Latest news with #Zanu-PF
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Liberation movements fighting for survival and new injustices
Southern Africa's liberation movements gathered in Kempton Park this weekend for a summit to discuss the state of their parties. Political bodies that helped create an independent region celebrated their shared accomplishments this weekend, all while brainstorming ideas on how to spark a fire in the next generation. Leaders from across southern Africa gathered at the Radisson Convention Centre in Kempton Park for the Liberation Movements Summit 2025 from Friday. The meeting will conclude on Monday, after which the delegations will share the insights they have gathered. 'A homecoming' Hosted by the ANC, other liberation parties included Zimbabwe's Zanu-PF, Mozambique's Frelimo, Namibia's Swapo, Angola's MPLA and Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi. A delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was also present, as were representatives of the Palestinian people. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the dignitaries for their roles in anti-apartheid and anti-colonialist struggles, but said the new fight was for social and economic justice. 'The Liberation Movement Summit is more than a conference; it is what one would call a homecoming. 'It is a convocation of liberation movements rooted in shared histories of struggle bound by a tradition of resistance and united in a future that demands memory, imagination, boldness and bravery,' said Ramaphosa. 'Must remain emboldened' Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said there were still external forces that were working to 'fragment' the goals of liberation. 'The infrastructure that denied us democracy and independence has mutated and expresses itself in numerous forms. 'These include, through the interference of internal affairs of our parties and governments, sabotage of our economies and, at worst, covert support of conflict and war in our jurisdictions,' said the Zanu-PF leader. He said the liberation movement must be 'robust' in pursuing its goal and not allow itself to fade away. 'We must remain emboldened by our rich liberation history, which is our greatest teacher. The millions of people who look to liberation movements with hope for a better tomorrow should be a source of inspiration for us,' said Mnangagwa Chinese collaboration Sunday's session concluded with former President Thabo Mbeki receiving a large portrait of himself, after the regional dignitaries had delivered their addresses. Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano chastised the gathering for losing focus, while SWAPO leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called corruption a 'cancer' that would 'bury' the parties and their objectives if not dealt with. Other key delegates included Frelimo President Daniel Chapo, MPLA Deputy President Mara Quiosa and former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mzengo Pinda. Also speaking on Sunday was China's minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Liu Jianchao, who outlined China's growing collaboration with the African region. 'One accomplishes oneself by helping others succeed. China strives to support Africa and our fellow developing countries. In the face of rising protectionism, China has continued to open further and share development opportunities with the rest of the world.' 'China's modernisation proves that modernisation does not equal westernisation,' concluded Jianchao. NOW READ: Does Africa still need liberation parties?
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Mnangagwa outlines Zimbabwe's path to becoming an economic powerhouse at the Liberation Movement Summit
President of Zimbabwe and leader of Zanu-PF, Emmerson Mnangagwa addresses the Liberation Movement Summit in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni on Sunday. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has laid out a sweeping economic transformation strategy aimed at empowering the country's youth, boosting rural economies, and positioning Zimbabwe as a driver of African innovation and self-reliance. Speaking at the Liberation Movement Summit in South Africa on Sunday, Mnangagwa emphasised that Zimbabwe's development would be people-centered, inclusive, and anchored in Pan-African solidarity. 'In our case, ZANU-PF has adopted strategies to empower the youth,' Mnangagwa declared. 'We are not only issuing mining claims but also providing equipment so they can actively participate in the mining value chain.' He revealed plans to drill boreholes in each of Zimbabwe's 35,000 villages.
DW
7 days ago
- Politics
- DW
Zimbabwe: Can patriotism be legislated? – DW – 07/22/2025
The ruling Zanu-PF party appears determined to further criminalize dissent in Zimbabwe. Its lawmakers are seen to be trying to entrench legislation that can be used to target those who flag the government's shortcomings. Lawmakers from the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe are moving a motion to further criminalize government critics. They're advocating for a comprehensive strategy to promote patriotism and national identity. Proposed measures include formalizing a national ideology, establishing a national institute of ideology and integrating "patriotic" education into the curriculum. The motion comes on top of the contested Patriotic Act of 2023, which was seen to effectively closed the door on dissent In Zimbabwe. It makes provision for criticism issues such as provision of health care, basic services and accountability to be judged criminal. The government dismissed criticism, saying the legislation was necessary to hold accountable individuals who threaten "national interests." It said the legislation was modeled on the Logan Act in the US, which bars citizens from engaging in certain unauthorized communications with foreign governments. In Zimbabwe, violations could result in life imprisonment and death, termination of citizenship, suspension from voting or holding public office. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In a recent parliamentary debate, ZANU-PF MP Ophious Murambiwa suggested that it should be criminal to speak "evil" about Zimbabwe. "The most important issue is to love our country, let us praise our country in all circumstances, whether in good or bad times, during the night or day," Murambiwa said. The motion has prompted opposition lawmakers and human rights groups to push back harder. "Patriotism is not blind loyalty. It is not empty slogans. True patriots question injustice, challenge corruption and demand systems that serve people not a selected few," Prosper Mutseyami, an opposition MP, said. "Our patriotism must ignite participation, ensuring that every Zimbabwean plays an active role in shaping the future." Human rights activists say its another attempt to silence dissent. "You cannot necessarily legislate patriotism," Nigel Nyamutumbu, the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe programs manager, told DW. "It is a concept that can naturally clamp down on the requisite freedoms. Patriotism is not a legal concept but rather a political nationalist ideology." Activists have in the past been accused of treason and unpatriotic behavior for expressing concerns over human rights abuses, corruption, and governance in Zimbabwe. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Citizens have expressed concern over what they fear are attempts to enforce a one-party state. ZANU-PF, with its absolute majority in parliament, is seen to be abusing its authority and violating the constitution. "As parliamentarians we are supposed to uphold the constitution," Gladys Hlatshwayo an opposition MP told DW. "Section 119 of the constitution demands that parliament protects the constitution and democratic governance." To play this audio please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 audio In June 2025, Zimbabwe's High Court struck down sections of the Patriotic court ruled that the drastic penalties prescribed by the Patriotic Act infringed on various sections of the country's constitution. Several civic organizations and a private citizens had petitioned the court, arguing that the legislation was overly broad and vague had high potential for abuse and misuse. "The most patriotic people are those who hold their government to account. A government must not be seen as the most dangerous institution," Eric Chisora, a political analyst, told DW. "Whatever they [ZANU-PF lawmakers] are doing is unreasonable and irrational. Citizens' rights must be protected." Political and civic rights activists are calling for the repeal of colonial legacy laws which they say are retrogressive. Laws such as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, with provisions have been used to incriminate government critics, date back to Zimbabwe's pre-independence era when they were used to suppress Black majority rule. The activists are concerned over the shrinking of democratic space under Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe's president since 2018. "We are now living in a country where there is no freedom of expression due to the number of pieces of legislation being passed by the ZANU-PF regime," Blessing Vava, executive director of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, told DW. "When you see a government passing repressive laws, just know that it is not a popular government. Zimbabweans must fight to defend the constitution."
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anger as Zimbabwe leader okays new radio levy for motorists
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle insurance. There has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (£68) annually in order to listen to the radio in their vehicles. The introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation. Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless". Responding to motorists' concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was "necessary" and "fair". There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media. The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, It also generates some revenue through advertising. A man called Bombshell fires up Zimbabwe's succession battle The Zimbabwean agitator unfazed by serial arrests But the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences. Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing Zanu-PF. The opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the accusation. Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per year. However, ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the country. But the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence. It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio receiver. But the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers. "Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?" Chamisa posted on X. Another X user described the measure as an "unjust assault on motorists". Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chief The bones that haunt Zimbabwe Zimbabwe's 'crocodile' who wants another bite Is Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers?
Daily Maverick
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
When bail becomes a ‘victory' – Zimbabwe's dangerous war on journalism continues
Zimbabwe's government, under Emmerson Mnangagwa, has steadily intensified its crackdown on dissent. Far from the reformist image he attempted to project after long-serving former president Robert Mugabe's unceremonious 2017 ouster, Mnangagwa has led a regime characterised by the weaponisation of law, suppression of opposition, and an unrelenting assault on press freedom. Coming as it did, just three days after the World Press Freedom Day commemorations, the recent granting of bail to Zimbabwean investigative journalist Blessed Mhlanga should not be mistaken for a shift towards a more tolerant regime that is beginning to embrace democratic norms of a free press, justice or judicial independence. Rather, it is likely a begrudging concession to local and international pressure by a regime bent on cowing journalists, and crushing any form of dissent and freedom of expression. It could even be an act sanctioned by an administration that believes that Mhlanga's long and unjustified incarceration has served its purpose of sufficiently intimidating other journalists and showing them the fate that awaits them should they ever diligently exercise their duties of covering and giving a platform to dissenting voices. Mhlanga was arrested on 24 February 2025 and detained for a staggering 72 days. His supposed crime? Broadcasting his interview with ruling Zanu-PF party Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who excoriated President Emmerson Mnangagwa for alleged corruption and gross violation of the constitution, and demanded his resignation. For simply giving a platform to dissenting views — a cornerstone of journalistic duty — Mhlanga was charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly 'inciting violence'. His case was investigated not just by the regular police, but by the Counter-Terrorism Unit — a worrisome escalation that reveals the paranoid Zimbabwean government's dangerous conflation of journalism with terrorism. Why this is important The context of his arrest is essential. Zimbabwe's government, under Mnangagwa, has steadily intensified its crackdown on dissent. Far from the reformist image he attempted to project after long-serving former president Robert Mugabe's unceremonious 2017 ouster, Mnangagwa has led a regime characterised by the weaponisation of law, suppression of opposition, and an unrelenting assault on press freedom. Mhlanga is just the latest in a long line of journalists subjected to arbitrary arrest, surveillance, physical attacks, and harassment. There is no reason to believe he will be the last. It took three separate court appearances before Mhlanga was finally granted bail on 6 May 2025 by High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza. In arriving at his decision, Justice Mandaza cited 'changed circumstances', including the completion of the docket against Mhlanga and the passage of time. Yet these factors existed or were foreseeable from the beginning. Why, then, was bail denied repeatedly beforehand? Why did the courts parrot state claims that his release would 'undermine peace and security' or lead to 'witness interference'? The judiciary's role in Zimbabwe is increasingly controversial and suspect. Courts are supposed to be independent of other arms of the state. They ought to be bastions of justice and constitutional order. Yet many Zimbabweans now believe that they appear instead to operate as extensions of the executive. The opacity surrounding their decisions — especially in politically charged cases — erodes public trust. In Mhlanga's case, the lack of substantive reasoning behind both the initial bail denials and the eventual approval fuels suspicions of political interference. The timing of the bail, just three days after World Press Freedom Day commemorations, also suggests the regime and the courts may have bowed to rising international condemnation and local civil society pressure. Abnormality of Zimbabwe's political environment That Zimbabweans and press freedom advocates around the world must breathe a collective sigh of relief over bail being granted is a testament to the debasement and abnormality of Zimbabwe's legal and political environment. In any functioning democracy, bail is not a privilege to be celebrated — rather, it is a constitutional right. But under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has been reduced to a country where even basic liberties are luxuries dispensed by the state in dribs and drabs, very much like the state and its cronies distribute educational opportunities, farming inputs, healthcare and other essential services to a few chosen bootlickers. Mhlanga is out on bail, but we remain very far from a resolution. This is because the unwarranted charges against him remain in place. The sword still dangles, and the chilling message to other journalists remains the same — do your job at your peril. The broader climate of fear, persecution and repression of journalists, human rights activists and ordinary citizens persists. The government is not showing any signs of repenting from its nefarious agenda to frame independent journalism as a national security threat. By deploying the Counter-Terrorism Unit in Mhlanga's case, the state sent a loud signal that it no longer distinguishes between terrorism and journalism. This dangerous narrative undermines press freedom and the public's right to information and democratic participation. Mhlanga's ordeal fits into a broader pattern. Laws such as the Patriotic Act, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, and various provisions of the Criminal Law Act are frequently deployed not to maintain order, but to sanitise the persecution of real and imagined dissenters. Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe has become a nation wherein fear suppresses truth, and repression is enforced through a veneer of legality. Palpable irony In all the regime's machinations, there remains a palpable irony that cannot be ignored. Not too long ago, Mnangagwa immensely benefited from a courageous press. When he fell out of favour with Mugabe in 2017, it was the independent media — including Mhlanga — that provided him with a platform to air his views and remain politically relevant. Today, having entrenched himself in power, he has turned against the very institutions that once stood by him. This self-inflicted amnesia shows a leader and a government that is unwilling to tolerate accountability. Mhlanga may be out of jail for now, but ordinary Zimbabweans, civil society, and media watchdogs must not allow themselves to be placated by this 'victory'. Bail is not freedom. The charges against Mhlanga remain, and they should not. There is no legitimate case to answer. Journalism is not a crime. Conducting interviews is not terrorism. Asking difficult questions or broadcasting dissenting views is not a sedition. To allow these charges to stand is to endorse the regime's dangerous narrative that independent journalism is a threat to national security. We must remain vigilant because it is Not Yet Uhuru. We must continue the fight for justice. True justice will only be served when the charges against Mhlanga are dropped unconditionally. True justice will only be served when journalists can operate without fear of persecution, and when the legal system upholds its duty to protect, rather than punish, those who seek to inform the public. DM
