SWRA this weekend

This week on Hot Seat, Violet's guest is the seasoned Zimbabwean
journalist and foreign correspondent for Associated Press, Angus Shaw.
He talks about the extent of the humanitarian crisis that has left
villagers competing with wild animals for leaves, fruits and berries. 
Who are people blaming for the crisis, and do they believe a political
deal will solve their problems? On Friday's Callback Masvingo MP
Chitando reports that corruption in the GMB is resulting in mass
starvation in his region; Kumusha says that they are facing serious
starvation in Chitungwiza and action is needed right away, then Daliwe
says it is pointless working as their salaries can't buy anything,
meanwhile people are dying from hunger and lack of medical help. In
Cathy Buckle's Letter from Zimbabwe she reports that, government
controlled systems are collapsing all around us and ZANU PF have no
solutions for any of the massive problems which are closing the country
down.

Saturday we have HEALTHbeat, which takes a holistic view of issues of
health and well-being.  Graciano Masauso, Director of AFREKID (African
Resource for Kidney Diseases), talks about the organisation which is
dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving
the health and well-being of African individuals and families affected
by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for
transplantation.' They also have an upcoming fundraiser, for more
information log on to www.africakidneydrive.org.  Join us for The Heart
of the Matter where well-known journalist and broadcaster Tanonoka
Whande shares his unique thoughts and insights on current events.
Tanonoka talks about SADC's suggestion that the MDC share
responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs with ZANU-PF, and
Mutambara's comments that Tsvangirai was foolish and un-strategic' for
turning down their proposal. He says SADC should be disbanded as it is
an organisation formed by heads of state, which continues to support
leadership, at the expense of the people. On Callback Somandla says
there should be no more talking, Zimbabweans now need to use force to
remove ZANU PF from power; Mai Melissa describes the hardships that
people are facing in Mutare, and Sewa talks about the fears that people
have of contracting cholera, but because they only have access to dirty
water they are left with no choice but to risk continuing to expose
themselves to the disease. 

This Sunday on Through the Valley, Richard learns about Zimbabwean
Christians in the Diaspora praying for the country. He asks the
co-ordinator of the Zimbabwean Christian Leaders of the UK, Qobo
Mayisa, about an event planned for this weekend in Birmingham. Can
prayer really make a difference for a country in such a desperate
state? Tichaona presents the programme Rebuilding Zimbabwe where he
speaks to Dominic Muntanga, co-ordinator for the New York based
organisation Council for Zimbabwe, which reports there is tremendous
potential for the Zimbabwean Diaspora as well as concerned global
citizens to contribute to finding effective solutions to solve problems
in the country. He says the group is working on co-ordinating several
initiatives that will help rebuild the country, such as sending books,
medical supplies, food and financial remittances to Zimbabwe. Democracy
101 is the programme that gives a beginners guide to democracy and the
democratic process.  Willy and Dominic continue their discussion on
religion, which they say provides guidance and shapes our values.  They
are joined by Beauty as they focus on democracy and issues of gender.
Woman such as those in WOZA are described as being the non-violent'
foes of government, but has our society really opened up to fully
include women in the democratic process? And if so, are women taking up
the role? 

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.