Having a textbook on a desk in most schools in Zimbabwe is now deemed a privilege. Pupils have to scramble for the limited resources and in some scenarios the teacher’s copy is the only one available for use. However with the injection of 13 million textbooks being delivered to schools by the Ministry of Education the scenario is going to change. Hopefully along the way teachers will get a boost to their salaries as well! Read more from Voice of America

The statement below published by the Bulawayo Agenda will be a shocker to many Zimbabweans. If you thought traffic police were chasing after commuter omnibuses to get bribes to line their pockets you might want to think again . . .

Traffic police in Bulawayo have virtually closed all entrances into the city centre from the suburbs. Commuter omnibus crews had to drive around the city in a bid to gain entrance. Some commuters were dropped out of town as crews avoided being arrested by the police, who were on both feet and on patrol vehicles. Some allege that the police have been instructed to raise money for elections, which President Mugabe wants as soon as possible.

(Bulawayo Agenda is a civil society organisation that conducts advocacy on issues of democracy. It is committed to providing an apolitical platform for people to express their views and debate on matters that affect their lives. It has active chapters in Gweru, Gwanda, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Matopo, Hwange, Binga, Nkayi, Lupane and Tsholotsho.)

The weekend’s media carried several articles regarding Afrobarometer’s most recent survey titled     Zimbabwe, the evolving public mood. Interestingly the survey reports that 70% out of a sample of 1192 persons responded yes to a question that asked: “Do you think that Zimbabwe should hold elections next year, that is, in 2011?”  The report also notes that relatively few people favoured deferring elections to a later date.

Of this the writer of the report theorizes: That seven in ten would-be voters are anxious to freely elect leaders of their choice, even in an atmosphere where security forces and party militias are again on the move, is testament to the impressive depth of Zimbabweans’ commitment to political rights.

That’s a nice thing to think about Zimbabweans, but I don’t believe it. The same survey reports an increase in reluctance to divulge political party preference and an increase in reported support for ZANU PF. Consider our last election, in which gangs of young men went about rural Zimbabwe beating and raping innocent men and women who were only rumored to support MDC. I don’t think these people are brave, or selfless, or committed to democracy. I think they’re scared.

ZANU PF may not be all-powerful in the low-density suburbs, or even in the rest of the city, but in rural Zimbabwe, it’s Orwellian. It’s difficult to be completely honest with an unknown person whose word cannot be verified. Anyone who has ever conducted a survey will tell you that people will tell you what they think you want to hear. And with a ruling party that bears an uncanny resemblance to Nineteen Eighty Four’s Big Brother its very difficult to shake the feeling that they’re watching you. The ‘thought-crime’ of harboring ideas in your mind such as democracy, the right to vote and secret ballots do not go unpunished.

Attending primary school was really tedious for me as a youngster. As Grade 7 pupils we had to be the first at school so we could write some tests before the teacher came. We were the last ones to leave too, in order to attend the remedial classes. We knew no holiday as most of it was spent at school reading and preparing for the final examinations.  My school’s hymn was, “The light that shines so bright”. However, in as much as we sang the school hymn with great energy and enthusiasm that could awaken the dead, we still failed to reach the top of the Grade 7 pass rate in the region.

What amazed me the most was the same school came tops for the years I spent in my primary education. Their pass rate was always high and you really wondered what teaching method was being used that other schools were failing to implement to achieve high pass rates. Word on the street had it that they opened the exam papers and gave them to the pupils before they sat for their final examination. Thus maintaining the same outstandingly high pass rate.

Today The Herald published a story that proves that headmasters and their administration might well do nasty tricks to get their pass rates high. In this particular story the headmaster (61) actually sat for different papers on behalf of six pupils. The accused headmaster had this to say in court, “The school development committee and parents had given me a last chance to improve the school’s pass rate and I agreed with my administration staff that we would help our best pupils to improve the pass rate”. Emmanuel Manokore of Nyamakate Primary School in Hurungwe committed this crime.

Now I am really wondering what that school did to keep tops despite all the efforts we made to try and beat them. Did they really open the examination papers? Or did the headmaster sit for examinations on behalf of the pupils?

Information on the power situation in Zimbabwe:

1700 hours  8th January 2011

I address this message to users of electricity in Zimbabwe and all other stakeholders who may be interested.

Recent Status of Generation in Zimbabwe
Over the Christmas period the country experienced a much improved availability of power. All six units at Kariba were working as were five of six units at Hwange and Munyati Power Station was generating between 20 and 40 MW. In addition, with much of industry taking a well deserved break, there was additional power on the grid for those customers on line.

Shortly after Christmas one of the, larger, units at Hwange was lost due to failure of certain components. On the 28th of December we had to take out a unit at Kariba for two weeks of routine maintenance. On the night of the 5th January we had to take out a second unit at Kariba which twins with the unit already under maintenance. These two units share a transformer on which components had to be replaced – this was planned for this period.

In summary customers will be experiencing excessive load-shedding in contrast to  the Christmas period, as  there has now been a sharp drop in generation just as industry is coming back to work.

Looking ahead over the next two weeks. Every effort is being made to bring the unit lost at Hwange back to service during this weekend. The fifth unit at Kariba should be on the grid on Monday with the sixth returning to service by mid-January.  This should bring the country back to a “normal load-shedding regime” by the middle of the month.

Looking ahead this year
It is important to advise customers of the realities at Hwange Power Station. The supply out of Hwange remains fragile in spite of significant progress having been made to stabilise supply during 2010. We still need to undertake major works on: the raw water supply line from the Zambezi River, work on the two large raw-water reservoirs at the station is underway; urgent and significant work will be undertaken during the first quarter of this year on the Ash disposal system (a new specialised pipeline has been ordered and is under manufacture).  Further to this, the units themselves at the station need ongoing work to optimise their output. To assist us with this “project related work” as well as to train and mentor staff at the station we have engaged a blended team from India and Zimbabwe under the management of WAPCOS – a highly respected Indian-based organisation in the energy field. This team will be on-station early in February. We are optimistic that there will be a consistency in supply out of Hwange Power Station by the end of the first quarter 2011 followed by a gradual increase through the year.

Kariba Power Station should remain at full capacity except for the isolated occasion when the station is forced into “sudden shut-down” due to exogenous shocks which can occur on the grid – these can emanate from the region or sudden failure of local transmission lines.

All three Small Thermal stations (Harare, Munyati and Bulawayo) will be brought back into service during the first quarter of this year. The cost of generation from these stations is high due to both the distance from the coal fields and, in some cases, the need to use higher quality coal. As a consequence power from these stations can only be sold to those companies who have dedicated power lines and who are willing, and able, to pay the higher tariff. However this additional power will help boost the economy and create additional employment in the process.

Beyond 2011
It is important to note that once we have achieved stability in supply and optimised our present installed-capacity the supply of electricity will still remain below demand. Ongoing efforts are being made to increase the importation of additional power from the region by our sister company, ZETDC. But there is a regional scarcity. In addition our economy will grow and hence demand for electricity. The only way to close this demand-supply gap is to build extra generation capacity, which will take at least three and a half years from the time funding has been secured.

ZPC’s planning and preparation are well advanced such that its can approach relevant investors and/or partners in pursuit of adding capacity at Hwange Power Station (top priority as a  “base-load” station) and Kariba (to add to “peaking demand”). We have the full and emphatic support of our ultimate shareholder to secure investment for the generation sector. In addition we plan, over the next two years, to retrofit the Small Thermals in a bid to increase the energy sent out and lower the costs.

In Closing
I take the opportunity to thank the entire staff of ZPC for their commitment, hard and long hours of work during 2010 – most often with constrained resources. Particular gratitude is extended to those who worked over the Festive Season – day and night. I also extend a note of thanks to our Ministry for their candid, progressive and demanding support.

I thank all our customers for your patience and understanding. I encourage you all to keep paying for the units of electricity that you use. In addition please could we all take all possible measures to reduce our usage – it is good for your pocket and for the Nation.

Best Wishes The Board and management of ZPC are determined to stabalise and increase the generation levels in 2011 to well above those levels achieved in 2010.

I wish you all, users of electricity and the staff of ZESA as a whole, a safe and fulfilled 2011.

R. Maasdorp Chairman ZPC     (chairmanZPC ( @) gmail.com)

Only relevant and constructive emails will be replied to from this address.
All other queries should be directed to the Zesa email address of: pr ( @ ) zesa.net
For daily updates on the generation and load-shedding status visit the home page of www.zesa.co.zw

As a follow on to our post last week, here are another 150+ responses from our SMS and email subscribers about their resolutions for how they’ll make change in 2011. Vote, pray and advocate continue to be the most popular responses.

