SITUATION ROOM Press statement 2pm 1st August 2013
The Matabeleland Situation Room comprising more than 20 organisation collaborated to observe and monitor the 2013 Election processes wish to declare our initial observations and findings. At the onset we expressed concern that the chaos that prevailed during the registration and special voting processes could have been organised chaos. Our observation teams worked around the clock to collect voter views on the election process and reported high number of voters turned away, assisted without clear reason. Alternatively a high number of people were chased away for not appearing on the voters roll. There were serious discrepancies at different polling stations as for the same reason that some voters were turned away others were allowed to vote.

By 15hrs yesterday, in a sample of 28 Bulawayo polling stations, approximately 1,147 registered voters had been turned away. This figure gives an indication of a possible trend in other parts of the country.

Many other polling irregularities were reported. Ballot papers ran out in many polling stations and people were unable to vote as a result, e.g. Spitzkop and Jacaranda in ward 3 Gwanda. These polling stations then closed early at 2pm with voters being told to come back in 3 hours. They then miraculously managed to get all potential voters to vote from 10pm to midnight when ballot papers came in. This stock out was a result of an unequal supply or ballot papers. Many polling stations ran out or council ballots with some areas reporting that people carried on voting with the remaining ballot for presidential and members of parliament.

Approximately 150 police officers, very youthful looking and in brand new uniforms were seen being loaded into 5 (five) Mazda B22 and one T-35 trucks at Drill hall in Bulawayo. They all had luggage indicating that they were either being deployed to sleep somewhere or had already slept somewhere.

Sightings of hundreds of uniformed police and plain clothed with special voting slips at many polling stations – Chief Assembly Hall in Ntabazinduna Umguza Constituency Ward 5, Makokoba Stanley Hall Ward 7, Llewellyn Primary School, in Llewellyn Barracks. However it has remained unclear as to if they were crossed off on the voters roll or granted voting access by the waiting slip.

Additionally, we believe that such large numbers of uniformed personnel at any given polling station is intimidating for voters who still bear memories if police brutality during the 2008 election.

Further information came from Thelamanzi Kiosk Polling Station in Ward 16 Umzingwane that groups of youth were chanting Zanu PF slogans within 50 meters of the polling station were and threatening retribution if Zanu PF lost the election. This intimidated voters.

In the initial analysis, we feel that the Election cannot be judged on the 31st July 2013 alone or on the ballots cast or the peaceful day but must be judged on the whole process from Constitutional Court judgement day to the day we get the final results. It must also be judged on the millions of Zimbabweans both young and old, uniformed or in civilian garb who did not manage to access their right to register and vote.

31 July 2013 Situation Room Press Statement – 2pm
Voting Issues (voting irregularities, voter integrity, identification issues)
I. Special Voting issues-Chief Assembly Polling Station, Umguza: About 400—500 uniformed and plain clothes police in queues as special voters, possible intimidation and slowing down process
II. Gwanda Ward 1: Police in the queue but do not appear on voter’s roll
III. Stanley Hall and St. Patricks Primary School: Separate queues for Special Voters, slowing down the voting process.
IV. Voters Registration identity details appearing in more than 1 ward’s voters’ roll, thus risks of double voting
V. Registered Voters turned away for various reasons; not appearing on the voters’ roll among other issues. Magwegwe Creche most registered voters were turned away for not appearing on the voters’ roll, issue resolved at around 0900hrs
VI. Inkuba Pry School in Nkayi North, voting proceeding but no means to check Special Voters and Ink detector without batteries
VII. KoDlamini, Mbuhulu, Tsholotsho 100 people voted by 1000hrs; 4 people turned away, 1 registered in another ward and the other 3 without proof of registration.

ZEC staffing Issues
I. Unverified: Umguza Ward 19 Nyamandlovu Primary school, polling officers teaching people to vote behind the polling booth
II. Voting very slow at Mhali Primary School with one copy of Voters’ Roll and voters are surprised at the number of elderly people in the queue who have not brought their own assistants thus having to be assisted, Mazwi primary school in Magwegwe and Paddonhurst Centre.

