde. Kwamanye amazwe kulicala ukungahambisi umntanakho esikolo abazali abehluleka ukwenza lokho bazithola besentolongweni, kodwa eZimbabwe umumo ubenza bengenelisi ukupha ilungelo elimqoka lemfundo kubantwababo.

Uhulumende wethu,onguhulumende ‘wabazali’ lalaba abazithi bangabalweli benkululeko, bayazi kamhlophe ukuthi impi yaliwa kulezithembiso, esinye ‘ESEMFUNDO YAMAHALA KUZENGA LEMFUNDO YAPHANSI’. Igazi lachitheka ukuze lesisithembiso sifezeke. Kulokuthi sikholise izithelo zempi yenkululeko, sibone nyakenye inhlawulo yezikolo isenyuka ngenkulungwane ekhulwini (1000%), lonyaka siqala futhi ngokwenyukiswa kwenhlawulo zesikolo ngezigidi lezigidi zamadola. Uhulumende uthi kasenelisi ukukhangela indleko zesikolo kanye lokuhlawula iholo lababalisi kumele inhlawulo ikhokhwe ngabazali. Kanti ilizwe alisela mali na? Nxa kunjalo kungani kulemali yokuhlawula (amapholisa agqoke ezabo) amaCIO ukuze benze ingqe yini, kuziphathamandla zikahulumende zona kasikhulumi bahamba ngamanzi ezimota ezinhle okwamagama? Kanti eyabo imali yokwenza santando bayithola ngaphi njalo kungani limali le ingaphiwa isikhwama sezemfundo ukuze isithembiso semfundo yamahala yezenga laphansi sigcwaliseke?

Izenga lemfundo yethu kayisanakekelwa iyekelwa ibhidlika nje bengagqize qhakala njalo ikusasa yabantwabethu isibengumnikelo kukhuselwa abafuna amandla ezombangazwe sikhuluma ngequla elilenkohlakalo, elingela zwelo,amasela ezinakekela wona kuphela. Singaqhubeka sithule sisekela betshontsha ikusasa yabantwabethu na?

Kungaba yinto enhle na? Ukuthi abazali baqhubeke besekela ngamavoti abezombangazwe abatshontshe ithemba lamaphupho abantwabethu? Inengi labantwabethu seliziphilisa ngendlela ezingalunganga ezinjengokutshontsha lokuthengisa imzimba yabo njalo inengi labo lidela amakhaya liyekhatshana kwamanye amazwe baze bafe bebodwa bengela zihlobo labangane.

Kuliphupho lomzali wonke ukuthi abantwabakhe babe lekusasa enhle – ukuthi bazakhula kuhle beqinile,bejabula,bandise umdeni wakwabo baphumelele empilweni bamondle laye nxa esekhokhoba. Ngesikhathi sempi yenkululeko sathenjiswa imfundo yamahala kuzenga laphansi ngoba sasifuna ukuthi ilizwe lonke libe ngelifundileyo. Ngakhoke ukwekela izenga lemfundo libhidlike kulicala – kuze kube nini sidubeka ngokona kukahulumende lo? Batshontsha ikusasa yethu okufana xathu lokutshontsha impilo zethu.

Manje sekuyisikhathi sokuthi sibophe ziqine simele ikusasa yabantwabethu lekusasa yethu

Asikhumbuleni amazwi ahlakaniphileyo abokhokho bethu – ikhotha eyikhothayo – ngakhoke mondle angakhula uzakondla lawe.

Amanye amazwi ahlakaniphileyo athi intandela yobulembu obunengi buyasibopha nko isilo sesilwane. Asifundeni inhlakanipho kubokhokho bethu – nxa singamanyana singabuyisa ikusasa yabantwabethu endleleni eqondileyo.

IWOZA iyalimema ukuthi lihlanganele lathi ekumeleni ikusasa yabantwabethu.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it. Rabindranath Tagore

 Still standing strong for our children
– a Mother’s Day message from WOZA

As Mothers Day draws near, we, the mothers of the nation, have examined our existence and that of our children and decided that enough is enough. We are deeply concerned about the current political impasse. The collapse of the schooling and health systems need to be urgently addressed by a new government but these issues are being ignored due to the election impasse. We cannot keep on waiting however; our lives are at stake. We voted in peace on 29 March but we are being punished for choosing to vote for a change.

