You are on page 1of 7

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe

29-31 Selous Avenue, 2nd Floor, Email: natdirccjp@zcbc.co.zw/ccjp@zcbc.co.zw Web page: www.zcbc.co.zw/ccjp.html Blog page: catholiccomforjusticeandpeaceinzimbabwe.wordpress

Zimbabwes Political, Economic and Social Situation: April - May 2013

INTRODUCTION

As the country gathers momentum in preparation for the upcoming election CCJPZ continues to monitor events in the country tracing incidences of injustice in a nonpartisan manner. CCJPZ dioceses meet every 2 months to share information on the state of justice and peace in the country. As such this is our 2nd report for this year reported after the countrys constitution had been signed by the President and pending to be gazetted in the government gazette. Information reported by CCJPZ is gathered from CCJP animators in communities around Zimbabwe. These animators are volunteers who supply reports of injustices that happen in their surrounding communities. Compared to the last reporting period (January March 2013) were 40 cases of intimidation were reported, the period March May 2013 was relatively peaceful with a total of 15 incidences of violence and intimidation being reported by CCJPZ animators. This is probably because of the voter registration exercise, which needed more gentle persuasion than force, intimidation or violence. It is important to note that there are no main incidents reported in most of the areas reported in the last report. The Method: How CCJPZ collects information CCJPZ is a Catholic Church organisation that has existing structures from the national to the village level. In fact, the Catholic Church has eight Dioceses in the country which are similar to provinces. Under the Dioceses are Deaneries, similar to Districts; Parishes, which are similar to Wards; Outstations, which are similar to Cells and Small Christian Communities which are similar to villages. In each of these structures, there is a justice and peace committee consisting of individuals (or CCJPZ animators) who volunteer to collect information in the areas they live as part of their pastoral responsibilities as Catholics and or Christians. By sacrament of Baptism, every Catholic automatically becomes a CCJPZ member although those who are most interested would go through a CCJPZ Animator Formation which includes research methods (or Pastoral Cycle). The reports produced at each level are checked and verified by the resident Priest, and are subjected to further verifications as they move through the structures to the National level where they are consolidated, analysed and disseminated. For the purposes of uniformity, CCJPZ has developed a context specific tool (attached) that the animators use to collect information. Targeting of research areas or Parishes in each specific Diocese has not been coincidental. Rather, it is based on the remote and hot spot concept1 although other areas that do not fall in this category are not completely ignored. This means the trend would differ from one Diocese to another since some have more hot spots than others. In this regard, this report does not claim to cover the whole country despite CCJPZs comparative advantages of existing structures in all parts of
1

Based on the theory of Predictive Societal Indicators of Radicalism Model of Domestic Political Violence Forecast, developed by Sam Bell and Amanda Murdie, hot spots of political violence are areas that sustain increased political violence that can prevent citizens from freely and independently participating in democratic processes. In this context, and informed by numerous researches CCJPZ has carried out over time, hot spots are areas that were more affected by political violence in 2008 and have continued to sustain a trend of violence, intimidations, threats or assaults after 2008. However, it is not always the case that remote areas are hot spots of political violence although others are both remote and hot spots.

the country where other organisations may not be able to reach. However, it tries to give a general assessment of the countrys situation using the remote and hot spot strategy. Below is a table showing the number of parishes covered by CCJPZ animators in this period:
(ARCH) DIOCESE PARISHES/DEANARIES COVERED TOTAL %

Bulawayo (consists of the following

9 parishes (covering Makokoba, Bulawayo


city centre, Ekusileni, Empandeni, Mangwe, Insiza, Bulilima, Silalatshani and Magwegwe)

41 parishes

22%

civil districts Bulilima, Mangwe, Nyamandlovhu, Tsholotsho, Bubi, Lupane,, Nkayi, Insiza, Umzingwane, Beitbridge, Gwanda west and Matobo). Masvingo (consists of the following civil districts Beitbridge, Chiredzi, Chivi, Gutu, Bikita, Masvingo, Mwenezi and Zaka). Mutare (consists of the following civil districts Maungwe, Mutasa, Mutare, Nyanga, Chimanimani and Chipinge). Gokwe (consists of the following civil districts Gokwe North, Gokwe South, area of Omayi between Sengwa and Sanyati river in Kariba districts). Harare (consists of the following civil districts Mazowe, Bindura, Shamva, Murehwa, Rushinga, Mudzi, Mutoko, Kadoma, Chegutu, Harare, Goromonzi, Seke, Marondera, Charter, Wedza and Buhera). Hwange (consists of the following civil districts Hwange, Binga and part of Lupane north of Shabula river. Gweru (consists of the following civil districts Gweru, Kwekwe, Shurugwi, Chirumhazi, Mberengwa and Zvishavane). Chinhoyi (consists of the following civil districts Makonde, Hurungwe, Kariba, Guruve, Centenary, Mount Darwin and Rushinga). TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF AREAS COVERED IN ZIMBABWE

19 parishes (covering Chiredzi, Masvingo


central, Gutu, Rutenga and Mwenezi)

19 parishes

100%

15 parishes (covering Penhalonga, Nyahari,


Chipinge central, Mutare central and Dangamvura) 6 parishes (covering the following civil areas Nkayi north, Sesame, Negande 2 and Nesigwe)

29 parishes 16 parishes

52% 38%

8 parishes (covering Mbare and Mutoko)

57 parishes

14%

12 parishes (covering Lupane North) 22 parishes (covering Chirumanzu/Zibagwe


and Kwekwe)

24 parishes 29 parishes 19 parishes

50% 76% 47%

9 parishes (covering Rushinga, Kanyaga,


Chitange, St Alberts and Makonde)

43%

Table 1: Areas covered by this report

POLITICAL SCENARIO

1. VOTER REGISTRATION
Voter registration was a major highlight in this period with the following concerns: Many potential voters, especially from the (Arch) Dioceses of Bulawayo, Hwange, Gweru and Gokwe did not get the opportunity to register because they were not aware of the process. Voter registration exercise had poor publicity as reported. Some people interviewed in Hama and Chinyuni (Gweru Diocese) said they just heard rumours about voter registration and did not bother because the information was unofficial. After all, said some: chandinozvitemesera musoro chii ndichitadza kutoshandira mhuri yangu, after all, vote yangu ndiyo yanga ichabatsirei (why should I stress myself instead of working for my family? After all, what would my vote change?) Some voter registration centres were too spaced and some citizens did not have money to commute to registration centres. In Gweru Diocese, for example, some people were supposed to travel from Driefontein to Mvuma for registration where they had to pay about US$8 for their transport. In other situation, the process was not very transparent. In Kwekwe, for example, a certain man fished out his political supporters from the long queues so that they will jump the queue and be registered on time.

Some of the citizens were asked to pay in order to get identity documents (IDs) despite government gazette that the registration process was going to be free. In Gokwe Diocese (Nkayi North Constituency) for example, at least three people (names provided) were asked to pay $5 to acquire IDs. In addition, the mobile registration did not visit many places in most Dioceses.

2. INTIMIDATIONS AND HARRASSMENTS Uniformed forces, militant youth and individuals moving around communities singing frightening revolutionary songs
(a) Gweru Diocese: In Gweru urban members of the uniformed forces are seen jogging around the city centre during the day singing intimidatory songs such as ndimi makauraya asina mhosva muchazviona {you killed innocent people, you shall see}. They usually march around 1645 in Main Street and are usually seen at around 0920 in Lobengula Street (16 May 2013, for example) and at around 0830 in Robert Mugabe Street (29 May 2013 for example) (b) Archdiocese of Harare: In Mbare, on a date that was not given, youths have been seen on several occasions running around shouting revolutionary songs, especially Zimbabwe ndeyeropa (the country was won by the barrel of the gun and the blood that spilt ). In one occasion, the group visited the funeral of a political opponent disrupted the funeral and started beating up the mourners. (c) Association Z (name withheld) leader has been moving around communities intimidating people to support his political party. The following is his profile of intimidation:

Date/Period August 2011

September 2011 January 2012

May 2013

Diocese/Place What he did Masvingo District (e.g. Organised political meetings and threatened political Zimuto, Buka, opponents that if they do not support Party X, he will Charumbira) in Masvingo roast their livers. Diocese Chiredzi District (e.g. Organised meetings in Chiredzi with small scale Chiredzi), Masvingo sugarcane farmers where he encouraged them to Diocese displace those who do not support Party X Gutu District (e.g. Mukaro Organised meetings with civil servants and forced Mission) them to form Party X grassroots structures. Some civil servants were forced to take up political positions within Party X structures Gokwe (Negande 2) We want to clear all Party Y tracks in Gokwe, especially Negande

Table 1: Association Z leaders profile of political intimidations (Source: CCJPZ Diocesan Submissions 2011-2013)

3. POLITICAL MEETINGS
Table 2: The following are the political meetings and the messages delivered. Diocese Gweru Date and Venue of Meeting 14 April 2013; 20 May 2013, Mushayavhudzi, Mvuma; Who addressed the meeting Party X (names available) (judging by the slogans) Messages - They will be war if people vote wrongly (bhora musango deceitful voting) - People should vote correctly - Party leaders would be accountable for those who vote wrongly - If you want Peace, Vote for Party X - War is bad, but you can avoid war by voting for Party X - This country will not go to any other political party just because of an X

12 May 2013, Mutederende, 44 villages attended

2 Party X leaders (names available)

Harare

Mbare (several meetings organised almost every Tuesday latest meet 31 May) -Malbereign shopping centre 21 April 2013 -Highfield Zimbabwe grounds 19 May 2013

Party X activists (names available) judging by their slogans and despising Party Y

- Houses owned by those belonging to any other political party will be dispossessed if they do not vote correctly - Singing of the revolutionary songs takaitora nehondo (we won it by the barrel of the gun) in front of the houses belonging or occupied by political opponents - passerbys dragged into the rallies -if you are beaten by Party X supporters, fight back. It is allowed

Party Y Leader

"You cannot have a newspaper with six articles saying Mr. G (name withheld) this and Mr. G that. Every day! Regai vakadaro."But musi umwe gava richadambura musungo."That kind of a media has no future in a democratic Zimbabwe. I want to tell you this. Muchadya izvozvo . (Those journalists who are always insulting me in newspapers will see the repercussion when l become president.) -Party Y leader vowed to reverse Party X's indigenisation and economic empowerment drive if he assumes power, saying most farmers who benefited from land reform will be brought back to urban centres to work in the industries.

Gokwe

Negande 2 Business Centre

Association Z leader (name available)

Chinhoyi

St. Alberts (no Party X and specific dates Association Z given but there members were several meetings) Table 2: Political Rallies and the messages delivered April-May 2013 (Source, CCJPZ Diocesan Reports) The map below shows the distribution of political intimidations as recorded by CCJPZ in this period:

we do not want to see any traits of Party Y here at Negande 2. - Those between the ages of 13 and 30 should register their names with their traditional leaders. - Communities and individuals forced to attend political meetings: These are orientation meetings, everybody must become Party X and vote for it in the upcoming elections

Diagram 1: Distribution of political intimidations as reported by CCJPZ April May 2013. Areas marked P represent areas were incidents of political intimidations were reported.

4. COMPLETION OF POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION FORM


Another form of intimidation has been the use of a political affiliation form where individuals and households are required, sometimes against their will, to complete in order to show their extent of affiliation to a political party. CCPZ is in possession of two political party affiliation forms seen in Gokwe and Gweru Diocese. The following is an example of a political party affiliation form from Gweru Diocese:

Full Names

ID Numbers

Strength in the [Political] Party [tick the appropriate] Strong [ ] Weak [ ] Undecided [ ] Not a Supporter [ ]

Comment

Table 3: Political Party Affiliation Form (Source, Gweru Diocese).


According to an audio visual recorded from one of the political activist who administers the form: if one is Strong, tick accordingly; if ones allegiance to the party is Weak, Undecided or Not a Supporter, will also tick accordingly. Although no violence has been reported in the administering of the political party affiliation forms (which is some cases such as in Serima, are administered by the Traditional Leaders), most have said

the process is intimidating and you dont know what action will be taken if they see your affiliation as weak, undecided or not a supporter. A similar form, requiring more details has also been administered in Gokwe Diocese. Whilst it may apply to those who want to be affiliates to the political party, the support mobilisation has been force full and most of the people are forced to complete the form. Traditionally, affiliation to the political party has just been simply the purchase of a political affiliation membership card.

5.

INTRA-P ARTY VIOLENCE THE MEN IN THE MIDDLE CAUGHT IN BETWEEN

A case of intra-party conflict has been reported in Mbare where those seen attending a meeting organised by a Mr. M (name withheld), or doing something that will enhance his political support against Mr. S (name withheld) will be beaten. Mr. M and Mr. S belong to one political party. As we write, there are cases of people arrested for fighting for these two different aspiring MPs who belong to the same political party.

6. ABDUCTION
In one incident reported from Mutare Diocese, a political activist was abducted and beaten up by political opponents.
7. POLITICISATION OF FOOD HANDOUTS

In Gweru Diocese, especially in Mvuma, food was distributed on political party lines, where families and individuals belonging to one political party benefited whilst the political opponents were denied In Mangwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, some drought relief distribution meetings have been turned into political rallies where prospective political candidates perform slogans and deliver political messages before distributing drought relief to those who support their political parties. Political opponents have been denied food. Some traditional leaders have been endorsing or introducing the political candidates to the electorate during food distribution meetings. One MP for a constituency in Gokwe diocese asked all people who attended her meeting to be registered as voters so that she could donate maize for them. However, the following day, a 30 tonne arrived with 600 bags of maize from the GMB with maize for grain loan scheme. It was realised the MP has strategically organised her rally to coincide with the day of maize distribution.

1 2

Diagram 2 Diocesan distribution of political intimidations and harassments April May 2013
6

ECONOMIC SCENARIO The effects of low rainfall experienced in the country during the last rainy season are still evident in parts of Masvingo, Bulawayo and Hwange as people are still struggling to make end meets. Two reputable companies namely Company A and Company B are failing to pay their employees. These employees are said to have 3 to 6 months salary backlogs respectively.

SOCIAL SCENARIO A hailstorm left a trail of destruction at Rutenga and its surrounding areas in Masvingo. One person was killed and 1000 homesteads were destroyed among them a Catholic Church in the storm (All Saints Parish). The City Council of Bulawayo has promised to increase water shedding from 3 to maybe 4 or 5 days per week. A situation likely to impact negatively since water has no substitution. In a similar case in Masvingo Lake Mutirikwi is at 17% in terms of the water it currently holds. If no proactive measures are put in place Masvingo City will experience a serious water shortage.

You might also like