Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 19:00:17 -0700
To: "Zimbabwe Crisis Mailing List":;
From: Zimbabwe Crisis
Subject: ZimCrisis#120 -- CFU Press Releases
Hi everyone,
This isn't exactly news anymore, but an historical record of CFU press releases from the last couple of weeks.
Craig
ZIMBABWE COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
Press Statement by President T K Henwood
Tragically, another murder has occurred in the Beatrice/Featherstone farming district. This highlights the need for the ZRP to act now to prevent anarchy. Since March there has been no conviction of any persons connected with the horrendous incidents on farms which have resulted in the murder of five CFU members.
Despite the announcement made by His Excellency Vice President Msika on Saturday, 15th July, that war veterans would be moved from farms within hours of his statement, we have seen no movement at all. In fact invasions, threats and violence have escalated, and the situation on farms is untenable. Invaders have continued constructing permanent type accommodation in strategic places on farms, including work areas, seed bed sites and adjacent to homesteads. Threats of eviction and death are being made against farmers if they do not conform to war veterans instructions. In the southern part of the country on the conservancies, wholesale commercial snaring and slaughter of wild life is taking place, while large areas are being deforested for no rhyme or reason - other than to provoke the land owner. Large swathes of indigenous trees are being felled by the invaders to purposefully destroy the eco-tourism potential.
Following the launch of the fast track approach to land reform and in order to assist Government in this Programme, the Commercial Farmers' Union recently lodged with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Resettlement a list of 179 farms, comprising uncontested and voluntarily offered farms for the Programme to enable a movement of war veterans now.
The new agricultural season is approaching rapidly and within 5 weeks tobacco plantings are due to start. Invaders continue to interrupt the irrigation of the wheat and barley crop, as well as the tobacco seed-beds. Land preparation for the summer crop is behind schedule across the country. Clearly, it is impossible to continue normal farming operations under these circumstances.
I once again and urgently call for the immediate removal of war veterans and their followers from farms where they are endangering life and limb and interfering with our farming operations.
In the interest of the safety of our members and their workers it may soon become impossible for farming operations to continue nationwide. This drastic action will have a serious impact on the economy of Zimbabwe but it will be a small price to pay to prevent further loss of life.
President T K Henwood
COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
TKH/mt
24.7.2000
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PETITION TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE THE HONOURABLE ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE
I, the undersigned, TIMOTHY HENWOOD, in my capacity as President of the Commercial Farmers Union, do hereby humbly request His Excellency to intervene in bringing to an end the perils faced by all those involved in commercial farming in Zimbabwe as a result of the resurgence of land invasions by war veterans and others which are in imminent danger of causing a major conflagration throughout the farming areas of the country.
I annexe hereto a copy of an Urgent Chamber Application that has been filed with the High Court in which the Union has felt constrained to include His Excellency, in his official capacity, as a Respondent to the to the proceedings. This has been done to enable His Excellency to meet averments made in the Application and to deal with further averments which may be made by the other Respondents in replying to the Application.
Copies of this Urgent Chamber Application have already been served upon all the Respondents and the Civil Division of the Attorney General's Office.
I have, however, instructed our legal practitioners not to proceed with securing a hearing of the Application at this point. The Certificate of Service of the Application upon the Respondents is therefore being withheld.
The attention of His Excellency is drawn to the closing provisions of Paragraph 9.10 of the affidavit of the Union's Director, Mr D W Hasluck, upon which the High Court Application is founded. In particular attention is drawn to the top of Page 12 in which it is stated that:- " The Union looks to His Excellency the President to play a positive and constructive role in this regard - [i.e. stopping the violence and lawlessness that presently prevails] - and to do so even before this matter has to go to Court."
The Union and its members really do face enormous dangers both to the individuals who make up the farming community and to their general productivity. The Chairman of the War Veterans Association has, with respect, acted in a most unfortunate manner by promoting a resurgence of the farm invasions and by doing so in a manner which is calculated so to aggravate tensions In this regard attention is drawn in particular to the Reuters report of a statement made by Dr. Hunzvi on 15 July 2000. A copy of that report appears as Page (3b) in the accompanying papers where it is annexed to the Certificate of Urgency. Steps are also being taken to obtain a copy of a televised recording of Dr. Hunzvi's statement on that occasion. This recording was made at Dr. Hunzvi's own behest.
The Council of the Union and I as its President are under great pressure to take positive and effective steps to redress the fast deteriorating security situation that presently prevails on the farms. The Union cannot allow matters to deteriorate further. The Union nevertheless believes that it is in the interests of Zimbabwe as a whole that the situation be addressed and be addressed effectively by His Excellency the President and that it be seen to be addressed by His Excellency. The Chamber Application and attendant publicity can only harm the image of Zimbabwe if the Courts find themselves obliged to make further rulings against the Commissioner of Police and to comment on His Excellency's participation in the land invasions to date.
The urgency of this Petition is occasioned by the fact reports are being received that the situation in parts of the Beatrice area as of this morning has deteriorated to one of open conflict and the situation reported from Karoi is so explosive as to be likely to follow suit within hours. The consequences of such lawlessness must impact not only upon the productivity of the farming industry but also on the ability of our farmers to market their produce and to secure foreign currency for the country. The downstream effect on commerce and industry and the lack of employment for thousands of people can only make matters worse.