Behind the fist
The ‘fist’ is the trademark of Robert Mugabe. We have seen how this fist works. 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 Mugabe’s hatred of Ndabaningi Sithole. In 2000, Mugabe launched violent land invasions to punish Zimbabweans who refused his constitutional amendments, and we are still paying the price of hunger today. In 2005, Operation Murambatsvina was designed to quell rising dissent and support for the Movement for Democratic Change after the 31 March 2005 election. When he saw the true results of the March 29 election he launched Operation MaVhoterapapi (where have you voted).

Mhosva haitongwi nekurwa – to use violence is to admit defeat

Recognising WOZA’s role as human rights defenders, we therefore call on Robert Mugabe to immediately hand over power to the winner of the presidential election, Morgan Tsvangirai. Mugabe as the leader of a so-called ‘liberation war party’ has failed to deliver social justice. The heroes who lie buried at Heroes Acres and in unmarked graves in surrounding countries died for this ideal – one man one vote.

We do not want a presidential election run-off because this will result in more violence as we campaign for the candidate of our choice. There can be no free and fair environment in any district of the country at present with violence as it is.

In preparation for the run off, it seems Zanu PF have made moves to ‘starve’ any supporters of the pro-democracy activists. WOZA members report being unable to buy mealie meal if they do not produce a Zanu PF card. Many supermarkets now form two queues one for Zanu PF members which is serviced and another queue whose occupants go home empty handed.

We ask the real war veterans to help us stop the violence and speak out against those perpetrating the violence in their name. We know ‘war veterans’ met villagers in Mukuwa, Matabeleland South and told them – “we are declaring war”. Is this why they ordered weapons from China? To kill ordinary Zimbabweans who simply want a better life and the full realisation of the liberation war promises?

Induku kayakhi muzi – fighting does not build a home; war does not build a nation

We call on the uniformed forces to realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. 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.

As mothers we advise that during this period, Zimbabweans must remain calm but committed to making their vote count. This is a time for courage and also a time for humility. It is in this spirit that we call on the Chief Election Officer, Lovemore Sekeramayi, to use his powers under the 5th Schedule of the Electoral Act, to declare the candidate with the ‘greatest number of votes’ the winner forthwith. He knows who won fair and square and should declare Morgan Tsvangirai the winner. Our lives depend on his courage and sense of decency.

We also call on SADC, the African Union and United Nations to show their solidarity for the people and respect that Zimbabweans have already chosen a new president and that their vote should count. The current government are trying to subvert the laws of the land and allowing Mugabe to stay in power when he lost the election.

Change will come. The people’s voices will be heard and respected.
We just need to keep standing strong.

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WOZA would like to thank the South African Transport and Allied Worker’s Union (SATAWU) for their solidarity in refusing to offload the weapons that the government has bought to kill us with from the Chinese ship of death. The continued support from the International Transport Workers Federation and the promised solidarity from the Angolan transport union are also appreciated. Amandla ngawethu!

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We would like to salute the courage of those Zimbabweans who refuse to be cowed by violent bullies and who continue to stand up for what is right. Special mention should be made of Tabitha Marume who was shot in the stomach by CIO agent, Daniel Romeo Mutsunguma, who is based at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Washington DC.

A true shero, Tabitha had been part of a group of seven MDC activists who had walked to a torture camp to demand the release of their colleagues who had been abducted by soldiers.

Her courage in the face of hatred and violence inspired over 10,000 villagers in Makoni West to attend her funeral, despite threats made against them.

Sister Tabitha, may your soul rest in eternal peace.

WOZA would also like to salute all the others that have lost their lives for believing that a better tomorrow is possible.
Your names will be remembered. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

FOURTEEN members appeared yesterday morning, 26th August, before Magistrate Doris Shomwe in Harare Magistrate’s Court. They had been arrested near the Zambian Embassy in Harare on 28 May 2008, where they were to hand over a petition to the SADC chair calling for an end to post-election violence.

Magistrate Shomwe allowed the state’s application for the trial to be postponed to 15 October 2008 on grounds that the prosecutor, Zvekare, who was familiar with the case, had fallen ill and could not be in court.

Harrison Nkomo, the defence lawyer, had requested that the group be removed off remand on the grounds that the state was obviously not prepared as they had failed to deliver the court papers by 18th August as promised and the continued appearances in court were prejudicial to the accused. He also argued that the state had not provided any evidence that Zvekare was actually ill, what he was suffering from and how long he had been ill for.

The replacement prosecutor Kaka had the activists speechless with his antics. He insisted that the state was ready to proceed and could immediately hand over copies of the docket but when the defence followed him to his office following the hearing; it became apparent that the docket is not complete.

Just another day in a politicised court system. WOZA look forward to the day there will be a democratic transition in Zimbabwe that results in the judiciary and police being depoliticised so that long-harassed human rights defenders can access a just and fair legal system.

WOZA members arrest themselves in solidarity outside ZESA headquaters in Harare

61 of the 65 members, including juveniles, arrested outside ZESA headquarters in Harare earlier today have been released without charge. Four members, Jenni Williams, Magodonga Mahlangu, Clara Manjengwa and Celina Madukani, remain in custody and will spend the night in cells. They are being charged with participating in an illegal gathering.

Please continue to call Harare Central Police Station on (+263 4) 777777 or (+263 4) 736931 or (+263 4) 725803 or (+263 4) 733033 or (+263 4) 721212 to demand that the WOZA activists be taken to court tomorrow and that they not be mistreated in custody.

Watch footage from the demonstration here: clip-21

“This year, the International Day of Peace takes on special meaning. This is the year we also mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We know that human rights are essential to peace… There is so much to unite around on this International Day of Peace. I call on world leaders and peoples around the world to join forces against conflict, poverty and hunger, and for all human rights for all.” United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon

21 September is the International Day of Peace OUR THEME: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
We want ACTION; we want a new GOVERNMENT that will deliver food, electricity and water NOW. Mothers of the Nation, ARISE and demand a liveable peace for yourselves and your children.

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WOZA has consulted members on their views about the ‘Deal‘, which we shall hereafter refer to as the ‘document’, because at the moment it is just a document – full of promise but for the moment words without meaning. As we commemorate International Day of Peace, we await news of the implementation of the power-sharing agreement signed by ZANU PF and the two MDC formations. According to article 25 of the document, it was supposed to enter into force immediately after it was signed. We expected parliament to have been called and a new government to already be working to address our urgent needs – but nothing has happened to date despite the fact that it was signed on 15 September, the first United Nations International Day of Democracy.

There have been conflicting opinions and media reports on how and when a new government will be formed. There is still an air of uncertainty about how it will work. There are delays in resolving these issues, and the provisions of the agreement will not be legally binding until they have been translated into constitutional amendments or changes in existing legislation.

As to the content of the document, we are waiting to see if they were serious when they wrote this sentence: “to build a democratic and just, inclusive society free of fear, violence, patronage, corruption and to ensure a better life for all Zimbabweans.

We note with interest the issues highlighted in the document – calls for an end to violence, respect for human rights and freedoms of expression and assembly, economic and social justice, security sector reform, constitutional reforms and national healing. Issues that WOZA members have been beaten and arrested for demanding.

We also await the day when there are fair and just courts to prosecute perpetrators when they are charged. See Article 18.5 (c) that the Government shall apply the laws of the country fully and impartially in bringing all perpetrators of politically motivated violence to book.

Whilst we welcome the constant references to gender equality, we recognise that these references are an attempt to silence our criticism that we were left out as women and their views were not represented at the negotiating table. We wait to see if they actually implement all the gender equality they talk about.

