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Jabulani Sibanda terrorizing Zaka, as winds of change blow in Chivi
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
June 21, 2011

Notorious war veteran leader Jabulani Sibanda continues to round up and terrorize government workers, villagers and traditional leaders in Zaka, it emerged over the weekend at a community meeting convened by The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition at St Joseph Munjanja School at Jerera Growth Point . The objective of the meeting was to brief the communities on the progress of the constitution making process and the possibility of elections. The meeting was attended by 11 women and 56 men whilst there was poor representation of young people at the meeting.

The Coalition' Programs Manager Mr Pedzisayi Ruhanya informed the participants that the constitution making process was at the thematic stage and experts were in the process of putting together views of the people into a draft constitution. He advised the participants at the meeting that the draft was going to be put to a referendum and that the people of Zaka should participate in the referendum. On elections Mr. Ruhanya noted that the conditions in the country currently do not permit for the holding of free and fair elections. He added that the Sandton SADC Summit was clear that the unity government should create conducive environment for the holding of free and fair elections. Women who spoke at the meeting highlighted that they continue to be marginalized in decision making process as evidenced by their numbers at the meeting. Participants further accused their Parliamentary representatives of only visiting the constituency during elections periods.

The Coalition also convened another meeting at the homestead of Headman Mutisi under Chief Chivi on 19 June 2011. The meeting was attended by 73 people, including 48 women and 23 men. The objectives of the meeting were similar to the Jerera meeting. The fact that the coalition was able to convene a meeting at the home of a headman is indicative of the winds of change that are blowing throughout the country. Mr Ruhanya gave an update on the constitution making process and the possibility of elections in the near future but was clear that elections in 2011 are unlikely since the environment is not conducive.

The following issues were raised at the meeting:

• The Coalition should convene more meetings on political developments since rural communities have limited access to information.
• The Coalition should liaise with women's organizations to help women carry out projects and to assist in training them on leadership.

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