The Union is already besieged with numerous media enquiries as to what is being done about the situation and our members must be protected. I am accordingly already having to advise the media that this Petition is being made and that we may yet have to proceed with the Chamber Application to the High Court.
The Union thus respectfully petitions His Excellency to consider these papers immediately and to accept a delegation from the Union to reinforce the urgency of this request. The Union most earnestly prays that His Excellency will react immediately and anxiously awaits a response.
DATED AT HARARE THIS DAY OF JULY 2000.
......................................................
TIMOTHY HENWOOD
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
SATURDAY 29 JULY 2000
LATE YESTERDAY THE ZCTU EXECUTIVE CALLED FOR A NATIONAL THREE DAY STAYAWAY FROM WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 4 AUGUST NEXT WEEK. THIS NATIONAL INITIATIVE IS TO CALL FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE RULE OF LAW AND ORDER IN ZIMBABWE. THE ZCTU EXECUTIVE WILL MEET AGAIN NEXT SATURDAY 5 AUGUST TO ASSESS THE SITUATION.
CFU SUPPORT THIS CALL FOR THE RESTORATION OF LAW AND ORDER SO WILL BE PART OF THE NATIONAL WORK STOPPAGE FOR THIS PERIOD. THIS DECISION BY ZCTU SUPERCEDED ANY OTHER SPECULATION ABOUT THE TIMING OF THE NATIONAL STAYAWAY. ALL FARMING OPERATIONS EXCEPT FOR ESSENTIAL TASKS SHOULD BE STOPPED FOR THE THREE DAY PERIOD.
ALL CFU MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ARE STILL INVITED TO THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF CFU CONGRESS ON TUESDAY 1 AUGUST, TO BE SEATED IN HARARE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE (SHERATON) BY 2.30 PM. WE URGE FULL SUPPORT OF THIS FUNCTION AS A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY. THE SECOND DAY OF CFU CONGRESS ON WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST IS AFFECTED BY THE NATIONAL STAYAWAY, SO IS UNLIKELY TO TAKE PLACE.
MR. M VOWELS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (PROJECTS & ADMINISTRATION)
COMMERCIAL FARMERS UNION
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BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM PRESS STATEMENT FRIDAY 28 JULY 2000
The business leaders forum held an emergency yesterday 28 July 2000 against a background of further deterioration of law and order and strongly urge His Excellency R G Mugabe The President of Zimbabwe to use all means at his disposal to restore law and order in the country.
Business leaders believe that dialogue is the appropriate way forward and recommend that an all stakeholders conference be convened by his Excellency as soon as possible.
Released by the presidents of Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ), Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), Institute of Directors(IOD), Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT), and Chamber of Mines.
The Director Mr. D Hasluck, President Mr. T Henwood, Nick Swanepoel and Alex Masterson of Coghlan & Welsh met with the Director of the CIO this morning to discuss the removal of war veteran from the farms. The team are hoping to meet with His Excellency Mr. R G Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe this afternoon or tomorrow.
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SPECIAL SITREP
1 CFU Congress Postponed
The 57th Annual Congress of the Commercial Farmers' Union due to be held on Tuesday 1st August and Wednesday 2nd August is postponed to the first week of September. Please advise all delegates and invited guests accordingly.
2 Farm Shutdowns
a) CFU policy to shut down Farmers' Associations in which invaders continue to threaten evictions and cause work stoppages continues in place and should be used on Monday and Tuesday if necessary.
b) The CFU fully supports the National Closure called by the ZCTU and other civic groups in support of the specific and reasonable demand that: "there is restoration of law and order and compliance with the rulings of the High Court handed down by Justice Garwe and Justice Chinengo." The period of this National Closure is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY, 2nd, 3rd and 4th August 2000.
3 Meeting with His Excellency, President R G Mugabe
The President, Director, Nick Swanepoel and the Union's legal adviser, Alex Masterson, have been informed that a meeting will be held with President Mugabe tomorrow, Monday 31st August 2000. The principle objective of the meeting is the restoration of law and order on farms and the removal of all invaders. Within this context it will be stated that:
# Farmers need help and direction because:
- anarchy exists in many farming areas.
- there is disruption, violence and uncertainty.
- economics are impossible.
# Disorder and Uncertainty created by differences between
- what Government says and does.
- what Dr Hunzvi says and does.
# The result is a public perception that:
- Government has lost control and Dr Hunzvi is in control.
- land is available to anyone for the taking.
- Police are powerless to stop and have no direction to stop the anarchy by invaders.
# The National Shutdown by farmers is because of the impossible situation they are in.
- urban areas such as Karoi shutdown because they depend on farmers' prosperity.
#We must move forward together. The Union and its members are not against land reform but cannot accept the current approach because:
- while Government purports to be following the law, it is not doing so, and everyone knows this.
- individual farmers will be challenging and succeeding acquisitions in court.
- the 804 farm list already objected to in 1997 and 1998 is illogical and does not comply with Government's own criteria.
- the Union cannot advise its members to give away land or concede to no-compensation acquisitions when money is available for Government and farms if proper channels are followed.
#Farmers have had enough but do not want to prolong existing conflict. We do want to co-operate but need to treat land reform as a development issue, not a political issue.
David W Hasluck
Director
CFU
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
MONDAY 31 JULY 2000
Numerous Section 8 Orders have and are being served on farmers.