The only mention that Zimbabwe faces economic problems is contained in Paragraph 5, in which the parties commit themselves to “arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of our economy”. During this crisis we have seen wealth owned by the Zimbabwean people looted and resources sold cheaply to others. We are concerned that the spirit of the document is phrased to allow the political leadership of ZANU to get off the hook. The wording gives too much importance to the ZANU PF propaganda and lies about the cause of economic decay being ‘western imperialists’ and their ‘sanctions’. The document is therefore based on a false picture. Much of the blame belongs to the ZANU PF ruling elite, they have looted our wealth and even today, they are stealing the food out of our mouths.

We are a traumatised nation urgently in need of national healing. The first step will be to see the perpetrators of violence being arrested and charged. We, mothers of the nation, lived through the Lancaster House ceasefire, which did not deliver the promises of the liberation war. There was no national healing programme. We lived through the massacres in Matabeleland and Midlands leading to the 1987 Unity Deal, which swallowed the opposition ZAPU and disgraced the ideal of one-man-one-vote. There was still no justice and national healing.

This time, we cannot allow Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara to get away without a full consultative programme of national healing and justice and delivering on the promises in the document. There is a saying – once bitten, twice shy – will this happen again?

We would like to renew our call to the uniformed forces to realise that there is no peace in the absence of justice. Respect the agreement and refrain from being used to perpetrate violence and to carry out injustices. 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. We will also be watching to see what actions the police will take when we conduct our demonstrations.

Mahatma Ghandi advises us: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

WOZA is therefore confident that Zimbabweans, through a coordinated campaign by civic groups, churches and unions, will fully participate in a national healing programme. We will also fully participate in mobilising for a people-driven constitutional process and implementation. The agreement provides an opportunity for our demands in our People’s Charter to be addressed, so that the nation can enjoy social justice. WOZA members are fully committed to making the dream of a new Zimbabwe into a living reality.

The Agreement also promises:

“a shared determination to uphold, defend and sustain … national unity… a nation where all citizens respect and, therefore, enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper in all spheres of life.”

“our shared commitment to re-orient our attitudes towards respect for the Constitution and all national laws, the rule of law, observance of Zimbabwe’s national institutions, symbols and national events.”

“the rights of all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events freely without let or hindrance.”

“accepting and acknowledging that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrimination and respect of all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of origin or birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance.”

“a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.”

“the historical obligation and need to reach a solution that will allow us to put Zimbabwe first and give the people a genuine chance of rebuilding and reconstructing their livelihoods.”

“7.1:c) shall give consideration to the setting up of a mechanism to properly advise on what measures might be necessary and practicable to achieve national healing, cohesion and unity in respect of victims of pre and post independence political conflicts.”

“12: undertake training programmes, workshops and meetings for the police and other enforcement agencies directed at the appreciation of the right of freedom of assembly and association and the proper interpretation, understanding and application of the provisions of security legislation.”

14: call upon traditional leaders not to engage in partisan political activities at national level as well as in their communities.”

16: In times of need, every Zimbabwean regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion is entitled to request and receive humanitarian and food assistance from the State.”

“18: Gravely concerned by the displacement of scores of people after the election of March 29, 2008 as a result of politically motivated violence…”

It is these words that made us choose our theme: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS We want ACTION; we want a new GOVERNMENT that will deliver FOOD, ELECTRICITY and WATER NOW. Mothers of the Nation, ARISE and demand a liveable peace for yourselves and your children.

Woza Moya – WOZA

Indira Gandhi once said, “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” Was she talking about Zanu PF?

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE TO:

1. PRINCIPALS: Robert Mugabe/Arthur Mutambara/Morgan Tsvangirai
2. Mediation Team led by Thabo Mbeki
3. Southern African Development Community Chairman/President South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe
4. African Union Chairman/ Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete

Dear Sirs,
WE DECLARE A NATIONAL DISASTER AND DEMAND FOOD FOR ALL ZIMBABWEANS

You all signed an agreement on 15 September 2008 with lots of taxpayer’s money being used to feed all the delegates. Now you are meeting again and spending lots of money feeding the same people all over again, they sleep with full stomachs while our children starve. You said this was an ‘African solution to African problems’ but Africans are dying slow and painful deaths through starvation. You wrote in your deal that you were gravely concerned but these were empty words. Today we have lost patience. We demand FOOD, SEED and FERTILISER; this is now a national disaster. Zimbabweans both in rural areas and in the city are starving, the rains are coming but we have nothing to plant.

