Mining magnate Mzi Khumalo has lost what is reportedly the largest damages claim in Zimbabwe’s history. This is after his company, Pemberton International Investments, the investment vehicle of Metallon Gold Corporation, was ordered to pay Zimbabwe’s Stanmarker US$7,4-million in damages for a breach of contract.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, his eyes fixed on his legacy, has engaged President Thabo Mbeki to broker ”dialogue” with Britain that could end hostilities with its former colony. Mugabe accuses his arch-nemesis, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, of being the major driver of mobilising international opposition to his rule.
No image available
/ 27 February 2006
The beleaguered opposition Movement for Democratic Change — at least the pro-senate faction — buckles down this weekend for a congress, the outcome of which could set the tone for ”reunification” talks with the wing headed by party president Morgan Tsvangirai.
No image available
/ 24 February 2006
It is official — Zanu-PF’s financial crisis does not go right to the top. The party has not held its weekly politburo meeting since the beginning of the year because it cannot afford to fix the lift in its 14-storey Harare headquarters. The party is battling to raise what sounds like the huge sum of Z$160-million (R6Â 154) needed for spares and maintenance.
No image available
/ 22 February 2006
Divergent groups — ranging from the International Monetary Fund to Cabinet ministers, the security establishment and the opposition — want Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono reined in, albeit for different reasons. ”Some of the issues he touches are outside his domain,” complained opposition Movement for Democratic Change shadow secretary for economic affairs, Tendayi Biti.
No image available
/ 3 February 2006
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will press Zimbabwe to privatise its ailing parastatals that have been ”bleeding the fiscus”, according to sources who met with the global lender in Harare recently. ”The IMF wants the government to sell its stake in the parastatals to finance its social services,” the sources told the Mail & Guardian.
No image available
/ 15 December 2005
Christmas lights on Harare’s First Street provide splendour to an otherwise dull festive season. Shops are decorated with interchanging colours beaming across supermarkets, luring the attention of children who are reminded it’s a time for Father Christmas, presents, sweets and new clothes.
No image available
/ 9 December 2005
Zimbabwe’s notorious Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) is running amok in the Midlands province, allegedly terrorising supporters of the yet to be launched United People’s Movement. The party is an initiative of former Zanu-PF members who fell out of favour with the ruling party.
No image available
/ 2 December 2005
President Robert Mugabe’s succession plans are beginning to take shape with the installation of loyalists at the helm of the controversial Senate. The Senate elections were held last week. The swearing in, as president of the new upper chamber, of Edna Madzongwe, a close ally of Joyce Mujuru, is part of Mugabe’s scheme to ensure his preferred candidate assumes the presidency when he vacates the post.
No image available
/ 28 November 2005
Zimbabwe’s Senate poll is scheduled for this weekend, but there is little sign of the customary heated political activity. Incidents of violence hardly register on the radar screen. Ructions in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) over participation have dominated the run-up to the poll