South African National Defence Force (SANDF)- on verge of collapse- experts!

(South African Catholic)

Note by Marc Aupiais

According to the IOL (Independent Newspapers) news group- of South Africa- multiple experts on military matters- have warned that South Africa could handle only the most "minor" of Defence crisis.

Jane's Defence Weekly Southern Africa correspondent Helmoed-Romer Heitman, Henri Boshoff of the Institute of Security Studies in Pretoria, retired Brigadier-General George Kruys of the University of Pretoria, and Professor Renfrew Christie, dean of research at the University of the Western Cape have all raised serious concerns about the state of the South African Army.

It has been warned that if piracy moves south- that our navy is not capable of patrolling the Mozambique Channel to protect commercial shipping, that should Zimbabwe collapse- our army would not be capable of intervening, that taking the police off border patrol would be deadly- and that if events turn sour in Darfur- that it would be hard to evacuate our troops.

South African troops situated throughout Africa- have been credited with a deep stabilising influence- but soldiers are ageing, equipment is reportedly unserviceable, and funding is scarce- in comparison to the mammoth tasks demanded of South African soldiers in multiple giant frontiers throughout some of the most dangerous hot spots on the African Continent.

Defence Minister: Lindiwe Sisulu (appointed by the ANC [African National Congress]- ruling party) has expressed confidence in the readiness of the South African National Defence Force, according to IOL.

The Official Opposition of the Republic of South Africa, the DA (Democratic Alliance), disagrees with the Defence Minister. Their shadow Minister of Defence: Mr David Maynier claims that South Africa must take action least it experience: "soldiers without vehicles, ships without sailors, planes without pilots, and military hospitals without doctors".

A study a while back warned that a smaller deployment of South African troops Up North on the continent- could lead to dire consequences and destabilization. South African troops which were deployed in Burundi are credited with the stabilisation of the country, as South African diplomacy throughout the continent has been credited with ending wars.

The nay sayers seem to believe that either the army should be funded in a manner they would see as adequate: for its mammoth tasks- or that it should be used in what they would see as: more economically wise matters, or in a more economic manner.

C.F.

IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 02 / 08 | August / 2009
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?&set_id=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20090802062434798C127223

Zimbabwe; SADC Region; Africa: Mrs Tsvangirai "assasinated", Morgan in foreign hospital?

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Google News Search (assorted, diverse sources) __/__/__; IOL (South African; Secular; Independent) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Governmental; British; Secular) 07 / 03 / 2009; AP (Independent; Secular; American) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; British; Governmental) 06 / 03 / 2009; 07 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was a car crash, and the MDC, who have changed their tune of late, were once sticking to that story, about how, Susan Tsvangirai died, and Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, and the leader of the MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change"), landed in hospital, before allegidly being shipped off to Botswana for some reason. Whether or not the accident resulted from "foul play", Tsvangirai, had had a two car escort, but somehow still got hit by a truck/lorry, controlled by a partner of USAID, operating in Zimbabwe. The lack of a police escort is odd, it is even more odd, that Tsvangirai, who has allegedly, repeatedly in the past, had his human rights abused by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, managed to get himself into a car accident, something other trouble persons in Zimbabwe's President's eyes, have gotten into in the past.

Mugabe appeared at the hospital to visit his arch rival in politics, and seemed disappointed, either by the incident, or by some other thing. Repeatedly, the "Unity Government", forced on the MDC, by SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), mediations, called biased and partisan by the MDC, has began to look more and more like an oddity.

One of the MDC's officials, Roy Bennett, is still in jail, after his bail on "terrorism" charges, was appealed again, with a magistrate who ordered his release from jail: arrested on Friday. It is widely thought that the charges are trumped up, and that the judiciary are acting as oddly as Mugabe's henchmen in an election.

The "Masvingo-Harare" Road, where Susan Tsvangirai, called the pillar, of Morgan Tsvangirai's strength, met her sudden end, has two lanes. Morgan had a car in front and behind himself, and still, they got hit by a truck. Morgan Tsvangirai is in a Stable condition, his wife is stably dead.

Deputy Mines Minister "Murisi Zwizwayi", who is a member of the MDC, does not buy into police reports involving humps in the road and potholes. He says the road was clear. An independent investigation is already being demanded, and the MDC, has also realized that they probably need to investigate the facts.

All these again put a shadow over Zimbabwe's Neighbor, South Africa: seen as instrumental in keeping Mugabe in power, the same nation, whose efforts to keep Sudan's president out of the International Criminal Court, and whose efforts to keep Saddam Hussein in Iraq, in power, are noted internationally.

Few signs of stability in Zimbabwe, if any

While Mugabe's opponents, have a history of "convenient" car crashes, according to an American source, the fact, that it was a truck, from a Zimbabwean partner of USAID, a governmental organization, seems highly odd; especially, as it allegedly is the truck, which hit the Tsvangirai car. America has extended sanctions against Zimbabwe, and continues to refuse to acknowledge the new "unity government", as currently capable of bringing any real hope to Zimbabwe. Western nations, don't have any change of opinion of Zimbabwe, since South African lead mediation organized a "Unity" Government, which maintained much of Mugabe's stranglehold. The MDC, was disappointed when sections of government, in the past: used to kill MDC members, or hold them, were not given into their control. These same apparatus, seem to still be used against their human rights.

Tsvangirai, has reportedly been flown to Botswana, the only SADC region government, to strongly appose Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, and his Zanu PF. Botswana, has been giving aid to Zimbabweans, via the Catholic Charity "Caritas Zimbabwe", of "Caritas Internationalis": Caritas Internationalis, is known for getting aid to those in need of it. Other gifts of funding, by other nations, have been fraught with accusations, that such funding went straight to Mugabe.

Botswana's assistance to Zimbabweans

Botswana, and the Catholic church, have both been critics of Zimbabwe's government. The "Republic of South Africa", has still not cut off Zimbabwe's electricity, and has taken no real action against Robert Mugabe. 4 000 (Four thousand), Zimbabweans, are dead, having had Cholera. 80 000 to 90 000 (Eighty Thousand, to Ninety Thousand), Zimbabwean people, have the disease currently.

In South Africa

Due to a lack of compensation, meanwhile: the city of Cape Town, in South Africa, has recently moved to have refugees in state run areas evicted. This follows other closings of camps set up to protect foreigners, after multiple murders and acts of hate against them in Xenophobic attacks. Zimbabweans seeking asylum, were recently shipped off, from northern South Africa's Musina, in Limpopo Province: to Johannesburg, where a Christian church, has been caring for them. The Government has far from welcomed the refugees, but many have had to enter the country: in order to get basic care for cholera, or avoid death, or untenable standards of living. Cape Town, claims that the National government has not reimbursed them for care of refugees. The opposition stronghold, does not plan to follow other areas, in forcibly removing refugees, but rather: has taken a legal route.

The Cape Town action, in South Africa's south, under South Africa's Opposition, the DA (Democratic Alliance), is much later than that of Pretoria, which has already bulldozed away any refugee sanctuary.

The Musina outpost, in Limpopo, to the north of the country (South Africa), near the Zimbabwean border, to deal with refugees from Zimbabwe, has meanwhile, also been closed.

The SANDF (South African National Defense Force), meanwhile may take its own action to remove refugees from SANDF properties. The government in Cape Town has said, that their action to have refugees removed from public/municipal property: does not effect those on SANDF properties.

Meanwhile, the murder trial, in which a South African singer (Lucky Dube) was killed in a botched hijacking: some time ago, also showed what foreigners in Zimbabwe faced. Criminals are more likely to kill a foreigner, than a South African: and many in South Africa, are openly xenophobic. Those in the refugee camps, set up, at the hight of attacks on non-South African Africans, at least those in Cape Town: are likely refusing assistance, at reintegration into South Africa, due to fear, as the burning images, of one famous torched foreigner: likely still remain in their minds.

In Zimbabwe

Suspicions, that the car crash, was an assassination attempt, on Zimbabwe's own opposition leader, will likely further divide the political scene there.

Foreign governments, will likely be even more suspician of the Zimbabwean government than before.

A report on ENEWSCHANNEL, shortly after Zimbabwe's elections, said that due to the suspension of a runoff, Tsvangirai, had legitimately won the elections with a legitimate majority.

Tsvangirai is Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, under mediation brokered in Pretoria. Whether this was an assassination attempt or not: Mugabe will have one less voice in parliament to deal with. Echoes of political suppression in Zimbabwe, are not far from many memories: and continuing seeming human rights abuses in the Sub Saharan Nation, mean that most eyes viewing this situation from afar, are unlikely to take the politically convenient, whether false of true: view, that anything about Zimbabwe has changed much.

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: PM Tsvangirai notes Cholera is worse than thought, as Mugabe, seemingly continues, unabated: abuse of human rights

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. 13 / 01 / 2009; Reuters (British; Independent; Secular) 05 / 03 / 2009; 05 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zimbabwean Prime Minister: "Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai"; of Zimbabwe's "Unity Government", having asked for aid, and said that he will not allow human rights to go unpunished, has now contended "World Health Organization" (WHO) figures, which say that about 4 000 (Four Thousand) Zimbabweans have died, and 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) Zimbabwean people: are infected with the curable disease: cholera. Tsvangirai, says that the WHO, has underestimated the extent of the tragedy.

Zimbabwe's water sanitation, and other basic structures of modern, and of basic: civilization, have basically shut down. Many Zimbabweans have no access to clean water. Non-Profit initiative: "Jik for Zim"(13 / 01 / 2009), by "Catholic Development Commission", based in Cape Town, South Africa; recently tried to send Jik bleach to Zimbabweans, so as to place it in water to kill disease, so Zimbabweans could drink the bleached water. Using Jik Bleach to purify water, is usually reserved for desperate rural communities in South Africa. That was when there were only around 16 000 (sixteen thousand) cases of Cholera reported. The Figure has since raised to 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) people infected with the disease.

Many Zimbabweans, however: have little to no hope of preventing Cholera, and those infected in the collapsed country, are oft near assured death from a curable disease, due to a collapsed health sector, and lack of basic sanitation systems. Many have crossed the Border to Neighboring South Africa, for basic cholera treatment. South African Cholera cases, have spread as far as Gauteng, but are largely being kept from becoming too wide a problem. Those from "Up North" (Other African States), who seek refugee status, or citizenship in South Africa, risk Xenophobia, which has emerged among many in lower income brackets, and has seen multiple murders in outbursts, and sudden eruptions of race hatred.

Meanwhile, an attempt at a "trial" of sorts, on Thursday: on whether or not to allow appeal on an attempt to get bail for an MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change") parliamentarian, who was charged with something along the lines of treason: via charging him with plotting "terrorism", whose legal representation has been theoretically successful: in getting him bail, has resulted in Bail being effectively denied, oddly enough.

The judge, oddly: allowed prosecutors to appeal the bail, despite claims by the lawyer for the defense, that the judge himself told the prosecutors, that the chances of succeeding in an appeal are negligible: effectively allowing bail to in practice: be denied. "Beatrice Mtetwa", is the source of these accusations against the Zimbabwean "Supreme Court"; she is the one who noted that the Judge of Zimbabwe's "Supreme Court", trying the matter: noted the negligible chances that the prosecution had of winning: an appeal on the granting of bail, which caused her to be disappointed with the ruling.

The Name of the Defense, is "Roy Bennet" (an official in the MDC), arrested on terrorism charges, widely believed to be trumped up. His Lawyer is "Beatrice Mtetwa", who sees the allowance of appealing the bail grant, to be odd. The Prosecutor, is "Chris Mutangadura", who assures us that Roy, a "white" man: will remain in "custody".

This allowance for appeal: means that "Roy Bennet" will remain in "custody", until a hearing date is set. Allegations by "Morgan Tsvangirai", of the MDC ("Movement for Democratic Change"), that the SADC mediation, which formed the "Unity Government", in Zimbabwe, was partisan, seem far from here, but it is likely due to the cholera epidemic that he gave in at all, just as he withdrew from an election he would have won: because "Robert Mugabe" started another wave of mass terror: by committing human rights abuses on suspected MDC supporters: as he always had before.

Mugabe's ZANU PF, has consistently been seen as abusing human rights, and as not caring for the people of Zimbabwe. It allowed "White" Farmers to be removed from their properties, by inhumane force, and since: Zimbabwe now: has a collapsed economy: only worsened by state policies: which tend to ignore human dignity and basic reason. South Africa, has been accused of propping up Mugabe: both in thwarting sanctions and "United Nations" (UN) plans to remove Mugabe from power, and via accusations by the MDC itself, and by others. Mugabe gave members of South Africa's Ruling, communist affiliated, ANC ("African National Congress"): sanctuary, and a military training position in Zimbabwe, during the ANC's armed struggle against the Apartheid government. A "Struggle", which also involved the bombing of civilian sites in South Africa. After Democracy, the "Nationalist Party" (NP), responsible for Apartheid, at such stage now calling itself the NNP ("New Nationalist Party"), allied with, and was incorporated into the ANC.

Having seemingly used SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), with whatever intent: so as to force the MDC into a government seemingly presided over by Mugabe, South Africa, has since been vocal in calling for aid to be given to Zimbabwe. The Western World, meanwhile, does not seem to perceive Zimbabwe as having changed enough, if at all: on human rights, and other issues: and therefore, has not given Zimbabwe aid: seeming to condemn South African efforts to reform Zimbabwe's image: as a failure: and certainly any attempt to say that real change has occurred.

There is a perception is some circles: that in ceding to the SADC forced "Unity Government" in Zimbabwe, "Morgan Tsvangirai" effectively lost his power base. According to South Africa's "ENEWSCHANNEL": during reporting on the "elections" in Zimbabwe: the MDC, technically won, and Morgan Tsvangirai, is legally the winner of the Presidential post, due to the unconstitutional period of suspension of run-off elections.

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: Tsvangirai continues in the pathos of damage control in asking aid, as Zimbabwean refugees don't get reception in RSA

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; independent) 04 / 03 / 2009; 04 / 03 / 2009; )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Morgan Tsvangirai: Zimbabwean Prime minister, has called for the International Community to lift sanctions, and has warned his fellow countrymen that human rights abuses, such as police brutality will no longer be accepted.

It is unlikely that Tsvangirai has the power to keep his promise. He only entered the "Unity Government", with Zimbabwean President "Robert Mugabe", after being thrawted, and defeated by SADC,(Southern African Development Community), a regional body: in which South Africa, and it's ruling party: the ANC (African National Congress): has great influence. Tsvangirai had repeatedly accused SADC, and South Africa's mediation: of being in support of Mugabe. Mugabe still has ample control over state resources, due to the agreement "reached" by his Zanu PF, and the MDC, at a SADC mediation. Mugabe, suspiciously, it appears, from his actions: is able, as proved by actions in the earlier days of the unity government: to use state resources in intimidation, and human rights abuses.

It is likely that Tsvangirai joined the "Unity Government", in Zimbabwe, in order to gain aid, however the International community, will still not recognize what it considers to still likely be a form of dictatorship, or government sustained by the will of a few, even if Morgan Tsvangirai in some token manner, or in some amazement: has an office in government. The Catholic church in Zimbabwe, also: like the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference: desires for Mugabe to be removed from power, from documents which have been released, this is ascertained to be so: by us (on the last time we were updated, by the SACBC: properly on the issue, unless we missed something, which seems highly unlikely).

Thousands of Zimbabweans have died from a cholora epidemic, due to a lack of clean water. Many others have fled to South Africa, where they face Xenaphobia against "Up North" (Other States in Africa), and other issues.

Analysing Archbishop Buti Tlhagale's "genocide" accusations against the SADC (in Which the South African Government is implicated)

(Insider Confessions Analysis)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Disclaimer: The following analysis: is not an endorsement of the views of the Bishops' Conference, nor of Archbishop Buti. It is simply aimed at looking into possible effects of the Archbishop's claims, accusations, and statements. While, it is based on a viewpoint, and history, we do not guarantee that we are correct or accurate: Rely on this analysis, at your own risk.

Buti Tlhagale OMI, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), who is Archbishop of Johannesburg, also: in Pretoria (South Africa), recently claimed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC); of which South Africa, is an important member: either would or could be guilty of a passive Genocide: via the statement:

"SADC must stop supporting and giving credibility to the illegitimate Mugabe regime with immediate effect. Failing this, SADC Leaders accept complicity in creating the conditions that have resulted in starvation, displacement, disease and death for ordinary Zimbabweans. This is nothing short of passive genocide."

(South African Catholic 26 / Jan / 2009)

He considers the Mugabe government illegitimate, and sees the SADC (A regional body of governments), as giving it what he sees as false legitimacy.

The Statements: likely are aimed at creating opposition to the ruling ANC (African National Congress), in South Africa: before elections: so as to either: cause them to seriously consider acting on Zimbabwe, or else: to get more power to those who could. Archbishop Buti, has consistently lambasted ANC leadership of late, and has been angry with the church: for allowing the media to take her role as moral watchdog of society. The Archbishop of Johannesburg, has been much louder than South Africa's Resident Cardinal: "Napier", of the Archdiocese of Durban.

The ANC, forced through the legalization of abortion, and "Gay Marriage", despite massive opposition to both of these in South Africa (9 out of ten (90 %), and 4 out of five (80%), seem to appose, or view as wrong: these respectively)

As the ANC, is the only major key source of power: on whether Mugabe stands down currently, the statements: likely are not aimed at regional governments, but at the key regional player: South Africa. Those in Zimbabwe, also: already know of this situation locally.

The ANC controlled South African Government: which Buti, fears may not be accountable to the people (22 / Jan / 2009 ), has prevented international action against Zimbabwe, for about 8 years now. Whether or not related, a local Catholic broadcaster: was kicked off government airwaves; shortly after statements the Archbishop has made about ANC figures, and certain public matters.

Any influence of regional governments; may be aimed at pressuring South Africa, or else: at protecting the claims of Botswana, who appose Mugabe.

His statements, will likely not only tell churchgoers, that he is in touch with their lives, but these also: should win the church allies among those supporting human rights. According to South African Television Station (Secular; Independent) E TV, when looking at election results, and the follow up: at the time of the recent "Elections" in Zimbabwe: the MDC (Movement For Democratic Change) president: Morgan Tsvangirai: constitutionally (Legally, by election rules), is the true president of Zimbabwe, even without an additional election.

Mugabe, and the MDC, had scheduled for today, and attended: a meeting in South Africa, likely in Pretoria: in which they met with SADC. Public opinion, slants largely towards SADC, somehow taking the ZANU PF (Mugabe) side of things, or that the government in preventing peace efforts, which are not desired by mugabe: is not making the correct decision, if BBC World (Television) News reports (today) are to be believed.

The politically aware Archbishop of Johannesburg, certainly is not out of touch with his counterparts in Zimbabwe. The situation on the ground is desperate.

If he is quoting international law: then the document to quote may be:

"In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."

(UN on Genocide 12 / Jan / 1951)

c.f.

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm

Or another section of the applicable document. The problem here: is proving genocide, whereby: it seems: that the archbishop: may be more grounded in International Humanitarian Law, than in the Genocide declaration. Either way: he does call attention to something occurring, something: that if done with the results, as the intention: is certainly a "genocide" of sorts, at least: materially, but intention is the thing about genocide. As it is: what is happening in Zimbabwe, is a dire humanitarian situation, and whether or not a "Passive Genocide", is as important as one. Much of this is avoidable, and with political leadership, and clear actions: he clearly seemingly thinks: could have been avoided more powerfully.

Otherwise: the fact that these deaths are occurring(At least 3 000 (Three thousand) now), could be what he is pointing to: South Africa, in his opinion, if we interpret the release correctly: continues to stand by as Zimbabweans die in droves. The bishop could be saying that South Africa either is, or could become responsible for these deaths: if they do nothing.

Whatever he is saying, it is the second statement he has released: which has attacked government policy: in 4 days, in his 22 January address this year: to the Southern African catholic Bishops' Conference, (i think) in Cape Town: he said:

"South Africa has failed dismally as a mediator in trying to broker peace and a government of National Unity in Zimbabwe. President Mugabe ought to be persuaded to retire. He has done his country incalculable harm. SADC (Southern African Development Community) too has failed to offer a strong leadership in the resolution of the Zimbabwean disaster – it is no longer just a crisis. We call for fresh elections without Mugabe."

(South African Catholic 22 / Jan / 2009)

About 6 % of South Africans, in about 2005: claimed to be Catholic: about 10 % of the Johannesburg population, also: even though the Archdiocese: says that only 10% of these 10% in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg go to mass regularly.

The voice of the Bishops' Conference: is one of moral standing, as South Africa is highly religious: these statements could well be read in church this Sunday: previously, priests; have noted the words of this Archbishop.

This is the second time in four days: that the Bishop's conference president; has called for a Zimbabwe government without Mugabe:

"We call for fresh elections without Mugabe."

(South African Catholic 22 / Jan / 2009)

"We, the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa, call on Mugabe to step down immediately. We call for the formation of a coalition interim government of National Recovery and the preparation for internationally supervised and credible presidential elections as soon as possible."

(South African Catholic 26 / Jan / 2009)

As to calls for Mugabe to stand down: maybe it is slightly aimed at those inside Zimbabwe, or an attempt to pressure Mugabe: as it is: The Bishops Conference: seems to be calling for Mugabe to be made to not be in the picture. Their claims against the SADC region, and indirectly against the "Republic Of South Africa": Government have certainly made radio news.

Zimbabwe; SADC; Africa: Caritas internationalis asks for US $ 7 million, to help feed Zimbabwe

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News (Catholic; American based: Global; independent) 09 / 01 / 2009;Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 (Press Release))

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas internationalis, the Umbrella Organization of over 160 Catholic ethos Charities, worldwide: is calling for US$ 7 million, to be made in donations: for their aid effort in Zimbabwe, where they plan to aid 250 000 (Two Hundred, and Fifty, Thousand), of the 5 000 000 (Five Million), Zimbabweans, estimated to be in danger of dying of malnutrition, and starvation, this is half of the Zimbabwean population.

The Cholera Epidemic, has only had a negative situation on the situation (Social Justice South Africa; South Africa: "Jik For Zim": Local Catholic Project, we were alerted to by the Information Officer of the SACBC 13 / Jan / 2009), with +- 1 700 (One thousand Six Seven hundred) Deaths, and +-36 000 (Thirty Six Thousand) cases reported, on our last checking up on such. A press release, sent out a few days ago, and posted today by us, showed much lower figures, but this is likely due to the rate of increase in infection, or perhaps other factors, as to accuracy.

According to Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009

"A Cholera outbreak over the last five months has killed over 1,700 people with 36,000 cases reported.

Caritas will provide monthly food rations to 164,000 people, 88,800 school children with a midday meal at school, and farming training to 4,600 homes. Caritas will give 16,000 homes access to clean water and provide 5,000 people with basic health care.

Caritas Internationalis Secretary-General Lesley-Anne Knight said, “People will die in Zimbabwe unless they receive urgent humanitarian assistance. At least five million people need food aid but many more are going hungry. The high mortality from Cholera indicates an extreme international emergency."

(Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 Press Release)

between 7, and 9 out of every ten families battle to survive, many take part in sex work, or sell possessions,
as Caritas Internationalis elaborates:

"A Caritas nationwide survey in October-November 2008 showed that between 70 and 90 percent of families are barely managing to feed themselves. The worst affected areas are Masvingo, Bulawayo and Hwange, followed by Gokwe, Mutare and Gweru, then Harare and Chinhoyi.

Only 5 to 10 percent are receiving food aid. Most are picking wild foods, selling their animals or household items, or carrying out sex work to survive.

Deaths from hunger have been reported and Caritas expects the situation to worsen as the hungry season peaks from January to March. Caritas has reported 200 cases of children fainting at school due to lack of food.

The Caritas appeal with target the most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe such as women- and child-headed households, children, the sick and the elderly. "

(Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 Press Release)

Donations in this effort, can be made via national organizations of the group, according to Caritas; or possibly via:

http://www.caritas.org/services/donate_now.html

Which Zenit has pointed to, as a way to donate in general.

South Africa, has been accused of not acting against Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe: despite, the MDC (Movement For Democratic Change), his opposition, having legally won the election, according to South African based, Secular News Station: ENEWSCHANNEL. For more or less eight years now, South Africa has allegedly protected Mugabe from the international community, and has continued doing business with Zimbabwe.

Social Justice South Africa; South Africa: "Jik For Zim": Local Catholic Project, we were alerted to by the Information Officer of the SACBC

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CNS (Catholic; American; Independent; we don't endorse them) 05/01/2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The article linked to, isn't the full article, but it is the only online version, on their website: by the news source publishing. The reason we linked to it, was that we were alerted to the project by the Information Officer, of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, but like what seems to be many of their dispatches, it wasn't in their words, meaning our publishing agreement doesn't apply. They simply alerted us to the situation, without giving an perspective, or article separate from it.

Based on the email we received, and extrapolation:

At least +-16 000 people in neighboring Zimbabwe have been diagnosed with the curable disease: cholora. Our other dispatches have covered, that many need to cross the South African border for treatment. Healthcare in Zimbabwe, is currently, according to secular news: in a state basically: of collapse.

"Catholic Welfare and Development": a South African based, Catholic Charity: which is Cape Town (Western Province, South Africa) based: has set up a project: "Jik for Zim", which has so far: raised $US 16 000, to supply Zimbabwean NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): "Catholic Development Commission", among other NGOs, with Jik, which for our international viewers, is a form of clothing bleach, often used in South Africa: which is also used as a water purification ingredient, by rural people.

The partners in this in Zimbabwe, plan to distribute the bleach, along with information on how to use it: to over 1 000 villages, or communities.

Cholora, is spread via contaminated food and water supplies.

A teaspoon of Jik, according to the article, will purify about 25 litres of water, in +-12 hours. Likely over 1 600 people have died of Cholora in Zimbabwe's recent epidemic so far, which has spread to 10 Zimbabwean provinces, and over the South African border. The agency says, that once they "meet" the Jik (Water purification; information) needs of the local populations: they will use left-over money to supply Zimbabweans with food. Over +-5 million of these face starvation.

According to Health 24 (associated with News 24, South African; Secular, which we often quote; we quote an old article of theirs on Cholora)

Symptoms of Cholora can include, sometimes at different stages:

"Severe, watery diarrho", "Nausea and vomiting", "Muscle cramps", "Dehydration","Hypovolemic shock" (not enough blood supply: untreated: leads to death)

(Health 24 (South African; independent; Secular) 13/07/2007)

As to the South African Charity: for this specific: "Jik for Zim" (Zimbabwe) project:

Their account details are:
Account name: CWD Zim Crisis Relief; Account number: 07 115 5090; Standard Bank; Thibault Square Branch, Cape Town; Branch code 020909; Swift ID SBZA ZA JJ.

Cape Town, South Africa: SADC Region, Africa: SACBC Head: Cardinal Napier adds Southern African Bishops call: Mugabe must go!

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CNS (non-affiliated) 18/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zimbabwean "dictator": Robert Mugabe, must be made to go, via political means: this is according the Cardinal Napier, and the Southern African Catholic Biships Conference. They have lambasted South Africa's ruling ANC's 8 years of discussion without any fruit, saying they are saddened by the lack of results, and that Mugabe must be removed: and believe it is time to consider that fuel and electricity supplies from South Africa: to Zimbabwe be cut away, that Mugabe, and Zanu PF accounts, and assets in South Africa be cut off, and that South Africa's state power company stop supplying electricity to Zimbabwe.

Unlike a retired Anglican Bishop, the Catholic Bishops in the Southern African Conference: believe that no violent means are needed. Non-violent means will be enough.

South African Citizens have periodically had their power cut, due to shortages of supply, yet : still: electricity is supplied to a government, which is widely considered illigitimate. Legally, due to delays: the MDC leader, is the true president of Zimbabwe, this has not stopped South African support for further talks, which could lead up to an "election". Legally, the election already had happened, and the president was decided. This according to South African Legal experts, who spoke of the first election, before mass terror on a new scale was again unleashed on MDC's support bases, seemingly supported by the Zanu PF, or at least their followers. Subordination of politcal opposition, is oft institutional.

The ANC's militants, so visible of late, in their support for a Mr Jacob Zuma, who has caused an exodus from the ruling party, and whose supporters have threatened Genocide in the case of an electral loss: were often trained in Zimbabwe. As it is, South Africa's ANC, fulfill the requirements, of a party, which in voting for, one very likely will be excommunicated by Canon law: due to their support of racially selective policies, genocide (Article 2; secion d), via abortion and specific contraceptive campaigns, threats of genocide, and also due to their legalizing "gay marriage", and attempting to make conscientious objecting on moral grounds, against abortion: illegal.

The actual quote asked for "consideration" to be given to cutting of electricity and fuel supplies to Zimbabwe, from South African companies, and the South African Government. South Africa, and others in talks: were also accused of Colluding with Mugabe.

These follow the calls from a retired Anglican (non-catholic sect) bishop: for an invasion of Zimbabwe... which have quickly been contradicted, by an opposition party, and by this massive Organization's statements, asking for peaceful means, which are estimated to work; violence, could cause simply more harm.

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: News reports underestimate Zimbabwe catastrophe: over 1.4 million at risk: sources on the ground

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic News Service 20/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As ENEWSCHANNEL of South African Origin: has reported that over 100 Zimbabweans have died in Zimbabwe, and four people died in South African Limpopo Province, of Malaria: The South African government has been treating those lucky enough to make it in as refugees: many die before crossing the border, and there are still risks facing refugees.

New estimates say that 1.4 million of Zimbabwe's people are at immediate risk, as health systems have shut down. In parishes, the sign of peace has been asked to be investigated by priests, so as to counter infection risks, and in cities, fresh water is not longer pumped in by a government that is not focussed on the people, in a region seeming not to bother.

Wells dug to get water have mixed with human excrement, with sewage, and the UN estimates they will run out of food to keep Zimbabwe alive. Responding to the urgency of the situation, the communist affiliated government of South Africa: has finally decided to act: promising millions in aid: if Zimbabwe can get a "legitimate" government. the SADC region has been interfering for years with Zimbabwe's legality of democracy, and has stalled international efforts at resolving the issue for years: whether this is another strategy aimed at what is seen by many as forcing the MDC into submission to the persecuting Zanu PF, or else a valid negotiation to force the ZANU PF into fair negotiations is yet to be seen: as the ZANU PF continues to kill their people with neglect: having themselves turned what was called the bread-basket of Africa: into the basketcase: needing aid from callous neighbors. Legally: the MDC won both the election, and the presidential seat, according to ENEWSCHANNEL, when they reported on the previous election.

The Humanitarian organizations desire sharp, concise action via the UN, and others desire urgent action to save Zimbabwe.

Sub-Saharan Africa, SADC Region, Africa, Zimbabwe- MDC pulls out of Zimbabwean government- as region turns blind eye to mass persecution of Zimbabwe's

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters AlertNet (Secular) 14/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The cruel statement of Maria Antoinette is so widely known of the suffering, starving, dying, persecuted French people below her husband: "Let them eat cake". She was not referring to deliciousness of chocolate cake, though when we first hear it we think she is. She is referring to the crumbs which fall in the making of bread loaves- and SADC has done this to Zimbabwe. Instead of wanting Democracy, it seems we just desire the Zimbabwean people to die quietly, and if the Latest UN reports are true of the food crisis, as compared their aid budget- this is exactly what will happen. The problem of African suffering may finally be starved of the map of world politics, rather than be solved, as we herald the colour of first world politicians- despite not giving justice to Africa. Finally, the world has found a solution- to get rid of the symptom, them people who are dying. The Irish are said by some to have invented the hunger strike- to die on a person's doorway. Perhaps, without the MDC, and the media- the Zimbabwean people would not be permitted even protests, as Southern Africa plays political poker with the dying.

The MDC have withdrawn from the quick fix of ousted South African President Thabo Mbeki- to the Zimbabwean nation's problem, as the entire region seems to have sided with Mugabe.

Simply put- a mediator must be accepted by both sides, or kicked out- but Zimbabwean mediator- Mbeki has been rejected, both by his own communist leaning political party, and by the MDC as partisan from the start. As Mugabe wants to control both army and police, and continues to attack and persecute MDC supporters, the MDC only desired control of the police, as Mugabe had the army. The SADC leaders refused this, and allowed the persecution by police to continue, with the MDC, with majority vote- being but token politicians against an unfair deal.

So they have withdrawn, which is very politically wise- and may even save but a few lives- as the SADC region allows a genocide against the Zimbabwean people to continue unabated, through hunger, and even direct killing, and via arrests, and monkey acts.