Polling Station Administration (opening/closing times)
I. Hlangabeza Secondary Sch, Nkayi South: Ink has not yet arrived, voting not yet started as at 0900hrs
II. Number 1 Iminyela Polling Station, Ward 12 Helemu Primary School opened were delayed, Pelandaba Hall opened at 7.30am, Makokoba opened at 7.15am at JB Shopping Centre.
III. Sengezane polling station in Gwanda central – ballot boxes and ballot booths were not on site by 6.30am.
IV. Ntepe, Gwanda central ward 14 no ballot boxes at polling station at 6am
V. Polling stations varying in terms of lengths of queues. Some polling stations with long queues some with short queues within the same constituency. (issue of inadequate advertising of polling stations)
VI. Datata primary school in ward 2 Gwanda – police officer inside polling station at 7.43am.
VII. There are two voting points at Amhlophe high school and polling station opened at 7.30am. 6 police officers outside polling station.
VIII. Filabusi primary school polling station opened late at 7.30am.
IX. Newton West at Jocks supermarket polling station. First person to vote at 7.20am.
X. Lighting in Tents: Northend and Tshabalala Extension, Joks Tent in Newton West – it is dark inside the tent.

Security Issues (intimidation issues, harassments, fear and tension)
I. Many polling stations report police officer inside the polling stations, e.g Datata Pry Sch in Gwanda, Ward 2, Bulawayo Ingubo Pry Sch A, Ward 2
Positive Issues
I. Nkankezi primary school polling station in lobengula ward 14 opened at 7am. Ballot papers were there by 7am. All party polling agents present. Polling officials 95 men and 5 women)
II. Magwegwe ward 29 opened at 7am.
III. Elderly people being assisted by people of their choice

Other Issues
I. Posters within 50m radius of polling stations, e.g Ntshamathe Pry, @ 0715 posters not yet removed from about 50m from polling station gate. Insiza beer garden posters were removed after 7.00am under police supervision.
II. Council Candidates for Gwanda ward 1 and ward 10 reportedly denied time to analyze voters’ roll on the 30th of July, 2013
III. Some political parties with more than one agent in each polling station, e.g. in a polling station in Nketa, 3 agents requested two to be inside and one to be ‘turned’ into an observer.

During 6 to 8th June 2012, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) national coordinator Jenni Williams attended international human rights experts meeting is Oslo, Norway hosted by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. Williams presented the story of WOZA and its mandate of peaceful protest and the brutality of the state in trampling upon the right to peaceful protest.

Amongst those attending were Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders of the Africa commission on human and people rights, Reine Alapini-Gansou; the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association, Maina Kai; on freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue; and on human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya.

The African Commission Special Rapporteur Reine Alapini-Gansou and the two United Nations Special Rapporteurs have since released statements as a result of the meeting.

The statement reads in part “everyone without discrimination should be free to participate in peaceful protests and no one should be subjected to threats or acts of violence for addressing human rights issues through peaceful protest.”  please see the following UN and African Commission press statements on link: Oslo statement FINAL   and Press release PEACEFUL PROTEST

AT noon on 12th September 300 members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were prevented from conducting a peaceful protest to The Chronicle in Bulawayo. Three small groups that managed to arrive at the Chronicle but were quickly dispersed by Riot Police with raised baton sticks. In 5 parts of the Central business district Riot Police were standing in groups of 4 carrying baton sticks and obviously ready to stop the protests as they began.

A block away, WOZA national coordinator, Jenni Williams was standing alone when 4 police officers surrounded her. One of these police officers had arrested Williams on 21 September 2011 while shopping in an Electrical shop. On that day, 30 minutes previously he had also arrested Magodonga Mahlangu. Both activists were then charged with Kidnap and Theft, charges that are still being prosecuted in 2012.

On the 12 September, he once again refused to give his name but asked, “Jennifer what are you planning here?”  To which Williams replied, “What are you doing here beating people?” The other police officers then started to lecture Williams on the need for WOZA to notify police before any protest. A legal argument ensured. One the officers then announced that the Officer Commanding of Bulawayo, Central Assistant chief Inspector Rangwani wanted to see Williams. The police officers then escort her to the station on foot.

As they began to walk, Magodonga Mahlangu arrived and asked Williams what was happening. It was at this point that a further legal argument ensued. Williams advised Mahlangu that it seemed she was under arrest. The officers said she was not but then refused to allow her to go and reschedule the meeting with the chief Inspector.

As the two arrived at the police station, eight members entered the station in solidarity bringing the number ‘arrested’ to 10. They were taken to the chief inspector Rangwani’s office and they were told he would be arriving shortly. Lawyers were deployed to represent the activists but were denied access. A two and a half hour circus then ensued with the activists being told they were being charged but some officers refusing to charge them, mentioning the letter of complaint filed the week before. The arresting officers then stage-managed the separation of Williams and Mahlangu from the other 8. The 8 and other activists outside were rounded up by a Riot squad and force marched to the bus terminus.

The WOZA leaders who were now back in the OC Rangwani office were still unable to access their lawyers. Finally two senior officers seated themselves in the OC chair and surprisingly asked the two if they had wanted a meeting with the OC. Williams then asked the whereabouts of OC Rangwani, the officers admitted he was on leave. The WOZA leaders then stood up and said, ‘as we are told we are not formally under arrest we are now leaving and will be submitting a further letter of complaint.” Williams then left her phone number for a meeting to be scheduled and the two activists walked out of the police station.

WOZA wish to draw attention to the disparate police response between the police at Parliament in Harare and the Bulawayo police. On 12 September it was obvious that the WOZA leaders were arrested to prevent their exercising their right to protest. This right is provided by constitutional law buttressed by Supreme Court ruling of 2010 after legal action taken by Williams and Mahlangu. ‘Once again police in Bulawayo have acted overzealously and acted to discriminate against WOZA members from Bulawayo which is regional and tribal discrimination.

See the complaint against the police at http://wozazim.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WOZA-complain-of-police-harrasment-ZRP-Jomic.pdf

AT noon on 12th September 300 members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were prevented from conducting a peaceful protest to The Chronicle in Bulawayo. Three small groups that managed to arrive at the Chronicle but were quickly dispersed by Riot Police with raised baton sticks. In 5 parts of the Central business district Riot Police were standing in groups of 4 carrying baton sticks and obviously ready to stop the protests as they began.

A block away, WOZA national coordinator, Jenni Williams was standing alone when 4 police officers surrounded her. One of these police officers had arrested Williams on 21 September 2011 while shopping in an Electrical shop. On that day, 30 minutes previously he had also arrested Magodonga Mahlangu. Both activists were then charged with Kidnap and Theft, charges that are still being prosecuted in 2012.

On the 12 September, he once again refused to give his name but asked, “Jennifer what are you planning here?”  To which Williams replied, “What are you doing here beating people?” The other police officers then started to lecture Williams on the need for WOZA to notify police before any protest. A legal argument ensured. One the officers then announced that the Officer Commanding of Bulawayo, Central Assistant chief Inspector Rangwani wanted to see Williams. The police officers then escort her to the station on foot.

As they began to walk, Magodonga Mahlangu arrived and asked Williams what was happening. It was at this point that a further legal argument ensued. Williams advised Mahlangu that it seemed she was under arrest. The officers said she was not but then refused to allow her to go and reschedule the meeting with the chief Inspector.

As the two arrived at the police station, eight members entered the station in solidarity bringing the number ‘arrested’ to 10. They were taken to the chief inspector Rangwani’s office and they were told he would be arriving shortly. Lawyers were deployed to represent the activists but were denied access. A two and a half hour circus then ensued with the activists being told they were being charged but some officers refusing to charge them, mentioning the letter of complaint filed the week before. The arresting officers then stage-managed the separation of Williams and Mahlangu from the other 8. The 8 and other activists outside were rounded up by a Riot squad and force marched to the bus terminus.

The WOZA leaders who were now back in the OC Rangwani office were still unable to access their lawyers. Finally two senior officers seated themselves in the OC chair and surprisingly asked the two if they had wanted a meeting with the OC. Williams then asked the whereabouts of OC Rangwani, the officers admitted he was on leave. The WOZA leaders then stood up and said, ‘as we are told we are not formally under arrest we are now leaving and will be submitting a further letter of complaint.” Williams then left her phone number for a meeting to be scheduled and the two activists walked out of the police station.

WOZA wish to draw attention to the disparate police response between the police at Parliament in Harare and the Bulawayo police. On 12 September it was obvious that the WOZA leaders were arrested to prevent their exercising their right to protest. This right is provided by constitutional law buttressed by Supreme Court ruling of 2010 after legal action taken by Williams and Mahlangu. ‘Once again police in Bulawayo have acted overzealously and acted to discriminate against WOZA members from Bulawayo which is regional and tribal discrimination.

See the complaint against the police at http://wozazim.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WOZA-complain-of-police-harrasment-ZRP-Jomic.pdf

Two hundred and fifty members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) marched in five separate protests at 2pm 10th September 2012 in Bulawayo. The march was to demand the release of the Copac draft constitution, calling for the second all stakeholders and referendum without any further delay. All five protests managed to reach the targeted destination which was The Chronicle newspaper. WOZA routinely target this state controlled paper in order to test if their protest and the issues will be covered. The peaceful protest brought 9th Avenue to a standstill with everyone attempting to photograph and encourage the activists to demand the draft constitution.
Although riot police were deployed they did not reach the 9th Avenue officers of the newspaper before the protest dispersed. WOZA is conducting a head count to ensure no arrests were made.

Meanwhile two members were ordered by the court to erase their graffiti did so at noon on 10th September 2012 along the Luveve road in Bulawayo. The two faced cruel and inhuman degrading treatment by law and order officers who were present. One of the police officers, Z. Moyo forced the two to remove their hats whilst and paint over the phrases in the blazing hot summer sun. They then made them remove other phrases not in the court order and threatened to make them remove more phrases during the afternoon. The prosecutor advised them that they were only to fulfil the order of the court for two phrases namely ‘no to a snap elect…’ and ‘go register to vote’.

Painting trial update

Nine members arrested during a graffiti road writing exercise on 2nd July 2012 have been sentenced in four separate trials held in Western Commonage Court in Bulawayo. Eight of the nine members were convicted and given harsh sentences with one being acquitted. The women spent three days in custody in Bulawayo central police station. The graffiti exercise was conducted to popularise the constitutional reform content. Members wrote phrases in non-permanent paint called ‘road liner’ paint but the magistrates found them guilty of ‘disfiguring property’ namely the tarmac road.

The charges were Section 47 (2) (d) of the Road Traffic Act 13:18 which reads “making marks on the road without a reasonable cause which is liable to a level 6 fine or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. They were defended by Paul Moyo a private lawyer deployed by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. Miriam Ngcebetsha and Ottilia Dube were ordered to remove their phrases at 11am Monday 10th of September before being sentenced on 12 September 2012. They will remove the phrases in the company of the prosecutor with traffic police officers stopping the traffic as they perform this sentence. They painted the phrases – ‘no to a snap elect…’ and ‘go register to vote’. The phrases are located in Matshobana (at the Rio bus stop/turn off) along the Luveve road after the flyover (6th ave ext).

Some of the phrases written on the road are “Devolution of power; No to death penalty; Fire Chihuri, Tomana and Mudede; Boycott snap election and go register to vote.” Many roads in Bulawayo and Harare still proudly carry these messages.

In the first week of August, just after the trials began, an unidentified police officer contacted WOZA to warn members to expect the worst from the trials. He said the Police Commissioner (Augustine Chihuri) was very unhappy with the audacity of WOZA to call for his firing defending himself by saying he was legitimately appointed by the president. The Police Commissioner is alleged to have ordered harsh sentences. Additionally the commissioner ordered that Law and Order department police officers attend every trial and report on progress. Apart from the obvious attendance by these police officers in court it was difficult to substantiate this order as the judiciary is supposed to be independent. However the handing down of the harsh sentences seems to confirm political interference. In further confirmation of political intervention, city council staff were deployed along the Khami road (11th Ave extension) to paint over the phrases to prevent the dignitaries driving that route from ‘seeing and reading’ the phrases.

Eunice Moyo, Mpikelelo Moyo and Teresia Phiri were given one month imprisonment or $100 fine. Their phrase is ‘no to death penalty’.

Sibongile Lumbile was sentenced to two months imprisonment, one month suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar crime, or $100 fine which she paid. Phrase which was incomplete is ‘Devolutior’ (she was arrested before she could finish writing the N in the word.

Catherine Dhliwayo was acquitted of all charges but Vigilant Lunga, Violet Dube who handed over their paint splattered clothes to investigating officers who brought these as exhibits, were sentenced to six months imprisonment, three months suspended for five years on condition that they will not commit the similar crime within that period or 105 hours of community services. Violet Dube will serve these hours at Western Commonage Court and Vigilant Lunga at the Western Commonage police station. They were also ordered to go and erase the phrase that they wrote on the road. Phrase is ‘Devolution of power’.

WOZA thank Mr. Paul Moyo and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights for legal defence. WOZA pray for a successful reduction of the harsh sentences from the High Court in the case of the four members who have submitted appeals.

WOZA wish to recognize the contribution of the members to furthering the constitution reform agenda. “You suffered the terrible conditions in the cells and harassment of police officers but won gender equality and many constitutional reform victories which are seen in the draft. May Zimbabweans appreciate your sacrifices when the draft constitution passes into law!”

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) members express concern the once again the word ‘election’ dominates the political rhetoric and that the Copac draft has once again become hostage to political posturing and egos. WOZA call for the immediate resumption of Constitutional reform processes leading to the second all stakeholders’ conference and the setting of a date for the referendum.

WOZA members provided their leadership with a mandate to begin a vote ‘yes’ campaign if their main requirements were included in the draft. Members also provided a mandate to conduct a boycott campaign for any elections conducted without significant reforms in place.

In June 2012 WOZA members were consultation on political and constitutional developments. Members estimated that they had lost confidence and trust in the MDC. Some members measured their level of trust at 45%. A result confirmed by recent Freedom House and MPOI surveys. Both MDC parties in the government, political analysts and academics must realise that there were no ‘undecided’ people, no people ‘fearful’ of disclosing their support in this sample. The people in the WOZA consultation were ordinary women – brave and blunt and giving the opposition a 45% trust rating.

As the MDCT launch their ‘YES’ campaign, they must be warned that WOZA is watching and listening. WOZA challenge the MDCT and MDC to push for additional reforms on the age limit for presidential candidates and further reduction of presidential powers. Additionally WOZA suggest the removal of the word ‘unitary’ in the preamble which describing the state and insertion of the word ‘devolved’.  Zimbabweans were clear that they no longer want a highly centralised unitary state.

Members also warned about the tendency of President Robert Mugabe to back track on agreements and this too has come to pass with ZANU PF refusing to respect their own signatures on the Copac draft and have practically rewritten their own draft. Once again ZANU PF pretends national interest whilst telling blatant lies.

WOZA members see their views in the draft and will not allow ZANU PF to misrepresent our views. WOZA have campaigned tirelessly for reforms and the victory ‘sweets’ cannot be stolen from our mouths.

The ‘victory sweets’ are represented by this content in the Copac draft.
a)    Free education and adult basic education.
b)    Gender equality specified in many sections and the removal of restrictions by traditional culture.
c)    President, cabinet, ministry permanent secretaries and all commissioners limited to two five year terms limit.
d)    A devolved system of government with some forms of elected officials and specified resource control.
e)    A more transparent sharing of power with the presidential running mates system.
f)    We have proportional representation which does bring a more democratically implemented.
g)    We got more democratic electoral systems and a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission with extended powers.
h)    Total abolishment of the Death penalty for women.
i)    Most political leaders in legislature, civic servants, security sector must no longer involve themselves in politics or be impartial.
j)    A National Peace Commission that will deal with transitional justice issues.
k)    A National Prosecuting Authority and reduced power for the Attorney General.
l)    An independent complaints commission so we can hold security sector accountable.
m)    An expanded bill of rights, including social, economic, political and cultural rights.
n)    The right to demonstrate and petition and rights to liberty more clearly defined.
o)    A non-discrimination clause and 16 official languages.
p)    Domestication of international instruments to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
q)    A  Constitutional and Electoral Court.

WOZA demand the immediate finalisation of second all stakeholders’ conference dates.  A transparent and accountable system to call for the second all stakeholders conference participation of all sectors of society and provision for inclusion of stakeholder input.

Members are also unhappy with the manner in which the Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to disrupt organisation activities and letters of complaint delivered to the police and to the Joint Operating and Monitoring Committee (Jomic) remain ignored. (See letter of complaint which is attached) WOZA complain of police harrasment ZRP Jomic

We demand that cabinet summon the Police Commissioner and instruct him to allow full and unfettered peaceful meetings and protests as an advance of section 4:24. This section is necessary part of the referendum preparation phase civic awareness work. If he is not prepared to allow citizens this space then we call for his immediate dismissal.

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) fully associate themselves with the statement made at the close of the Zimbabwe Learning Exchange Meeting Declaration of 28 August 2012 convened by the Action Support Centre. WOZA add their call for the opening up of space for the work of civic society as we move towards finalisation of our constitutional reform process.

We also call on the King Mswati and the Swaziland Police to allow all citizens the full enjoyment of freedoms of expression and assembly during the upcoming Global Week of Action on Swaziland.

The time has come for the people to people solidarity and WOZA members commit to active solidarity to their sisters and brothers in the region. It is in this spirit that we express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Marikana tragedy.

WOZA adopted a mandate to practice peaceful protest as human rights defenders committed to the principles of non violence and universality. For the last 10 years we have conducted protests on a range of issues, including partnering with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in their right to a decent wage. The Zimbabwe Republic Police response to the peaceful protests have been beatings, arrests torture and our activists are persecuted on a daily basis for their peaceful protest mandate.

As victims of police brutality and use of excessive force, WOZA are especially concerned that police officers within the region must be trained in response to protest situations and in the case of Marikana, in how they respond to violence without killing the innocently non violent.   We call on South African Police Commissioner general Riah Phiyega to follow the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation protocols. And further probe the role played by the two rival unions in this tragedy. The articles therein call for respect for human life and the use of force and torture. Article 8 calls for a police force that the public can trust and police officials who can be above reproach. These principles have been called into account by the wanton shooting of the miners. Additionally we wish to raise our concern at the national prosecuting authority bringing of murder charges against miners in custody.