In the agreement preamble it states that you are “CONCERNED about the well-being of our people”. THESE WORDS ARE EMPTY JUST LIKE OUR STOMACHS.

You said you “ACKNOWLEDGE the sacrifices made by thousands of Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination and determined to accept, cherish and recognise the significance of the Liberation Struggle as the foundation of our sovereign independence, freedoms and human rights.”

IS STARVATION THE WAY YOU ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SACRIFICES? WHEN WILL YOU SACRIFICE POWER FOR THE LOVE OF THE SUFFERING PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE?

You agreed “COMMITTING ourselves to putting our people and our country first by arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of our economy.”

You have put yourselves first and us last! Inflation is in the billions, the economy has collapsed. We are being told to buy food in Rand currency and yet we live in Zimbabwe. Even if we have money in the bank, we cannot get cash and it is even more impossible for us to get foreign currency. What happened to your commitment? Did Police misunderstand the word ‘arrest’ and put ‘Living standards’ in jail thinking it is the name of an opposition activist?

You said “RESPECTING the rights of all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events freely without let or hindrance.”

We are therefore demanding a national food relief programme. How many more Zimbabweans must die before you act? We are human beings needing a balanced diet and cannot survive on green vegetables like animals. We have lost patience with your kind of ‘African solution’. THIS IS A NATIONAL DISASTER AND WE DEMAND FOOD FOR ALL ZIMBABWEANS NOW.

Woza Moya
Signed by WOZA members for the people of Zimbabwe

P.S. If Police officers arrest us or beat us as we make our demand, you must take it as another sign of your empty promises for a violence free Zimbabwe and an unfortunate African solution to silence and disrespect citizens.

Refugee Seven:

The Refugee Seven appeared on 6th January 2010. They were due to hear the magistrate’s ruling on whether they could be removed off remand whilst their case is being heard before the Supreme Court. The ruling was not ready however and so the group was further remanded to 12th January. On the 12th, the magistrate was not available and so the group was again further remanded to 25th January. On the 25th, the magistrate finally gave her ruling, denying the activists the right to be removed off remand. They were further remanded to 25th February 2010.

Williams and Mahlangu:

The duo had appeared in Bulawayo Magistrates Court on 18th December 2009 but Magistrate Msipa was not ready with her ruling on whether the pair could be removed off remand. They were further remanded to 21st December. On the 21st, she refused the request to remove the activists off remand saying that they had brought the delay upon themselves by taking a challenge to the Supreme Court. The pair was further remanded to 24th February 2010.

At the beginning of the year, defense lawyer, Kossam Ncube made an urgent application to the High Court for Magistrate Mspia to be reviewed, claiming that her ruling as being ‘anter-alia grossly unreasonable and irregular‘. A copy of this application can be found in the legal documents folder.

The 10-day waiting period elapsed without the state responding to the application. It was passed unopposed on 28th January 2010 and an order for the activists to be removed off remand was issued.

WOZA is delighted that Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu have finally been removed off remand in a case that has been ongoing since 16 October 2008 but are concerned that the ruling from the Supreme Court has still not been received.

Magistrate Charity Maphosa denied bail to Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu today in Bulawayo Magistrate’s Court claiming that it would not be in the best interests of justice. The defence will lodge an urgent appeal to the High Court.

Maphosa stated in her ruling that there was not enough evidence to assert that Jenni Williams did not reside at her given address as claimed by the state but that there were pending cases against the two. As such, she maintained that they had not been honest when asked in court if they had any pending cases against them. All legal practitioners asked by WOZA however state categorically that if a case has been removed off remand, it is no longer pending. As such, neither Jenni Williams nor Magodonga Mahlangu have any pending cases against them.