AGRICULTURAL LABOUR BUREAU PRESS STATEMENT
The Agricultural Labour Bureau (ALB), which is the organisation representing the interests of commercial farmers and large Estates in labour matters in Zimbabwe, held a meeting on Monday 31st July 2000 with the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ), which is the organisation representing the interests of farm workers in labour matters in Zimbabwe, to discuss the three day stayaway called by the ZCTU. GAPWUZ is an affiliate member of the ZCTU and was represented at the meeting on Friday 28th July 2000 where the decision was made to call a stayaway. The ALB was informed that the reason for the stayaway was to protest against the lack of law and order in Zimbabwe and to call for its restoration.
The ALB has decided to support the three day stayaway because farmers, farm workers and their families have been the main victims of the failure on the part of the State to uphold the rule of law and an economy that is not supported by the law of the country and its agencies is on the road to collapse.
It is however appreciated by both the ALB and GAPWUZ that there are certain activities on farms that can not be neglected for three days without irreparable damage being done, such as the milking of cows, and workers engaged in such activities are urged to report to work in order to complete them.
Piet de Klerk
CHAIRMAN, ALB
31 July 2000
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Addition to Sitrep Monday 31st July 2000
The indications are that President Tim Henwood will not be seeing President Mugabe as expected.
We understand that all 804 properties listed on Gazette Notice 233 A of 2nd June, 2000 are to receive Section 8 Acquisition Orders, which are currently being signed by the Minister. All of those who appeared on the original list should, therefore, be prepared to receive such an Order.
Following the serving of a Section 8 Order the Minister is obliged to apply to the Administrative Court for confirmation of that Order and all land-owners should be given 14 days notice of any hearing to discuss the Order, which will give them an opportunity to defend the acquisition of their properties.
This action follows the issuing of a list of 130 farms so say conceded from the original list of 2nd June, 2000 but on scrutinising this list we found a number of errors. These were corrected and because it reduced the number of farms per province below the required 20 (160 in all) we called on land-owners who had farms to offer to come forward. An amended and correct list of 179 properties was delivered to the Ministry 10 days ago and I regret to say that absolutely no notice was taken of this list. In fact, on a couple of occasions, and in particular from the Minister on T.V. on Sunday night there was a denial that such a list of offered farms even existed.
This morning, we obtained a new list of 111 properties which were due to get Section 8 Orders and on scrutinising that list, we discovered there were 34 errors. It was in attempting to correct that list that we were informed that it did not matter as Government intended to take all 804 properties anyway.
We are currently discussing this issue with our legal advisers and will keep you posted on developments.
Dr J L Grant
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (REGIONS)
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URGENT -- NATIONAL STAY-AWAY
The ZCTU. Representing the majority of Trade Unions including (GAPWUZ), have called for a National Stay-Away on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week (2nd to 4th August, 2000) in a mass call for the restoration of law and order in our country. This is with particular reference to the beatings and intimidation in the high density townships and the invasions of farms by war vets.
The CFU therefore, supports the call for a National Stay-away and calls on all commercial farmers to observe the shut-down. Clearly, the situation under which farmers find themselves, with 6 months of ongoing invasions, stoppages, threats, theft, poaching and attendant ills, is intolerable and cannot be sustained any longer.
Our appeal to the leadership to save this country at the 11th hour must, therefore, be a universal and unequivocal clarion call for justice and fairness and the rights of protection under the law. We are not isolated in this dilemma and the people of Zimbabwe are, by their actions, calling for nothing less.
I know that there are many and varied circumstances on each farm and no one operator is the same as the next but there are certain principles we can follow in effecting the shut-down without irretrievably destroying the basis for production. I believe that for the period there should be nothing off the farms in the way of produce and nothing onto the farms in the way of inputs, there should be no business conducted with the banks or other sections of industry, service providers or suppliers, there should be no other activities related to the business of farming save for notable exceptions. I also believe there should be no threat to the welfare of livestock which must obviously be fed and watered, milked, treated, bedded or whatever else is required while plants (nurseries, seed-beds, green houses etc) must be maintained as normal.
It is also most important that all labour is paid for the period of the shut-down and that as farmers we show solidarity with our workers who have suffered the brunt of the brutality since the invasions began.
I know too that this is costly for farmers, who can ill-afford to risk their businesses any further, but without a return to the rule of law there can be no future for any of us in Zimbabwe and our country, as we know and love it, is at the crossroads. Now is the time to stand united and resolute for what we believe in.
T K Henwood
PRESIDENT
1st August, 2000
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2000
NATIONAL STAY-AWAY
Following further consultation with the business community and the impact on the economy it was decided this afternoon that the stayaway be for one day only being Wednesday 2nd August. Clearly all farmers should follow suit.
Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th will be normal working days but you are encouraged to observe the stay away for Wednesday 2nd August.
These mixed signals are sincerely regretted.
T K Henwood
CFU PRESIDENT
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FUEL UPDATE - 1 August 2000
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
Although the country is not under economic sanctions at present, Noczim and the fuel procurement team insist that we are not at liberty to disclose the fuel stock figures, whether in the depots or in the pipelines.
In view of the absence of transparency it is now even more difficult to provide a meaningful report, however this report will attempt to be more direct than "Fuel Facts" and to avoid euphemisms.
SUPPLY SITUATION
At the time of the Stakeholders meeting on Tuesday 1st August the total fuel stock situation was considerably lower than the stock levels noted in the previous report of 25th July.
It is anticipated that pumping of fuel will resume on 6th August; apparently pumping had been stopped "for some time" because of payment problems.
We were advised that payments had been put in place for overland supplies from RSA up to 12th August. We have no idea of how many trains to expect.
Comments from some of the other stakeholders
COAL SITUATION
A representative from Hwange Colliery advised that all its customers were short supplied. The colliery was unable to meet demand because of flooding, industrial action, diesel shortages and insufficient forex for machinery and spares. There is an acute shortage of "washed peas" grade, as a result Zesa's 3 thermal power stations at Harare, Bulawayo and Munyate have been unable to generate electricity at anything near their capacity.
NRZ
Railways are hard pressed by diesel shortages. On average they have 2 or 3 days supply, sometimes zero and this makes it very difficult for them to plan movements. They try to give priority to critical areas like fuel, coal and passengers. They have just moved some tank cars of diesel from Beit Bridge to Bulawayo and Gweru and a few tankers of petrol to Kwekwe. On Tuesday they moved a number of jet and diesel tank cars to Harare. This goes to Harare fuel company depots and they move it subsequently to service stations and rural depots by road.
TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND BUSES
60% of the fleet grounded.
MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION
Many service stations don't have fuel because they have no money to pay for it and banks are foreclosing in many instances.
CZI
No improvement in the situation with industries and transport woes mean that they cannot move in raw materials to factories.
CHAMBER OF MINES
Connemara mine is due to go into moth balls at the end of August.
CONCLUSION
Diesel stocks are severely depleted and remain critical, relief in the short term is not anticipated. Petrol stocks are also now dropping to critical levels.
Since the stakeholders meeting a devaluation of our currency to 50:1 vs US$1 has been announced. This will affect the "grey' market and the F.C.A.'s unofficial rate.
The South African government has also visited here and may throw out a lifeline. It would probably be wise to wait for the dust to settle and anticipate a revised fuel price before rushing in to try and secure supplies of fuel at non-regulated prices.
JOHN DICKENS
CFU COMMERCIAL EXECUTIVE
COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Visit the CFU Web site:- http://www.mweb.co.zw/cfu
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2000
The President of the CFU Mr.T Henwood requests that all Chairman of Farmers Association's attend the CFU on Tuesday 8 August 9.30am for 10.00am for an urgent meeting.
PRESS STATEMENT
ZTA welcomes statements by Government expressing determination to restore law and order on farms within the next few weeks.
The URGENCY of restoring law and order cannot be over emphasised as tobacco growers have to complete BY MID AUGUST EDB application, fertilization and ridging for their tobacco crops to be planted on 1st September.
Furthermore, dry land tobacco land preparation and seedbed sowing are normally completed BY MID AUGUST thereby effectively determining the overall size of the national crop.
Failure to achieve the 180 million-core business crop target will jeopardise Zimbabwe's position as a leading supplier of quality flavourful flue cured tobacco for the worlds international brands of cigarettes. Zimbabwe's tobacco exports earn 30% of the nation's foreign exchange.
The current prevailing disruptions to farming operations need to be urgently addressed and all parties are encouraged to work together to find an immediate solution. The ZTA undertakes to play its part in this process.
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2000
President Tim Henwood's meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Resettlement, Dr. J. Made, has been postponed until Thursday.
SUMMARY OF EVENTS ON FARMS FOR THE WEEK ENDING 8 AUGUST 2000
Invasions (new and revisits) - 49
Work stoppages (mainly tobacco) - 48
Unofficial eviction notices - 21
Poaching incidences on farms - 28
Cases of theft on farms - 15
Properties with hut building - 43
Properties with tree cutting - 32
Cases of abductions on farms - 3
Beatings on farms - 8
Veld fires on farms - 7
Cases of intimidation on farms - 25
Queries on reaction to Section 8 orders are now coming in from most areas.
OTHER
Any farmers needing to make special arrangements for domestic pets, please contact Meryl Harrison on telephone:
09-66578 / 09-66593 (bus)
011 630403 (cellular)
09-46243 (res)
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2000
The President of the Commercial Farmers' Union, Mr. Tim Henwood, announced this afternoon that the Union is withdrawing all litigation that it has initiated in the past two weeks on matters concerning the acquisition and occupation of commercial farms in the country. This has been done with a view to improving the atmosphere for meaningful dialogue from which it is anticipated that a solution will be attained that will be more satisfactory than any that can be secured by continuing to pursue the protracted process of law.
A farm recently acquired by Section 8 Order in Mashonaland West North has been examined by the government evaluators, and the fixed assets are now being stolen. No government representative is available to take care of the buildings etc. and the Police are unwilling to act against the perpetrators who now claim to "own" the farm.
Craig
Zimbabwe Crisis Mailing List
http://www.niner.net/zimcrisis
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Brief list of helpful sites on the issue:
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- Movement for Democratic Change -- http://www.in2zw.com/mdc
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- BSAP Pursuit of Zimbabwean Criminals -- http://www.bsaphq.f9.co.uk
To: "Zimbabwe Crisis Mailing List":;
From: Zimbabwe Crisis
Subject: ZimCrisis#120 -- CFU Press Releases
Hi everyone,
This isn't exactly news anymore, but an historical record of CFU press releases from the last couple of weeks.
Craig
ZIMBABWE COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
Press Statement by President T K Henwood
Tragically, another murder has occurred in the Beatrice/Featherstone farming district. This highlights the need for the ZRP to act now to prevent anarchy. Since March there has been no conviction of any persons connected with the horrendous incidents on farms which have resulted in the murder of five CFU members.
Despite the announcement made by His Excellency Vice President Msika on Saturday, 15th July, that war veterans would be moved from farms within hours of his statement, we have seen no movement at all. In fact invasions, threats and violence have escalated, and the situation on farms is untenable. Invaders have continued constructing permanent type accommodation in strategic places on farms, including work areas, seed bed sites and adjacent to homesteads. Threats of eviction and death are being made against farmers if they do not conform to war veterans instructions. In the southern part of the country on the conservancies, wholesale commercial snaring and slaughter of wild life is taking place, while large areas are being deforested for no rhyme or reason - other than to provoke the land owner. Large swathes of indigenous trees are being felled by the invaders to purposefully destroy the eco-tourism potential.
Following the launch of the fast track approach to land reform and in order to assist Government in this Programme, the Commercial Farmers' Union recently lodged with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Resettlement a list of 179 farms, comprising uncontested and voluntarily offered farms for the Programme to enable a movement of war veterans now.
The new agricultural season is approaching rapidly and within 5 weeks tobacco plantings are due to start. Invaders continue to interrupt the irrigation of the wheat and barley crop, as well as the tobacco seed-beds. Land preparation for the summer crop is behind schedule across the country. Clearly, it is impossible to continue normal farming operations under these circumstances.
I once again and urgently call for the immediate removal of war veterans and their followers from farms where they are endangering life and limb and interfering with our farming operations.
In the interest of the safety of our members and their workers it may soon become impossible for farming operations to continue nationwide. This drastic action will have a serious impact on the economy of Zimbabwe but it will be a small price to pay to prevent further loss of life.
President T K Henwood
COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
TKH/mt
24.7.2000
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PETITION TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE THE HONOURABLE ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE
I, the undersigned, TIMOTHY HENWOOD, in my capacity as President of the Commercial Farmers Union, do hereby humbly request His Excellency to intervene in bringing to an end the perils faced by all those involved in commercial farming in Zimbabwe as a result of the resurgence of land invasions by war veterans and others which are in imminent danger of causing a major conflagration throughout the farming areas of the country.
I annexe hereto a copy of an Urgent Chamber Application that has been filed with the High Court in which the Union has felt constrained to include His Excellency, in his official capacity, as a Respondent to the to the proceedings. This has been done to enable His Excellency to meet averments made in the Application and to deal with further averments which may be made by the other Respondents in replying to the Application.
Copies of this Urgent Chamber Application have already been served upon all the Respondents and the Civil Division of the Attorney General's Office.
I have, however, instructed our legal practitioners not to proceed with securing a hearing of the Application at this point. The Certificate of Service of the Application upon the Respondents is therefore being withheld.
The attention of His Excellency is drawn to the closing provisions of Paragraph 9.10 of the affidavit of the Union's Director, Mr D W Hasluck, upon which the High Court Application is founded. In particular attention is drawn to the top of Page 12 in which it is stated that:- " The Union looks to His Excellency the President to play a positive and constructive role in this regard - [i.e. stopping the violence and lawlessness that presently prevails] - and to do so even before this matter has to go to Court."
The Union and its members really do face enormous dangers both to the individuals who make up the farming community and to their general productivity. The Chairman of the War Veterans Association has, with respect, acted in a most unfortunate manner by promoting a resurgence of the farm invasions and by doing so in a manner which is calculated so to aggravate tensions In this regard attention is drawn in particular to the Reuters report of a statement made by Dr. Hunzvi on 15 July 2000. A copy of that report appears as Page (3b) in the accompanying papers where it is annexed to the Certificate of Urgency. Steps are also being taken to obtain a copy of a televised recording of Dr. Hunzvi's statement on that occasion. This recording was made at Dr. Hunzvi's own behest.
The Council of the Union and I as its President are under great pressure to take positive and effective steps to redress the fast deteriorating security situation that presently prevails on the farms. The Union cannot allow matters to deteriorate further. The Union nevertheless believes that it is in the interests of Zimbabwe as a whole that the situation be addressed and be addressed effectively by His Excellency the President and that it be seen to be addressed by His Excellency. The Chamber Application and attendant publicity can only harm the image of Zimbabwe if the Courts find themselves obliged to make further rulings against the Commissioner of Police and to comment on His Excellency's participation in the land invasions to date.
The urgency of this Petition is occasioned by the fact reports are being received that the situation in parts of the Beatrice area as of this morning has deteriorated to one of open conflict and the situation reported from Karoi is so explosive as to be likely to follow suit within hours. The consequences of such lawlessness must impact not only upon the productivity of the farming industry but also on the ability of our farmers to market their produce and to secure foreign currency for the country. The downstream effect on commerce and industry and the lack of employment for thousands of people can only make matters worse.
The Union is already besieged with numerous media enquiries as to what is being done about the situation and our members must be protected. I am accordingly already having to advise the media that this Petition is being made and that we may yet have to proceed with the Chamber Application to the High Court.
The Union thus respectfully petitions His Excellency to consider these papers immediately and to accept a delegation from the Union to reinforce the urgency of this request. The Union most earnestly prays that His Excellency will react immediately and anxiously awaits a response.
DATED AT HARARE THIS DAY OF JULY 2000.
......................................................
TIMOTHY HENWOOD
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
SATURDAY 29 JULY 2000
LATE YESTERDAY THE ZCTU EXECUTIVE CALLED FOR A NATIONAL THREE DAY STAYAWAY FROM WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 4 AUGUST NEXT WEEK. THIS NATIONAL INITIATIVE IS TO CALL FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE RULE OF LAW AND ORDER IN ZIMBABWE. THE ZCTU EXECUTIVE WILL MEET AGAIN NEXT SATURDAY 5 AUGUST TO ASSESS THE SITUATION.
CFU SUPPORT THIS CALL FOR THE RESTORATION OF LAW AND ORDER SO WILL BE PART OF THE NATIONAL WORK STOPPAGE FOR THIS PERIOD. THIS DECISION BY ZCTU SUPERCEDED ANY OTHER SPECULATION ABOUT THE TIMING OF THE NATIONAL STAYAWAY. ALL FARMING OPERATIONS EXCEPT FOR ESSENTIAL TASKS SHOULD BE STOPPED FOR THE THREE DAY PERIOD.
ALL CFU MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ARE STILL INVITED TO THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF CFU CONGRESS ON TUESDAY 1 AUGUST, TO BE SEATED IN HARARE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE (SHERATON) BY 2.30 PM. WE URGE FULL SUPPORT OF THIS FUNCTION AS A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY. THE SECOND DAY OF CFU CONGRESS ON WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST IS AFFECTED BY THE NATIONAL STAYAWAY, SO IS UNLIKELY TO TAKE PLACE.
MR. M VOWELS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (PROJECTS & ADMINISTRATION)
COMMERCIAL FARMERS UNION
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BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM PRESS STATEMENT FRIDAY 28 JULY 2000
The business leaders forum held an emergency yesterday 28 July 2000 against a background of further deterioration of law and order and strongly urge His Excellency R G Mugabe The President of Zimbabwe to use all means at his disposal to restore law and order in the country.
Business leaders believe that dialogue is the appropriate way forward and recommend that an all stakeholders conference be convened by his Excellency as soon as possible.
Released by the presidents of Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ), Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), Institute of Directors(IOD), Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT), and Chamber of Mines.
The Director Mr. D Hasluck, President Mr. T Henwood, Nick Swanepoel and Alex Masterson of Coghlan & Welsh met with the Director of the CIO this morning to discuss the removal of war veteran from the farms. The team are hoping to meet with His Excellency Mr. R G Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe this afternoon or tomorrow.
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SPECIAL SITREP
1 CFU Congress Postponed
The 57th Annual Congress of the Commercial Farmers' Union due to be held on Tuesday 1st August and Wednesday 2nd August is postponed to the first week of September. Please advise all delegates and invited guests accordingly.
2 Farm Shutdowns
a) CFU policy to shut down Farmers' Associations in which invaders continue to threaten evictions and cause work stoppages continues in place and should be used on Monday and Tuesday if necessary.
b) The CFU fully supports the National Closure called by the ZCTU and other civic groups in support of the specific and reasonable demand that: "there is restoration of law and order and compliance with the rulings of the High Court handed down by Justice Garwe and Justice Chinengo." The period of this National Closure is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY, 2nd, 3rd and 4th August 2000.
3 Meeting with His Excellency, President R G Mugabe
The President, Director, Nick Swanepoel and the Union's legal adviser, Alex Masterson, have been informed that a meeting will be held with President Mugabe tomorrow, Monday 31st August 2000. The principle objective of the meeting is the restoration of law and order on farms and the removal of all invaders. Within this context it will be stated that:
# Farmers need help and direction because:
- anarchy exists in many farming areas.
- there is disruption, violence and uncertainty.
- economics are impossible.
# Disorder and Uncertainty created by differences between
- what Government says and does.
- what Dr Hunzvi says and does.
# The result is a public perception that:
- Government has lost control and Dr Hunzvi is in control.
- land is available to anyone for the taking.
- Police are powerless to stop and have no direction to stop the anarchy by invaders.
# The National Shutdown by farmers is because of the impossible situation they are in.
- urban areas such as Karoi shutdown because they depend on farmers' prosperity.
#We must move forward together. The Union and its members are not against land reform but cannot accept the current approach because:
- while Government purports to be following the law, it is not doing so, and everyone knows this.
- individual farmers will be challenging and succeeding acquisitions in court.
- the 804 farm list already objected to in 1997 and 1998 is illogical and does not comply with Government's own criteria.
- the Union cannot advise its members to give away land or concede to no-compensation acquisitions when money is available for Government and farms if proper channels are followed.
#Farmers have had enough but do not want to prolong existing conflict. We do want to co-operate but need to treat land reform as a development issue, not a political issue.
David W Hasluck
Director
CFU
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
MONDAY 31 JULY 2000
Numerous Section 8 Orders have and are being served on farmers.
AGRICULTURAL LABOUR BUREAU PRESS STATEMENT
The Agricultural Labour Bureau (ALB), which is the organisation representing the interests of commercial farmers and large Estates in labour matters in Zimbabwe, held a meeting on Monday 31st July 2000 with the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ), which is the organisation representing the interests of farm workers in labour matters in Zimbabwe, to discuss the three day stayaway called by the ZCTU. GAPWUZ is an affiliate member of the ZCTU and was represented at the meeting on Friday 28th July 2000 where the decision was made to call a stayaway. The ALB was informed that the reason for the stayaway was to protest against the lack of law and order in Zimbabwe and to call for its restoration.
The ALB has decided to support the three day stayaway because farmers, farm workers and their families have been the main victims of the failure on the part of the State to uphold the rule of law and an economy that is not supported by the law of the country and its agencies is on the road to collapse.
It is however appreciated by both the ALB and GAPWUZ that there are certain activities on farms that can not be neglected for three days without irreparable damage being done, such as the milking of cows, and workers engaged in such activities are urged to report to work in order to complete them.
Piet de Klerk
CHAIRMAN, ALB
31 July 2000
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Addition to Sitrep Monday 31st July 2000
The indications are that President Tim Henwood will not be seeing President Mugabe as expected.
We understand that all 804 properties listed on Gazette Notice 233 A of 2nd June, 2000 are to receive Section 8 Acquisition Orders, which are currently being signed by the Minister. All of those who appeared on the original list should, therefore, be prepared to receive such an Order.
Following the serving of a Section 8 Order the Minister is obliged to apply to the Administrative Court for confirmation of that Order and all land-owners should be given 14 days notice of any hearing to discuss the Order, which will give them an opportunity to defend the acquisition of their properties.
This action follows the issuing of a list of 130 farms so say conceded from the original list of 2nd June, 2000 but on scrutinising this list we found a number of errors. These were corrected and because it reduced the number of farms per province below the required 20 (160 in all) we called on land-owners who had farms to offer to come forward. An amended and correct list of 179 properties was delivered to the Ministry 10 days ago and I regret to say that absolutely no notice was taken of this list. In fact, on a couple of occasions, and in particular from the Minister on T.V. on Sunday night there was a denial that such a list of offered farms even existed.
This morning, we obtained a new list of 111 properties which were due to get Section 8 Orders and on scrutinising that list, we discovered there were 34 errors. It was in attempting to correct that list that we were informed that it did not matter as Government intended to take all 804 properties anyway.
We are currently discussing this issue with our legal advisers and will keep you posted on developments.
Dr J L Grant
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (REGIONS)
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URGENT -- NATIONAL STAY-AWAY
The ZCTU. Representing the majority of Trade Unions including (GAPWUZ), have called for a National Stay-Away on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week (2nd to 4th August, 2000) in a mass call for the restoration of law and order in our country. This is with particular reference to the beatings and intimidation in the high density townships and the invasions of farms by war vets.
The CFU therefore, supports the call for a National Stay-away and calls on all commercial farmers to observe the shut-down. Clearly, the situation under which farmers find themselves, with 6 months of ongoing invasions, stoppages, threats, theft, poaching and attendant ills, is intolerable and cannot be sustained any longer.
Our appeal to the leadership to save this country at the 11th hour must, therefore, be a universal and unequivocal clarion call for justice and fairness and the rights of protection under the law. We are not isolated in this dilemma and the people of Zimbabwe are, by their actions, calling for nothing less.
I know that there are many and varied circumstances on each farm and no one operator is the same as the next but there are certain principles we can follow in effecting the shut-down without irretrievably destroying the basis for production. I believe that for the period there should be nothing off the farms in the way of produce and nothing onto the farms in the way of inputs, there should be no business conducted with the banks or other sections of industry, service providers or suppliers, there should be no other activities related to the business of farming save for notable exceptions. I also believe there should be no threat to the welfare of livestock which must obviously be fed and watered, milked, treated, bedded or whatever else is required while plants (nurseries, seed-beds, green houses etc) must be maintained as normal.
It is also most important that all labour is paid for the period of the shut-down and that as farmers we show solidarity with our workers who have suffered the brunt of the brutality since the invasions began.
I know too that this is costly for farmers, who can ill-afford to risk their businesses any further, but without a return to the rule of law there can be no future for any of us in Zimbabwe and our country, as we know and love it, is at the crossroads. Now is the time to stand united and resolute for what we believe in.
T K Henwood
PRESIDENT
1st August, 2000
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2000
NATIONAL STAY-AWAY
Following further consultation with the business community and the impact on the economy it was decided this afternoon that the stayaway be for one day only being Wednesday 2nd August. Clearly all farmers should follow suit.
Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th will be normal working days but you are encouraged to observe the stay away for Wednesday 2nd August.
These mixed signals are sincerely regretted.
T K Henwood
CFU PRESIDENT
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FUEL UPDATE - 1 August 2000
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
Although the country is not under economic sanctions at present, Noczim and the fuel procurement team insist that we are not at liberty to disclose the fuel stock figures, whether in the depots or in the pipelines.
In view of the absence of transparency it is now even more difficult to provide a meaningful report, however this report will attempt to be more direct than "Fuel Facts" and to avoid euphemisms.
SUPPLY SITUATION
At the time of the Stakeholders meeting on Tuesday 1st August the total fuel stock situation was considerably lower than the stock levels noted in the previous report of 25th July.
It is anticipated that pumping of fuel will resume on 6th August; apparently pumping had been stopped "for some time" because of payment problems.
