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Written by: John Burke and GROK3

Category: Zimbabwe

Published: 13 March 2025

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Assessing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) requires evaluating his leadership in advancing the bloc’s objectives, particularly in fostering regional integration, economic development, peace, and security. His term, which began in August 2024, has been marked by significant regional challenges, including conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique, energy poverty, and climate-related issues. Below is an analysis of his tenure, considering both achievements and shortcomings, while critically examining the establishment narrative.

Achievements

1. Focus on Peace and Security in the DRC
   Mnangagwa has prioritized addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, a major security crisis in the region. He has chaired multiple extraordinary summits, including the virtual summit on March 13, 2025, to discuss the deteriorating security situation. His leadership has emphasized dialogue, calling for adherence to ceasefire agreements like the Luanda Process and condemning attacks on SADC peacekeeping missions, such as those by the M23 rebel group. SADC, under his chairmanship, has also collaborated with the East African Community (EAC) to push for peace, as seen in joint summits like the one held in Dar es Salaam in February 2025. These efforts demonstrate a proactive stance on regional stability, though tangible progress in resolving the DRC conflict remains limited.
2. Response to Post-Election Violence in Mozambique
   Mnangagwa’s tenure has seen SADC respond to post-election violence in Mozambique following the October 2024 elections, where the ruling Frelimo party’s victory was contested. He has called for dialogue and respect for judicial rulings, such as the Constitutional Council’s decision, to restore stability. SADC’s readiness to assist Mozambique in consolidating democracy, as expressed by Mnangagwa, reflects an attempt to uphold the bloc’s principles of peaceful dispute resolution, even if the effectiveness of these interventions is still unfolding.
3. Infrastructure and Security Enhancements
   Mnangagwa has overseen significant steps to strengthen SADC’s operational capacity. A notable achievement is the groundbreaking ceremony for the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot in Botswana in December 2024, aimed at improving the bloc’s ability to respond swiftly to crises. This addresses past failures, such as delays in deploying forces during the 2021 Mozambique insurgency, and signals a long-term commitment to regional security, though funding challenges remain, with only $15 million of the required $45 million secured.
4. Energy Transition and Regional Development
   Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, SADC has pushed for a just transition to sustainable renewable energy, addressing energy poverty, particularly in rural areas. A summit in February 2025 saw over 500 participants from SADC member states discuss accelerating this transition, highlighting Mnangagwa’s role in advancing regional development agendas. This aligns with SADC’s broader goals of economic integration and sustainable development, though implementation challenges persist.
5. Symbolic and Diplomatic Engagement
   Mnangagwa’s chairmanship has been symbolically bolstered by gestures such as the dedication of the Africa’s Hall of Faith at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, recognizing his leadership and that of other SADC leaders. While symbolic, this reflects efforts to elevate SADC’s international profile and foster unity, though it has little direct bearing on policy outcomes.

Shortcomings

1. Limited Progress in Resolving DRC Conflict
   Despite Mnangagwa’s focus on the DRC, the security situation has continued to deteriorate, with ongoing attacks on peacekeeping missions and violations of ceasefires. The establishment narrative, as reflected in SADC communiqués, emphasizes dialogue and peace processes, but critics argue that Mnangagwa’s leadership has not translated into concrete results. The complexity of the DRC conflict, involving external actors like Rwanda (accused of backing M23) and internal governance issues, may limit SADC’s effectiveness, but Mnangagwa’s tenure has yet to demonstrate decisive action or innovative strategies beyond convening summits.

   Read more: As SADC Chair a progress report

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Written by: Jessica Garland, Director of Policy and Research, Electoral Reform Society

Category: Zimbabwe

Published: 02 March 2025

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A Zimbabwe Centric Introduction

Just listen to what the Electoral Reform Society in the UK demands for their voters - then compare their demands to the vote rigging & disenfranchisement of ZEC and the Zanu PF charlatans. It's not so dissimilar. Big Money influence, Too much Influence by a small group of individuals, and a lack of Transparency!

But ultimately a LACK of any of the Independent (and honest) Vital Institutions for a Democratic Republic.

All too familiar within the context of the Zimbabwean Voting debacle - let alone a Diaspora Vote! It's another "read this and weep (for the real Zimbabwe)" - Again

This is how IT SHOULD be - in Zimbabwe, we are still a million miles from a democratic government - see our other articles for details LINK HERE - Is Zimbabwe a Democracy?  and Electoral Reforms are Vital (by Charles Kanyimo) and More The Illusion of Democracy (in Zimbabwe) - an AI Study 

Instead in Zimbabwe, the POLITBURO runs the ship, with a {mainly} impotent "Parliament" in name only.

Introduction written by John Burke, ZHRO

Article belowis a reprint with web source links by Jessica Garland, Director of Policy and Research; Electoral Reform UK

"Earlier this month the Electoral Commission heads appeared before a House of Commons select committee with stark warnings about the dangers of failing to address the problems with political finance. Commenting on the existing rules EC Chair John Pullinger said that the system has “a series of weaknesses that do need to be addressed now, if we are not to face some even more damaging consequences for public trust in the system.”"

It’s time to tackle big money in politics

At the Electoral Reform Society, we have long argued that big money is a problem for politics and the current political finance rules are in desperate need of updating.

We agree with the Electoral Commission’s call for reform, particularly in three key areas:

1. Preventing foreign profits from influencing UK politics – companies shouldn’t be able to donate money not made in the UK.
2. Closing donation loopholes – increasing transparency, especially around donations from unincorporated associations
3. Introducing ‘know your donor’ checks – so parties properly screen who’s funding them.

