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- Written by: Richard Gandari, ZAPU National Spokesperson
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PRESS STATEMENT: 2nd March 2025
ZAPU roundly condemns the arrest and subsequent pretrial detention of Blessed Mhlanga. The outlandish claim that releasing the eminent journalist on bail will disrupt peace and security in Zimbabwe would be laughable if it were not so tragic. On the contrary, it is actually Mhlanga's continued detention that is causing unrest among all peace loving and law abiding citizens in Zimbabwe.
As ZAPU we have noted with concern state-sponsored attacks on media practitioners and in some cases independent media houses themselves. The bombing of a gallery next to the Daily News editorial office in June 2000 and the predawn bombing of the newspaper's printing press on 28 January 2001 remain as stark reminders of Zimbabwe's media-suppressing environment.
Over the years we have witnessed the persecution of media practitioners for simply doing their work. In 1999, Mark Chavhunduka and Ray Choto, both journalists with The Standard newspaper were arrested and tortured in detention after they published a story claiming that 23 army officers had been arrested for attempting to stage a coup against the late dictator Robert Mugabe. Government agents reportedly beat the journalists, applied electric shocks to their hands, feet, and genitals, and submerged their heads in drums of water.
Ironically, the two journalists were charged under the Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA) of 1960, a widely discredited piece of legislation that Zimbabwe's pre-independence colonial government used to suppress black nationalism. The use of Rhodesian inspired scare tactics has remained the bedrock of state-sponsored lawfare against media freedoms in Zimbabwe. Besides weaponizing the law against dissenting voices, the rogue regime in Harare has employed barbarian methods to silence media practitioners and pro-democracy activists.
The brazen abduction of eminent journalist Itai Dzamara comes to mind. Dzamara was abducted on 9 March 2015 by five men while he was at a barber shop in Harare’s Glen View suburb. His abductors are said to have accused him of stealing cattle before handcuffing him, forcing him into a white truck with concealed number plates, and driving off. He has not been seen since then.
Itai Dzamara was senselessly eliminated, yet the calls he made for President Robert Mugabe to step down were implemented by members of the dictator’s own political party and security establishment. After the dramatic coup that ended Robert Mugabe's autocratic rule in November 2017, the so-called new dispensation that emerged, pinned every form of repression on the despotism of Robert Mugabe’s First Republic. Claiming to be as soft as wool, the recycled leadership of the Second Republic made lofty promises of a new dawn of freedom in Zimbabwe. The lie barely lasted a year before default settings kicked back in.
Repression reared its ugly head as early as 2020 when an independent investigative journalist began to unmask the wolves in sheep’s clothing. The harassment, arbitrary arrests and pretrial detention of prominent journalist, Mr Hopewell Chin'ono reincarnated the horrors of former President Mugabe's iron fist attitudes towards critics, real or perceived. To his sole credit, Mr Robert Gabriel Mugabe was said to be anything but a common thief.
Today, as Blessed Mhlanga sits alone in remand prison, our spirits are shackled with him. Our central guiding philosophy is based on the belief that an injury to one is an injury to all of us. We appeal to the church in Zimbabwe to lead in prayers for Blessed Mhlanga. He has broken no laws and remains an upright citizen in good standing. We stand with Blessed Mhlanga knowing that the light he emits will never be conquered by the forces of darkness surrounding him.
To Chris Mhike, Doug Coltart and everyone assisting with Blessed's legal counsel, we stand in solidarity with your efforts to secure his freedom. May God grant you the wisdom and strength to wage a spirited legal battle to extricate Blessed from the punishment wrongly apportioned to him.
To the rest of the media fraternity in Zimbabwe we say do not lose heart. Remain firm in your normative watchdog role and continue to hold public officials accountable. The ZANU PF-led government's frivolous case against Blessed Mhlanga is not an attack on just one journalist but an attempt to muzzle your entire fourth estate as a whole. There should be resistance and contempt for such backward attacks on media practice.
To the state actors involved in these image-denting blunders, we encourage you to be guided by the constitution of Zimbabwe which clearly defines the legal limits within which journalists do their work. You should not expend all your energy crucifying the messenger instead of grappling with the clear message delivered to you and your principals. Free Blessed Mhlanga unconditionally to salvage our country's battered image.