WOZA wish to ring very loud alarm bells that the current events in South Africa could set unfortunate precedents for the repression of the right to expression and assembly. We also wish to remind South African of the inspirational examples they have shown us in removing apartheid through the use of non violent protest and boycotts.  It is unfortunate that some of the miners were carrying weapons that saw the initial slaying of 14 people including 2 police officers but still we do not condone the reaction of the police officers in the subsequent events. Some of these events inspired the formation of WOZA and its work to build a movement of committed social justice activists.

We pray our message will be heard by South Africans and other Southern African Development Community leaders and citizens.

Zimbabwe Learning Exchange Meeting Declaration  28 August 2012
A strong representative delegation of organisations from Mozambique, Swaziland, , South Africa and Zimbabwe and from respected organisations such as the ACTION Support Centre, Benchmarks, COSATU, Grace to Heal, Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice, UMSA, PROPAZ, , Restorative Justice, SCCCO, TUCOSWA, SUDF, WOZA, YIDEZ and ZCTU met in Harare, from 22-23 August 2012. The interconnections between civil and human rights and the rights of workers are at the centre of our collective purpose.

We deliberated on “Building and Strengthening People-to-People Solidarity in the Region”, focusing on analysing the Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement, reflections on the constitution making process, the implications of a contested constitutional referendum and an election process without a clear constitutional framework in place. Lessons were drawn from these discussions and were further strengthened through an analysis of the Swaziland crisis, including sharing insights and strategies for strengthening the Swaziland Mass Democratic Movement and assessing the role of civil society in socio-economic and political issues in the region.

The tragic events at the Lonmin mine in Marikana, North-West Province, South Africa, overshadowed the learning exchange and served to remind us of the indivisibility of our struggles for freedom and the deep structural causes of violence that affect all of us across the continent.

Acknowledging our past efforts and recognising the need to strengthen our collaborative intention to build a culture of solidarity in seeking to address the challenges we face in the SADC region:

We resolve to:
Invigorate our efforts to end the abuse of the rights of citizens, the marginalisation of people from decision making and unaccountable leadership, the misuse of public funds, and all forms of autocratic and militarised behaviour, particularly in Zimbabwe and Swaziland. We pledge our solidarity with the struggles of the people across the region and commit ourselves to finding ways of building unity and cohesion between progressive forces.

We also send our condolences to the families of those who perished and were injured in the tragic event in Marikana. Those who are found to be responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable. The events at Marikana are also symbolic of the deeper tensions in our society and will require a concerted collective effort in support of fundamental transformation.

We call on SADC heads of states to:

• Urgently include civil society voices in the current ongoing efforts to resolve the Zimbabwe impasse and to respect the views of citizens who are participating in the constitution making process.
• Respond immediately to the impending constitutional stalemate between the principals in Zimbabwe and persuade intentional spoilers to follow the process of the GPA and walk with Zimbabwe in ensuring a constructive outcome to the Constitution making process and a level playing field for an election outcome that is accepted by all parties.
• Seek active ways of involving civil society in SADC decisions and work with civil society to make existing structures more effective in serving the collective voice of civil society, including the SADC Council of NGOs.
• Immediately deploy the SADC Technical Team to work alongside the JOMIC and seek ways of expanding this team to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
• Ensure the full implementation of the GPA guidelines and investigate how security formations such as the Joint Operations Command are undermining and circumventing dialogue processes.
• Work together with JOMIC and civic monitoring groups to ensure the creation of an enabling environment towards free and fair elections.
• To recognise the severity of the Swaziland crisis and work urgently to establish frameworks that facilitates the protection and respect of human rights and the democratisation of the Swaziland governance system.

We call on all progressive forces worldwide to support the 2012 Global Week of Action on Swaziland organised by the Swaziland Democracy Campaign and progressive Movements in Swaziland (3-7 September 2012) under the theme “A Call for Multiparty Democratic Elections and A People’s Government Now”!

Finally we express our solidarity support for the associated call for the:

• Immediate unbanning of all political parties, freeing of political prisoners, and the return of all exiles.
• Right to free media expression and an independent judiciary
• Genuine and all -inclusive political dialogue to end 39 years of Tinkhundla parliament sitting) misrule.
• End to the corrupt, undemocratic royal Tinkhundla regime and put in place a process towards a democratic and all-inclusive interim government to prepare the ground for democratic elections. Including mass civic education to empower especially rural population on their rights and importance of their participation in building a democratic Swaziland.
• Introduction of economic recovery plan to address poverty and hunger, driven by a democratic government and civil society.