But it shouldn’t stop there, it’s important that we prevent impermissible donations from overseas and guard against foreign influence, but we also need to address the impact of legal but potentially damaging, large scale donations.

A handful of donors are holding too much power

Party funding remains dominated by the big spenders – in the two decades between 2001 and 2021, a fifth of all major political came from just 10 individuals. That’s not healthy for our democracy – so few voices shouldn’t carry that much power.

That is why it is so encouraging to see this issue raised in parliament last week with a new Private Member’s Bill tabled on political donations. This bill, put forward by the MP for Stratford-Upon-Avon, Manuela Perteghella, seeks to place a cap on political donations. Introducing the bill they said, “Introducing a cap on political donations is not about limiting participation; it is about making sure that every vote, every voice and every citizen matters equally in our political system.”

We couldn’t agree more. A donations cap is a crucial tool in ensuring our politics cannot be bought by the highest bidder.

Voters want action

Our research shows that voters are deeply concerned about the impact of money in politics. In fact, big money is the top electoral integrity concern among the public. And it’s easy to see why – Electoral Commissions data reveals that confidence in financial transparency has been in long-term, steady decline. Last year, only 15% of people agreed that political spending and funding is transparent.

When people believe that money can buy influence, it damages trust in our democratic institutions. And right now, that trust is already running low.

It’s time to fix the system. We need bold reforms to political finance – because democracy should work for everyone, not just the wealthiest few.

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Written by: Nolanga Evangelista Ndlovu - ROHR and CCC UK

Category: Zimbabwe

Published: 09 February 2025

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In late 2024, Zimbabwe faced a profound constitutional crisis as President(?) Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa sought to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, aiming to remain in power until 2030. This move starkly contravenes the nation's constitution, which unequivocally restricts any individual to a maximum of two five-year terms as president. The populace had anticipated the conclusion of Mnangagwa's rule in 2028, placing their faith in constitutional governance.

However, it appears that the current administration is intent on manipulating the law to serve its own avaricious ambitions.

Mnangagwa's political trajectory is deeply entwined with the malfeasance within ZANU-PF. Serving as a close advisor to Robert Mugabe, he held various influential positions, including roles in foreign affairs, trade and commerce, judiciary services, and the secret service. The latter was notoriously employed to suppress dissent, leading to widespread human rights abuses. From the 1980s to the present, political violence has been a grim constant, with countless individuals subjected to torture, disfigurement, and extrajudicial killings.

This pervasive climate of fear and repression has compelled hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans to flee their homeland, seeking refuge from persecution and potential death. For many, this marks the beginning of an interminable suffering, rendering the prospect of returning to the land they once cherished increasingly remote.

As a former regional board member of ZimRights in Bulawayo, I have tirelessly advocated for justice and an end to political violence and inhumane treatment of regime opponents. This activism has made me a target of the ZANU-PF government, extinguishing any hope I might have had of returning to Zimbabwe.

Beyond the political turmoil, the nation's public services have deteriorated precipitously under ZANU-PF's misrule. The healthcare system is virtually non-existent, a dire situation exacerbated by the cessation of life-saving medications previously supplied by USAID. Basic services such as electricity, water, and transportation have become increasingly unreliable, with conditions worsening daily.

How much longer will this regime be permitted to decimate the remnants of Zimbabwe's infrastructure and social services?

Read more: Profound Constitutional Crisis

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Written by: DeepSeek, John Burke, Josephine Jenje and Lloyd Shumbayaonda

Category: Zimbabwe

Published: 29 January 2025

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Do Not Breach the Constitution for ED Mnangagwa

The beginnings of our article regarding the false "modesty" of E D Mnangagwa and his claims of "It's what the membership {of Zanu PF} want me to do"!! Also see the research on the "Identity Politics" of Corrupt Governments CLICK HERE

Assisted by DeepSeek via perplexity.ai Using non Chinese Servers

"Why is Zimbabwe's Government so corrupt and intent upon looting the nation?" 

Zimbabwe's government has long been accused of widespread corruption and looting of national resources, contradicting official narratives that often blame economic challenges on external factors like sanctions.^[1] The reasons for this entrenched corruption are complex and multifaceted: 

Under President Mnangagwa's leadership, Zimbabwe has become the most corrupt nation in the SADC region, as opposition CCC say no to 2030 "vision". Zimbabweans cannot continue suffering under the same government, with same man who used to be an 'enforcer' of former late president Robert Mugabe.

1. Lack of accountability

Zimbabwe's Prosecutor General recently estimated that the country is losing $1.8 billion annually due to corruption, describing it as a major barrier to economic recovery. This massive sum bleeds the economy of revenue meant for sustainable development and improving citizens' lives.^[1] The lack of strong prosecution systems for corruption cases allows this to continue largely unchecked.^[3]

2. Patronage networks

Corruption has become institutionalized within Zimbabwean social systems, creating a patronage system where allegiance to leadership is rewarded with immunity from prosecution. This has normalized corrupt practices across many levels of society and government.^[3]

3. Exploitation of natural resources

The president has been accused of enriching himself through gold and diamond smuggling networks and using his power to protect criminals facilitating these illicit markets.^[4] Former officials have claimed that even when presented with evidence of diamond revenue looting, top leadership refused to act, dismissing concerns.^[5]

Read more: No Way 2030