We were advised that payments had been put in place for overland supplies from RSA up to 12th August. We have no idea of how many trains to expect.
Comments from some of the other stakeholders
COAL SITUATION
A representative from Hwange Colliery advised that all its customers were short supplied. The colliery was unable to meet demand because of flooding, industrial action, diesel shortages and insufficient forex for machinery and spares. There is an acute shortage of "washed peas" grade, as a result Zesa's 3 thermal power stations at Harare, Bulawayo and Munyate have been unable to generate electricity at anything near their capacity.
NRZ
Railways are hard pressed by diesel shortages. On average they have 2 or 3 days supply, sometimes zero and this makes it very difficult for them to plan movements. They try to give priority to critical areas like fuel, coal and passengers. They have just moved some tank cars of diesel from Beit Bridge to Bulawayo and Gweru and a few tankers of petrol to Kwekwe. On Tuesday they moved a number of jet and diesel tank cars to Harare. This goes to Harare fuel company depots and they move it subsequently to service stations and rural depots by road.
TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND BUSES
60% of the fleet grounded.
MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION
Many service stations don't have fuel because they have no money to pay for it and banks are foreclosing in many instances.
CZI
No improvement in the situation with industries and transport woes mean that they cannot move in raw materials to factories.
CHAMBER OF MINES
Connemara mine is due to go into moth balls at the end of August.
CONCLUSION
Diesel stocks are severely depleted and remain critical, relief in the short term is not anticipated. Petrol stocks are also now dropping to critical levels.
Since the stakeholders meeting a devaluation of our currency to 50:1 vs US$1 has been announced. This will affect the "grey' market and the F.C.A.'s unofficial rate.
The South African government has also visited here and may throw out a lifeline. It would probably be wise to wait for the dust to settle and anticipate a revised fuel price before rushing in to try and secure supplies of fuel at non-regulated prices.
JOHN DICKENS
CFU COMMERCIAL EXECUTIVE
COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Visit the CFU Web site:- http://www.mweb.co.zw/cfu
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2000
The President of the CFU Mr.T Henwood requests that all Chairman of Farmers Association's attend the CFU on Tuesday 8 August 9.30am for 10.00am for an urgent meeting.
PRESS STATEMENT
ZTA welcomes statements by Government expressing determination to restore law and order on farms within the next few weeks.
The URGENCY of restoring law and order cannot be over emphasised as tobacco growers have to complete BY MID AUGUST EDB application, fertilization and ridging for their tobacco crops to be planted on 1st September.
Furthermore, dry land tobacco land preparation and seedbed sowing are normally completed BY MID AUGUST thereby effectively determining the overall size of the national crop.
Failure to achieve the 180 million-core business crop target will jeopardise Zimbabwe's position as a leading supplier of quality flavourful flue cured tobacco for the worlds international brands of cigarettes. Zimbabwe's tobacco exports earn 30% of the nation's foreign exchange.
The current prevailing disruptions to farming operations need to be urgently addressed and all parties are encouraged to work together to find an immediate solution. The ZTA undertakes to play its part in this process.
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2000
President Tim Henwood's meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Resettlement, Dr. J. Made, has been postponed until Thursday.
SUMMARY OF EVENTS ON FARMS FOR THE WEEK ENDING 8 AUGUST 2000
Invasions (new and revisits) - 49
Work stoppages (mainly tobacco) - 48
Unofficial eviction notices - 21
Poaching incidences on farms - 28
Cases of theft on farms - 15
Properties with hut building - 43
Properties with tree cutting - 32
Cases of abductions on farms - 3
Beatings on farms - 8
Veld fires on farms - 7
Cases of intimidation on farms - 25
Queries on reaction to Section 8 orders are now coming in from most areas.
OTHER
Any farmers needing to make special arrangements for domestic pets, please contact Meryl Harrison on telephone:
09-66578 / 09-66593 (bus)
011 630403 (cellular)
09-46243 (res)
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FARM INVASIONS UPDATE
THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2000
The President of the Commercial Farmers' Union, Mr. Tim Henwood, announced this afternoon that the Union is withdrawing all litigation that it has initiated in the past two weeks on matters concerning the acquisition and occupation of commercial farms in the country. This has been done with a view to improving the atmosphere for meaningful dialogue from which it is anticipated that a solution will be attained that will be more satisfactory than any that can be secured by continuing to pursue the protracted process of law.
A farm recently acquired by Section 8 Order in Mashonaland West North has been examined by the government evaluators, and the fixed assets are now being stolen. No government representative is available to take care of the buildings etc. and the Police are unwilling to act against the perpetrators who now claim to "own" the farm.
Craig
Zimbabwe Crisis Mailing List
http://www.niner.net/zimcrisis
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Brief list of helpful sites on the issue:
- Zimbabwe Crisis mailing list archives -- http://www.niner.net/zimcrisis
- Comprehensive news updates -- http://www.1freespace.com/beetee
- Offers of and requests for help for Zimbabweans -- http://pub9.ezboard.com/boffersofhelp
- Commercial Farmers' Union -- http://www.mweb.co.zw/cfu
- Movement for Democratic Change -- http://www.in2zw.com/mdc
- Zimbabwe Democracy Trust -- http://www.zimbabwedemocracytrust.org
- BSAP Pursuit of Zimbabwean Criminals -- http://www.bsaphq.f9.co.uk
