MDC signed a bad deal with Mugabe

If the deal is breached by either of the two, what recourse is there for the aggrieved party; and can the MDC still go back and say Robert Mugabe is illegitimate’ if problems persist? The civic leader also says there are many areas in the deal that go beyond the scope of political parties, and would receive serious opposition from civil society, especially on the issue of a new constitution. 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 Vincent in Chitungwiza. On Friday’s Callback Momo is happy with the new deal and hopes that it will bring peace and stability; Gore believes it’s a good start and says that the MDC has gained ground and will surely win the next election; Bridget is also happy with the prospect of a GNU, and hopes that teachers will come back and schools will reopen, then Mukoma Black reports that sugar, cooking oil and other basic goods seem to be returning to supermarket shelves. Cathy Buckle’s Letter from Zimbabwe focuses on the newly signed power sharing deal between the MDC and Zanu PF, and asks What will be top of the agenda?’ 

Saturday we have HEALTHbeat, which takes a holistic view of issues of health and well-being. Gift, a researcher with the Centre for the Study of AIDS, University of Pretoria, based at the UZ talks about the study he is doing into whether UZ and other tertiary institutions are meeting the needs of their HIV positive students and faculty members, and he discusses an upcoming Positive Futures’ conference. Then, SWRA correspondent, Simon Muchemwa focuses on the high hopes of many who believe that now the power sharing deal has been signed, Zimbabwe’s failed health sector can be revived. Then it’s time for Reporter’s Forum where Lance Guma is joined by political analyst Bekithemba Mhlanga and Broadcast Journalist Brilliant Pongo to analyse the historic signing of the deal in Zimbabwe. The contrast between Tsvangirai’s passionate speech and Mugabe’s rambling tirade at the West could not have been more obvious. Why did Mugabe spoil the occasion with his outbursts? 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.  On today’s programme Tanonoka focuses on the newly signed power sharing agreement. Is this is a success story in the making, or are we yet to see the repeat of the ill-fated unity accord agreement between ZANU PF and ZAPU? On Callback Mukoma says that people are cautious about the new deal but trust that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai will improve their lives; Tanda feels that things are about to change for the better, and Oliver Kubikwa of the Zimbabwe Political Victim’s Association in South Africa gives an update on the situation facing Zimbabwean refugees. 

This Sunday on Through the Valley, Richard discusses the power of perseverance in spiritual life and in changing a country. He also looks at those Christian leaders in Zimbabwe who have supported ZANU PF through the past seven years. What were they thinking? Tichaona presents the programme Rebuilding Zimbabwe. MDC spokesman for the UK Matthew Nyashanu says the power sharing deal is the first major step in the long and treacherous journey that the country is set to embark on. He reiterated Morgan Tsvangirai’s call that there was an urgent need to unlock the doors to aid, medicine, food, and to bring doctors back into the country. Democracy 101 is the programme that gives a beginners guide to democracy and the democratic process.  Willy and Dominic focus on the new power sharing agreement, which they fear was rushed, and that important stakeholders, namely civil society were not part of the process. So can the process legitimately be described as democratic and heeding the wishes of the Zimbabwean people? They also discuss the speeches given by Tsvangirai and Mugabe, where they made it clear what their intentions and motivations were