Zanu-PF reacts angrily to Obama’s Zimbabwe comments

Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has lashed out at Barack Obama after the US president called for real reforms in Zimbabwe ahead of the elections. Zanu-PF party loyalists have accused the American leader of “meddling” in African affairs and “insulting” Africans. Obama made the remarks while on a visit to South Africa last week, which was part of his official tour of African nations. He reportedly told the press that bad governance in Zimbabwe was responsible for the country’s problems, including the poor the state of the economy.

The Herald, a Zimbabwean newspaper considered to be the mouthpiece of Zanu-PF, criticised Obama for “abusing his visit to South Africa to meddle in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.” Zanu-PF loyalists were quoted as saying that Zimbabwe is “governed by its laws not the opinion of foreigners” and that the country “doesn’t want any interference from foreigners.” Political analyst Clifford Mashiri said Obama’s comments were welcome, and that Zanu-PF’s reaction was not surprising: “It is expected that Zanu-PF would react in a nasty and hostile way. This is how they always react when they are being told things they do not want to hear.”

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201307012467.html

Mandela update: Still critical

Former South African President Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital, according to President Zuma. Mr Zuma was not able to reveal any more medical details but did say that the doctors are doing everything to make Mr Mandela more comfortable. “All of us in the country should accept the fact that Madiba [Nelson Mandela’s clan name] is now old. As he ages, his health will...trouble him and I think what we need to do as a country is to pray for him,” Mr Zuma said on Monday. The 94-year-old statesman is spending his 17^th day in hospital with a recurring lung infection and hopes of a recovery are ebbing.

Security removed “for not recognising boss”

Albertus Aochamub, the director general of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and board member Yvonne Boois have been accused of abusing their positional power after they allegedly ordered a security guard to be transferred from the premises of the national broadcasters because she failed to recognised Boois as she tried to pass a checkpoint. On failing to recognise Boois, the security guard, Melissa Ndaura, suggested that the passenger in the car Boois was driving should get out of the car and signing the visitors’ form at the entrance. Not impressed by this, Boois allegedly warned Ndaura that she could face the consequence of her actions after she had talked to the director general.  Later that day, Ndaura received a call from the chief of security at NBC and has now been transferred to the Ministry of Finance.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201306260968.html 

Swaziland activists beaten in detention

Three members of the pro-democracy group SWAYOCO charged with sedition for carrying a banner at an election rally in Swaziland say they have been beaten up while in prison awaiting trial. They say warders beat them at the Sidvwashini Correctional Facility. They told magistrates they now feared for their safety.

The accused, described in local media as members of the Swaziland Youth Congress, one of a number of pro-democracy groups banned in Swaziland, appeared before Magistrate Ndumiso Shongwe last week and claimed to be beaten and subjected to harsh treatment and were denied medical treatment.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201306101937.html                                              

Swaziland gender march closed down

Members of the Swaziland Rural Women's Assembly (SRWA) along with gender activists in Swaziland and beyond are still reeling in shock after the Royal Swaziland Police Service (RSPS) effectively silenced activists and shut down a peaceful women’s solidarity march that the SRWA organised on 29 May. SRWA organised the march in response to a recent case, where a man stripped naked the mother of his child, assaulted her, and with a knife to her back, dragged her by her hair for three kilometres, through surrounding communities and across the busy MR103 highway, to his uncles homestead.

RWA’s founder and chairperson, Sebenzile Nxumalo explained that the march was organised to show support for all victims of gender-based violence (GBV), raise awareness about violence against women and to encourage members of the community to condemn these inhumane acts. "What we seek to do as an organisation is to mobilise women. We want to amplify the voices of rural women so that they get empowered to speak out and stand up.”

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201306110451.html

Mandela in serious condition at hospital

South Africa's ex-President Nelson Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in a Pretoria hospital, according to the latest update. The presidency said Mandela's condition was unchanged and confirmed that he was in intensive care. His former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited him on Monday. Mandela was admitted to hospital early on Saturday for the third time this year and he is being treated for a lung infection. The government said in a statement: "President Jacob Zuma reiterates his call for South Africa to pray for Madiba and the family during this time." Madiba is Mr Mandela's clan name.

Original article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22839548

Zimbabwe’s steel industry facing collapse

Zimbabwe's steel industry has been dealt a serious blow after the closure of 17 companies in the last year, with the worsening investment climate said to be further straining the situation. According to Engineering Iron and Steel Association President, Callisto Jokonya, companies are forced to import steel from neighbouring countries. He was quoted by the Sunday Mail as saying that "conditions are very difficult as 17 companies have closed shop, which is a cause for concern, but government has failed to give attention."

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201305010145.html