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) have completed a member’s consultation regarding political developments in Zimbabwe. The activity was conducted to keep members briefed on the situation that prevails but also to consult members on what position the organisation should adopt around the constitutional and political scenarios that could play out.

The workshop consultation was conducted in Bulawayo and Harare and of 27 areas of Matabeleland North and South drawing 14 457 participants with 447 being men.  This figure 14457 members is 17% of our membership of 85 000 countrywide.

Members expressed concern over the continued political squabbling affecting progress. They expressed concern that the constitutional reform process is far too dependent on political negotiation and not enough of the politicians listening to the views of their political party members and ordinary citizens.

Members are also unhappy with the manner in which the Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to disrupt peaceful protests thereby helping politicians to sideline citizen voices. Members called for intervention by SADC and the UN on police harassment of WOZA members and activities. During the WOZA ‘Occupy for Devolution’ series in Bulawayo members were beaten by plain clothed police officers with thorny twigs. The officer concerned is named Brain and is based at Pumula police station. Further to this on 27 June Wednesday 2012 and
101 members were arrested on orders of officer commanding Bulawayo. This officer act with impunity and is a ‘law unto himself’, it is on his orders that members were arrested 30 minutes before any protest began. The Zimbabwe Republic Police are operating on a political agenda and must be held accountable. Although WOZA have submitted many complaints to the Joint Operating and Monitoring Mechanism (Jomic) they have done nothing but use those complaints as scrap paper.

As there continues to be no meaningful economic reform economic instability is affecting the cost of basic commodities.  Job losses continue to be the order of the day in Bulawayo and in other centres and no concern is paid to this problem. To make matters worse, Police continue to loot from members trying to survive by vending.

The culture of impunity and the using of the ‘peoples name’ to loot from activities that should be genuinely conducted in the nations interest continue unabated. COPAC has become a liability and waste of resources which will continue through the second all stakeholders’ conference process.

Members were gravely concerned about the continued deployment of militia and war veteran in the community.

These members were also asked if they are registered voters and results polled as follows: The overall number of registered Bulawayo members was 60%.  Male members registered was 51% and women 62% registered. Harare registered members was 72%.  Male members registered was 73% and women 72% registered.

The overall number of registered Matabeleland rural members was 70%. The number of male members registered was 74% and women 69% registered. The high number of registered members here is due primarily to ease of access to voter registration centres due to Zanu PF attention on rural areas as a method of vote buying or rigging. Members in rural areas also do not have proof of residence challenges.

There were more significant numbers of members registered in Harare and in the rural areas.  The main reasons explained is one of marginalisation which justifies the need for devolution. Bulawayo members have not been able to easily access documents for various reasons. Some members cannot afford to travel to the capital Harare to get their birth certificates and the local office is inefficient at providing these. Many people of this region were affected by the Gukurahundi massacre and lost parents for who they cannot obtain death certificates and therefore cannot have their births registered. Mobile registration centres do not function properly or only process a few people a day before closing.

Members gave the main reasons they have failed to register as voters as follows:
• Many members are Aliens and some who were registered in 1980 were de-registered for allegedly being an alien.
• Do not have the interest in elections
• ignorance
• Were out of the country for a long time and many found it not necessary to register.
• Some were still under age
• Do not have the necessary documentation e.g. birth certificates and Identity cards.
• Many are not home owners and rent a room from a landlord. So as ‘lodgers’ they cannot prove residence so cannot register.
• Have got some interest in registering but it’s a long and difficult process to renounce the foreign citizenship even though they do not
like being classified as alien when they had previously voted as Zimbabweans.
• Have lost interest in voting due to the violence that is associated with voting.

Members were united in their criticism of the political opposition for compromising far too much and accused them of looking more their self
interest than the people will.  Members said they only have a 45% trust of the opposition. Members also criticised them for not being
realistic on the failing of the President Robert Mugabe. He has a record of back tracking and does not keep to agreements and on a whim
will launch another violent campaign against Zimbabweans

As the campaign report was being finalised a draft was released and required study. WOZA note the following points of interest to members:

a) Free education and adult basic education. There is also further education which the state should make available.
b) Gender equality specified in many sections and the removal of restrictions by traditional culture.
c) President, cabinet, ministry permanent secretaries and all commissioners limited to two five year terms limit.
d) A devolved system of government with some forms of elected officials and specified resource control.
e) A more transparent sharing of power with the presidential running mates system.
f) We have proportional representation which does bring a more democratically implemented.
g) We got more democratic electoral systems and a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission with extended powers.
h) Total abolishment of the Death penalty for women.
i) Most political leaders in legislature, civic servants, security sector must no longer involve themselves in politics or be impartial.
j) A National Peace Commission that will deal with transitional justice issues.
k) A National Prosecuting Authority and reduced power for the Attorney General.
l) An independent complaints commission so we can hold security sector accountable.
m) An expanded bill of rights, including social, economic, political and cultural rights.
n) The right to demonstrate and petition and rights to liberty more clearly defined.
o) A non-discrimination clause and 16 official languages.
p) Domestication of international instruments to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
q) A  Constitutional and Electoral Court.

WOZA members provided their leadership with a mandate to begin a vote YES campaign if their main requirements were included in the draft. We wish to place on public record the following outstanding issues from our member’s requirements:

a) We do not see clearly spelt out and reduced executive presidency power, including the age limit we wanted; removal of the president
right to deploy troops and the right to make appointments.
b) More reasonable land and agricultural reform clauses
c) It is unfortunate that our view that Traditional leaders do not belong in the legislature or Senate but in their home constituencies.
d) We do not see a clearly spelt out Dual citizenship clause which shows political blinkers and short sightedness in the extreme.
WOZA will use the second all stakeholders’ process to campaign for the inclusion of these issues. In the meanwhile WOZA call for an end to
further interference, egos and political posturing.

These are our demand on the political leadership of the country:
1. No more compromises from MDC and MDC T on the draft constitution or we will refuse to accept it.
2. Zanu PF must for once allow the peoples and their own members view to carry the day. The people spoke clearly that they no longer want a
highly centralised unitary state. The child called DEVOLUTION has been born. It is a child conceived by the people, the majority being
mothers of the nation. Born out of a reluctant coupling of politicians and people. The baby’s face may not look like we wanted but it is a
citizen by birth – allow the people to give it life and help it grow.
3. We demand the 17 July 2012 draft be urgently printed in all languages and provide sufficient time to study it and advance us our political rights in section 4:24 which will allow us our right to meet and demonstrate peacefully as part of civic awareness raising role.
4. A transparent and accountable system to call for the second all stakeholders conference with full participation of all sectors of
society and provision for inclusion of stakeholder input.
5. An efficient and speed census process resulting in a proper delimitation process new voters’ roll.
6. A vote by Identity card in the referendum and an easier registration system for the election that follows.
7. We call on the SADC monitoring team to begin work and to push for full GPA implementation and an end to police harassment of WOZA
members
8. Please will members of the international community to refuse to lift sanctions until the finalisation of the Draft after the
referendum process.
9. We call on the UNDP to continue to fund the constitution making process but with conditions that make sure we have progress and the
people’s views are genuinely sought and taken into account and that there are not inflated budgets
10. WOZA call on Civic Society leaders and workers to avoid grandstanding but to take their role seriously this time round. In
1999 and 2000, there was a NO campaign which failed to correctly provide Zimbabweans with a proper picture of what was at stake. Many
of us were not properly and responsibly consulted. Please do not take people for granted this time round.

A message to the people of Zimbabwe: This is your time to shine and exercise your democracy, don’t let the politicians speak for you or
take you for granted.

Approximately 200 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA) delivered an open letter to President Thabo Mbeki at the South African Embassy in Harare this morning. The letter was pressing for a genuine agenda to the South African mediated-talks that is more transparent, inclusive and addresses socio-economic issues.

WOZA gathered at the Embassy in suburban Harare today to highlight the unfairness of talks that only involve politicians who will be not be addressing issues of social justice – the ‘Bread and Roses’ Zimbabweans need. It was also to pressure for the inclusion of voices at the negotiating table that will raise socio-economic issues – issues at the heart of ordinary Zimbabweans.

When the group arrived, they affixed placards and material strips carrying their messages to the fence. Some of the messages read – ‘The talks should be about Bread and Roses’, ‘all Zimbabweans have views – lets all talk about talks’ and ‘politicians don’t cut deals in our name’.

Whilst the peaceful group gathered outside the gates to the Embassy, male and female representatives went inside to deliver WOZA’s open letter, as well as their vision for a new Zimbabwe and a plan on how to get there through the People’s Charter and ‘10 Steps to a New Zimbabwe’. Embassy staff received the letter, and having delivered their message, the group dispersed. There have been no reports of arrests since then.

Please see below for a copy of the open letter. WOZA’s ’10 steps to a new Zimbabwe’ and People’s Charter can be found elsewhere on this site.

As the protest was carried out during a time of great repression and police brutality, only a select group of the very brave participated, acting as representatives of their communities.

WOZA would like to thank the staff of the South African Embassy for receiving both the open letter and the peaceful gathering in the spirit that they were intended.