• Refuse to be docile, redundant and rigid. This is in anticipation of the best that is yet to come. Get involved in good. I would like to make sure that at my workplace  and in my society there  is lession / no  corruption  at all, to help all those  who are in need  especialy  the less  privilged &  to use the resources we already have effectively and efficiently.
• For change to be successfully  implemented there need to be research done on a particular issue. That is how i would help in change, research. Research on certain problems that are currently affecting the society, especially issues to do with poverty and its relations with prostitution and HIV.
• My New Year resolution is to intensify my campaign to have Belonging made into an animated feature film so the message of tolerance can reach a broader global audience via a film project that should also provide gainful employment to communities that would not normally be granted artistic exposure of the scale envisioned here.
• 2011 will see me burning and shining with the word of God. The Zimbabweans need to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
• Not to be intimidated
• MDC can get a opp 2011
• Pray that we have a new Constitution and if and when elections are held they will be peaceful.
• Elections must took place but SADC must come up with a road map to free & fair
• elections. Peace keepers & local / international observers must be there.
• Change has happened. Now we hope to unlock a few remaining hitches.
• Change can always be achieved if everybody is involved so mass orientation should be stepped up. I want to be involved.
• Will make a change by voting wisely.
• People must unite and speak with one voice.
• Voting wisely.
• Vote for people driven constitution with respect for human rights.
• To be like Strive Masiwa.
• Through talking with other individuals, truly and objectively without any fear I
• think I will make a change in Zimbabwe.
• Will try to work hard to achieve set goals.
• I will support the idea of conducting the constitutional referendum first before the general election.
• To make a better life.
• I will try and convince my colleagues that elections should only be conducted when the environment is conducive for them.
• Come election time, my vote will make the difference Zimbabweans are waiting for.
• I must be the change I wish to see in the world! Should be involved in any act of emancipation, be it fighting for real change, making sure that the people of Zimbabwe get a democratic constitution, mobilising the people to vote if elections are held, etc.
• No political violence. I want peace.
• I just want to teach people to know how to make change.
• I have resolved that I must strive to reduce incompetence from my party by advocating for a full participation at provincial leadership selection.
• 2O11 Choose 2 live 4 the lord 4 there is life in his hands. Find shelter and mercy in him.Turn old wounds into wisdom
• Improving my spiritual territory
• if th election are to be i pray th every zimbo carries one thought ignore fear not th rest and vote for tot (freedom)change
• To impress upon my compatriots they shld believe in themselves, that they can remove tyranny if they try.
• MY RESOLUTION THIS YEAR IS TO GET UNITED AND FIGHT THE ENEMY  WHO HAS BEEN ON THE HOT SEAT FOR TOO LONG THROUGH THE BALLOT.
• i will vote to make a change in 2011 and make a differance
• while l’m an mdc dist official l’m going to vigorously articulate all democratic & electoral reforms for a victorious real change for the lives of the people of zimbabwe!
• MDC. Structures only  needs a little  bit of panel biting. Not complete overhauls – to avoid INFILTRATION.
• think and contribute positively, desist from pointing.  fingers. (my 2011 success plan)
• I ll make change by my vote that is if there s going to be any elections
• My resolution about making a change is that they must amend everything agreed on the Global Political Agreement
• To open a takeaway & boutique as wel as 2 buy a new car.
• In 2011 i wish to link with organisations like ZESN ZPP ZIMRIGHTS etc as a volunteer on the ground.
• I’ll fight hard 4 the downfall of the dictator.
• MY RESOLUTION IS SEE REALY CHANGE ALL OUTSTANDING MUST BE FULSFIED BY MUGABE
• The change will only come when the Oppossition come together. Lets unite, together we can make a change.
• By having a free, fair and international supervised election we can make a big change
• To b a mythbuster 2 thoz who resist change in e society that i live in.turng their fears into figthers 4 change in this year of endless possibilities
• Am going to encourage relatives- school leavers to register and vote. Also am going to add for you to multply.
• I will pray for real change want to c our country on better path of developing and peace
• TWO ARE ENOUGH, A WIFE AND A CAR IN 2011.
• Change wl take tym 2 bear fruit bt m prayng for a new constitution then elections maybe during the last quarter of 2011
• WL PRAY AND FAST FO CHANGE AND ALSO JOIN IN MARCHES CALLED FOR.
• educate others on  importance of real chance 2 our chn ¡ us. l will also actively participate in an event(s) dat bring change.