Maphosa also stated in her ruling that as there were four cases with similar charges ‘pending’ against the two it was likely that they would commit similar offences again (even though the section of the Criminal Procedures and Evidence Act that she cited in her ruling only makes mention of violent crimes). She noted the political climate that is gripping the country and claimed that in such a climate ‘people are easily excitable’ and could be moved to violence if they saw such a demonstration. With this statement, the true reason for the denial of bail is clear. Once again ZANU PF has demonstrated that is determined to cling to power whatever the cost.

WOZA condemns the ruling of Magistrate Maphosa. We view it as further evidence that the judiciary has been politicised and that the power-sharing talks currently underway in Harare are a hollow sham. We call for the immediate release of Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu.

We remain committed to demanding social justice for all Zimbabweans regardless of the personal cost however and stand by the demands that led to Williams and Mahlangu being arrested. Zimbabweans are dying. They are being starved to death by a government that does not care for anything except power. We are in a national crisis and we need food aid now. We therefore appeal to our brothers and sisters in the SADC region to help break the political impasse so that Zimbabweans can get the food we so desperately need.

Useful telephone numbers:

Bulawayo Central Police Station: +263 9 72515/61706/63061/68078

Mlondolozi Prison: +263 9 64228

Bulawayo Attorney General’s Office: +263 9 77651/61603

Harare Attorney General’s Office: +263 4 781769/774586

Bulawayo Public Prosecutor: + 263 9 63173

WOZA’s lawyers have finally been given a hearing in their appeal to the High Court against Magistrate Charity Maphosa denying Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu bail. The matter will be heard before Judge Ndou at 2.30pm this afternoon, 5th November. Despite it being an urgent application, the High Court has taken over a week to give a hearing date.

In the meantime, worrying reports have been received from Mlondolozi that Jenni and Magodonga have been separated and that Magodonga has been put in the same cell as mental health patients. As well as serving as a remand prison, Mlondolozi also houses convicted prisoners and mental health patients that have committed crimes. The apparent cause of this separation is that prison authorities believe the pair to be homosexual because Jenni was observed massaging medicated gel into the injuries Magodonga received when she was beaten.

Jenni Williams and Magodonga were finally released from Mlondolozi Prison at 9:30 am today, three weeks to the day they were arrested. Their bail had been paid yesterday evening but prison authorities would not allow them to be released, saying the prison administration was closed and it too late.

They are in fair health, suffering from lice infections and needing to visit the doctor but otherwise okay.

They bring with them horror stories of prison conditions and treatment in both Bulawayo (Grey Street) and Mlondolozi Prisons. For the first two weeks, the activists were in the remand cell in Yard One, which is according to prison regulations. Their treatment took a bad turn last week Wednesday when Magodonga was moved into the yard inhabited by dangerous prisoners, both on remand and convicted. Yard Two also accommodates 15 mental health patients. She was put in a cell with a patient that is allowed to wander around naked and was moved from Ingutsheni Mental Health Hospital for murder. She was unable to sleep at night due to the antics of this and other patients.

The extreme hunger experienced by most prisoners means that even orange peels and the scraps on dirty plates are fought over. There is also no privacy for the female prisoners. Male prison guards are allowed to wander around the female prison and can see into washing facilities. Prisoners in Yard Two are also stripped naked every day for inspection by prison officers as they are locked down. At least three minors (aged 15 and 16) were being kept in the same cell as Williams.

Williams and Mahlangu will appear for a routine remand in Bulawayo Magistrate’s Court on Monday 10th November.

WOZA is delighted that the state’s petty attempt to pervert justice has finally been overruled and looks forward to challenging these farcical charges. WOZA would also like to thank Kossam Ncube and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights for their support and their determination to secure the release of Jenni and Magodonga.

Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu would also like to thank everyone who lobbied for their release, sent messages of solidarity and kept them in their thoughts and prayers. Solidarity from friends inside the country and around the world went a long way to ensuring that their time in Mlondolozi Prison was made more bearable. They are in good spirits and looking forward to continuing the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe.