PASTORAL STATEMEMENT ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE

ZAMBIA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE
Pastoral Statement on the Current Situation in Zimbabwe
10th June 2008

“You must love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself” [Luke 10:27]

1. We, the Catholic Bishops of Zambia, have been closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe since the year 2000. We have followed the events in this neighbouring country as they took a downward and shocking turn after the 29 March 2008 general and presidential elections. Zimbabwe is on the brink of total economic collapse and political destruction and we consider it our duty to raise our voice in solidarity with the suffering people of this sister country and our region.

2. The suffering of God’s people anywhere does not go unnoticed by Him and He surely has seen the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe as it is said in Exodus, “I have seen the suffering of my people and have heard their cry of complaint so I know what they are suffering” [Exodus 3: 7].

3. The suffering of our poor sisters and brothers is intolerable and beyond any political excuses. The total collapse of the economy of Zimbabwe, which was known as the bread basket of the sub-region, especially affects the poor in Zimbabwe. The political collapse or failure of government is shown by the terrible violence and attacks on the citizenry after the elections. These are verified by impartial observers, and we condemn them in the strongest terms possible. An environment of peace is essential for elections, not an environment of fear such as has been fostered by brutal attacks on those who are alleged or judged to have voted “in the wrong way!” The Message from the Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe, jointly signed by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, clearly speaks of “organised violence”. This is unacceptable.

4. We applaud the fact that our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe have shown great resilience and restraint in the midst of an extremely volatile political situation, harsh economic conditions and untold misery as a result of physical abuse. This shows a great commitment to look for a just political process peacefully. We also acknowledge the courage of the civil society and many Church leaders in Zimbabwe who have prophetically endeavoured to speak out, as demonstrated in recent statements. The concern about the situation in Zimbabwe stems from our concern for all human beings. The situation in Zimbabwe since 2002 has affected us all in the Southern Region. For instance, the current tragic situation in South Africa is partly a result of what has been obtaining in Zimbabwe in the past eight years or so.

5. We raise our voice to add to that of the people of Zambia who love their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. This love was demonstrated over the years particularly from 11 November 1965 till democratic governance came to Zimbabwe in April 1980. Zambians paid a very high price in supporting their sister country’s liberation struggle. They sacrificed a promising economic future and rapid social development in order to walk with Zimbabweans on the road to freedom and democracy. The damage to Zambia’s economy that this sacrifice brought about is immeasurable. Needless to say that some Zambians paid the supreme price; by losing their lives!

6. We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to ensure that this circle of violence is brought to a halt. As the country begins its preparations for the re-run of the presidential elections it is important that peace should prevail. Free and fair elections cannot be held in an atmosphere of intimidation, torture, and abductions. The current electoral commission in Zimbabwe has lost all credibility going by the manner in which it conducted the March 2008 general election. Therefore, for the run-off elections to be credible it is imperative to have international observers not just from SADC, AU, and EU but also from the United Nations. The rule of law must be re-established and should be particularly evaluated in terms of respect for the poor and defenceless – when we hear of so many casualties from violence, especially in poor rural areas, from whoever is perpetrating it, then we know that the rule of law has broken down and the very first commitment of the President and all his government officials must be to restore the law and order that protects the poor and defenceless – right away.

7. We appeal to all countries in this Region through their political leaders to speak out much more firmly for a settlement of peace and justice in the current crisis in Zimbabwe. Whilst we appreciate and commend the efforts of SADC at solving the problem we call upon the same SADC leaders to take much stronger action. Our appeal is the most appropriate and, indeed, the only credible response to the sufferings of our neighbours. Scripture says, “…this is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” [Micah 6:8].

8. It is imperative for the international community, that is to say the AU and particularly SADC, to ensure that the Regime in Zimbabwe particularly the President, understand that the serious concern about democratic rule, respect for human rights, and the promotion of justice and peace is coming not so much from the international community, this concern and call is coming from our kith and kin, our brothers and sisters, namely the people of Zimbabwe first and foremost, the people of Zambia, the people in the SADC Region and indeed the whole of Africa. Whilst it may be true that some of the problems we face in Africa are a result of the colonial past, it is totally unacceptable to continually blame “colonialists and imperialists”, for problems and misery that mistakes made by our leaders in Africa, and in this case Zimbabwe, have caused.

WAY FORWARD

9. We call upon governments in countries bordering Zimbabwe, including ours, to treat the Zimbabweans who are fleeing the violence and social dislocation at home, as genuine refugees who should be treated with the compassion and dignity they deserve. We deplore the abuse that some refugees, especially women, are being subjected to by people in some border areas who are taking advantage of their desperate situation. We ask our dioceses to receive any refugees with open arms of Christian and African hospitality, and to assist in any way those who are suffering so much.

10. It has to be brought to bear on the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that political violence is immediately brought to an end. The necessary processes and procedures for the re-run must be swiftly dealt with in a transparent manner.

11. We encourage the Church in Zimbabwe to remain vigilant and continue to raise a prophetic voice against all cases of social injustice. We urge them to speak candidly to the people to guide them on the way forward for the country.

12. We call upon the people of Zimbabwe to remain steadfast and refuse to be intimidated in their quest for better governance and greater democracy.

We, on our part, shall continue to pray for a peaceful end to the crisis in Zimbabwe. We encourage our sisters and brothers in Zimbabwe not to lose hope because God has never and will never abandon his own.

“I will betroth you to myself forever, betroth you with integrity and justice, with tenderness and love; I will betroth you to myself with faithfulness and you will come to know Yahweh” [Hosea 2:21-22]

10th June 2008

Signed:

Rt. Rev. George Zumaire Lungu Bishop of Chipata, ZEC President
Rt. Rev. Noel O’Regan, SMA Bishop of Ndola, ZEC Vice-President
Most Rev. Telesphore-George Mpundu Archbishop of Lusaka
Most Rev. James Spaita Archbishop of Kasama
Most Rev Medardo J. Mazombwe Archbishop Emeritus of Lusaka
Rt. Rev Aaron A. Chisha Bishop of Mansa
Rt. Rev. Raymond Mpezele Bishop of Livingstone
Rt. Rev. Paul Duffy, OMI Bishop of Mongu
Rt. Rev. Emilio Patriarca Bishop of Monze
Rt. Rev. Alick Banda Bishop of Solwezi
Very Rev. Robert Lavertu, M.Afr. Apostolic Administrator of Mpika

RENTALS NOW CHARGED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

MASVINGO- As the economic meltdown continues, landlords and property owners in Masvingo have resorted to charging rentals in foreign currency. Some tenants in the CBD and residential areas in Masvingo are now paying their monthly rentals in either the South African Rand or the United States Dollar. Office space and residential properties are said to be paid for in foreign currency.
A small business owner in the City who rents two offices revealed that the property owner had asked for rentals to be paid in Rand. He said they have to pay R80 for each office they occupy. He also said they have to pay their rates in forex although they know that the landlord pays the council in local currency. ‘We have been asked to pay R20 for our water and electricity’, said the businessman who refused to give his name for fear of eviction. ‘The situation is even worse in Runyararo where I have to pay R100 per room”, he added. The business man said he has to fork out R400 for the four rooms he is renting plus the R180 for his office rental and rates.
Wezhira spoke to Mr Mutambasere, City Treasurer for Masvingo, who said the City fathers had no knowledge of anyone paying rates in foreign currency. “All our charges are in local currency and all payments are in local Zimbabwe dollar”’ he added.
Another business man in Rujeko B says he also has to pay R100 per month as rental to the property owner who has told them that they can pay in local currency equivalent to the Rand at the prevailing market rate on the day of payment. He also said that their landlord had told them to vacate his premises if they cannot pay. “I cannot afford R10 on my daily takings sometimes. How then do I get R100 and still have to run this small video shop? You have to know that there is no power almost everyday and my line of business has been affected”, moaned the man who also refused to give his name for fear of eviction.
A property owner who is charging in forex said he had no option since the local currency “had become worthless.” He said that charging in forex was a way to cushion himself against the ever rising inflation rate. “This hyper-inflationary period means that our currency cannot be used. I have no other way but to charge forex which I can then save. You cannot have any savings in Zim dollar,” said the property owner who did not want to be named
Other tenants in Rujeko revealed a more shocking way of paying their monthly rentals. Some landlords are now asking for basic commodities as rental payment. A woman who preferred anonymity said she has to give her landlord 2 litres cooking oil, 2 bars of washing soap and 4 kilograms of sugar for every room I rent. “I have been forced to use one room with my two sons. I have nowhere else to go”, said the single parent of two. Her sons are aged 18 and 21.
Another woman from Rujeko said her landlord asked her to pay R100 per room in May. “I cannot afford to buy a R100 on my salary. I am just a sales representative in a small business. I cannot go anywhere else because the issue of paying rentals in forex seems to be the norm nowadays”, she said.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that even pre-schools have joined the ‘forex club’,charging the fees in Rand.
Contacted for comment, police at Masvingo Central referred all queries to Harare. Police Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said it was illegal to charge in forex. “It is a criminal offence to charge rentals in foreign currency. Anyone being charged in forex should report to the police and we will investigate and set traps to catch such people,” said Assistant commissioner Bvudzijena.
Assistant Commissioner said there was however no law prohibiting barter trade for those that are charging groceries and other basic commodities.