• Passive will be both effective and SAFE
• My change is to do what people think i cannot do.
• CHINANGWA CHANGU GORE RINO NDECHEKUTI  TIVE NESARUDZO DZAKA SUNUNGUKA NEMUTUNGAMIRI ANOITA ZVODO ZVEVANHU
• I’m going to vote down the dictators at the referendum & also vote them out if elections are harmonised as well as returning Tsvangirai at the helm of MDC in May
• MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO DECLARE THIS YR AS MY READING YR
• RESOLUTION: To campaign vigorously for the exposure of perpetrators of political disturbances.
• If elections ar 2 go aheard acc 2 zanu pf’s plans i’ll vehe mently vote for mdc-t & i’ll mo bilise my work mates so they vote fo change.
• Lets all pray so that God can instil selflessness in dear leader and longevity to Save so he can complete the God set out for him
• I will continue to alert and teach our people about the power they have so that they must be brave so that we should have totaly change as long we get more information on how we could help in making it happen GOKWE
• I will work hard 2 achieve my goals.Will encourage others 2 take part in events that wl bring change.
• I will cause changes by praying & fasting è more in 2011 coz sme of thz demons can only come out by prayer & fasting.
• As the saying goes THE HUMAN MIND IS LIKE AN UMBRELLA IT FUNCTIONS BEST WHEN OPEN I wish to educate people around on the Dire NEED OF CHANGE IN ZIM &VOTE FOR IT
• I WIL VOTE FOR THE RIGHT PERSON WHO WIL CHANGE ZIMBABWE ONCE AND FOR EVER.
• By telling those who ar short sighted that someone who was 10yrs last yr ths yr is 11 lke it or not
• My resolutions on change MDC president Mr M Tsvangirai should not partspat from elections until UN And intenational community chip in Mass action to tacke place
• Advocacy and civic education. an informd nation responds positively to change
• Constitution yu havent finished how we going to change
• Advocacy in partiacipatory governance
• Working honestly & discouraging corruption.
• My resolution about hw I’ll get involved in making change happen in 2011, is to go as usual and put my X to real change party MDC-T.
• It shud be a gud year ed i want u to secure a job 4 me abroad
• my resolution this yr is to get ones on my first class on my bed ecd degree ie bed means bechoulor of education
• I wish be a better farmer who is non politcal this year
• I wl go to my rural home and educates youths about their rights so that they will not be abused by ZPF
• This year i will promote Democracy and Human Rights
• When others are uniting against ‘sunctions’, lets build the nation by curbing corruption.”it begins wt u”
• We’ven’t heard of any country where pple are foced 2 supot the siting presdent’s party nomater how much intimidation, foce or threat. we ‘ll teach them an unfogetable leson in the balot.
• Ten years have gone I am still sleeping in the open After my having destroyed by hooligance. The party I support, MDCT has done nothing Though   Biti is our finance minister
• To tackle what i failed last yr
• vote for mdc t
• By participating in constitution making, voting in the advantage of regime change n zimbabwe.
• To  organise around the ‘vote no’ campaign ahead of ZPF/MDC constitution which is not a people process.
• Resolutions: To say things as they are without fear or favour, & to do things as they should be done.
• I’l influence others 2 take part in the referendum of the constitution making proces and subsequently vote wisely
• we should unite for good living in zimbabwe.
• my first resolution make a real change in proposed elections of 2011
• I wl make a change happen by take the ryt leader tu the ryt possition
• By giving and mobilising massive support for the brilliant policies of His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zim. Cde. R. G. Mugabe. Happy New YEAR as well. No tears are shed that God does not notice. The Map is clear, even the heart can tell. Constitution marks the change
• I’ll go around picking papers in Chipinge town to make a change happen in 2011.
• Will do positive things which make my nation, family, life & continue to be blessed by the Lord.
• OBVIOUSLY I WANT THE REAL CHANGE I SAY NO TO CORRUPTION VIOLENCE AND RIGGING LETS BUILT THE NEW ZIMBABWE UNITED WE STAND
• PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC PROGRAMES, VOTE IN REFERENDUM & ELECTIONS IF ANY.
• I will fully participate in any coming election & referendum
• Wl vgrsly campgn 4 compltion of pple drvn constitutn as prerqsite 4 free & fair elctns&no fu nding 4 ZBH prpgnd
• I just thnk Gd 4 kpng m up 2 2011.iw kp on pryng sch tht h wl make a change in my life.
• MY RESOLUTION FOR 2011 IS THAT WE WANT FREE AND FAIR ELECTION AND ALSO SAY NO POLITICAL VIOLENCE.
• I’LL STRIVE TO MAKE JESUS KNOWN BY ALL FOR THIS TO BE A BETTER PLACE TO BE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
• Hope wil be tough yr 4 us in Zaka no raining plants are dry.
• I will be happy when we achieve a new Zimbabwe
• Going 2 vote lets hope de iz noGgabgo style if sumone loses lets b afraid b very afraid
• Currently Iam in Beitbrdge. My new year’s resolution is to go back home and join the Chinja team, work hard to make sure all the three constituncies are put and sealed in thew Chinja bag and Zanu is dead and buried.
• WE WILL WIN
• My resolution this year is to stand by and for the people of Zimbabwe through encouraging one another that real change can still be attained despite the set backs encountered last year.
• This yr 2011 i will stand as an MDC T councellor for our ward in preparation for the next election
• Resolutions for making change happen 2011: Will make sure am 100% patriotic and put my trust in MR PRIME MINISTER’s leadership. my friends  at work & within my community must be those focused on making change happen. 2011 slogan “fear less to mek change happen “
• I will get involved in making a change in 2011 by voting for a change and advising eveyone of the need of peaceful and free elections in 2011 .
• Reconcilliation to every one for a better change
• My only solution is to vote for change.
• I wl be involved in distributing something to somebody
• THE ONLY RESOLUTION IS TO CHANGE PRESIDENT  R G  M
• I WILL RESIGN FROM CIVIL SERVICE WAIT FOR THE POLLS AND USE MY VOTE WISELY
• By involved in meetings with all ward, branch and district committees on regular intervals.
• Partcipate in all activities which promotes anti corruption & mis rule
• My Resolution to get a  real change of our count  .
• Aluta continua
• My resolution to bring change in 2011 is praying
• Definately change is one thing i want to see. In 2011 i have resolved to partake in CSOs’/NGOs’ programmes as well as help in education and info dissemination in areas like where i live. In other words, i want to be part of a network of change.
• I’m expecting the illigal sunctions to be removed & the members of the  inclusive govenment not to hate each other & not to create stories on other parties.
• On A Blessed Bright starting New Year I Thought Ndichatanga Kutsvaga Basa Kuti Zviite Bhoo
• I think 2011 is the year of a true change, but we need our constitution first.
• I WILL WORK HARD TO BE MOBILE SO THAT I AM ABLE TO MOVE INTO AREAS WHERE ZANU PF IS STILL PRESENT IN CHIVI SO THAT IT WILL BE HISTORY
• I xpect a change as compared to previous yrs.hop e lord wil guide & get money to achieve basics of life.
• I NEED A COMPLETE CHANGE.
• My new yr resolution is to work harder with communities in awareness campaigns on the impeding referendum and elections.
• I’ll cmpn vgrsly 4 a dmocrtc ppl drvn cnstit
• I will empower my constituency mutasa north by creating development village committees to fight corruption at local level and promote peace and justice through transparent use of newly acquired constituency T35 truck from constituency development fund.
• To change ruling of the oldman and to work hard, to fight for the change.
• MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO MOBILISE EVERY ZIMBABWEAN TO GO AND REGISTER TO VOTE AND KICK THE DICTATOR OUT OF POWER
• Kana ma elections akaveko sezvo herald yaiti hakuna. Akaveko ndichanovhotera bato rezvido zvevanhu inova iyo MDC asi pamaelections ZEC matsotsi tinoda pave nevaongorori vanoita kuty chokwadi chibude
• Deffinatly I will to vote for MDC-T May thing will be more better.
• I wish to see MDCT helpping its supporters whose properties were destroyed by politcal hooligans from 2000
• If ever elections are to be held this year then I am going to campaign for MDC T to make sure ZANU PF gets nothing from the electorate. I want total Change.
• My resolution about making change in 2011 is praying for honest and proactive leadership in the main oppstn party and holding of internationally monitered elec
• My resolution is to convince our youth not to be used by politians in bloody acts.
• My contributions towards elections makes a change ie voting
• YU can make change by sticking to old rules& not bieng greed!
• No doubt change 4 the be realised b4 yr end 2011!
• I want to open a boutique.
• I will make change occur by conscientising the illiterate rural folk about their rights and encouraging them to participate fully  and fearlessly  in elections.
• To hav people driven constitution and then vote
• Lets pressurise gvnment 2 compansate all acc holders affected inflation to be given soft loans!
• I’ve spent 40yrs working but no pension just for food. What new  yr resolution can I do?
• I believe Political change is the basis for every other change hence remain MDC&NCA in thinking &acts to push Mugabe &ZANU PF out off power. I have resolved to encourage all youths to register as voters becoz i believe voter apathy has been the major efffect in achieving democratic change
• I have to make sure the TAKE CHARGE campaign wins in as far as the referendum is concerned. This will pave way for a people driven and democratic constitution.
• I wish to report cases of crime like corruption, injustice & violence etc. I also want to get involved in various movements that bring change to our nation.
• I need new president with people @ heart one who doesnt violet human rights
• I hope 2 vote 4 change if elections come
• My resolution  4 2011 is 2 work  hard acquire wealth.
• Get all those unelected hobbos out of parliament and government, free the army & the courts.
• I’m going to start a project on poultry to make a change in 2011