Issued by:
Richard Gandari, ZAPU National Spokesperson
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- Written by: Ruth Memeza Ncube, ZAPU Deputy Secretary General
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ZAPU applauds Botswana’s Social Welfare Model
As we witness the government of Botswana rolling out innovative social welfare measures, it is hard not to feel a sense of admiration and hope. The initiatives, which include a monthly allowance for newborn babies, free sanitary pads for female students, and a significant increase in the Old Age Pension, demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
As ZAPU, this is a perfect opportunity to applaud Botswana's efforts and show that, with the right leadership and good governance, Zimbabwe too can achieve similar successes. By highlighting Botswana's achievements, we can motivate and inspire young people in Zimbabwe to start thinking about the meaning of true leadership and good governance practices, how it needs to start long before one is in a leadership position.
It's essential to emphasize that good governance is not just about implementing policies, but also about demonstrating humility and integrity. By embracing these qualities, we can shape the characters and mindsets of our young people and create a better future for everyone.
So, let us take a page from Botswana's book and work towards creating a Zimbabwe where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection. A Zimbabwe where every member of society feels valued and supported. With the right leadership and good governance, we can make this vision a reality.
Some key takeaways from Botswana's social welfare measures that we can learn from include the following:
- Targeted support: Botswana's initiatives are designed to support specific vulnerable groups, such as newborn babies, female students, and the elderly.
- Comprehensive approach: The measures address multiple aspects of social welfare, including education, healthcare, and financial support. This support should extend to cover mothers who are struggling to make
ends meet in the home. Many can benefit from government subsidized childcare facilities. - Commitment to good governance: Botswana's government has demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in implementing these measures.
By adopting a similar approach, we can create a brighter future for Zimbabwe and ensure that every citizen has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
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- Written by: Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo - President ZAPU
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Let us join hands to unite for a better Zimbabwe
Fellow Zimbabweans, esteemed diplomats, members of civil society, and our friends at home and abroad, I stand before you today not just as the leader of ZAPU, but as a fellow Zimbabwean committed to the progress and unity of our beloved nation. In these challenging times, we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Our collective goal should be the betterment of Zimbabwe, where every citizen thrives, and our image on the global stage shines bright.
We are at a pivotal moment in our history. Instead of deepening our political divides, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration across all political parties, labor unions, civil society, religious and cultural organizations, to address the urgent challenges facing us. The power struggles we often witness only serve to distract us from the real issues – environmental degradation, wildlife conservation, and the future of our children. Together, we can enhance our country's reputation internationally, showcasing Zimbabwe as a beacon of hope and resilience.
The current push for an extension of presidential term limits is a critical juncture for us all. This is not simply a political maneuver; it is an opportunity for us as Zimbabweans to collectively reject any actions that threaten our democratic principles. Let us advocate for a governance style that prioritizes the welfare of our people over individual ambitions. A united front against tyranny, and a call for fair elections come 2028 is essential. We must uphold our national constitution and respect the will of the people.
We urge all parties, regardless of affiliation, to commit to dialogue and collaboration that champions the needs of our communities. Political affiliations should not blind us to our shared Zimbabwean identity and aspirations. We must work together to create policies that promote economic recovery, protect our environment, and uplift our youth.
To the leaders across the political spectrum, let us set an example of unity and cooperation. Addressing the needs of our nation requires all hands on deck, and together we can create innovative solutions that foster growth and inclusivity. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and future generations to pave the way for a prosperous Zimbabwe.
I invite all Zimbabweans to engage actively in this dialogue, to join their local political entities, and to participate in shaping a vision for a unified Zimbabwe. It is only through collective action that we can reclaim our power and restore the promise of a better future.
Let us rise above our differences and commit to a shared vision for Zimbabwe, one that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens, preserves our rich environment, and ensures a brighter future for our children. Together, we can make our nation thrive and regain our rightful place among global leaders.
Thank you for your commitment to this vision. Together, we can make a difference.
Yours in the struggle,
Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo
