The main MDC party tackling the Mugabe regime

Do they still have the capacity to deal with civil mobilisation? Violet’s guest is Glen Mpani who is Regional Coordinator at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation in Cape Town, who is also doing his PhD research on the MDC, a party he has been studying for the last 4 years. Every weekday in our Appeal for Peace we feature an individual who addresses those who are guilty of perpetrating the ongoing acts of violence, intimidation and torture against the people of Zimbabwe. We desperately need peace in our country in order for democracy to take seed and grow. Today’s message comes from young Markie in Marondera. On Friday’s Callback Isaac says people are not free, and he adds that since Independence they have experienced nothing but suffering and misery and it’s time that people rose up against their oppression; Sibanda complains that Zimbabweans in Botswana are being targeted by the police, and they are being victimised in the workplace, and Reverend Ray Pountney, who has just returned from Zimbabwe shares his experiences, and talks about the tenaciousness and bravery he witnessed there. Cathy Buckle’s Letter from Zimbabwe focuses on the crisis situation where many people are now living under a death sentence where food supplies are lower than they have ever been, and what’s left for them now is only to die.” 

Saturday we have HEALTHbeat, which takes a holistic view of issues of health and well-being. This week Lennox Mhlanga, the Information Officer with Bulawayo Agenda talks about the crisis situation in the city with people now living in what he describes as a cesspit,’ then SW Radio Africa correspondent Simon Muchemwa discusses the state of the environment in Harare, the doctor’s strike, and the non-availability of health services. Then it’s time for Reporter’s Forum where Lance is joined by Bekithemba Mhlanga and broadcaster Brilliant Pongo. The panel discusses the election of Lovemore Moyo from the Tsvangirai MDC as Speaker of parliament and what this means for the political dynamics in the country. MDC faction leader Arthur Mutambara’s outburst during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is also analysed. Has Mutambara completely lost his bearings? Then it’s The Heart of the Matter where well-known journalist and broadcaster Tanonoka Whande shares his unique thoughts and insights on current events. Tanonoka focuses on this week’s notable event, namely the opening of Parliament and the MDC winning the Speakership position. While this should be a cause for celebration, the big question remains – was this another example of Mugabe’s backstage manipulations? On Callback Lennox Mhlanga commemorates the life of Lupane resident Pahlani Moyo who died recently at the age of 118 years; Singer Busi Mhlanga says that the current situation in Zimbabwe is unheard of,’ and calls on her fellow musicians to unite and spread the word that the situation is wrong, then Sigauke describes the cost of living as unbearable, and says that with no money and no food people are dying. 

This Sunday on Through the Valley, Richard discovers what ways the churches are applying pressure on the various parties in the high level talks between the MDC and ZANU PF. We also hear from the former Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu on the hope that there is for Zimbabwe once peace is restored and the people of goodwill are set to work. Tichaona presents the programme Rebuilding Zimbabwe where Jaison Matewu says that influential military commanders are blocking moves by Mugabe to cede powers to the MDC, fearing they would lose out in a new unity government and face prosecution for crimes committed against the people. Democracy 101 is the programme that gives a beginners guide to democracy and the democratic process. Mandisa is joined by young Willy and renowned theatre personality Dominic Kanaventi. They examine the role of Parliament, and how MP’s are expected to safeguard the democratic process.   

 

Every weekday we bring you a Newsreel bulletin at both the opening and the closing of our weekday broadcasts with all the latest news concerning Zimbabwe, and on Saturday we have a News Roundup of the week’s events.