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JPRS-SSA-87-001

6 JANUARY 1987

Sub-Saharan Africa Report

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JPRS-SSA-87-001

6 JANUARY 1987

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA REPORT

CONTENTS

INTER-AFRICAN AFFAIRS

KENYA

Communique Issued Following Kigali Summit

(Kigali Domestic Service, 27 Nov 86) 1

Israeli Rapprochement With Black Africa 'Risks' RSA Ties

(Martin S. Navias; BUSINESS DAY, 17 Nov 86) 3

Pakistani Aid to Region Detailed

(THE HERALD, 5 Nov 86) 5

Daily on Return of Bodies of Nationals Killed in Uganda

(Amos Marenya; THE STANDARD, 10 Dec 86) 6

Briefs

President Assures Tambo of Commitment 7

LIBERIA

Doe Establishes Three Economic Subcommittees

(NEW LIBERIAN, 3 Nov 86) 8

ILO To Increase Assistance

(NEW LIBERIAN, 210ct86) 9

Doe Launches. Small Business Loan Scheme

(NEW LIBERIAN, 13 Oct 86) 10

Dubar on Public Stationing of Soldiers

(John F. Lloyd; DAILY OBSERVER, 14 Oct 86) 12

Foreign Ministry Issues New Passport Guidelines

(NEW LIBERIAN, 4 Nov 86) 13

- a -
Muslims Clash in Cape Mount Over New Sect

(DAILY OBSERVER, 7 Nov 86) 14

Imams Urged To Promote Unity

(DAILY OBSERVER, 4 Nov 86) 15

Poor Revenue Collection Blamed for Salary Arrears

(J. N. Elliott; NEW LIBERIAN, 27 Oct 86) 16

MOZAMBIQUE

Commentary Views Namibian Government 'Crisis'

(Teresa Lima; Maputo Domestic Service, 4 Dec 86) 17

Chissano Anticipates Increased Trade With Zimbabwe

(Harare Domestic Service, 6 Dec 86) 19

Inhambane Outlines Plans for Famine Relief

(Maputo Domestic Service, 4 Dec 86) 20

Briefs

Libyan Envoy Delivers Message 22

NAMIBIA

National Party Appoints Cabinet Representative

(SAPA, 27 Nov 86) 23

SWAPO Official Predicts Expansion of Plan Activities

(Tony Weaver; CAPE TIMES, 26 Nov 86) 24

Assembly Skirts Education by Adjourning

(Jean Sutherland; THE WINDHOEK ADVERTISER, 26 Nov 86) 26

Mine Workers Launch National Union

(THE WINDHOEK ADVERTISER, 24 Nov 86) 28

NIGER

Briefs

Loan Agreements With French Fund 30

NIGERIA

Minister on ECOWAS, Commonwealth, African Defense Organ, Chad

(Bolaji Akinyemi; SUNDAY NEW NIGERIAN, 19 Oct 86) 31

Unemployment, Inflation Seen Leading to Growing Malnutrition

(Chukwuemeka Gahia, et al.; THE AFRICAN GUARDIAN,

23 Oct 86) 35

- b -
Countertrade Holdup, Possible Piecemeal Approach

(Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo, Ted Iwere; THE AFRICAN

GUARDIAN, 13 Nov 86) •

41

Trade Surplus Recorded With Netherlands

(BUSINESS TIMES, 3 Nov 86) 44

Muslim Students Blamed for University Crisis

(Adebisi Adekunle; NEW NIGERIAN, 16 Oct 86) 45

Central Bank To Be Phased Out of SFEM

(Cmafume Amurun; NEW NIGERIAN, 16 Oct 86) 47

Plateau Officials Life Styles To Be Monitored

(Mike Reis; NEW NIGERIAN, 14 Oct 86) 49

Customs Officials Protest Military Harassment

(Fred Ohwahwa; THE AFRICAN GUARDIAN, 6 Nov 86) 50

Government To Use Plane To Check Smugglers

(Chris Agulefo; DAILY STAR, 7 Nov 86) 52

Survey on Oil Subsidy Reduction Begins

(BUSINESS TIMES, 27 Oct 86) 53

Fewer Imports, Survey Samples Production Declines

(Roseline Umesi; BUSINESS TIMES, 3 Nov 86) 54

Ajaokuta Steel Mill Progress

(DAILY TIMES, 25 Oct, 5 Nov 86) 56

Mill Cuts Output 56

Russian Ambassador on Status 56

Briefs

Turkish Scientific, Economic Agreement 58

Babangida on British Military Aid 58

'Maitatsine' Aliens Deported 58

SOMALIA

Briefs

DFSS Appoints Officials 60

TANZANIA

Briefs

Zanzibar Increases Staple Prices 61

- c
UGANDA

Libyan Plane Sighted at Entebbe

(Jonathan Wright; DAILY NATION, 21 Oct 86) 62

Briefs

National Identity Cards Planned 64

ZIMBABWE

Mugabe Renews Call for Sanctions Against South Africa

(SAPA, 3 Dec 86) 65

THE HERALD Calls for 'Swifter Aid' for Mozambique

(Editorial; THE HERALD, 28 Nov 86) 66

Voting Prospects for Whites Viewed

(Robin Drew; THE STAR, 21 Nov 86) 68

Country May Benefit From Sanctions After Danish Visit

(THE CITIZEN, 22 Nov 86) 70

ZCTU Plans Fund for Sanctions Victims

(THE HERALD, 17 Nov 86) 71

Bilateral Trade With Denmark Set To Increase

(Andrew Rusinga; THE HERALD, 20 Nov 86) 72

Danish Minister Opens UHT Milk Plant

(THE HERALD, 18 Nov 86) 74

Kushinga Opens as Technical College

(THE HERALD, 19 Nov 86) 75

Mazwikadei Dam 30 Percent Complete

(THE FINANCIAL GAZETTE, 1A Nov 86) 76

Rail Traffic Slows Due to Shortage of Locomotives

(THE FINANCIAL GAZETTE, 14 Nov 86) 77

Briefs

Electrification Program Hampered 78

Donor Agencies Buy Maize for Mozambique 78

SOUTH AFRICA

AFRIKANER/GOVERNMENT

White Farmer Stresses Positive Side of Black Rule in Zimbabwe

(Tobie Wiese; DIE BURGER, 20 Oct 86) 79

- d -
Possible Shell Withdrawal Causes Concern

(Editorial; DIE BURGER, 20 Oct 86) 81

Closure of Black Schools Called Self-Destructive

(DIE BURGER, 20 Oct 86) 82

Briefs

Emigration Surpasses Immigration 83

BLACKS

Tutu Calls for Release of Detained Children

(SAPA, 5 Dec 86) 84

UDF Denies Urging Attacks on AZAPO Members

(SAPA, 4 Dec 86) 85

ANC Blames RSA Government for Anti-AZAPO Campaign

(Umtata Capital Radio, 5 Dec 86) 87

AZASO Votes To Drop 'Azania' From Name

(Barney Mthomboti; THE SUNDAY STAR, 7 Dec 86) 88

Briefs

UDF's Anti-Emergency Effort 89

SOCIOPOLITICAL/OTHER

Commentary Rejects U.S. Call for Talks With ANC

(Johannesburg Domestic Service, 8 Dec 86) 90

Delegate Claims Indaba Perpetuates Apartheid

(SAPA, 5 Dec 86) 92

Indaba Agrees to Adjourn Indefinitely

(SAPA, 5 Dec 86) 93

New NUSAS Leader Seeks To Make Universities 'Democratic'

(SAPA, 4 Dec 86) 94

Nation's Muslims Divided on How To Oppose Apartheid

(Gill Marais; ARABIA, Oct 86) 95

Union Rivalry for Membership Intensifies

(Sheryl Raine; THE STAR, 27 Nov 86) 98

Columnist Scoffs at Government's ''Instant Indian' Report

(Ameen Akhalwaya; POST NATAL, 26-29 Nov 86) 99

Briefs

Whites-Only Political Party 101

/7310 - e -
INTER-AFRICAN AFFAIRS

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED FOLLOWING KIGALI SUMMIT

EA301305 Kigali Domestic Service in French 1800 GMT 27 Nov 86

["Joint communique" signed at the conclusion of the Kigali regional summit on

27 November]

[Excerpts] At the invitation of the president of the Republic of Rwanda and

founder-president of the MRND [National Revolutionary Development Movement],

His Excellency Major General Juvenal Habyarimana; the founder-president of the

MPR [People's Movement of the Revolution] and president of the Republic of

Zaire, His Excellency Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Hgbendu wa za Banga; the

chairman of the UPRONA Party [National Unity and Progress Party] and president

of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Colonel Jean-Baptiste Bagaza; the

president of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Daniel Totoich Arap Moi;

the president of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Ali Hassan

Mwinyi; the prime minister of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Samson

Kisekka, and the prime minister of the Republic of Sudan, His Excellency

Al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, attended the regional summit which was held in Kigali on

27 November 1986.

The summit was held in pursuit of the continuance of regular consultations

emphasized at the. previous summits held in Goma, Entebbe, and Nairobi. The

summit provided a further occasion to exchange views on problems of common

interest.

The seven heads of state and government once again stressed the fundamental

importance they attach to the policy of good-neighborliness.

In this respect they reiterated their firm determination to continue working

for the consolidation of peace, security, and stability both at the level of

each country and at the regional level in order to provide their respective

peoples with favorable conditions for social and economic development, and to

promote, in an atmosphere of trust among their countries, fruitful and dynamic

cooperation based on brotherhood and on the effective solidarity required by

the interdependence of their interests.

In light of the conclusions reached during their previous meetings, the heads

of state and government reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring continued

security in the region. They particularly stressed the need for regular
contact to promote cooperation among their respective security services to

enable them to adopt concrete measures aimed at discouraging any possible

attempt to organize subversive activities likely to endanger security along

their respective countries' borders, or to endanger the maintenance and

reinforcement of peace and stability in each of the countries.

Fully aware that the presence of refugees in a country can represent an

element of insecurity for their countries of origin if they are not

sufficiently cared for, the heads of state and government stressed the

following principles:

The states have already clearly committed themselves to the continuation of a

humanitarian policy for refugees. The states have committed themselves to

preventing refugees from indulging in any political, military or propaganda

activities likely to spoil good relations between their host country and their

country of origin. Refugees will be housed at least 50 km away from their

country of origin. The states must not use refugees as combatants in any way.

The states must assist in creating conditions for voluntary repatriation,

while at the same time considering the particular situation of the country of

origin. Any armed person applying for refugee status must be immediately

disarmed. Arms and military equipment in his possession must be surrendered

to his country of origin.

On their objective to promote cooperation in all sectors of development where

their governments can take action to ensure effective cooperation and

solidarity between their peoples, they laid particular emphasis on the

decisions made at the bilateral level and within the framework of the

organizations of which their countries are members.

They expressed satisfaction about the progress so far achieved and stressed

the need to strengthen cooperation in the following sectors: trade, transport

and communications, cultural exchanges, scientific research, information,

nature, and environment protection.

On trade, the heads of state and government decided to intensify cooperation

by implementing existing bilateral and multilateral agreements while at the

same time paying specific attention to the measures that respond to the needs

of the people inhabiting border regions and that contribute to the fight

against smuggling.

They stressed the importance they attach to strengthening cooperation in the

sector of transport and communications as an essential factor in promoting

trade between their countries.

On cultural exchanges, they decided to develop these to enable their peoples

to get to know each other better, and to help each other in order to meet each

other's needs in the field of (?training).

/9599

CSO: 3400/534
INTER-AFRICAN AFFAIRS

ISRAELI RAPPROCHEMENT WITH BLACK AFRICA 'RISKS' RSA TIES

Johannesburg BUSINESS DAY in English 17 Nov 86 p 6

[Article by Martin S. Navias]

[Text] T

IHE1967 WAR in the Middle j

East was interpreted very I

differently south of the;

Zambezi than to the north I

of it. Many white South Africans ]

tended to identify their own ,

problems with the struggles of I

the Israelis, and took heart from 1

the Israeli victory against seemingly invincible odds. ' ;j

The government in Pretoria,!

while proclaiming a policy of neutrality, began leaning strongly in an

Israeli direction, allowing both travel by South African volunteers and;

the transfer of funds by South Afri-j

can Jewry to Israel. j;]

South African Jewry, like Jewry!

all over the world, basked in the

glory of the Israeli triumph, their

earlier discomfiture being all but!

forgotten. * I

From an Israeli point of view this

was, of course, very welcome, but it

was to be more than offset by the;

negative reactions of the Black Afri-i

can states.

The reasons for the beginning of a

growing African disenchantment

with Israel following the Six Day

War were many and. complex.

s„'uffice it to point out that the

stress laid by the OAU on the concept of the territorial integrity of

Africa, the changing image of the

Palestinians from refugees to

national liberation fighters and the

demand by Arab countries for

brotherhood and solidarity with

the African states, all fed upon and

reinforced a growing disenchantment with regard to the Israeli

presence in Africa.

While only one African state was

to break off relations with Israel —

Guinea, in June 1967 — it was to

serve as the adumbration of further difficulties, difficulties to

which the oil weapon in 1973 was to i

give the fatal and final push. I

In the post-1967 period these!

problems did not lead Israeli policy-makers to stride for an.immediate rapprochement with Pretoria. I

Indeed, Israel tried desperately j

to recoup its losses in Africa;

through measures that included

geriodic diplomatic attacks on

retoria in the United Nations.

These anti-South African reactions were to reach a peak in 1971,

when Jerusalem contributed to the

OAU Liberation Committee Fund.

This latter move, especially, led toi

angry South African reactions, directed both at Israel and South

African Jewry. <

T,he official organs of the South

African Jewish community made

it clear to Jerusalem the problems

they were facing as a result of

Israeli actions.

However, it is fair to say that it

was not these fears but the fact

that Jerusalem was at the beginning of a long retreat from Africa

that laid the foundation for a later

rapprochement with Pretoria.

For it became increasingly clear

to Israeli policymakers that the
only means of stemming the growing African attacks was not going

to be the sacrifice of Pretoria's

goodwill, but the sacrifice of territory captured in June 1967 — a

move that Israel was not prepared

to make, even for the benefit of

Third World ties and support

Consequently, as African criticism of Israel and her policies continued to mount (Israel's offer to

the OAU Liberation Fund was rejected — a stinging humiliation

and setback for Jerusalem's African policy), Israeli policy-makers

appear to have moved over to the

realisation that, in the final analysis, Israel's relationship with Black

Africa was not being determined

or limited by its relationship with

Pretoria.

This being the case, the benefits

to be gained by closer ties with SA

outweighed the potential losses. -

A trend to the Right within

Israeli fpllowing.the Six Day War1

further made such a move possible.

In 1968 an Israeli-South African

Friendship Society was formed in

Israel, which aimed at fostering

better relations between the two

countries. |

Israeli diplomatic attacks on SA

became more the exception than

the rule and the early Seventies

witnessed a steady increase in

trade. While the more extensive

economic and alleged military ties

were only really to become evident I

following the Yom Kippur War in

1973, the trend had already been .

set.

What can we learn from this

period that can be used in helping

us forecast future developments in

Israeli relations with SA?

The major fact eveident from an

analysis of the period in question is

that Israel's policy towards the

Pretoria government has been determined in the main not by concern for South African Jewry or by

moral considerations, but by the

exigencies of its African strategy.

With regard to moral considerations, Jerusalem has certainly

been no better nor worse than

many countries that maintain relations with Pretoria and, in some

senses, less cynical.

I

One should still be careful in

drawing hasty conclusions from

this point, because one can never

really be sure how seriously the

Israeli Foreign Ministry took the

threat to South African Jewry, s

It is certainly possible to argue

that had there been no Jewish community in SA, Israel would have:

broken off relations with Pretoria i

in the mid-Sixties and, conversely,

had the threat to their wellbeing

been less ambiguous, Israel might

have been more circumspect hv

dealing with Pretoria.

Nevertheless, from a study of

Israel's behaviour prior to 1973, it

would seem that, if for diplomatic

reasons Israel finds it necessary or

advantageous to distance itself

from Pretoria, the existence of a

Jewish community in SA may delay but not halt such a move.

Had the African break with

Israel been centred on Israel's ties

with SA, it is possible that Israel

would still be maintaining a rigid

anti-South African stance today.

But this, as shown, was not the

case.

wUfa

Jn terms of the South African

Jewish community, this issue has

always played a secondary role,

especially when measured against

the political and diplomatic advantages of Black African support.

'here some Israeli policymakers seem to have erred is in

their belief that an improved relationship with Pretoria could not

greatly exacerbate their already

damaged relations with the Third

World.

What in effect happened was

that the ostracism of Israel, which

pushed it into Pretoria's embrace

in the first place, was further reinforced by this relationship — a relationship that has helped to create

a very negative diplomatic and image situation for the Jewish state.

What cannot be over-emphasised is that, if Israel can shed this

image of itself by disengagement

from SA, notwithstanding the economic losses this might entail, it

will most probably do so.

As the struggle within SA escalates, and others begin to distance

themselves from Pretoria, Israel

must surely be expected to follow

suit and not stand alone.

More immediately, if her present policy — which seeks a return

to Africa — should begin to pay

dividends, it could be expected that

relations with Pretoria would be

downgraded.

In short, if it is at all possible for

it dramatically to improve its international situation, SA is one of

the prices Israel may be prepared

to pay.

/13104

CSO: 3400/537
PAKISTANI AID TO REGION DETAILED

Harare THE HERALD in English 5 Nov 86 p 5

INTER-AFRICAN AFFAIRS

[Text] PAKISTAN has given details

of a special five-year programme of economic, financial and

technical assistance to African

states which was announced

during the Harare NAM summit by President Zia Ul Haq.

The programme, according

to a statement by the Pakistani embassy in Harare, include 650 scholarships for

training in banking, railways,

airlines and administrative^ and

polytechnical courses as well

as another 125 scholarships in

medicine, pharmacy and

engineering.

It also include 100 scholarships under a cultural exchange

programme and 50 senior level

fellowships for specialised

training with the Pakistani

Agricultural Research Council.

To promote trade, reduce

foreign dependence and help

meet foreign exchange constraints, Pakistan will extend

export credit on deferred payment basis for the sale of

machinery or plants.

In the case of export of a

complete plant worth $10 million or more, for instance, repayment can be made in 20

equal half yearly instalments

with a grace period of up to

2k years, said the statement.

Repayment involving exports

of more than $1 million can

be made in equal half yearly

Instalments within a maximum

period of 10 years and for

smaller contracts within five

years with a nominal interest

rate of 7 percent a year.

Announcing the package and

the establishment of a special

fund for emergency relief during NAM, President Zia reaffirmed Pakistan's support for

the liberation struggle in

Southern Africa and the Frontline States "because their problems are our problems and!

their burdens are our burdens".

/13104

CS0: 3400/537
KENYA

DAILY ON RETURN OF BODIES OF NATIONALS KILLED IN UGANDA

EA101256 Nairobi THE STANDARD in English 10 Dec 86 p 36

[Article by Amos Marenya]

[Excerpts] Bodies of three Kenyan drivers killed in a rebel attack along a

highway in northern Uganda arrived at Malaba border post yesterday morning.

The other seven who were killed in the same attack while transporting goods to

Sudan were buried in Uganda. The decomposed bodies arrived in a pick-up

belonging to Multiple Hauliers Limited of Nairobi, which was their employer.

A spokesman for the firm confirmed that the other seven who were muslims had

been buried in Uganda at the weekend. They had been killed in the shooting

which occurred about 25 miles from Pakwach bridge, which is 250 miles north of

Kampala.

A convoy of trucks in transit to Sudan have been queuing at Malaba since the

killings were reported and drivers were awaiting further instructions from

their head offices in Nairobi.

Meanwhile, 351 Kenyans had by yesterday morning arrived back home after being

ordered out of Uganda for living and/or working in the country illegally.

/9599

CSO: 3400/576
KENYA

BRIEFS

PRESIDENT ASSURES TAMBO OF COMMITMENT—Nairobi, December—President Daniel

Arap Moi today told the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to

formulate a scheme of work for secondary school teachers who at present had

none. He said that as the situation stands now, the only hope for promotion

for these teachers was to aspire for the limited positions of headmasterships.

President Moi said this after delivering his official speech at the second

graduation ceremony of Kenyatta University. The president also used the

occasion to introduce to the congregation the president of South Africa's

African National Congress, Mr Oliver Tambo. He assured him of Kenya's

commitment to continue supporting the cause of the black people of South

Africa. The president said that no form of suppression would deter the black

man in South Africa from fighting for his/her rights. [Excerpts] [Nairobi

KNA in English 1549 GMT 8 Dec 86] /9599

CSO: 3400/576
LIBERIA

DOE ESTABLISHES THREE ECONOMIC SUBCOMMITTEES

Monrovia NEW LIBERIAN in English 3 Nov 86 pp 1, 6

[Text] The President of Liberia, Dr. Samuel K. Doe, has constituted

three-subcommittees to facilitate the work of the Economic Financial

Management Committee (EFMC), according to an Executive Mansion release.

Members of the committee, on Revenue include, Finance Minister Robert Tubman,

Chairman; Commerce Minister McLeod Darpoh, Co-Chairraan; Planning and Economic

Affairs Minister Paul Jeffy, member; Deputy Minister of State Veronica Deagor,

member; Mr. Emmanuel Gardiner and National Investment Commission Chairman

Francis L.M. Horton, members.

Members on the committee on Foreign Exchange include National Bank of Liberia

Governor John G. Bestman; Deputy Minister of State for International

Cooperation Emmanuel L. Shaw, Co-Chairman; the President of the Agricultural

and Cooperative Bank, Mr. Wilson Tarpen, member; Mr. Ignatius Clay, member and

Mr. Bai M. Gbala member.

The committee on Real Estate include Justice Minister, Jenkins Z.B. Scott,

Chairman; Institute of Public Administration Director, William Freeman,

Co-Chairman; Agriculture Minister, Scott Toweh, member; Director of Cabinet

Peter L. Naigow, member; General Services Director-General Clarence Momolu,

member and Budget Director Rudolph Johnson, member.

In constituting the committee last Friday, Dr. Doe reminded members of the

committees to be dedicated and devoted to the tasks they have been selected to

perform.

The EFMC is a satutory body charged with the responsibility to coordinate and

manage the Liberian economy according to the release.

Meanwhile, the Liberian leader has called on Liberians and our partners in

progress to lend their full support to the various committees in the execution

of their task, the release said.

/13104

CSO: 3400/546
LIBERIA

ILO TO INCREASE ASSISTANCE

Monrovia NEW LIBERIAN in English 21 Oct 86 p 3

[Text] Mr. Edward Dembele, Director of the West African Regional office of

the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Dakar, Senegal, has disclosed

plans by the ILO to assist in the development of cooperatives In Liberia as

well as establish a labour statistics office and a market information research

center here.

He said these projects would help the organization to expand the activities of

cooperative agencies here and to enable workers of ILO member states to always

get adequate information on sources of employment in their respective regions.

Mr. Dembele made the disclosure last evening at a farewell dinner hosted in

his honour by staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports at a local restaurant.

He informed the Youth and Sports Ministry officials that the ILO, with

headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, has also pledged to assist several public

and private organizations in the country, including the Institute of Public

Administration (IPA), Monrovia Vocational Training Center, (MVTC) in

Gardnersville and the Liberia Federation of Labour Unions (LFLU), to expand

their activities.

Mr. Dembele arrived here last Tuesday on a four-day visit to assess ILO

activities in the country and to meet with Liberian government officials to

discuss the future prospects of the organization.

He then expressed satisfaction over the Liberian government's efforts to

promote ILO objectives on the continent.

Speaking on behalf of Youth and Sports Minister John Beh, Assistant Minister

and Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Jeremiah Witherspoon, thanked Mr.

Dembele for the visit, and hoped it enabled him to assess the ILO's role in

Liberia.

/13104

CSO: 3400/546
LIBERIA

DOE LAUNCHES SMALL BUSINESS LOAN SCHEME

Monrovia NEW LIBERIAN in English 13 Oct 86 pp 1, 6

[Text] President Doe's announcement of $10 million to assist Liberians in

business has seemingly triggered an outpour of commendation for the Liberian

Leader.

Many Liberians, asked to comment on the undertaking over the weekend, said,

Dr. Doe's initiative was timely, since local banks are seemingly unwilling to

provide any credit worth the name to Liberians engaged in small manufacturing

and agriculture.

Under the program announced by the Executive Mansion Dr. Doe said

beneficiaries will include Liberians engaged in retail of goods and

commodities. He also said rice agents, distributors and sellers of petroleum

products, coffee and cocoa buying agents, owners of restaurants, boutiques,

drug stores, carpentry and welding shops, which provide essential services to

the economy, will benefit from the scheme.

The proprietor of a carpentry in Sinkor, interviewed by this paper Saturday

said, the availability of capital to Liberian traders and craftsmen would

enable them to compete with foreigners in the business.

A prominent Liberian businessman, who preferred anonymity, suggested that

government should also consider some tax relief for Liberian businesses

investing in new machinery and equipment.

He also preposed that an independent body of "patriotic" individuals be

commissioned to administer the scheme to ensure that every Liberian have a

fair chance to benefit from the program.

A greater number of those interviewed were more concerned about how soon the

modalities would be worked out to commence implementation of the scheme.

The Deputy Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Executive

Mansion, Mr. Emmanuel Shaw, has already been appointed by the President to

receive and review applications from all interested Liberians.

10
Mr. Shaw is to forward approved applications to the Ministry of Commerce for

the necessary registration, after which funds will be disbursed.

Under the terms of arrangements made, the ITC Bank in Monrovia will make

available to government an initial amount of one million dollars by next

November 1; to get the program moving.

/13104

CSO: 3400/546

11
LIBERIA

DUBAR ON PUBLIC STATIONING OF SOLDIERS

Monrovia DAILY OBSERVER in English 14 Oct 86 p 8

[Article by John F. Lloyd]

[Text] Soldiers will remain stationed at public places to ensure the

protection of lives and properties, Army Chief of Staff Lt/Gen. Henry Dubar

said yesterday.

He said this would deter possible mishappenings such as last November's

incident when rebel forces launched an invasion on Liberia.

He regretted what he called the misconception by certain individuals in the

community that the presence of soldiers at public places is an indication that

they have not yet returned to their barracks.

In an interview with the DAILY OBSERVER, Gen. Dubar declared: "I have seen

soldiers at public places since Tubman's Administration." He then wondered

why Liberians now complain about the presence of soldiers on the streets.

Commenting on a recent recommendation that soldiers should return to their

barracks to enhance the reconciliation process, Gen. Dubar noted that the army

returned to the barracks since January this year, when a civilian government

was inaugurated.

He then dismissed the recommendations as "a negative comment from people who

have someting under their sleeves to hide".

Gen. Dubar further affirmed that the army will not relent in its solemn duty

to always be on the alert. He said at a time when the country has entered

another political season, the army must be on the guard.

/13104

CSO: 3400/545

12
LIBERIA

FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES NEW PASSPORT GUIDELINES

Monrovia NEW LIBERIAN in English 4 Nov 86 pi

[Text] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued new guidelines relative to

the issuance of diplomatic and official passports as well as application for

the issuance of visas to government officials travelling abroad.

According to the guidelines, the following category of persons may request the

issuance of diplomatic passports: Honourable members of the National

Legislature, Honourable members of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cabinet

Ministers and those of cabinet ranks Deputy Cabinet Ministers and those of

deputy cabinet ranks.

Spouses of the above-mentioned personalities are also entitled to diplomatic

passports, while their minor children will be issued diplomatic passport only

when they are travelling with their parents as an act of courtesy to

facilitate their journey.

Former Ambassador, former cabinet ministers, former members of the Legislature

and former members of the Supreme Court of Liberia are also entitled to

diplomatic passports.

Regarding official passports, they will be issued to only government officials

who are travelling abroad on government matters, as well as to heads of

religious denominations.

The Foreign Ministry is not under obligation to apply to diplomatic missions

accredited near this capital for the issuance of entry visas on behalf of

bearers of both diplomatic and official passports, except where they are

travelling abroad on strictly government business.

/13104

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13
MUSLIMS CLASH IN CAPE MOUNT OVER NEW SECT

Monrovia DAILY OBSERVER in English 7 Nov 86 p 8

[Text]

LIBERIA

Wolakor, Cap« Mount

County, was a .scene of

panic and pandemonium

Monday, when a squad of

the joint security, allegedly acting on the orders of

the Superintendent of the

County, arrested dozens

of members of the

newly-established Repentant Muslim Sect.

The security reportedly

broke up the sect's morning

worship and, after half an

hour of scuffle, rounded up

some of its members and

whisked them off to Tienii

and Robertsport where they

were detained.

One of the victims, Umaru

Pabai, told the Daily

Observer that on Saturday

while on routine preaching

at Wolakor. the sect received a note from the district

commissioner of Tewor requesting prohibition of the

preaching of one of the sect

leaders. Vtujib Rhaman

Kawah. The note also

ordered Mr. Kawah and the

Iman of Wolakor to be present at the headquarters of

the commissioner.

/13104

CSO: 3400/560

He said the sect had told

the security that Mujib was

in Monrovia and that in any

case a legal writ would have

been required to fetch any

of its members.

"Monday morning surprisingly we saw a band of armed men who beat up men

and women in the mosque.

Some soldiers, about 15 of

them, later informed us that

the Superintendent, Mr.

Henry Konuwa, had

ordered our arrest and

subsequent detention," Mr.

Pabai explained.

He added, "Many doors

were forced open and

several personal belongings

were lost in the scuffle".

Mr. Pabai said the Repentant Sect has formally complained in a letter to the

Justice Ministry about the

incident which they described as a "violation of their

right to freedom of worship

and movement."

For his part. Cape Mount

County Superitendent

Henry A. Konuwa told the

Daily Observer in a

telephone conversation

Thursday that the Sect was

repeatedly holding a secret

meeting in Wolakor in contravention of the policy of

the county, adding, "security forces were concerned

because the Repentant

Muslims were also administering oaths to new

converts when they knew

that the National Muslijn

Council had barred such

prat'tices.

Mr. Konuwa who is a

Christian also said that the

activities of the Sect are

under review and a formal

complaint on what'

transpired at Wolakor last

Monday has been lodged

with the Ministry of Internal

Affairs.

The Repentant Muslim

was organised by Mr. Abdullah Tunis, a lecturer of

Political Science at the

University of Liberia. Since

its inception its' activities

have been vehemently attacked by muslim overlords

in Cape Mount County.

Some of its detractors have

accused the Sect of heresy

by administering oaths of

repentance, something

which is said to be against

the teachings of the Curan.

14
LIBERIA

IMAMS URGED TO PROMOTE UNITY

Monrovia DAILY OBSERVER in English 4 Nov 86 p 3

[Text] Liberian Imams have been urged to make contemporary social issues the

focal point of their sermons in Liberia.

Speaking at the Liberia (UL) Muslim Student Associaton (ULMSA) lecture seri.es

held recently at the UL campus, ULMSA secretary general, Kafumba Konneh, said

any sermon which fails to address such problems is inadequate.

He said sermons should transform citizens into a wholesome community.

Speaking on the topic "Rotation of the Imams from Mosque to Mosque, as a means

of fostering unity in the country", Konneh said Imams must do away with

misunderstanding and work towards uniting Muslims in the country.

He called on the National Muslim Council of Liberia to work towards creating

an atmosphere of dialogue amongst Imams so as to overcome petty problems that

may beset Muslim national unity.

A statement from ULMSA and the Organization of Muslim Youths, read at the

program by ULMSA President Ka'abineh Ja'neh, said the two organizations called

for the holding of symposia to work out all technical details of an Imams'

rotation scheme.

The lecture was attended by several Muslim dignitaries including the chairman

of the National Muslim COuncil (NMC) Alhaji Sekou Bility.

/13104

CSO: 3400/560

15
LIBERIA

POOR REVENUE COLLECTION BLAMED FOR SALARY ARREARS

Monrovia NEW LIBERIAN in English 27 Oct 86 pp 1, 6

[Article by J.N. Elliott]

[Text] Deputy Finance Minister Johnny Gaye says government pay system can

only be regularized if the monthly revenue projection of $20 million is

collected. He revealed that Government is only realizing about $7 million

monthly.

According to statistics, Minister Gaye said the Ministry of Finance Income Tax

Division should generate $6 million each month, the Customs Bureau, $7

million, Maritime Bureau, $3 million, and Internal Revenue, $4 million.

Mr. Gaye, speaking at a graduation exercise for customs personnel last Friday,

said the Customs Bureau could generate its share of the monthly quota provided

customs personnel carry out their duties more vigilantly.

He urged them to execute their duties with dedication and to make sure that

all revenue collected is turned over to the Finance Ministry. However, he did

not say whether customs personnel were holding back some of the revenue being

generated at the various ports of entry.

He said custom personnel should intensify the collection of revenues because,

according to him, the present intake is not adequate to fund government's

operations.

For his part, Custom Commissioner Thomas S. Garlo said the Customs Bureau

could generate twice the amount being realized if Finance Ministry authorities

would approve recommendations submitted recently by the bureau, he said.

/13104

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16
MOZAMBIQUE

COMMENTARY VIEWS NAMIBIAN GOVERNMENT 'CRISIS'

MB041704 Maputo Domestic Service in Portuguese 1030 GMT 4 Dec 86

[Commentary by Teresa Lima on the "Namibian puppet government"]

[Text] Over the past 17 months, the so-called transitional government of

Namibia has produced little work and has had an internal crisis. The government was created in July of 1985 and was formed by a coalition of six white

and black parties. Pretoria gave it 18 months to produce a draft constitution for independence, but to date nothing has been presented.

According to the Pretoria masters, the integration of progovernment blacks in

a coalition government in Namibia would be a way of creating credibility among

the black population and of evading UN resolutions on independence for the

territory. The coalition government is composed of the well-known DTA, the

National Party, and the Rehoboth Liberation Front, all of which are rightwing parties, as well as the South-West African National Union [SWANU] and

the SWAPO-Democrats, a dissident group of Sam Nujoma's SWAPO.

The internal crisis began in 1980 when a law was promulgated which foresaw,

among other things, the continuation of segregation in schools and hospitals.

The four nonwhite parties in the coalition demanded the abolition of the law,

but the National Party, which is dominated by Pretoria, and the DTA opposed

these demands. SWANU leader Moses Katjiuongua and SWAPO-Democrats leader

Andreas Shipanga insist that the law is racist and violates the bill of

rights signed by the six coalition parties. However, the National Party and

the DTA cite the same bill of rights to defend the 1980 law. The bill of

rights states that all ethnic, religious, and language groups have the

right to practice and promote their own culture, language, traditions, and

religion provided this does not clash with national interests or the rights

of others.

Both the National Party and the DTA have shown in the past that they could

make certain political concessions, but these concessions were an attempt

to create a black middle class which would not threaten white control and

would, at the same time, act as a brake for the demands of more radical

blacks.

17
This conflict, and others, have prevented the strengthening of the coalition

and 17 months after its creation nothing has been done about the draft constitution for independence Pretoria demanded. The puppets' maneuver has

failed completely and Pretoria now has no alternative to the UN resolutions

and the liberation war waged by the Namibian people under the leadership of

SWAPO.

/6091

CSO: 3400/555

18
MOZAMBIQUE

CHISSANO ANTICIPATES INCREASED TRADE WITH ZIMBABWE

MB061213 Harare Domestic Service in English 1115 GMT 6 Dec 86

[Text] The Mozambican president, Comrade Joaquim Chissano, has said one of

the immediate tasks facing his government is the rehabilitation of the

transport system to earn his country foreign currency and serve SADCC countries. Comrade Chissano told the ZBC in an interview that the Nacala

Airport is functioning well, although work is still going on to rehabilitate the Nacala railway line.

He said trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is expected to grow with the

introduction of barter arrangements. Comrade Chissano expressed his government's determination to increase bilateral cooperation with Zimbabwe and

other Frontline States within the framework of the economic measures to be

announced by the Mozambican assembly soon.

The director of Mozambican ports, Comrade Mendez, also told the ZBC that all

ports of Maputo are being underutilized by SADCC countries. He said

Zimbabwe mineral marketing authority has shown interest to use Mozambican

ports. Comrade Mendez said Mozambique can easily handle 12 million tons of

cargo per year, adding that the sanctions onslaught against racist South

Africa will make it difficult for Mozambique to adjust to increased cargo

from countries boycotting South African airports.

/6091

CSO: 3400/555

19
MOZAMBIQUE

INHAMBANE OUTLINES PLANS FOR FAMINE RELIEF

MB051137 Maputo Domestic Service in Portuguese 1030 GMT 4 Dec 86

[Text] The government of Inhambane province announced publicly on

27 November that a total of 430,000 people in that part of the country were

seriously affected by famine as a result of the third critical drought phase

which has lasted over 8 years. The announcement was made during a meeting

between Inhambane government and representatives of national organizations

and foreign enterprises which are donating and investing in rehabilitation

and development projects in the province. According to a report presented

at the meeting, there has been no rain since March in the whole northern

coastal region, while inland there has been no rainfall since December 1985.

Only at the beginning of November have there been rains in the entire

province.

The Funhalouro district, located deep inside Inhambane province, is the most

affected by the critical drought because 63,730 people are suffering from the

dramatic effects of this disaster. The least affected is the district of

Inharrime in which only 3,600 people are currently affected by drought. Out

of 430,000 people affected by drought in Inhambane province we include the

people who come from several areas to Inhambane and Maxixe cities where the

population density increased drastically in the past years.

A report issued by Inhambane government, which gave a detailed breakdown of

the situation in every locality, put forward proposals for action to be

carried out to assist affected people and carry out a program of agricultural and livestock rehabilitation.

[Begin unidentified government official recording] In the face of this

situation, the government of Inhambane province has defined three district

courses of action.

1. Implementation of an emergency program throughout the entire inland

region in the province, covering the districts of Panda, Funhalouro, Mabote,

as well as areas bordering emergency regions in the districts of Govuro,

Vilanculos, Inhassoro, Massinga, Morrumbene and Homoine. In other words in

these districts the emergency program will cover remote areas, particularly

areas which are very near Mabote, Funhalouro or Panda.

20
2. Livestock and agricultural rehabilitation, and resettlement of families

on the northern coast of the province, namely on the Vilanculos, Inhassoro,

and Govuro coastlines within the framework of the implementation of [words

indistinct] and 1986 emergency projects.

3. Economic rehabilitation of the province including cashew nut and timber

sectors, as well as the rehabilitation of small industries throughout the

whole central southern coastline of the province, [end recording]

According to the report, rehabilitation work in the above-mentioned three

areas requires an increase in the Inhambane transport fleet, which currently is comprised of 22 trucks. Another 38 trucks, 12 jeeps, and 8 tractors would be required. The report also specifies what is required to

improve the fields of agriculture and livestock, trade, water supply,

industry and handicrafts.

/6091

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21
MOZAMBIQUE

BRIEFS

i^LST DELIVERS MESSAGE-A special envoy from Libyan President Mu'mmar

al-Qadhdhafi arrived in Maputo today. Speaking to the media, General People's

Congress External Relations Secretary [title as heard] (Ibrahim Abdul Qasam)

said he was bearing a solidarity message with the Frontline States, particularly Mozambique in its fight against apartheid regime. (Abdul Qasam),

who is accompanied by two other senior Libyan officials, will end his visit

to Mozambique on 10 December. [Text] [Maputo Domestic Service in

Portuguese 1730 GMT 8 Dec 86 MB] /6091

CSO: 3400/555

22
NAMIBIA

NATIONAL PARTY APPOINTS CABINET REPRESENTATIVE

MB271319 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1301 GMT 27 Nov 86

[Text] Windhoek, 27 Nov (SAPA)—The senior deputy leader of the majoritywhite SWA National Party [SWANP], Mr Jan de Wet, is to be appointed as the

party's representative in the SWA/Namibian transitional cabinet, the SWABC

reported in Windhoek today. The SWANP leader, Mr Kosie Pretorius, and a

National Assembly member, Mr Danie Opperman, would represent the SWANP in the

territory's Constitutional Council, according to a statement by Mr Pretorius.

Mr De Wet's deputy in the cabinet would be an SWANP executive member, Mr Chris

Liebernberg. They succeed Mr Eben van Zijl and Mr Thimus Blaauw respectively

who leave the SWA/Namibian transitional cabinet at the end of January.

The SWANP's delegation to the National Assembly would comprise Mr Walter

Aston, Mr Gert Burmeister, Mr Steph Coetzee, Mr Evert Benade, Mr Nie Tromp,

and Mr Justuis Greebe. Mr Burmeister, who had indicated that he wanted to

retire, would stay on in the National Assembly until a successor had been

found. Mr Pretorius and Mr De Wet would continue to serve as members of the

second-tier executive committee for whites, chaired by Mr Pretorius.

In his statement, Mr Pretorius said contact with political leaders outside the

transitional government dispensation would be a priority of his party. He

said the SWANP's continued participation in the SWA/Namibian transitional

government depended on the understanding that the central government adhered

to its functions of administration and legislation, and did not interfere with

existing legislation. The SWANP would review its position if the transitional

government interfered in the activities of the Constitutional Council. Mr

Pretorius' remarks were seen as aimed particularly at attempts by the central

government to amend or abolish SWA/Namibia's politically controversial

Proclamation AG 8 (19809) which provides for the institution of the secondtier ethnic authorities in the territory.

/9599

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23
NAMIBIA

SWAPO OFFICIAL PREDICTS EXPANSION OF PLAN ACTIVITIES

MB271603 Cape Town CAPE TIMES in English 26 Nov 86 p 11

[Article by Tony Weaver]

[Text] As Namibia braces itself for the rainy season escalation of the

20-year-old bush war, the SADF this week claimed it had all but eliminated

SWAPO as a fighting force—while SWAPO vowed to step up attacks and hit

targets in the south of the territory.

From now until the end of March, northern Namibia and southern Angola receive

their heaviest—and often only—rains.

It is now that guerrillas of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN)

are able to move more freely through the war zones, avoiding the regular

watering points which are closely watched by the South African security forces

and their network of informers.

An estimated 1,100 PLAN guerrillas have, according to SADF reports, started

moving southwards from bases in Angola. Traditionally, the guerrillas have

followed three main infiltration routes:

— In the west, through the rugged mountains bordering the Cunene River and

into the arid, sparsely populated and mountainous regions of the Kaokoland.

— In the central Ovambo-speaking region, where guerrillas cross the Angolan

border into either sandveld dotted with palm trees, or in the east, through

thick scrub and bushveld. This is the most densely populated part of the

territory, where close to half the total population of 1.1 million live. Main

targets here are the bases of Eenhana, Oshakati, and Ondangwa.

— In the east, through the dense and, in places, sub-tropical bush of the

Kavango.

In a statement this week, Major-General Georg Meiring, head of the SWA

Territory Force, claimed no guerrillas were at present operating in the

Kaokoveld and Kavango, and there were "an estimated 35 terrorists" in Ovambo.

24
Whatever the factual situation on the ground in the war zones—and the war is

historically clouded in claims and counter-claims—it has not been a good year

for PLAN, with 614 guerrillas dying in action.

General Meiring claimed that SWAPO's special unit had not been used this year

and it was "possible" the "unit has been disbanded."

But SWAPO's deputy secretary for information, Mr Kaneindina Hinananye, told

the CAPE TIMES from Luanda this week that "that is just the speculation of the

Boers."

He said PLAN would step up its bombing campaign in the major centres like

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Tsumeb and Walvis Bay, saying: "We intend to take the

war to new areas, to targets in the cities. We will make the price of their

occupation of our country a high one."

The aim of SWAPO guerrillas in the past has been to work militarily and

politically in the war zones, and to get as many guerrillas as possible

through the "Red Line," the veterinary fence which separates the northern

"tribal areas" form the white farming regions.

To penetrate the Red Line, guerrillas have to run the gauntlet of one of the

best-equipped armies in Africa, and then also get through an extensive network

of white farms where every farmer is a member of the local commandos.

The critical factor in the Namibian war, as in all guerrilla wars, is the

level of support the guerrilla army gets from the local peasantry. General

Meiring said in his statement that the security forces were getting a

"continuous flow of tactical information which is voluntarily provided by the

population."

/9599

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25
NAMIBIA

ASSEMBLY SKIRTS EDUCATION DEBATE BY ADJOURNING

MB271608 Windhoek THE WINDHOEK ADVERTISER in English 26 Nov 86 p 1

[Article by Jean Sutherland]

[Text] A huge question mark hangs over education and the issue of open

schools following yesterday's surprise adjournment of the White Assembly.

The House adjourned to March 9 after reconvening for barely 5 minutes. The

move quashed hopes that the Administration for Whites would be able to thrash

out the issue of opening its schools to all races next year.

While the move is heralded in some quarters as a defeat for the National

Party, a number of politicians say it can at the same time not be seen as a

victory for the Republican Party.

Most agree the adjournment is probably in the interest of both parties.

SWA/NP leader Mr Kosie Pretorius yesterday said both the NP and the Republican

Party had agreed it would not be "in the interest of education" to debate the

issue.

The motion to adjourn was "wholeheartedly" supported by RP House leader, Mr

Abraham Davids, who said the RP had always felt the sitting should not take

place.

While there definitely appears to be a struggle within the NP over the

interpretation of party principles and their application, THE ADVERTISER

understands the RP was not keen to publicly debate the "open" schools issue.

Reliable sources have indicated that the Reps are not as united on the

education issue as they maintain.

RP leader Dirk Mudge was not available for comment.

Observers add that as the House has adjourned, any possible amendment of the

education ordinance—opening school doors to all children—cannot be effected.

26
NP sources today said there were those in the party who felt the session of

the Legislative Assembly was "completely, but completely unnecessary and

uncalled for...and would achieve nothing."

Neither Education Minister Andrew Matjila nor his deputy Piet Junius were

available today for comment on what has become for them "a make or break

issue." Both are emphatic that they will go ahead in normalising education.

Mr Pretorius today reiterated his party's stand on education, of not altering

their ordinance but leaving the matter to the school committees to decide,

pending approval by the white executive.

With the White Administration having placed the education ball in the courts

of parent committees at white schools, and in the light of resistance by

German and English-medium schools—generally seen as more "enlightened"—last

week, the prospect of schools opening to other population groups appears

remote.

/9599

CSO: 3400/575

27
NAMIBIA

MINE WORKERS LAUNCH NATIONAL UNION

MB260938 Windhoek THE WINDHOEK ADVERTISER in English 24 Nov 86 pp 1, 4

[Text] Mineworkers from five Namibian mines banded together yesterday to

launch a national trade union, the Mineworkers' Union of Namibia (MUN). The

union has a potential membership of about 12,000 workers.

Mines represented are Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), Rossing Uranium,

Tsumeb Corp., Otjihase and Uis.

They will unite under the slogan, "A people united shall never be defeated."

Yesterday's move marks part of a concerted bid this year to revive the

umbrella union, the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), founded in the

late seventies.

More than 100 delegates and observers met at the Catholic Church in Kututura

to decide on a name, motto and emblem and to choose officebearers.

A 25-man Central Committee was elected, with five representatives from each

mine, as well as a nine-man national exetutive.

Mr John Shaetonhodi was voted chairman and Mr Asser Kapere vice-chairman,

while former Robben Island prisoner Mr Ben Ulenga was appointed general

secretary.

A constitution will now be drafted and will be ratified at a future congress.

Although representing only a small percentage of Namibia's workforce, the

mines are at the heart of the economy and are more important than any other

sector in terms of the money they earn.

Messages of "support and solidarity" were read out from a number of British

trade unions; the Congress of South African Unions (COSATU); the National

Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa; the Namibian Support Committee;

and, the Namibian Food and Allied Union (NAFAU).

The Mineworkers' Union of Namibia is the second major union to be launched

this year under the umbrella of the NUNW.

28
A member of International Labor Organisation (ILO), the NUNW has been largely

dormant since 1980.

In September, the 6,000-strong Namibian Food and Allied Union was formed after

38 workers' committees were established in 5 months at food and food-related

industries in and around Windhoek.

A Metal and Allied Workers Union is now planned, as well as unions representing other sectors like farm and domestic workers and the transport and

fishing industries.

The full national executive is: Mr John Shaetonhodi, chairman; Mr Asser

Kapere, vice chairman; Mr Bernard Esau, secretary; Mr Hofni Ipenge, vicesecretary, Mr Winston Groenewald, treasurer; Mr Eino Ntinda, vice-treasurer;

additional members: John Nuukunde, Imvulah Nangolo and Martin Iyambo; and Mr

Ben Ulenga, general secretary.

/9599

CSO: 3400/575

29
NIGER

BRIEFS

LOAN AGREEMENTS WITH FRENCH FUND—Our country and the Central Fund for

Economic Cooperation [CCCE] today signed five loan agreements amounting

to 4.51 billion CFA francs to be used to finance various projects. The

two sides were represented by Finance Minister Boukary Adji and CCCE

Director (Serge Mikaelov). The first loan agreement is for the financing

of the planning and designing of the Gaya bridge and it involves Fr2

million, that is 100 million CFA francs. The second loan involves Fr50

million, that is 2.5 billion CFA francs, and it will be used to finance

the construction of the new Gaya bridge. The third loan is for Fr5

million, that is 250 million' CFA francs, and the money will be used to

finance services by experts and necessary feasibility studies for new

investment projects. The fourth loan is for Fr23.2 million, that is

1.16 billion CFA francs, and the money will be used to finance an

integrated rural project in the Zinder department. Finally, the fifth

loan for FrlO million, that is 500 million CFA francs, will be used to

pay for various technical services and assistance to the Niger Coal

Company, Sonichar. [Excerpt] [Niamey Domestic Service in French

1900 GMT 4 Dec 86] /9604

CSO: 3400/559

30
NIGERIA

MINISTER ON ECOWAS, COMMONWEALTH, AFRICAN DEFENSE ORGAN, CHAD

Kaduna SUNDAY NEW NIGERIAN in English 19 Oct 86 p 7

[Article by Bolaji Akinyemi]

[Text] CO-OPERATION

Nigeria, is also fully appreciative of tHe fact that the

Economic Community of West

African States (ECOWAS) remains the key to cooperation

and economic development in our

sub-region. ECOWAS is in Nigeria's enlightened self-interest.

Firstly, the lessons of the

Nigerian civil war have

demonstrated the need for friendly neighbours. Even though this

can be achieved through bilateral

relations, it is more certain, and

more cost effective, if there is

already in existence a

framework of multilateral interrelationships such as ECOWAS.

Secondly, sooner, rather than

later, we are going tc. need a

regional market for our burgeoning economy. It is, therefore, prudent to lay the foundation for that

enhanced future economic interaction now, whatever it immediate costs. And I accept that

the cost to Nigeria is very high.

Nigeria cannot be prosperous in

isolation of ;its neighbours. Is it,

therefore, not in our national interest to promote development,

cooperation and understanding in

our sub-region? It is only through

the promotion of these ideals that

we can break the barriers which

colonialism imposed on us.

ECOWAS, therefore, with time,

will remove the suspicion which

exists between the different

states of the sub-region. Happily,

leaders of the sub-region,

whether anglophone or francophone, have come to realise

that our survival is directly

related to our determination to

work together for the promotion

of the well-being of our peoples.

'Yes, ECOWAS has not performed the magic which we all

expect it to perform. Are we not

in too much haste, taking into

consideration the current international economic climate? I

believe that the founding fathers

envisaged a community which

will grow gradually. And they

could not have predicted the cur-,

rent economic problems facing

developing countries. A mature

and virile ECOWAS will surely

break the current division of the

sub-region into anglophone and

francophone and, hopefully, put

to rest the suspicion of the socalled hegemonic tendency of

Nigeria by other member-states

of the community. One can even

argue that if ECOWAS were only!

able to achieve these, then one

.would quickly adjudge the

31
membership of the Commonwealth because it does not

serve Nigeria's national interest

and, in fact, this was one of the

major recommendations of the,

Kuru conference. I, myself, have

also argued along this line in the

past. But my views have been

somewhat modified. This is

because while hitherto the Commonwealth was solely a vehicle

«.for the advancement of British

interest, today, it has metamorphosed into a forum where Britain's former colonies have been

able to exert influence on certain

aspects of British policies. In addition, it has proved to be constructive with regard to our interest in promoting decolonisa

tion.

This is invaluable given Britain's continued status in the

post-colonial era asa major

power in the international

system witha permanent seat .in

the U.N. security council, and

given Britain's crucial relevance

to the dismantling of the last

vestiges of colonialism and

racism in Southern Africa. Thus,

African members of the com-,

monwealth were able to employ

their special status vis-a-vis Britein as a bargaining leverage

during the Lancaster Souse,

negotiations ;in 198CTon the ques1

tion of Zimbabwean independence. Similarly, on the

issue of apartheid South Africa,

Nigeria's Commonwealth memblership has clearly given us at

advantage in the bid not only to

influence the U.K. government

ifrut ateo to bring the weight of the.

Commonwealth to bear on international public opinion. Indeed,

the Nigerian-inspired boycott of

the Commonwealth Games was

clearlya leverage which would

not have existed if Nigeria had

not beena member.

COMMONWEALTH

MEMBERSHIP

Certainly, Nigeria's membership of the commonwealth has

not hamperedour commitment to

Non-ajignment. Nigeria has used

" fee commonwealth platform to

propagate the «deals and. principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, including the restructuring

of the international economic

system and the promotion of:

disarmament. Besides, two of the

founding members of the Nonaligned Movement are also

members

v

of the commonwealth.

It is also instructive to note that

one particular member which

withdrew from the commonwealth is now anxious to

renew its membership. Our continued membership of the commonwealth should, therefore, depend upon the extent to which the

organisation continues to serve

Nigeria's interests. The evidence

suggests that, for now, the commonwealth remains a useful instrument for the promotion of

Nigeria's interests.

Recently, we have had cause to

complain about the apparent lack

of commitment of some African

states to the OAU, many of who

refuse to meet their financial

obligations to the organisation,'

although they pay their dues

regularly to the United Nations.

Asa result, the OAU is now some

33 million, dollars in the "red. In

«le past year, the SecretaryGeneral of the OAU has,been con-'

strained to institute cost-savirig

measures, including the depression

of posts, retrenchment ofstaff, and

the closure of certain regional offices, in order to ensure that the

organisation does not grind toa

halt. However, the OAU is nota

Nigerian organisation, it is an

African organisation. Therefore,

..Nigeria cannot be expected to.

continue to shouldera disproportionate burden of the OAU's

financial requirements.

We have maintained that the

current formula for the; OAU:

scale of assessment which

t

is based on the mean of the gross

domesticjjroduct and population

size* is unacceptable. Since*

Nigeria hasa large population, as

32
well as

a relatively nigh gross

domestic product, the formula

penalises,Nigeria both ways, with

the result) that pur contribution'

currently stands at 10% of the annual budget. Indeed," the OAU

scale of assessment, submitted

for the consideration of the Council of Ministers at the 44th Ordinary Session, proposed that only four countries — Nigeria,

Algeria, Libya and Egypt—

should be responsible for 40% of

the annual budget. We have

strongly objecied to this proposal, on the grounds that a situation whereby a few countries are

required.to finance the major

part of the OAU budget is

unhealthy.

FINANCIAL

OBLIGATIONS/

Accordingly, Nigeria served

notice at the 22nd Summit of the

OAU in July, 1986 that, henceforth, we will contribute no more

than 8.5%; while the floor is increased from 0.5% to* 0.85%

Nigeria also believes "that it

would be useful for the four major contributors, i.e. Nigeria,

Algeria, Libya and Egypt, to be

permanent members of the Steering committee.

The intensification of the antiapartheid struggle'. has led to the

re-tabling of the proposal

originally made by President Kwarne Nkrumah of Ghaha in the

1960's for the creation of an

African Defence Organ. This proposal was debated at length during the 22nd Summit of the OAU

in July, 1986 at the behest of Zimbabwe. In principle, Nigeria is- in

favour of the establishment of an

African Defence Organ, but certain questions arise as to its

operational and logistical

feasibility.

In the first instance, how is the

Defence Organ to be financed?

Given the fact thata number of

African States have yet to meet

their financial obligations to the

OAU itself, is it realistic to expect

that, in these day's of economic

depression, an African Defence

Organ will be adequately funded?

An African Defence Organ which

is inadequately funded will certainly be. ineffective and,

therefore,, worse than having no:

Defence Organ at'all. The collec-.

ave credibility of the OAU states

would be jeopardised 'bya

Defence Organ which fails, for

example, to react promptly and

adequately to South African provocation and aggression.

The lessons of the OAÜ

peacekeeping in Chad, whereby

Nigeria was saddled witha non- ' refundable bill of 82 million dollars

also prompts us to be circumspect

aoout proposals* which seem to,

envisage high financial outlays

by Nigeria. Certainly, the

establishment of an African

Defence Organ will impose major

and disproportionate financial

and military obligations on

Nigeria.

POSITION

The Nigerian position is,

therefore, that the question"of an

African Defence Organ should be

further studied. We need to determine beforehand what would be

its precise objectives. We need to

answer the nagging question of

whether -.direct military confrontation with South Africa by OAU

troops is preferable to the current

practice of guerilla encounters.

We need to work out the structure

of the Defence Organ's command

and control. Lastly, we need to

establisha Political and Security

council of the OAU asa necessary

and inseparable corollary of an

African Defence Organ.

In the meantime, we endorse

toe arguments of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, that

.rather than aim for.the creation of an impossible African army; we should arm the one that

is already there. There is, at present, a 23 million man strong

black army in South Africa

fighting with sticks and stones.

Let us arm them.

There is no alternative to the

intensification of the armed

struggle because it is the surest

path to peace in South Africa. The

collapse of the initiative of the

ommonwealth Eminent Persons Group is surely the last nail

in the c6ffin of the school of

thought that apartheid can be

dismantled through dialogue and •

33
•negotiation with South Africa.

This means that we all now have

to be single-minded in lending

every possible assistance to the

Liberation Movements, who are

at the forefront of the struggle.

The anti-aparthied struggle

also brings to the fore the question of human rights abuses in independent black African states.

The OAU principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of sjster-African states

should not be used asa shield of

human rights abuses in Africa.,

We cannot, in good conscience,

continue to decry the denial of

fundamental human rights to

black South Africans if we also

deny them to our own citizens. It

is, therefore, imperative that we

strengthen our commitment to

the total eradication of apartheid

by re-dedicating ourselves to the

promotion and protection of the

rights of our people. Fortunately,

the African Charter of Human

and People's Rights of 1981 has

come into force as it has been

ratified by 30 countries. But ev«n

more importantly, we should all

adhere strictly to its provisions.

African states should not fight

shy of criticising member-states

of the OAU who abuse human

rights within their territories.

And this view was well articulated by President Yoweri

Museveni of Uganda at the

22nd OAU Summit last July.

The Nigerian government, of

course, has long since ratified the

African Charter on Human

Rights, and the commitment of

the Babangida administration to

its provisions is unimpeachable.

Since coming to power in 1985, the

government has re-asserted the

primacy of the Rule of Law.A

ready example here is the way . and manner in which the cases of

political detainees have been

handled in properly-constituted

tribunals headed by high court

judges, where the accused is

presumed innocent until proven

guilty.

The status, whereby, one^out of

every five Africans isa Nigerian

puts Nigeria, inevitably,-at. the

forefront of African -affairs.

There can be no question that

Nigeria has discharged its

African responsibilities

creditably. We have remained

faithful to the goals and ideals of

African unity, and have made

Africa the centrepiece of our

foreign policy. In spite of our

.relative size and resources, we

POLICY

Our policy towards Chad is

predicated on sound principles

and enlightened self interest.

Firstly^we hold the view that &<

divided Chad isa threat, not only

to our own survial asa nation,'but

also to the survival of Africa

Many African states are faced

with the> threat of disintegration.

The Dartitiori of Chad will certainly convey wrong signals to

the rebel forces in Angola, led b'y

Jonas Savimbi, who are battling

the Luanda government. There

are also similar tendencies in

Mozambique and Sudan.

Secondly-our position is that

the introduction of weappns into,

Chad disrupts the regional

raiance of power; and this is unacceptable to Nigeria. Nevertheless, Chad represents a good

example of the limitations of

power and diplomacy. Short of

the use of weapons, how can we

dislQdge the Libyans from the'

northern part of Chad and France

from the south? If it is easy to.*

dislodge the Libyans from "the

north, why has France not attempted it? .Conversely, if it is

«asy to dislodge the French from

the South, why has Libya not attempted it? To what extent is it a

rational appreciation of Nigeria's

military power to assume that we

can dislodge the Libyans

militarily?

/8309

CSO: 3400/528

34
NIGERIA

UNEMPLOYMENT, INFLATION, SEEN LEADING TO GROWING MALNUTRITION

Lagos THE AFRICAN GUARDIAN in English 23 Oct 86 pp 12-18

[Article by Chukwuemeka Gahia, et al]

[Text ] ^^HE is the sole bread-winnerfendj^ing for a family of eight: six chil-

'" ^dren, her retrenched husband

and herself. So, life has been tough for

Mrs. M. C. Ngwudo of Abakaliki. In

the morning, the children take akamu

(pap) without sugar. Nothing in the

afternoon. Their next meal is eba at

night. The soup is virtually bare — HI

iced fish, crayfish, vegetables. "It is

tasteless. My children are dying of hunger," she laments.

At Aba, Mrs. Maria Nwachukwu and

her family living at 141 Market Road,

now eat twice daily: garri in the morning, yam at night, she'looks thin,

anaemic and exhausted. It has been

long since they cooked rice or beans.

At Umuahia, Chukwu Ogbodo, a car

washer, feeds once daily on groundnut

and bread. Afterthat, "I don't eat again

except God intervenes." For Sunday

Damina at Kaduna, mana has not fallen

from heaven yet. The hair of the fiveyear-old is wry and brown, his stomach

like a baloon. With tired steps, he

weaves his way through noisy and garrulous customers. He lifts a grimy calabash and dips it into the brownish contents of a pot balanced on the earthen

tripod of the traditional fire-place. As

he gulps down the substance there is a

twinkle of relief in his sunken eyes.

Sunday's family — five children, his

father, a retired railway worker, his

mother, a caterer ofsorts —subsists virtually on the food his mother sells and

burukutu, a traditional alcoholic drink

brewed from fermented guinea corn

and patronised mostly by working and

peasant families. It is the breakfast,

lunch and dinner, supplemented by

tuwo, made from guinea corn also or

maize flour, and an occasional pete (local corn porridge).

"Indeed, across the nation, hunger

is growing, and putting food on the

table is a nagging problem for most

homes. A land of luscious vegetation and rich loamy soil is barely

able to feed its sons and daughHere in Lagos, a lot of families are

desparate. At Ajegunle this week a

mother actually pawned her child for

food.

Indeed, across the nation, hunger is

growing, and putting food on the table

is a nagging problem for most homes. A

land of luscious vegetation and rich

loamy soil is barely able to feed its sons

and daughters. The food crunch has

been severe. And the tales ofstarvation

are grim.

In the Government Reservation Area

35
(GRA) of metropolitan Kaduna, children of-lower class parents are going

about scavenging the left-overs of the

more privileged residents. Other places

frequented by these human scavengers

include hospitals, schools and restaurants. For many in the city, roasted

maize and sugarcane have taken the

place of regular cooked meals. Those

that are luckier take garri ("soaked"),

coco-yam or cooked cassava. Black

amala and ponmo (cattle skin), once

frowned upon by most people in the

North are becoming popular. So is eba,

previously a food hardly patronised by

northerners. Indeed, for most families

the daily meal has come down to garri,

'soaked' and gulped like that with sugar

or salt or prepared as eba.

Mathias Igwe and his family at Enugu

eat eba in the morning, eba at night,

Nwafor Nwankwo, a wheel-barrow

pusher also at Enugu, says he now eats

once daily. His meal is akpu (pounded

cassava). Akpu is a heavy food and

Nwankwo says when he takes it in the

afternoon,it is usually enough-to"hold"

his stomach for the rest of the day.

"We are suffering," bemoans Mrs.

Catherine Nw'osu of Enugu. Her family

of 10 survives on two meals of eba daily.

Daniel Eidera, a casual labourer at Guffanti — a road construction firm at Port

Harcourt — and his wife, a palm wine

seller, find it difficult to eat twice daily.

Felix Ehiweme, a driver, agonises that

"by the time you don buy fuel, pay garage fees, pay school fees and levies, na

small money remain to take do other

things. If you go market, meat dear.

No be say food no dey, but e dey dear."

Yet in these harshening times, they

are lucky to even eat at all. A growing

number of people beg for alms. In the

last couple of months, a number of

women have appeared on television in

Benin City to plead for alms. One of

them, a mother of triplets, claims her

husband absconded, leaving the family

in penury. Before her TV appearance,

she had not eaten in two days. In Lagos,

nursing mothers accost passers-by for

as little as 10 kobo to buy ogi (corn pap).

More shocking are stories of mothers

abandoning kids in market placesin lieu

of paying for items bought.

Aroadside garri seller at New Benin Market, Mama Johnbull, recalls that sometime in June a

young woman with a child came to buy

«2 worth of garri. She left the kid with

Mama Johnbull, promising to pay after

purchasing other items. One hour, two

hours, three, four, five — she was no

where to be seen. Mama Johnbull raised

an alarm, "because the pickin dey cry

and since 'im mama say she dey come, I

begin fear make people no come talk

say I steal the pickin." As people

gathered, it was not long before the

mother was identified, and the child

given back to her. Mama Johnbull says

she lost interest in the money owed her.

"Everybody know say things dey hard

now. So e fit be say the woman never

eat, and instead to go thief, she do wetin

she do that time." Adds a well-known

broadcaster at Radio Bendel: "We are

no longer shocked by such stories."

A young man of 24, a degree holder,

walked up to Tunde Adedare, an

accountant at Komasun Engineering

Works, Ikeja, and asked for N2 to buy

food with. He did not eat anything all of

the previous day. His situation is just a

shade different from that of Gold, a

textile worker at Isolo (H130 per

month) with grown-up kids. She complains ofgoing without food three whole

days. Her husband had been unemployed until last March when he started

scrapping for a pittance as a security.

man at Oshodi.

If these tales were to come from a

drought-stricken country, they would

have made a lot ofsense. But Nigeria, a

country in the tropical region, invites

description as a large food basin. The

sky opens up for much of the year to

water the land with mostly heavy rain.

Plants and crops grow easily anywhere

untended.

Yet for well over a decade the land of

potential bounty has been in the throes

of spiralling prices. Between 1975 and

1985 (see box) alone, prices of food in

urban areas rose by a staggering 297.26

per cent, fuel and light went up by

232.23 per cent, household goods by

320.02 per cent. In rural areas in the

same period, food prices increased by

289.58 per cent, household goods by

352.27 per cent.

36
In most cases prices gallop by month,

even weekly. There is hardly any government effort to combat the problem.

At Eke-Ukwu market in Owerri Nl

bought 12 cups of garri just two months

ago. Today, it is down to nine cups. Rice

increased from 65k to 80 kobo a cup.

Peak milk went up from HI.50 to

HI.80. In Aba, a tin of palm oil wasN37

before SFEM. It has shot up to N47. A

cup of egusi went up to 90 kobo from 60

kobo just two months ago.

AND of course, when prices go up

in Nigeria they rarely come

down. In short, prices of commodities in the country are more likely

to jumpstill higher once they go up than

fall again. While this has been the situation for a long time, wages have not

been rising. As a matter of fact, there

has been a general freeze since the

Buhari administration. At the same

time some companies even slashed

wages, citing the foreign exchange

crunch.

Stagnant wage scales in the face of

steadily rising prices mean a sharp reduction in the purchasing power of the

average Nigerian and a subsequent decline in the ability to feed at all, not to

talk of feeding well.. The problem is

compounded by the fact that Nigerian

wholesalers and retailers invariably

hoard goods to create artificial scarcity

and hike up prices. Every new economic

measure announced by the government

is seen by those who sell basic commodities as an opportunity for a windfall.

The mere announcement that the government was going to start the SFEM

led instantly to the disappearance of

goods from stalls. By the time they reappeared their prices had increased considerably.

In addition to hoarding, the manner

in which essential commodities are passed down to consumers guarantees that

their prices will be high. Goods pass to

the distributor from the manufacturer

to attachee wholesaler, their prices

appreciate. Consequently, they are sold

at costs most people cannot afford. By

the same token, a lot of people have had

to forgo many items that ordinarily

make up their diet. In other words, a

substantial number of people are faced

with under-nourishment. Even then,

much of the meager salary that is left for

the average worker is snapped up by

taxes, levies and school fees, making the

problem of feeding even more tasking.

All the same, this category of workers

are still on what is considered a full pay.

They are not as unlucky as working

families that now have to subsist on half

pay. Three of the five big textile mills in

Kaduna work part of the week nowadays. This means that their workers are

getting half pay. The full pay of a factory hand comes to around N120. Half

pay amounts to N60 to N80 a month.

With this type ofsalary, the tough straits

in which these workers now find themselves are best imagined. Living in a

mud house (no pipe-borne water) at

Kakuri, the industrial heart of Kaduna

is likely to cut a half pay of N80 by N20.

The monthly electricity bill comes to

N5. Transport will take up N2Ü a

month. With these commitments there

is hardly anything left for feeding. The

miracle, in fact, is that these people live

at all. Poverty and hunger ravage their

lives and there is a real problem of having to scrounge for food. New jobs are

not opening up.

As a result, many of those who graduated from teachers. colleges,

polytechnics and universities are still

unemployed. Musa Lawal, 24, graduated from the University of Jos in 1984

with a degree in Quantity Surveying.

He has roamed the streets of Jos, Kano

and Kaduna searching for a job to no

avail. He says he has lost hope. "I now

content myself with writing articles for

newspapers, many of which never see

the light of day." ldi Chikun has a diploma in law from the Katsina Polytechnic

IV. For a year after graduation, he searched for a job without success. He

trudges on unsure of his daily meals.

PERHAPS, much of Nigeria's food

problem would have been ameliorated had there been sufficient storage facilities. During the harvesting season

across the country, more foodstuffs are

produced than consumed. Lack of storage facilities means that the excess

simply go to waste every year. Even

then, the nation, at the very least, ought

to know just how many mouths it is

supposed to feed. Yet, without an accu37
rate census, this is untenable.

Chances are that Nigeria's population

has grown over the years. Again, it is

likely that the population growth has

outstripped the rate offood production,

such that whatever is available can hardly go round.

Lastly, certain cultural practices serve

to compound the feeding problem in

Nigeria. Nigerians love to have many

children. And this preference mostly

occurs among the low income groups —

the very people that are least likely to

feed well. When a man brings forth

more children than he can cater for,

hunger cannot be averted in the long

run. In spite of this obvious danger,

widespread polygamy persists, virtually

guaranteeing that the problem of feeding will continue to be a source of concern for most families.

For now, malnutrition affects a lot of

homes. There is also the problem of

under-nutrition, a pathological state of

deviation from normal nutrition leading

to loss of energy. There is a further classification into primary (due to low quality foods) and secondary malnutrition

(due to inability to eat or digest food as

a result of diseases or injuries).

ARNOLD Emwanta, nutritionist,

Central Hospital, Benin, says

nutrition can be caused by any

combination of the following factors:

impediments to food production and

supply, poor or infertile soil, poor climate, natural calamities, poor-yielding

variety of crops, purely biological factors, poor breeds of animals, plant and

animal diseases.

In general, the problem of malnutrition in the country is most acute for the

very Nigerians that need food the most

— children. The food problems of their

parents invariably affect them with devastating effects. Only two weeks ago,

Akawu Mathew, a 42-year-old Bottling

Company factory hand and a father of

six, watched helplessly as his withered

two-year-old daughter passed away

from what was obviously a case of

kwashiokor (a condition of both malnutrition and under-nou'rishment).

Professor J. C. Azubuike (Professor

of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria

Teaching Hospital, Enugu) says he has

no doubt that malnutrition in children is

definitely much higher now than it has

ever been in the last couple of years.

"There is no war at the moment, yet

children come in here (Paediatrics

ward) bloated with kwashiokor. If you

look at their fathers and mothers, you

will be surprised if the child hasn't got

severe malnutrition. The situation is

really depressing."

Professor Azubuike says that six out

of 12 children admitted in his ward suffer from malnutrition. Majority ofthese

children are those whose parents live in

urban areas—those assumedto be better off. Remarks the specialist: "They

are not better off now. Thfe problem is

that there is no money to buy food.

These children need food, and food that

can give them calories. We cannot be

talking about eggs or proteinous foods

when they have not got calories from

rice and garri." He recalls the case of

Ikechukwu Odoh, a four-week-old

baby boy whose mother died when he

was born. The boy was fed with päp at

home. When he was admitted, it was

discovered that he had marasmus, the

severest case of calorie deficiency. "I

am hesitant to discharge him", confesses Professor Azubuike, "because I

want to make sure that when he goes

home there is somebody to take a good

care of him." He is planning to get churches and the social welfare department

to agree to take care of him when he is

discharged.

Professor Azubuike predicts that the

problem of malnutrition is going to get

worse before it gets better. "My prediction is based on the fact that the economy is getting worse everyday."

At the Central Hospital, Benin, Dr.

Samuel Esemuede, consultant

paediatrician, talks about a study conducted by his department last year on

the incidence of malnutrition in the

period 1975 to 1978 (the oil boom

years). This was contrasted with

anotherstudy done in the period of 1979

to 1983 (the austerity period).

"We discovered that the incidence

was the same during the periods but

mortality rate was much higher during

the austerity period. "More children are

now dying from malnutrition," he says.

The conclusion was that under-nutrition

during the two periods was related to

the ignorance of people about what

kind of diet to take. But the severity of

the problem — that is, mortality — was

related to the economic situation.

Dr. Esemuede says the illness is getting more severe and fatal. There is now

what is called Cancröun Oris, a disease

38
caused by severe ülceration of the

mouth and leading to face deformity.

He says his hospital is planning to open

by October a hospital base nutrition clinic to educate parents and cater to severe cases of under-nutrition.

Dr. Emwanta believes that the problem will abate once mothers are able to

improve care for their children. For instance, after the first four months of a

child's life, breast feeding is no longer

sufficient. The practice of most mothers

is resort to pap, which by itself is mere

carbohydrate and sugar. "However

thick your pap is, it is not enough," says

Dr. Emwanta.

Government. has been aware ofthese

problems. Over the years, various Nigerian governments sought to deal with the

nation's food crisis. Operation Feed the

Nation (OFN), launched during the

Obasanjo regime, was designed to wean

Nigerians from their acquired taste for

imported foreign goods — a taste that

came to celebrate the heady oil boom. It

did not work. And the nation, in .fact,

ended up spending over ?#2.2 billion on

food imports for much of the Obasanjo

period.

The Green Revolution of the Shagari

regime was a further development of

the OFN. It aimed, among other things,

at entrenching self reliance in agricultural and food production; ensuring that

every Nigerian, irrespective ofhis social

status, has enough balanced diet to consume; and finding a final solution to

recurrent shortages of food, and raw

materials for local industries.

There were provisionsfor agricultural

credits, appropriate mechanisation,

agric-service centres, improved markets

and improved pricing policy. The measures included fiscal incentives for companies wishing to go into large scale

agric undertakings; such as: Income tax

relief and duty free importation of farm

machinery.

In addition, agricultural production

and processing were transferred from

schedule 11 to schedule 111 in the

Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Act

which means that foreigners can own up

to 60% of equity in any agricultural venture. There was also the Agricultural

Credit & Guarantee Scheme which

gave necessary inducementto Commercial Banks to make loans available to

individuals or corporate bodies at reduced interest rates.

Improvement in crop production

was facilitated by the provision of fertilizers, insecticides and employment of

expert soil technicians who suggested

which seeds would grow well in a particular soil. Other steps taken were the

introduction ofbetter handling of crops,

marketing, and price control through

agricultural co-operative societies and

the introduction of Green Revolution

Committees to deliberate on issues concerning programme implementation.

In 1981, many farmers were trained in

modern methods of rice production.

Farmers were assisted by River Basin

development authorities in clearing

farms; and in preparing storage facilities. The Shagari administration also introduced a short term measure to enable farmers obtain loans from

the banks.

In trying to eradicate cattle diseases,

vaccines and drugs were given to the

cattle farmers. Efforts were made by the

Federal Government and the National

Insurance Corporation of Nigeria to introduce a suitable insurance scheme

that would protect livestock owners.

In order to boost fish production, the

federal government had to enter into

agreement with some neighbouring

countries, so that Nigerian fishermen

could be allowed to penetrate their territorial waters to fish. The government

also established arid afforestation projects. In the upper River Benue Basin,

about 1200 tons of bananas were produced in 1981.

There was a considerable increase in

39
the production of cashew, citrus, pawpaw and pineapples. The Bantaji pilot

farm (in the North) recorded an increase in its rice production. In the

Dugusi project (also in the North), there

was a tremendous increase in rice and

maize production in 1982. It was estimated that the farmers generated

directly a revenue of over N14 million.

The Bakolori dam project recorded

other outstanding achievements, such

as the infrastructural development, provision of employment and improved

condition of the rural life.

By 1983 no maize was imported into

the country. A number of rice mills

were built by the federal government to

process locally produced rice by the end

of 1983. It revived old economic crops

like groundnut, rice, cocoa, and palm

oil whose value and importance had depreciated. Large hectares of land were

cultivated in Bendel, Oyo, Ogun, with

the assistance of the World Bank, for

the growth of these crops.

All the same, Dr. T.S.B. Aribisala,

who was the Chief Consultant to the

Green Revolution National Committee, contends that the programme was

impeded by farm resource constraints

(especially labour and capital), poor

production technology, poor storage

and marketing systems.

Other problems, according to him, included: inadequate finance from both

the federal and state governments for

executing the programme; inadequate

commitment of some of the State governments to the programme; and production packages not being sufficiently

attractive to permit massive adoption.

A different set of constraints had to

do with: poorly motivated research and

extension staff; low market prices; inadequate transport facilities; the fact

that farmers in the programme had

difficulties obtaining credit. Above all,

the programme was oriented towards

relatively few individual rich farmers

rather than peasant farmers.

On the whole, between 1980 and 1983,

over #1.5 billion was spent on the

Green Revolution. Yet, even during

that period, Nigeria still had to import

food.

The present administration has made

moves ofits own to enhance agricultural

production. In his last budget speech,

President Babangida announced that

food and agricultural policy this year

will focus on accelerated drive towards

self-sufficiency in rice production and

adequate production of yams, cassava,

sorghum and millet. The President also

set up the Directorate of Food, Roads

and Rural Development aimed at opening up the rural areas.

He said effort will be made to reha-

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bilitate groundnut, cocoa, cotton, and

oil palm production to reduce import

dependence. The President also plans

to involve the federal government in

food production.

An outstanding innovation in Nigeria's agricultural development in recent

times is the School-to-Land programme

launched in the Rivers State by former

Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. The aim

is to ensure large scale production of

food and raw materials and to provide

employment for young school leavers.

Ultimately, the young farmers will be

acquainted with skills of producing,

processing, storing and marketing their

own farm produce. There are currently

10 farms under the scheme, generally

welcomed as the kind of effort that can

lead to mass production of food and raw

materials, especially in the rural areas.

For now, however, Nigeria can hardly

afford to rest on its oars. The penury in

the land is alarming. Hunger continues

to threaten millions.

If the nation is to tackle the growing

crises offood insecurity, the agricultural

planning process must cease to be

haphazard; government cannot continue to pursue disparate policies all at

once. Emphasis must, therefore, be focused on long-term projections, so that

available and new schemes can build on

one another for cumulative impact.

There are a number of other things

that could be done to alleviate the problem. Taxes and levies should be reduced. A fairer and extensive distribution of essential commodities is quite

possible. Those who face chronic food

crises must be given opportunity to earn

enough to be able to fend for themselves. Policies that improve the income

of the poor can only go to abate hunger

and to sustain an active, healthy population.

Again, instead of the present trend towards large corporate farms, assistance

and equipment should be put where

they count most — in the rural areas,

the home of the bulk of our food producers. Small peasant holdings help to

make agriculture and food production,

in particular, labour intensive, with

potential benefits for wide employment.

In the end, the food crisis will not

disappear without serious effort. And

such effort is more imperative today

than before. A nation entangled in an

endemic situation of food insecurity for

. millions faces the danger of becoming a

j nation divided against itself.

40
NIGERIA

COUNTERTRADE HOLDÜP, POSSIBLE PIECEMEAL APPROACH

Lagos THE AFRICAN GUARDIAN in English 13 Nov 86 pp 24-25

[Article by Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo and Ted Iwere]

[Text] THIRTY-two proposals valued at

over US $4 billion have been received by the Federal Military Government from different countries in a new

counter-trade offensive which may

take-off soon. Government sources

told The African Guardian last week

that the new offensive will be channelled toward projects in both public and

private sectors. It will involve the

exchange of Nigeria's crude oil and

non-oil products for imports of capital

goods, spare parts and raw materials.

The $4 billion business, it was learnt, will

take olace between one and five vears.

While the business community eagerly waits for the policy that will launch

the new counter-trade thrust, the road

towards the formulation of such policy

by the government remains bumpy.

Series of meetings have been held by

the ministerial committee set up on

March 18 this year to continue the

counter-trade effort where the J.K.

Rändle committee left off. Secretary to

the Federal Military Government,

Chief Olu Falae and his Special Assistant, Mr. Olusola Dada have exchanged series of memos on the issue.

The memos have also got to the President, Major General Ibrahim Babangida.

In an investigation. The African

Guardian learnt that the ministers who

are members of the ministerial committee hardly attend the committee's

meetings. The ministers who are members of the committee which has Chief

Falae as chairman include those of

Trade, National Planning, Petroleum

and Justice. The Central Bank of

Nigeria's (CBN) Governor, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture's (NACCIMA) President and a

bank chief are also members. It was

learnt that at a meeting held on Friday

July 25, 1986, no minister was present.

Efforts to get them to explain why they

don't attend the committee meetings remain fruitless.

Commenting on the absence of the

ministers, Chairman Falae told committee members who seemingly represented their ministers that the ministers' action "tends to hamper" the

committee's "progress." Falae suggested "a reconstitution of the committee to comprise people who would be

ready to serve." He disclosed that the

issue of counter-trade is so important

to the Nigerian economy that he receives "enquiries about it everyday."

Also speaking at the meeting, a permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry

of Transport and Aviation, Mr. M.O.K

Williams, said that most ministers do

not like attending the meetings Because

the Secretary to the Federal Military

Government is its chairman. Williams

also wanted the committee to be reconstituted, so that "more senior civil

servants who would always be available

to work when the need arises" should

be brought in. He stressed the "need

for serious work" by the committee "so

that the fund in the escrow accounts

would be judiciously utilised."

NACCIMA president, Chief Akin

41
George, however, wanted Falae to find

out from the concerned ministers why

they have not been attending committee meetings. He said that if the

affected ministers are just unwilling to

attend, Falae should then report back

"to the authority that set up the committee." He hopes that personality

clashes would not be allowed to obstruct

the national assignment which needs

priority attention.

One problem being faced by present

counter-trade arrangements is what to

do with the amounts that were outstanding in the escrow accounts at the

time of the suspension of the past

counter-trade deals entered into by the

Buhari administration. The amounts

became outstanding after Nigeria supplied crude oil without collecting any

goods in return. The three suspended

agreements that yielded the amounts

are those involving France, Austria

and Brazil. On May 20, 1986, the

balances were: Brazil, $365.352 million

(N378.289 million); Austria, $139.730

million (N144.678 million); France,

$13.499 million (N13.977 million > Totals $518.580 million (N536.944 million). On July. 17, 1986, the CBN

reported that the total balance was

N657 million, probably due to accumulation of interest and depreciation

of the naira.

THE escrow accounts are deposit

accounts opened by appointed

agent banks abroad to facilitate

counter-trade agreements. The operation of the accounts are such that exporters abroad enter into agreements with

the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the purchase and

sale of Nigeria's crude oil. The amount

sold are then paid into the escrow

accounts to be held on behalf of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria. From

these accounts, payments are then

made to the exporters under the

counter-trade agreements. It was reliably learnt that in the Austria case, 80

per cent of total value of oil lifted was

payable into the escrow accounts, while

the remaining 20 per cent was paid

directly to the NNPC. The French case

was 75 per cent escrow accounts, 25 per

cent NNPC. Brazil's case was 100 per

cent escrow accounts. The United Bank

for Africa (UBA), International Bank

for West Africa (IBWA) and ICON

Merchant Bank, in that order, were the

appointed agent banks that handled the

Brazil, France and Austria agreements

respectively. UBA, New York, BNP,

Paris, and Creditanstalt Bank were the

escrow banks where the accounts were

opened.

Speculations have been rife that the

amounts in the escrow accounts may be

used for the Second-tier Foreign Exchange Market (SFEM). In a position

paper to Falae on the issue on June 22,

this year, Dada held that it may be

difficult to use the amounts for SFEM.

and if they are to be used at all,

transactions should be at SFEM rate,

with a proviso that letters of credit only

be opened in favour of the countries

under the existing counter-trade agreements, that is, Austria, Brazil and

France. "It is possible to use the funds

in the escrow accounts on the SFEM

provided the commercial banks who

will operate on the market are given

guidelines on how to transact foreign

exchange in respect of these three

accounts by the CBN ," Mr. Dada

submitted. Falae, in a reply a month

after, agreed with the position held by

Dada. President Babangida, said to be

toying with his own "idea on the

utilisation of these accounts," is interpreted as favouring the possibility of

using them to finance SFEM.

The African Guardian was informed

last week that Faiae has briefed the

President on all aspects of the countertrade issue and the problems facing the

ministerial committee. The briefing

was based mainly on the recommendations of the ministerial committee. The

committee had recommended that the

balance in the Brazil account be used

to import steel products, non-ferous

metals, spare parts and Completely

Knocked Down Parts (CKD) for Volkswagen beetle cars, tyre industry raw

material, paper products for newsprint

and printing of exercise books, chemicals

and petro-chemicals, cement, iron

ore, cotton bales and yarn, amongst

others. From Austria, the committee

said Nigeria should import CKD parts

for commercial/agricultural vehicles,

billets, agricultural products, and agrochemicals, spares and equipment for

oil, gas and petro-chemical industry,

automation control and telecommunications equipment. From France,

CKD for commercial vehicles (pickups), components and spares, includ42
ing batteries, industrial raw materials,

chemicals etc.

The African Guardian learnt that

there have been moves to get the

President to agree to the idea that some

of the funds in the escrow accounts be

used to pay dividends already declared

and approved by the Federal Ministry

of Finance in respect of shareholders in

Nigerian companies resident in the

three countries concerned. But The

African Guardian is yet to confirm

whether the President has given his

approval since capital transfers, profits

and dividends and other invisible payments which the ministry of finance

approved before the SFEM decree

came .into force can be financed

through the first-tier market.

IT was learnt last week that 23 requests and applications have been received for the use of the escrow funds.

Requests on the Austrian fund totalled

H271.78 million. Brazil's was N100.00

million, while that of France was N1.6

million. It was also not possible to

confirm whether approval for these

requests have been granted. The

SFEM decree allows transactions covered by specific import licence issued

in 1985 or 1986 for which confirmed

and irrevocable letter of credit was

established on or before the last day

before the decree's commencement to

be financed also through the first-tier.

The current piecemeal approach

to the issue of counter-trade suggests

that a major policy will soon be

announced. Civil works at Ajaokuta

Steel Company are being financed

under this piecemeal approach. The

Cotia (Brazil) trading agreement was

reportedly reactivated on July 14 this

year. National Planning Minister, Dr.

Kalu I. Kalu reportedly visited Brazil

in August over the issue. The exchange

which is worth f#667 million, involves

40,000 barrels of oil daily for 12 months

for Brazilian goods.

It was learnt that the current

piecemeal approach is being favourably

looked at because of the decline in oil

prices which may weaken Nigeria's

position in counter-trade

bargains. That apart, the spot nature of

transactions on the SFEM, and Nigeria's current leadership of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC), are also factors against more

deals. Government officials, however,

say that once the two exchange rates

have converged, and oil and other

commodities' prices look up, there will

be no running away from countertrade.

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43
NIGERIA

TRADE SURPLUS RECORDED WITH NETHERLANDS

Lagos BUSINESS TIMES in English 3 Nov 86 p 12

[Text] Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of more than N88.9 million against

the Netherlands in the first half of this year, trade figures from the

Netherlands Embassy in Lagos has shown.

The figures which were made available to the BUSINESS TIMES showed that

Nigeria's exports to the Netherlands within the period amounted to

N159,855,415 while its imports from the country during the same period were

N70,892,994.

It also showed that bilateral trade between the two countries declined over

the period when compared with the corresponding period last year.

While Nigeria's exports declined by 56 per cent, from N364,494,013.60 in 1985

to N159,855,415 this year, it showed that her imports from the Netherlands

declined by 24.5 per cent from N93,839,170 to N70,892,994.30 during the same

period.

It further showed that Nigeria's imports from the Netherlands Included dairy

products, fresh and frozen fish, oil products, chemicals, manufactured goods,

machinery and transportation equipment, beverages and tobacco and non-edible

raw materials.

Nigeria's exports to the country, it indicated, were mainly cocoa, spices,

coffee, animal and vegetable oils and fats, nonferous metals, natural rubber,

oil seeds and crude oil.

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44
NIGERIA

MUSLIM STUDENTS BLAMED FOR UNIVERSITY CRISIS

Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN in English 16 Oct 86 pp 1, 3

[Article by Adebisi Adekunle]

[Text] The Head of General Studies, University of Sokoto, Alhaji Sani Ashafa,

has told the Mr. Justice Mustapha Akanbi panel looking into students' crisis

that the activities of some "militant" members of Muslim Students Society (MSS)

were responsible for the break-down of law and order in the university.

Alhaji Sani, who was the chairman of an internal committee appointed to probe

the May 3 crisis in the university in which some students were injured and

property damaged, said the institution could have been the most peaceful if the

"militant" MSS students had conducted their activities in a manner devoid of

religious sentiments.

He said the so-called "militant" members were in minority group of the muslim

students who always wanted to forcefully disrupt any of the students union

programmes which they considered as immoral»

He said the remote cause of the May 3 incident was the inclusion of a variety

show in the students' activities during the students' week.

In the programme, he added, the students union listed fashion parade, beauty

contest, dancing competition, Mr and Miss Sokoto University, miming, best

dressed student and Mr. Muscle in which a number of prizes were offered.

He said the students who sensed that such shows were immoral and against Islam,

reacted because they contributed financially towards the students union fund.

He added that this should not have been the case in a democratic and heterogeneous community like a university.

He also listed lack of proper consultation between the student leaders and the

students affairs officer, attempt by the university to give more preference to

female students in hostel allocation, rumour that the social director of the

45
students union would be dismissed from the institution, imposition of levy

on the students because of previous crisis in which a number of property

were damaged and mass resignation of academic staff and other problems

responsible for frequent crisis in the university.

In defending the university stand on converting two male hostel blocks to

female students. Alhaji Sani said it was a common knowledge that our customs

provided that "we should protect our women folk."

He said the new arrangement introduced by the Federal Government that membership of the students union be optional would go a long way to help in

stamping out further students unrest in our institutions.

He also said the Sokoto University had proposed to introduce general studies

in its curriculum with the view of enlightening students on many Nigerian

customs.

He said if approved, the issue of teaching Islamic religion for passing

examinations would be extended to cover how to practise and apply it in their

day to day activities.

Alhaji Sani said students would henceforth be allowed to do their cooking,

and work on the place being prepared for that purpose would soon be completed.

This, he said was in view of the previous practice in which students illegally

cooked in their hostels, which he said, was one of the major contributing factor

to misunderstanding among them.

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46
NIGERIA

CENTRAL BANK TO BE PHASED OUT OF SFEM

Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN in English 16 Oct 86 pp 1, 3

[Article by Omafume Amurun]

[Text] The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will gradually be phased out of the

funding of the Second-tier Foreign Exchange Market '(SFEM), the Minister

of Finance, Dr. Chu Okongwu has disclosed.

The minister who was answering questions at a press conference in Lagos

yesterday said the operation of SFEM would after sometime be left to the

commercial banks who would buy and sell foreign currencies.

To emphasise this point, the minister asked a correspondent of the FINANCIAL

TIMES who was present at the conference whether it was the British Government

that was supplying foreign exchange to importers.

The correspondent murmured something which seemed to agree with the minister.

According to the minister Nigerians were known to have over 20 billion dollars

in foreign banks and that the liberal foreign exchange policy of the Federal

Government could encourage them to bring the foreign currency into the country.

Dr. Okongwu said further that it was high time Nigerians got away from the

import Mania and embrace export trade.

He said it was only when Nigerians could produce and export more that it

would be able to import all her foreign needs.

The minister said the Federal Government was now emphasising on rural development to create jobs and that no permit was now required before potentxal enterpreneurs could establish business in any part of the country.

Dr. Okongwu said the Federal Government was studying the workings of SFEM and

that a new import tariff structure would be released before March to encourage

production in the country.

47
He disagreed with a suggestion that SFEM was the main element of the Federal

Government structural adjustment policies, contending that SFEM was just a

part of complete package to encourage production and export as well as

enduring the subsidising of Naira.

The minister dismissed a report that Nigeria did not wait for a go-ahead

from the World Bank before beginning the operation of SFEM, explaining that

the country was a sovereign state and could not take dictation from anybody.

The minister commended the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and

some countries for the support given the country to get its debts rescheduled,

He said Nigeria should be grateful to the two organisations and "friendly"

nations such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France,

Holland and West Germany for their firm support and intercessionary roles

on our behalf.

According to him the IMF endorsement of the country's structural adjustment

programme and debt restructuring proposals were crucial elements for success

in the country's rescheduling endeavour.

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48
NIGERIA

PLATEAU OFFICIALS LIFE STYLES TO BE MONITORED

Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN in English 14 Oct 86 p 7

[Article by Mike Reis]

[Text] GOVERNOR Lawrence Onoja

of Plateau State has said that the

life style of public officers in the

state would henceforth be closely

monitored to ensure that they live

within their means.

He toldthe Mew Nigerian in Jos

that any civil servant that could

not explain his source of wealth

or property would have such property confiscated and dismissed

from service.

Governor Onoja said it had

become common place to see

people displaying ill-gotten

wealth with reckless abandon

and unchallenged.

He said the best way to check

fraud was to ensure that people

live within their means.

The governor vowed to deal

with public officers found misappropriating government funds.

'. He denied reports that probe'

had been instituted to probe

former commissioners in the

state.adding: "I have no cause to

do that particularly since they

are no longer in office."

Governor Onoja dropped the

hint that names of new commissioners for the state would soon

be announced, adding that the

new team would be a departure

from the past as they would not

he picked from the civil service

circle

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49
NIGERIA

CUSTOMS OFFICIALS PROTEST MILITARY HARASSMENT

Lagos THE AFRICAN GUARDIAN in English 6 Nov 86 p 22

[Article by Fred Ohwahwa]

[Text] |N the I! afternoon on Wednesday

October 22, 1986, three men in

mufti, identifying themselves as soldiers, took some documents to the

customs officers on duty at the container section of the Apapa Wharf. The

documents, with which the men wanted

to clear some consignment belonging to

the Army, were found to be incomplete. The men were told that unless

they present a letter of authorisation

from the Port Military Commandant,

the consignment would not be released

to them.

The three soldiers quietly drove

away, but returned 30 minutes later

with a truck-load of their colleagues.

Apparently following instructions, the

new-comers descended on Mr. Ewe

Onyejiaka— Superintendent Collector

Grade 1 — and beat him into unconsciousness. After being revived, Mr.

Onyejiaka was rushed to Eko Hospital

in Surulere. He was on admission for

two days.

On Saturday, September 20, two

vehicles were driven to a check-point on

Owode-Idiroko road. One of the vehicles was unregistered. Suspecting that

the vehicle might be carrying contraband, custom-man J. Oke asked its driver, one Lieutenant Martins, to open the

booth. He refused, drove back, only to

return with armed soldiers. He swiftly

singled out Oke for having the "temerity" of trying to check his vehicle, and

ordered his junior colleagues to beat

him. The hapless customs- official became frightened and ran away. Lt. Martins was reported to have ordered his

men to pursue him and bring him back,

dead or alive. Five minutes later, he was

brought back — dead.

Earlier in the same month, another

customs official, Sunday Okoh, was

killed at Agbor by the police while on

duty. On August 22, two customs

officials, Olowu Michael and Okeowo

Abiodun, were killed by assailants sus

pected to be smugglers.

Evidently disturbed by these developments and other numerous instances of harassment by military men,

the Customs and Excise and Immigration Staff Union (CEIMSU) cried out

that the lives of its men are endangered. The union is complaining

that armed forces personnel have been

intimidating and harassing customsmen in different parts of the country,

and have been behaving as if they are

above the law. CEIMSU • Secretary

General, Bernard Ogulana, readily

cites instances during which military

men have shunned being checked, and

have got angry when customsmen insisted on doing their jobs

Wondering whether military men

have been exempted from paying import duties, the union's Central Working Committee met October 7 and 8

and resolved to get clarification from

government if this is the case. The

committee also demanded to meet with

the Minister of Internal Affairs to

discuss the possibility of:

• Compensation for the families of

the officers that were killed.

• Arrest and prosecution of the

suspected murderers of the customs

men.

50
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• Insurance cover for the officers of

the Customs and Immigration on border patrols, check points and other

hazardous duties; and

• Payment of "hazard allowances".

The union has vowed that if the

proposed meeting is not held before

the end of October, it will assume that

the Department of Customs and Excise

cannot guarantee the safety of its staffers on duty, and that all members of

the armed forces have been exempted

from customs search, "and our members will abstain from searching them".

In addition, customsmen will be "instructed not to process any customs

documents involving any member of

the Armed Forces".

Charges against members of the

armed forces that they make the job of

customsmen more difficult and risky,

have been, at best, viewed with indifference by the public. The lack of

sympathy for the customsmen is easily

attributable to the generally held belief

that most of them are dubious; that

they are shady characters who defraud

the nation by colluding with smugglers

and other economic saboteurs.

. The Army's Chief Public Relations

Officer, Lt. Col. Dagogo ClaudeWilcox, shares this sentiment. But he

did acknowledge that there have been

reports of soldiers harassing customsmen. He blames this on the friction

that arises because of the duties being

performed by both groups at border

posts rather than any attempt to smuggle goods into the country by soldiers.

However, Warrant Officer Bayo

Fashola of the Airforce Directorate of

Public Relations, emphatically says

that airforce men have never been

indicted for harassing customsmen.

51
NIGERIA

GOVERNMENT TO USE PLANE TO CHECK SMUGGLERS

Enugu DAILY STAR in English 7 Nov 86 p 7

[Article by Chris Agulefo]

[Text] '"THE federal government will

soon introduce an aircraft

patrol unit to check the

activities of smugglers at the

country's borders, the Chief of

Air Staff Air Vice Marshal

Ibrahim Alfa, told newsmen in

Lagos.

He said that small aircraft of

the Nigeria Air Force would,

start patrolling the borders

with Cameroun, Niger, Chad

and as well as the country's

creeks.

In the same vein, as part of

efforts to stem the activities of

smugglers, the Borno State

governor, Lt-Col Abdul

Mumuni Aminu, plans, to

undertake a. trip to the Chad

Republic and Cameroun to

discusss the issue.

made thjs,

answering;

Colonel Aminu

known while

questions from correspondents

on Tuesday. He said that he;

had taken a similar trip to

neighbouring Niger Republic.

The governor was at the'

State House to discuss what he

termed "critical issues" with,

the chief of general staff and

get clearance for the trip.

the

are

the

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He said that the issue of

cross-border smuggling,

needed the help of security

agents from. neighbouring

countries to tackle.

Commenting on the locust

invasion in the state, the

governor said that at

moment, two helicopters

operating to wipe out

insects.

The two helicopters, hired on

hourly basis by the federal and

state governments, are used to

wage war on quilla birds,

locusts and rats which have

. invaded the state.

. The governor hoped that the

combined efforts of the'federal

and state governments would,

eradicate the meriace;

He said that the state government was exploring other local

technologies to destroy the

invading locusts, and that by

next year, the locusts would

have been completely wiped

outRegarding the impetus given

to rural development by the

present administration, the

governor said his state was well

ahead as i'ar as rural

-development is concerned,;

adding "one heeds to take a

trip to Borno State to see things

for himself".

52
SURVEY ON OIL SUBSIDY REDUCTION BEGINS

Lagos BUSINESS TIMES in English 27 Oct 86 p 1

NIGERIA

[Text] A/ NATION wide

vey on the effect of

the reduction in

petroleum subsidy on

consumers begins this

week.

Nigerian National

petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) source told the

Business Times last

week that the survey

was being jointly sponsored by it (NNPC) and

the Federal Office of

Statistics.

Questionnaires have

been designed for the

excercise, the source

further said, adding that it

had been made iri such a

way that no respondent

during the survey would

find difficulties in filling

mem. Results obtained

from the survey would

form useful imputs to data

users in the country, more

importantly, research

institutes and higher

institutions.

With effect from January

1, 1986, only 20 per cent of

the previous subsidy on

domestic crude oil

calculated at the point of

refinery is now being

provided by the Federal

Government. This

substantially raised the

pump-head prices of

gasoline and diese! to 39.50

kobo and 29.50 kobo per

litre respectively. The

market price of household

Kerosene however, has

remained unchanged.

In announcing the subsidy reduction, the

President, Major-General

Ibrahim Babangida, said:

"Considering the

international bonier prices of

these commodities and the

heavy opportunity costs of

consuming them at home

rather than selling them

abroad, government has

come to the conclusion that

the nation cannot continue

to support such great

financial losses and uneconomic consumption of a

valuable but irreplaceable

wasting of asset".

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53
NIGERIA

FEWER IMPORTS, SURVEY SAMPLES PRODUCTION DECLINES

Lagos BUSINESS TIMES in English 3 Nov 86 p 1

[Article by Roseline Umesi]

[Text]

ATCTCM* of »2.S

billion; was spent

on imports in the first

half of I98& Thia

represented-' • ant

average af' N406.4;

billion per month; Thi»

is as a result6f:stringent

trade> control

measures, the-rationa?-

lisationr and non*

utilisation of some- of

the- import:-Ifeencea

issued' dniingt thereviewperidd;.

According iov'the? firs*',

half yearreport.fronvtha

CentralBanfe of-Nigeria:

just published,';. Imports

declme&by.37r.6;per:cenfc

from,84.5 büliott- in- the

first half of 198&-/..

The :• stringent

measures; adopted on

imports affected industrial: performance» Also*

development - in the.

foreign . exchange

market during the

review period also

affected" industrial

performance. The reviewperiod were characterised by marked appreciation of other major

currencies against the

U.S. dollar:

The naira weakened

considerably during the

review period, aa Nigeria's

exchange rate policy was

dictated to a large extent by

the upward movement of

other leading currencies

against the dollar which

060810» the only intervention- currency at the

beginning öfthe year:

In addition; the. general

poor performance, of the

Nigerian, economy and

fallingv oil •' pricesContributed to the

downward slide of the-naira

exchange . rate. All these»

affected the performance of

industries;

The problems facing the

industrial sector; especially

manufacturing, appeared to

have, worsen' during tb»

period according- toi thes

report; with* respect ta the

problem of input,supply. If

was observed, that import

licence»; were not- only

issued fate- t« user», but

these: did not bring a rehef

since such licences.'- could

not'be immediately utilised

because- averseaaifmancfttf

institutions;, declined to

open: letter*-of credit in

favour- of Nigerian

importers^:

Following these- developments, the overall index of

industrial- production felL

This, represented a decline

of l.a per cent compared

with its level in the first

half; of 1985. The index of

manufacturing production

also fellby 5.3 per cent from

its level in. the first half of

1985. Index of mining

production increased by 4.8

per cent, while, the index of

electricity increased by 11.8

per cent when compared

with the first half of 1985.

According to the survey

carried out by CBN on

manufacturing establismenta in.Lagos area, the

result showed substantial

declines in the production,

level attained in- the first

half of 1986 for most of the

industrial groups.

The declines ranged from

5.9 per cent inthe synthetic

textilesindustry to 74.8per

cent in, the soap and

detergent industry.- The

declines of" 8.6, 19-2* arid

34.4 per cent in the cement,

sugar;' confectionary, and

beer and-, stout' industries

respectively, compared

with the levels attained in.

the first halfoiig8&

The fall hi. the> level .of

industrial production is

attributed to" the worsened

situation of. raw materials

supply caused by the late

releaseofthe 1986 importlicence. Another important

factor was the inability qf

most manufacturers to.

54
secure credit lines fromi

overseas,exporters.

However,, there were

increases'of 39.3 and 0.1 per

cent in productJonilevels of

paints; and cotton textiles

respectively..

The survey covered: 2.49'

companies out of which 126/.

or 50:6 per cent responded.

Iff' the- period under

review; plant capacity utiK-i

zatfoff'fell by 5.6 per cent,

that is- from 34.fr to: 29-per

cent And this, implied that,

manufacturers' could not'

afctafa'the 55 per cent level

o£ capacity utilisation:*

whieh was projected in the1986- budget The decline in

capacity; utilisation was

accompanied fay. a fall,' in

total employment

Crude: oil production in

the country'during the first

haltof 1986' was estimated

at 286U1 millibn barrels,

representing, anincrease of

5.0 per cent compared with

withincreasa ofrft.5 per cent

in 1985. Average daily

production was 1.6 million

barrels, as against 1.5

million barrels during the

comparable period of 1985.

Export, volume totalled

240.7 million.barrels in the

first half of 1986, compared

with 198.1 millionbarrels in

the corresponding period of

1985. Average daily export

totalled 1.3 and 1.2 million

barrels' hx the. respective-

• period. -

International- oil' prices

collapsed in the first half of

1986, as a result of the

increase- in: crude oil

production: from OPEC

member countries.' Their

production rose from 17.4

million' - barrels per day

(mbd)1. in.January to 19.9

mbd in June, 1986.

The average spot price of

Bonny Light which stood at

$26.60 per barrel in

September 1985 fell to

$11.70 in June 1986.

Nigeria crude was however

sold, on.- Netback value

basis,, and this has fallen

progressively from S27.02

per barrel in December

1985, to $I2.iO per barrel

in.June 1986.

As the economic

recession continued into

1986, unemployment

continued to mount with

few- job openings for a

rising number of 3chool

leavers and university

graduates. AI30

retrenchment continued.

Industrial relations also

worsened during the first

half of the year; as workers

demanded improved

working conditions.

/13104

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55
NIGERIA

AJAOKUTA STEEL MILL PROGRESS

Mill Cuts Output

Lagos DAILY TIMES in English 25 Oct 86 p 16

[Text] The Ajaokuta Steel Company has reduced production to about 10 per cent

of its installed capacity due to shortage of billets, the General Manager,

Alhaji Inuwa Magaji, said on Thursday in Ajaokuta.

Alhaji Inuwa said that as a result of the shortfall in production, the company

has resorted to rationing its finished products among the company's customers

until the situation improved.

He said that the shortage of billets was attributable to the delay in the

issuance of import licence to the company, noting that the company could

produce the 500,000 tonnes of steel products required by the country yearly if

the three operational rolling mills were provided with imported billets,

manganese and bauxite.

The general manager disclosed that the multi-million naira billet mill being

constructed by the company since 1981 had been completed and would soon be

commissioned.

Russian Ambassador on Status

Lagos DAILY TIMES in English 5 Nov 86 p 24

[Text] About N2 billion has so far been spent on the Ajaokuta Steel complex

in Kwara State, minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sheriff Musa

has disclosed.

Alhaji Musa made the disclosure in Lagos yesterday while answering reporters

questions shortly after receiving the Russian Ambassador, Mr. Youri V.

Koupliakov in his office.

The minister had earlier told Mr. Koupliakov, whose country is handling the

project that the Federal Government is "anxious to get Ajaokuta to a logical

conclusion."

56
He said the aspect of the project which Nigeria needs very urgently is the

production of flat sheet. Alhaji Musa solicited the "fullest cooperation and

understanding", of the Russian government to achieve the goal.

Responding, Mr. Koupliakov assured the minister of his country's cooperation

on the projects, adding that proposals on the flat sheet would be submitted to

the Federal Government soon.

On problems the firm handling the project faced the ambassador said the

number of trained Nigerian specialists is far below the 9,000 target.

He complained of outstanding payments, adding that about 400 new housing units

will be needed by next year to accomodate some specialists expected from

Russia.

He suggested that the minister should visit the Soviet Union to see how the

steel plant in Russia operates.

/13104

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57
NIGERIA

BRIEFS

TURKISH SCIENTIFIC, ECONOMIC AGREEMENT—Nigeria and Turkey have signed an

agreement on economic and scientific and technological cooperation. The

agreement signed in Lagos provided a legal framework for mutual cooperation

between the two countries in such fields as the setting up and running of

joint industrial, commercial and technical enterprises and award of scholarships. It also involves exchange of experts, advisers and training of

officials and also enhance the provision of consultancy services and extending facilities for surveys. Geological and feasbility studies, Research and

execution of pilot projects were also included in the agreement. [Text]

[Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN in English 24 Oct 86 p 7] /8309

BABANGIDA ON BRITISH MILITARY AID—President Ibrahim Babangida has commended

Britain for the support and technical assistance it had been providing the

Armed Forces. He told the visiting British Minister of State for Defence,

Mr. John Stanlley, in his office that Nigeria had benefited immensely from

the good relationship between the armed forces of the two countries. He

attributed the present high decree of combat readiness and discipline in the

Nigerian Armed Forces to some of the benefits Nigeria had derived from the

relationship. The minister said in response that he was impressed by the

quality of training which the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel had attained

and assured the President that Britain would be looking forward to new ways

of strengthening the military bond. Meanwhile the minister told newsmen

in Lagos that British military experts at the Command and Staff College,

and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji are to be recalled by the

end of the year. [Text] [Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN in English 18 Oct 86 p 7] /8309

'MAITATSINE' ALIENS DEPORTED—Federal Government has ordered the immediate

deportation of 70 aliens who participated in the violent February 1984

Maitatsine uprising in Gongola State, in which many persons were killed. The

aliens were among 309 suspects arrested during the uprising. Minister of

Internal Affairs, Colonel John Shagaya, said in Yola yesterday that all the

authorities concerned have been directed to effect the deportation. He said

the government had acknowledged the fact that our prisons were actually

congested and therefore, something must be done about it urgently. The minister

said the Presidential Task Force Committee on the Decongestion of the Prisons

had visited Lagos and Plateau states where they held deliberations with the

government functionaries. He re-stated the government's determination to

ensure the speedy dispensation of justice and decongestion of the prisons in

compliance with its human rights position. Colonel Shagaya and the Minister

58
of Justice, Mr. Bola Ajibola, were in the state as members of the committee

on the decongestion of prisons. The NEW NIGERIAN understood that 70 out of

the detained suspects had died as a result of dehydration and other ailments

since their detention in 1984. [By Abu Tapidi] [Excerpt] [Kaduna NEW NIGERIAN

in English 14 Oct 86 pp 1, 3] /8309

CSO: 3400/526

59
SOMALIA

BRIEFS

DFSS APPOINTS OFFICIALS—At the first session of the democratic front for the

salvation of Somalia [DFSS] Central Committee meeting, members supported all

the agenda items that were submitted. The meeting is entering its final

stages. The DFSS High Court and office of the attorney general have been

established and appointees named. Judge Shaykh Abdullahi Malim 'Abd al-Rahman

was named as the chairman of the High Court; Adam Muse Jibril, as deputy

chairman; and Abdullahi Fod Ade as a member. Abdullahi Muhammad Gedi, known

as Bakad, was named as chairman of the attorney general's office; Abdi Yusuf

Riyale as deputy chairman; and Mahmud Muhammad Adam Hano as a member.

[Excerpt] [(Clandestine) Radio Halgan in Somali to Somalia 1700 GMT 26 Nov 86

EA] /9599

CSO: 3400/564

60
TANZANIA

BRIEFS

ZANZIBAR INCREASES STAPLE PRICES—Zanzibar—The Revolutionary Government of

Zanzibar today announced new prices for essential commodities in the islands.

The new prices become officially effective tomorrow. Addressing pressmen in

his office, the acting minister for commerce and industry, who is also

minister for finance, Ndugu Taimur Saleh, said the commodities affected are

sugar, rice, and wheat flour. He said that beginning tomorrow the price of

rice will be 15 shillings per kg, sugar 21 shillings per kg, and flour 18

shillings and 60 cents per kg. Ndugu Taimur explained that the price increase

has been caused by the recent devaluation of the Tanzanian currency as well as

an increase in the cost of importing the commodities from outside. [Text]

[Dar es Salaam Domestic Service in Swahili 1300 GMT 4 Dec 86 EA] /9599

CSO: 3400/564

61
LIBYAN PLANE SIGHTED AT ENTEBBE

Nairobi DAILY NATION in English 21 Oct 86 p 2

[Article by Jonathan Wright]

UGANDA

[Text]

The snow-white Libyan Air

Force Ilyushin-76 transport

plane at Uganda's Entebbe

•Airport is a puzzling piece in

an often incongruous jigsaw,

v The plane, or planes, began

visiting Entebbe late last month,

iafter Libyan leader Muammar

Gaddafi's melodramatic but

Unconclusive'trip to Uganda, an

African country with which his

relations have gone through many

changes. .

"The Libyan planes must be

carrying something," mused the

political officer in a Western

embassy, as though annoyed that

the mission's informers had not

yet cracked the mystery.

Arms for Uganda's National

Resistance Army (NRA) would

seem the most probable cargo,

diplomats agree, but that theory

runs against their analysis of

present Libyan-Ugandan relations.

"Our impression was that Gaddafi's visit was a dismal failure.

But we had to think again when

we saw the Ilyushin,' said theenvoy of an Arab country which

keeps a close watch on Libyan

activities abroad.

Un the face of it, • neither

country has achieved the objectives it set itself when they

embarked on a flurry of

diplomacy soon after President

Yoweri Museveni's NRA swept

into Kampala last January.

The Libyans apparently sought

to make a permanent ally of

Museveni by building on the

military assistance they gave the

NRA and its, allies during the

four-year guerrilla war against

the government of deposed President Milton Obote.

At the strategic level, Gaddafi

welcomed the chance to drive a

wedge southwards .into Central

Africa, splitting the pro-Western

states of Kenya and Zaire, Arab

diplomats said.

For Ugandans, chronically

short of fuel, the main attraction

was presumed to be the hope of a

long-term deal for cheap Libyan

oil.'

. Museveni-, a. passionate

advocate of barter trade, also saw

Libya as a market for surplus

food crops.

Gaddafi invited himself to

Kampala during the Non-Aligned

sumrrfit in Harare. The manner

of his coming, with bulletproof

vehicles and a vast security

entourage, immediately aroused

the suspicions of the conservative

Baganda elite, bringing back

memories of Libya's support for

deposed President Idi Amin.

At the height of the Libyan

presence in Uganda, during the

Tanzanian invasion of 1979-80,

several thousand Libyan soldiers

fought alongside Amin's troops.

Historians of the war estimate

that some 600 of them died in

action.

Libyan influence reached a new

low in. the Obote period that

followed and in the early 1980s,

Obote closed down Kampala's

Libyan Arab Uganda Bank for

Trade and Development,1"

apparently because he suspected

it was a conduit for financial

assistance to the rebels forces

massing against him.

The bank, perhaps the most

prominent symbol of Libya's

presence, is open today on Kampala's main street, housed in a

block which shares with its

neighbours a seedy dilapidation

caused by years of neglect and

mismanagement.'

The plastic neon nameplate

has several words missing and

mosaic tiles continue to peel off a

monumental tableau illustrating

currency symbols throughout

history.

In the early months of

Museveni rule, the pace of

Libyan-Ugandan exchanges

began to quicken. One hundred

NRA "cadres" left for Tripoli in

March for "political training",

and a further 100 followed when

the first batch returned in June,

diplomats said.

A Libyan trade delegation

visited Kampala and Museveni

went to Tripoli on his first trip

outside sub-Saharän Africa.

For Libya, Gaddafi's September visit should have set the seal

on the new relationship. Instead,

the gamble seems to have

backfired, the diplomats said.

Gaddafi's call for the expulsion

of the US and British missions in

Kampala met no response from

his Ugandan hosts and remarks

Tripoli Radio attributed to the

Libyan leader provoked outrage

among Uganda's Christian

majority.

The radio quoted him as telling

Uganda's Muslims, who make up

a tenth of the population, to

convert the Christians, since

Christianitv was the religion of

colonialism and subjugation.

Al-Haji Mohamoud Katende,

editor of the Muslim newspaper

Focus, said Gaddafi never made

the remarks, but Uganda's Christian leaders continued to assume

he did. • Diplomats noted that the visit

ended hurriedly without the

62
customary joint communique. In

subsequent statements, Ugandan

leaders have carefully distanced

themselves from Gaddafi's antiWestern rhetoric. \

Museveni -told reporters

Uganda-, had no intention of

fighting . other people's battles

and Prime Minister Samson

Kisekka, speaking in Nairobi,

pleaded that Uganda, as host,

could not have imposed restrictions on what Gaddafi said or did.

In the month that has passed,

occasional shortages of petrol

indicate that Libya has provided

no large shipments of oil.

Diplomats say they have not

noticed any appreciable increase

in the number of Libyans in

Kampala.

The Ilyushin continues to go

and come from somewhere in

Libya — but those' who know

what it carries are not

telling.(Reuters)

/13104

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63
UGANDA

BRIEFS

NATIONAL IDENTITY CARDS PLANNED—The Ministry of Internal Affairs is in an

advanced stage in the plans to undertake a national registration exercise

which shall require every Ugandan citizen above the age of 18 to be registered

and obtain a national identity card. This was announced today by the minister

of internal affairs, Mr Ssemogerere, when he was making a policy statement of

his ministry in the NRC meeting in Kampala. He said the introduction of

national identity cards will go a long way to facilitate not only the work of

the Immigration Department and police, but shall also be very useful to other

government agencies, including the various cadres of the resistance councils

and committees. He also announced that the ministry is to revive the chief

government chemistry department to regain the authority of analyzing all the

manufactured goods, drugs, and water to ascertain their suitability for human

consumption and, in the case of drugs, for their compliance with Ugandan laws.

On the question of transport in the Uganda Police Force, Mr Ssemogerere

announced that the reactivation of the police air wing will commence this year

in order to meet urgent transport needs within the country subject to foreign

exchange amounting to $300,000 being available. [Text] [Kampala Domestic

Service in English 1700 GMT 3 Dec 86 EA] /9599

CSO: 3400/564

64
ZIMBABWE

MUGABE RENEWS CALL FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA

MB041202 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1607 GMT 3 Dec 86

[Text] Addis Ababa Dec 3 SAPA—South Africa's "acts of destabilisation" had

created a new sense of urgency for economic cooperation and integration in

the PTA [Preferential Trade Area] region, the Zimbabwean premier, Mr Robert

Mugabe, said here today.

Addressing the fifth summit of the PTA heads of state and government, he

said the organisation's hope for economic survival was the integration of

the member states economies. "This calls for deliberate action to reexamine our trade flow patterns and to determine the modalities of intensifying and improving the quality of our trade relations," he was quoted as

saying by ZIANA, his country's semi-official news agency.

Mr Mugabe said the Frontline States were going through a period of economic

pressure and military aggression from South Africa. South Africa continued

to "recruit, arm, equip and infiltrate bandits to attack anything of economic

significance to independent southern African states."

Mr Mugabe said it was, therefore, important for the PTA states to mobilise

their resources and increase intra-regional trade. "There is no doubt that

the solution of most of the economic problems in Africa, particularly those

associated with economic dependence, lies in increasing trade amongst ourselves, improving transport and communication systems, and among other

things, improving productivity in agriculture and industry."

Mr Mugabe said no threats would deter Zimbabwe and other Frontline States

from supporting the "liberation struggle" in South Africa. "The complete

dismantling of the apartheid system and the institution of equality as well

as democratic rights to all South Africans is sine-qua-non for the establishment of peace in southern Africa."

He said the time had come for the international community to increase

pressure on Pretoria through the imposition of comprehensive mandatory sanctions. "It is in the strong belief that sanctions are the only peaceful

means to exert pressure on South Africa that some of us are committed to the

implementation of the commonwealth sanctions package." Mr Mugabe said he was

happy that more countries were now prepared to impose sanctions against South

Africa and said he hoped they would widen the measures.

/6091

CSO: 3400/556 65
ZIMBABWE

THE HERALD CALLS FOR 'SWIFTER AID' FOR MOZAMBIQUE

MB041629 Harare THE HERALD in English 28 Nov 86 p 14

[Editorial: "Aid for Maputo"]

[Text] In the House of Assembly in Harare on November 11, the prime minister,

Cde [Comrade] Mugabe, warned that if the Frelimo government in Mozambique

were defeated by anti-revolutionary forces Zimbabwe would be the next target

for those forces.

Cde Mugabe was restating Zimbabwe's unflinching commitment, which is already

being demonstrated, in helping Mozambique beat off bandits of the South

African-backed Mozambique National Resistance.

What was more, he said, if Zimbabwe fell, every other progressive country in

southern Africa would become a target for destabilisation by South Africa.

Cde Mugabe could have gone even further and stated that the defeat of progressive countries in this region would also imperil peace and stability in

other countries further away from the present area of political conflict—

witness reports, which have not been denied, that the cantankerous Boers are

contemplating attacks on the West African state of Nigeria.

Thus the key message in Cde Mugabe's speech, which should have registered on

the minds of those in the international community who claim to be our allweather friends, was that assistance of whatever kind must be rallied for

Mozambique as a matter of urgency.

In his interview published yesterday the new president of Mozambique, Cde

Joaquim Chissano, underscored that same plea when he said his country was

hoping to get more support not only from the other Frontline countries but

also from those nations which were given a full picture of the problems in

the region during the non-aligned summit in Harare in August.

Stated otherwise, what both Cde Mugabe and Cde Chissano are trying to say to

the world is that Mozambique is holding the fort not only for its own survival but for all progressive mankind in Africa.

66
That therefore qualifies it for considerably more and swifter aid than that

for the other nations, at this point in time.

It has to be recalled, too, that the Frelimo government inherited a poor

country whose infrastructure was further sabotaged at independence by

departing skilled Portuguese.

Added to that, bandit activity by the MNR has not only made reconstruction

on a large scale well-nigh impossible; the drought, which has resulted in

boom and bust economies in many other African countries, has had particularly devastating effects in Mozambique with millions of people threatened

by famine.

Yet in spite of all that the late President Machel, and now President

Chissano, have stoically held the country together in the face of the

formidable forces ranged against both men.

The litmus test for the international community's voiced solidarity with

Mozambicans will be the nature of the community's response to the pleas for

both food and military assistance.

Of course, help should also be extended to other Frontline States which,

together with Mozambique, form a bulwark against apartheid and its

concomitant evils.

/6091

CSO: 3400/556

67
ZIMBABWE

VOTING PROSPECTS FOR WHITES VIEWED

Johannesburg THE STAR in English 21 Nov 86 p 12

[Article by Robin Drew]

[Text] Outnumbered by more than 60 to one, whites

in Zimbabwe have enjoyed, if that's the right

word, representation in Parliament since independence out of all proportion to their

numbers.

Now they are having to come to terms

with the fact that early next year their privileged position will end.

The constitution which brought independence with it in 1980 reserved 20 seats in the

100-seat House of Assembly for representatives of voters on the white roll which included coloureds and Asians.

In addition 10 of the 40 seats in the Senate

were set aside for members chosen by an

electoral college of white members of the

House of Assembly.

Guarantees were built into the constitution

to keep these seats intact for the first seven

years of independence, a period which will

lapse in April next year.

The Prime Minister, Mr Robert Mugabe,

has made it abundantly plain that the Government will act swiftly then do away with

racial representation.

He was outraged when at the first post-independence general election last year, Mr

Ian Smith's Conservative Alliance, which had

suffered a series of setbacks through revolts

in its ranks, defections and by-election defeats, regained its position as the main group

representing whites with victories in 15 of

the 20 constituencies.

He bitterly denounced whites as racists

who had turned their backs on reconciliation

and warned them they were going to face

very hard going.

At the core of his resentment is the person

of Mr Smith himself. He is seen by many

Zimbabweans, black and white, as the symbol of an era when blacks were regarded as

inferior.

Four years ago there was a major revolt in

his party when a group of MPs quit, convinced that as long as Mr Smith was leader

it would be impossible to establish a sound

working relationship with the governing

party.

At one point his party's representation in

the House fell to six. But then came the shock

result in the 1985 election, brought about as

much by the failure of his opponents to get

their political act together and, of course, by

Mr Smith's astute reading of the anxieties

felt by the ordinary white voter under a

black government.

In recent months there have been attempts

by members of Mr Smith's party to get together with Zanu (PF) to discuss how best

some form of minority representation could

be continued, given the commitment of the

Government to do away with the white seats

as such.

But it would appear that Mr Smith's continued presence as leader proved a stumbling

block and there was talk at one stage of a

move to replace him from within the party.

Nothing came of this and in June this year

a lone member of the Conservative Alliance

defected and joined Zanu (PF) to become its

first white member of Parliament. This was

the same Mr Charles Duke, a little known

politician, who had a verbal clash with South

African Foreign Minister, Mr PikBotha, at a

political meeting in the Transvaal a few eeks

ago.

Of more significance was the decision last

week of Senator Terence Oatt, a former chief

executive of the Conservative Alliance to resign from the party because of growing disenchantment with Mr Smith's continued sniping at the Government, especially on his

68
/13104

CSO: 3400/551

overseas trips.

Cynics see an element of opportunism in

actions like this at this stage of the game.

While it is not known yet how, or even if,

Mr Mugabe will make provision for minority

interests to be represented in Parliament,

there is speculation in political circles that

he might opt for a small number of nominated members.

There is also a device in other countries in

which representatives of specific areas of

major economic interest such as farming,

commerce and industry put forward a representative to sit in the legislature.

There has been no recent public debate on

these issues in Zimbabwe though in the turmoil which followed the 1985 election results,

various ideas were mooted by individuals or

groups who dissociated themselves from

straight racial representation.

Since the earliest days of independence,

Zanu (PF) has attracted white members but

their numbers have not been significant.

More may well follow when the white

voters roll disappears. But it is probable that

most will decide to leave politics to black

Zimbabweans.

•There are nearly three million registered

black voters on the common roll and 30000

names on the white roll.

69
COUNTRY MAY BENEFIT FROM SANCTIONS AFTER DANISH VISIT

Johannesburg THE CITIZEN in English 22 Nov 86 p 16

ZIMBABWE

[Text] HARARE. — The

visit this week of a

Danish delegation to

Zimbabwe has highlighted the opportunities that sanctions,

against South Africa

have opened up fdr

fruit and vegetable exports to Europe by

Zimbabwean producers, the semi-official

Ziana news agency reported yesterday.

However, it would appear that Zimbabwe is

not in a position to exploit

this opportunity adequately at the moment.

Marketing and farming

representatives said yesterday that air freight

costs were a major factor

inhibiting the expansion

of exports of horticultural

produce. The cost of air

freight» is affected by the

high price of aviation fuel

in Zimbabwe.

Because air-freighting

fruit and vegetables to

Europe is not seen as sufficiently profitable by

many producers, there is

currently insufficient produce available to meet the

demand that the boycotting of produce from

South Africa is expected

to generate in Europe,

according to Mr John

Colyer, managing director of Africa Produce

Marketing, a new company formed to market

horticultural products

abroad.

/13104

CSO: 3400/551

The Danish Foreign

Minister, Mr Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, visited

Zimbabwe this week at

the head of a trade delegation that expressed interest in purchasing fruit

from Zimbabwe.

Some purchases are believed to have been

agreed upon and feasibility studies would be

undertaken to ascertain

the quantities of produce

that could be imported

from Zimbabwe.

Denmark has imposed

a total boycott on trade

with South Africa. The

importation of fruit and

vegetables from South

Africa has been a prime

target for boycotts by

countries and pressure

groups opposed to South

Africa's apartheid policies.

The vice-chairman of

the Commmercial Farmers' Union, Mr Bill Reed,

said horticulture was in its

infancy in Zimbabwe and

required a lot of support

from the government.

He said some of the

produce required for

overseas markets, such as

French beans, were well

suited for growing in communal lands.

Anti-South African

public pressure was resulting in calls being made

for the public to refrain

from buying proteas. Efforts were being made to

publicise the fact that not

ail proteas came from

South Africa, Mr Chris

Donald, the marketing director of Zimflora, said.

70
ZCTU PLANS FUND FOR SANCTIONS VICTIMS

Harare THE HERALD in English 17 Nov 86 p 1

ZIMBABWE

[ Text ] THE Zimbabwe Congress of

Trade Unions hag suggested

the establishment of a special fund for workers on the

event of adverse effects on

their jobs when economic

sanctions are imposed'

against South Africa.

A meeting of the organisation's general council met in

Kwekwe at the weekend and

discussed, among other things,

details of what strategies

should be devised by the

ZCTU to "cushion workers"

directly or indirectly affected

when the sanctions are imposed on South Africa.

Reporting on the meeting

yesterday, the ZCTU president,

Cde Jeffrey Mutandare, said in

Harare it had been suggested

to set up a "sanctionsunemployment fund", after

consultations with the Government an<j the private sector on

the matter.

"If trade with South Africa

grinds to a halt or if our

routes are blocked," he said,

"our industries will be among

the most affected in the subregion and thousands of workers will stand to lose.their jobs.

"They (workers) and their

dependants will be the first to

experience the pain and human

suffering caused by job losses."

Cde Mutandare said the

ZCTU therefore needed to

establish a machinery to

alleviate such guffering and, as

a matter of "extreme urgency"

the labour movement had resolved to set up the fund from

which those who would lose

their jobs would benefit.

The organisation called for

the implementation of a social

security scheme to cover categories of unemployed or retired

workers.

Cde Mutandare also reported

that the ZCTU had dismissed

some of its members of staff

following the disappearance of

several thousand dollars belonging to the organisation.

He said the missing funds

totalled $5400 and the dismissals were agreed upon at

the general council meeting in

Kwekwe.

Legal proceedings would be

instituted, he said, to recover

the money.

Meanwhile, the meeting had

resolved to streamline the procedure to be followed by the

ZCTU in financial transactions

with other organisations.

A system would be introducgd whereby a requisition would

be thoroughly checked and

endorsed by the ZCTU trustees

and its treasurer and president

before a cheque could be

issued, Cde Mutandare said.

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71
ZIMBABWE

BILATERAL TRADE WITH DENMARK SET TO INCREASE

Harare THE HERALD in English 20 Nov 86 p 2

[Article by Andrew Rusinga]

[Text]

SUBSTANTIAL two-way

trade may result from the

visit to Zimbabwe by a

äeven-man trade delegation that is accompanying the Danish Foreign

Minister, Mr Uffe Ellemann-Jensen.

Exports of fresh fruit

to Denmark are expected

to increase following contacts made with. local

growers and farmers' '

organisations by one of

the businessmen in the

delegation. j

Another company has '

just won the tender for

the supply of equipment

and machinery for the

largest silo in Zimbabwe

to be built in Bulawayo

for the Grain Marketing

Board.

Mr Svend Aage

Kristensen, buying

manager for Nordisk Andelsforbund (NAF) —

the purchasing organisation for co-operatives

and industries In the Nordic countries of Denmark,

Finland, Iceland, Norway

and Sweden — said he

was exploring the possibility of importing large

quantities of fresh fruit,

flowers, vegetables and

coffee from Zimbabwe.

NAF would start Importing oranges In earnest this year, the

manager said.

"We bought 5 000 to

6 000 cases of oranges

from here last year and

the quality was okay. But

we think this can be increased heavily. 25 000

cases would be no problem," said Mr Kristensen.

The company was looking at fruits that could be

airfreighted because of

the uncertainty surrounding surface transport

routes through South

Africa.

The company was investigating the possibility

of importing peaches,

plums, nectarines, cherries,, avocado pears and

table grapes from Zimbabwe. During the coming season a trial shipment <?f apples and pears

will be sent to Denmark.

"The people I have met

have great enthusiasm to

export and we are looking for long-lasting connections. We are convinced that in the long

run, this is the way to do

fruitful business," Mr

Kristensen said.

NAF has 67 years experience in the International food business

and the Nordic members

have an average market

share of 25 percent

through 11000 retail outlets. In 1985, the company Nimported 119 389

tonnes of fresh fruit and

vegetables and is expected to import 125 000

tonnes this year. NAF

Imported 55043 tonnes of

coffee last year.

Cimbria Uhigrain —

the largest manufacturer

of grain and seed drying,

cleaning and storage

equipment in Scandinavia

— will supply machinery

and equipment for the

75 000-tonne silo in Bulawayo starting late next

year.

The company equipped

the Chegutu and Norton

grain silos after winning

the tender against stiff

international competition.

Area export manager,

Mr Henning Roslev Bukh,

said that since its inception in 1947, the company

had executed many projects in many African

countries. Service includes assessment studies,

plaint specifications, construction, installation and

training of local staff.

West Indian Trading

Company — with exten72
sive interests In industry,

manufacturing, engineering and contracting and

trading — had developed

a package of rural village

based facilities for

grinding of grains,

recombintag of milk, cold

storage facilities and the

provision of electricity.

Wltco-Denmark's general manager of its engineering division, Mr

Arne Oxfeldt Jensen, said

the company was exploring the possibility of

working with international aid agencies to

provide these facilities to

rural areas. The company

is also looking into the

possibility of establishing

joint ventures primarily

In the food processing

sector.

The Federation of Danish Industries is also rep-;

resented in the tour.

Head of division for the

office of projects execution, Mr Jörgen Hansen, said the organisation,

which represented 80 to

90 percent of Danish

manufacturers, was

interested in some of the

projects which are being

funded by international

development agencies.

Mr Hansen Bald he

would also look at Zlmbabwe.'s • manufacturing

and construction industry

to investigate the possibility of co-operating

with local partners in

the projects that will be

carried out here.

Early this year Denmark imposed a total

boycott of South Africa

and the high-powered

trade delegation is seeking alternative sources

from Zimbabwe.

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73
ZIMBABWE

DANISH MINISTER OPENS UHT MILK PLANT

Harare THE HERALD in English 18 Nov 86 p 5

[Text] THB Dalry "Marketing

Board's new Ultra High

Temperature milk plant,

built at a cost of $1,3

million, was officially,

commissioned by the vi-"

siting Danish Foreign

Minister, Mr Uffe Elleman-Jensen, in Harare

yesterday.

The plant will produce

a new milk product which

will benefit the producer,

retailer and consumer because of its longer life.

The funds for the project

came from a Danish international aid organisation, Danido.

UHT milk will make

the board's operation

more competitive because

it can now reach a wider

market — eveil export

markets —- at a lower

cost.

Speaking at the commissioning, the general

manager of the DMB.

Cde Kumbiral Katsande,

said since independence,

the Danish government

had offered $37 million

in aid, some of which

had gone towards stimulating milk production.

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74
KÜSHINGA OPENS AS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Harare THE HERALD in English 19 Nov 86 p 8

[Text]

ZIMBABWE

THE Ministry of Public Construction and

National Housing has*

officially handed over

the Kushinga Phike-j

lela Technical College;

near Marondera to i

the Ministry of Labour, Manpower

Planning and Social

Welfare. j Work on the more than j

$1,7 million complex began last year in February i

with the help of Gardini

and Sons. It was orisrinally intended to, augment

existing accommodation

and form the school of:

stenography, but it has

now blossomed into a full;

technical college.

Receiving the keys of:

the college on Monday, ;

the acting Minister of

Labour, Manpower Plan- *

ning and Social Welfare,,

Dr Eddison Zvobgo, said

the Government had committed itself to train Zimbabweans in various

skills, as part of its first

Five-Year National Development Plan.

He said within this

period' the ministry wanted to expand the training \

base of Kushinga Phlke- j

lela. ' I

VWe continue to receive i

requests _to_train in cooperative management. I

have already instructed

Kushinga Phikelela to

strengthen this department to meet the needs of

the Ministry of Co-operatives," he said.

Cde Zvobgo said: this

effort would be boosted by

the help of the Italian

government which would

also offer training in appropriate technology to

back up development projects in the rural areas.

"Textile design appears

very much in demand. Zimbabwe is developing silk

from silk worm. I will

want training to take off

here, and Kushinga Phikelela Technical College to

facilitate the growth of

this art,'* said Cde Zvobgo.

It was in the light of

the Increased activities

at the college that it

would no longer be called

the Kushinga Phikelela

School of Stenography,

but Kushinga Phikelela

Technical College.

Cde Zvobgo added that

the ccllege could only

accommodate 300 students, but could recruit

and train more than 800

full-time students. As a

rural institution he_ said

it was necessary for it toi

provide accommodation i

for both staff and students, if it was to be

used to the maximum.

Before handling over

the keys, the Minister of

Public Construction and

National Housing, Cde

Simbarashe Muimbenigegwi. encouraged both

staff and students to

work together for the

benefit of the country as

a whole.

The main entrance of

the college leads to a

spacious reception foyer

giving direct access to the

ground and first floors.

The administration unit

comprising the viceprincipal's ofBce, reception, registry and student advisory office, together with a suite of 14

staff offices are on the

ground! floor.

The library is a double

volume structure • fitted

to accommodate 20 000

books initially with space

for additional storage

and access from both the:

ground and first floors.

There is an auditorium

which can accommodate

800 students.

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75
ZIMBABWE

MAZWIKADEI DAM 30 PERCENT COMPLETE

Harare THE FINANCIAL GAZETTE in English 14 Nov 86 p 28

[Text]

THE CONSTRUCTION of the

Mazwikadei dam in

Mashonaland West,

Zimbabwe's highest and third

largest capacity dam, is now

30% completed and right on

schedule.

The Italian contractors.

Cooperation Muratori e

Cementisti (CMC), have been on

site for the past 18 months, and

are working 22-hour shitfs on

the main dam to meet the target

date set ofmid-November,

before the rainy season begins.

The contractors, in conjunction

with the Ministry of Energy,

Water Resources & Development

and local blasting and

construction companies, are

continuing operations on the

saddle dam and spillway outlet

tunnel during the wet months. A

very tight schedule is

programmed for the following

dry season, where an average of

6 000 cubic metres of dam wall

must be completed daily, in

order for it to be finished by

April. 1988.

The main dam is built on the

Mukwadzi River, a tributary of

the Munyame river, 19km north

of Banket. It is expected to hold

a capacity of 365 million cubic

metres, at a height of 63,4m and

a depth of 58m. The wall will be

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300m thick, consisting of

approximately 2 million cubic

metres of clay and shell material.

"So far we have had no

shortages of material, but there

could be problem with the clay

next year,"' said the project

manager for CMC, Mr Roberto

Volpe, "another limiting factor

is the transportation of sand from

the Nyakapupu River, which is

70km away from the site." A

quarry will be opened in

November, as the blasting of the

rock to make way for the dam

wall, was not sufficient to

provide the 20 000 cubic metres

needed for the operation.

The spillway comprises a drop

inlet shaft and discharge tunnel

excavated in rock leading to a

return channel to the river. This

tunnel will provide water for the

people downstream of the dam in

the dry season. The tunnel is 6m

in diameter and has been

concreted by Tower Construction

of Harare.

The saddle dam is located on

the left of the main dam and is a

zoned earthfilled embankment

15,5m wide and 810m long. An.

emergency spillway bdow crest

level will be incorporated in case

the main dam should overfill.

This carries excess water over

the left bank of the saddle wall.

Fifteen per cent of the work

on the dams is being undertaken

by local companies. There are

approximately 500 workers on

Site, with 300 employed bv

CMC. "We are more than

satisfied with the local workers,

for both their skills and their

productivity," said Mr

Volpe. "So far there has been

only one serious accident, where

a man was killed and another

injured by a large rock falling

out of a slope after the blasting

for the dam wall."

The contract for the $39

million operation came through

in October, 1985. Loan

negotiations between the Italian

and Zimbabwean governments

were only finalised recently, . „

with a US$17 million soft loan

being provided to Zimbabwe on

a 20-year grant.

The purpose of the dam is to

provide water for the continued

irrigation in the lower Munyame

River area, and the expansion of

irrigation along the Mukwadzi

River.

A camp consisting of small

brick houses (catering for both

singles and families), a

restaurant and a store have been

built for the 26 Italians who

were contracted to Zimbabwe. A

club with a swimming pool is in

the process of being completed.

76
RAIL TRAFFIC SLOWS DUE TO SHORTAGE OF LOCOMOTIVES

Harare THE FINANCIAL GAZETTE in English 14 Nov 86 pi

ZIMBABWE

[Text]

A SERIOUS shortage of railway

wagons is affecting the movement

of essential bulk rail traffic such

as coal, cement, agricultural and

industrial materials through

Zimbabwe.

The shortage is due to a present

lack of operable locomotives which,

in turn, results in long turn-around

times for the wagons. Reliable

sources this week estimated that

some 40% of locomotives are believed to be inoperable at present

due to a shortage of essential imported spare parts.

It is also understood that recently South Africa withdrew a number

of its diesel locomotives operating

here, and that it has not renewed its

former contract with the National

Railways of Zimbabwe which was

leasing the engines.-

No official comment was available on these points from the NRZ,

although a spokesman said it was

generally known that rail transport

was in short supply at present.

Various- transport "and freight

spokesmen in Harare and Bulawayo

this week confirmed that the rail

transport shortage was affecting the

whole country. They said it was disrupting coal deliveries needed by

the farming and industrial sectors,

cement required for housing and

general construction, and the carriage of all other bulk materials needed in industry. _^_ _

Road transport" tirrhs are being

called upon to try to bridge the rail

transport gap. But all available

heavy road vehicles are at present

being stretched to the limit, said

several operators.

Mr F H Allen, managing director of Circle Cement in Harare,

agreed that the rail transport shortage was badly affecting supplies of

raw materials needed for its

manufacture.

"We need slag fromZisco, coal

from Wankie and other materials.

Rail deliveries formerly took only

two or three days. But since midAugust it has been taking us three

to four weeks to get deliveries and

so our cement production is affected," he said.

"It is now affecting the whole

building industry. We are making

and selling what cement we can

produce. But the long delays in getting essential materials are slowing

down production considerably."

The general manager ofthe United Portland Cement company in

Bulawayo, Mr J H Stobbs, said the

shortage ofrail wagons was seriously affecting both the manufacture

and delivery of cement throughout

Zimbabwe and for its exports to

Botswana.

Its Colleen Bawn factory, some

150km outside Bulawayo, has its

own limestone deposits. But the

company has to rail in granulated

slag from Zisco, coal from Wankie

and gypsum from Harare. It needs

238 rail wagons a week, on average, at Colleen Bawn, and uses its

own inwards loaded traffic to send

limestone and materials on to its

Bulawayo factory.

"But now our rail wagon allocation has been cut down to only 135

wagons a week, so there is not a lot

of capacity left over for customer

deliveries. We need four trains a

day but we are at present getting

only three," said Mr Stobbs.

"Our Bulawayo factory is down,

to only about 75 % of production capacity. Colleen Bawn is still at full

production but deliveries are badly

affected. However, if customers can

bring their own road transport it can

provide them with cement. But unfortunately road transport is also

now in very short supply because

everyone is using it due to the rail

wagon shortage".

A large transporter in Harare confirmed this position. "It is well

known in the transport industry that

there is a big shortage of rail transport now because the NRZ is having diesel locomotive problems and

also because spare parts for older

locomotives are in drastically short

supply," he said.

"The lack of adequate rail transport is affecting the whole country

and so there is a very big call on all

road transport firms".

A spokesman for Wankie Colliery also confirmed the serious

shortage of rail wagons due to the

non-availability of some locomotives. This had affected the colliery's ability to supply customers

with the coal they required, he said.

' "The colliery is maintaining close

contact with the NRZ in order to alleviate the situation and is aware

that through the railways priority

committee the colliery is being allocated as many wagons as

possible".

The spokesman urged all customers to unload their coal deliveries as promptly as possible, as that

would help to improve the turnaround- time of the wagons and

make more ofthem available to the

collieries.

It is understood that the next

meeting of the railways priority

committee to decide on rail wagon

allocations will not be held until

about November 26.

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ZIMBABWE

BRIEFS

ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM HAMPERED—The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority,

ZESA, has expressed concern over the shortage of foreign currency to buy

equipment for the rural electricity expansion program, A spokesman for the

authority told ZIANA that the shortage of supplies at ZESA, due to lack of

foreign currency, has slowed down the electrification program. ZESA, which

normally lays 500 km of line a year, will only lay about 150 km of line

because of lack of (?finance). [Text] [Harare Domestic Service in English

1115 GMT 8 Dec 86 MB] /6091

DONOR AGENCIES BUY MAIZE FOR MOZAMBIQUE—Nearly 100,000 tons of Zimbabwean

maize will be (?soon delivered) by donor agencies to drought victims in

Mozambique. Australia, Britain, and three international nongovernmental

organizations have agreed to buy Zimbabwean grain to aid the starving people

in Mozambique's southern provinces which include Gaza, Inhambane, and Niassa.

At least 28 percent of Mozambique's 13 million people are (?known to be

starving) [words indistinct] and have been heavily victimized by the South

African-backed bandits. [Text] [Harare Domestic Service in English 1600 GMT

6 Dec 86 MB] /6091

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78
SOUTH AFRICA

WEHTE FARMER STRESSES POSITIVE SIDE OF BIACK RULE IN ZIMBABWE

Cape Town DIE BURGER in Afrikaans 20 Oct 86 p 7

[Article by Tobie Wiese: "You Fear the Black People Unnecessarily"]

[Text] Elder Schalk Viljoen of Zimbabwe had a message this week for the

General Synod of the NG Church in Cape Town: "Your fear of black people is

unnecessary; they really want to live in reconcilement with you — that is the

experience of the whites of Zimbabwe." Elder Viljoen (58), a son of the late

Rev. Flip Viljoen, former moderator of the Transvaal Synod, talked openly with

his white co-religionists in a private brotherly conversation at the synod.

He told DIE BURGER his story of initial fear of a black majority government,

the relationship crisis through which black and white went with the election

of Prime Minister Robert Mugabe and the eventual reconciliation with each

other. Elder Viljoen, a delegate of the Synod of Central Africa, of which he

has already been moderator, is a brother of Rev. Dirk Viljoen, scribe

[roughly= church council secretary] of the General Synod.

Elder Viljoen went to the then Rhodesia in 1957 as manager of a cattle ranch

of 500,000 acres with 23,000 head, and since 1963 he has been the farmer at

Mbebi in the Mazowe Valley north of Harare. He is still there today, although

the future sometimes looked dark. "Before the election of 1979 we were

assured by the intelligence service that Bishop Abel Muzorewa would win. In

the days before the election I and my farm workers prayed together every day

— for peace and the opportunity to still be able to pray to God in the

future. On the day when the ballot boxes arrived at our place, we literally

got up from our knees and went to vote. You can imagine what a severe shock

and disillusionment it was for us when Mr Mugabe was elected. We had been

told that he was a relentless communist. It was soon clear that my farm

workers (there were about 80) had also voted for him. The relationship

between was tense. The election outcome brought along a severe conflict for

me — also with the Lord. But in time it became clear to me that the outcome

had to be just that way, or else there would have been a bloodbath." And,

says Elder Viljoen, things began to return to normal. "From the time he was

elected, Prime Minister Mugabe often talked reconciliation between the various

groups. We doubted his sincerity and thought he wants to use us as long as he

needs us. But over the past six years it has become clear that he meant it.

Blacks were quickly appointed to responsible posts, also in the civil service,

after the election. It was a difficult adjustment for us to suddenly

79
everywhere have to go to black people to be helped. We realized only later

that it was even a bigger adjustment for them. And today the relationship

between white and black is excellent. There is a calm acceptance of each

other.

Elder Viljoen says that is exactly makes him ashamed when he thinks back on

the past "and that we today get better treatment from them than what they got

from us before. When in June I drove off to the Cape — that was during the

conference of Unaligned Countries — I was stopped at road blocks in Zimbabwe

five times. I was each time treated with the greatest respect by the security

forces, all blacks. Each time they apologized for the delay and each time

they wished me strength for the journey. Then I think back with shame to the

days when the security personnel were whites, and blacks were treated rudely,

rifles were swung around and bags thrown out..."

As in all countries, says Elder Viljoen, there are also problem areas in

Zimbabwe. The fact that the number of workers may not be diminished without

consent is a nuisance for the farmers in particular. There is also a chronic

shortage of parts for farm equipment, and the prices of what is available are

exhorbitantly high. Fuel prices are also high, and prices in general rise

virtually every month. There is also concern about the standard of education,

while a lot has to be paid for private education. "The fact that Zimbabwe is

possibly going to become a one-party state officially does not trouble us, for

it will actually not make a difference. We regard it in the way that we

already have a one-party state."

Elder Vijoen has yet a last message: "Don't think that the blacks cannot

govern a country, and that a white skin will safeguard you because you are

ostensibly indispensable. We also thought all the time that they cannot get

along without us, but that was not true. After the bush war and the election,

thousands of black Zimbabweans returned from overseas — qualified as doctors,

veterinarians, attorneys, teachers... We were dumbfounded. And today we can

say the country is being governed with competence."

The Viljoen couple have two daughters: Belinda, a student at Potchefstroom

University, and Cecile, who lives with her husband, Kobus Ferreira, at Mbebi,

where he is the farm manager.

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80
SOUTH AFRICA

POSSIBLE SHELL WITHDRAWAL CAUSES CONCERN

Cape Town DIE BURGER in Afrikaans 20 Oct 86 p 6

[Editorial: "Rumblings Around Shell"]

[Text] Reports over the weekend indicating that Shell's continued activities

in South Africa have gotten into serious trouble are alarming, but yet also

not surprising. They are alarming because a whole or even only partial

withdrawal of Shell — the largest oil company operating in South Africa —

would have detrimental consequences for the South African economy, even though

its assets are taken over by others (most probably as a bargain). In

addition, it would leave a few thousand people unemployed, which would cause

great hardship for their dependents. The sanction fanatics have time and

again demonstrated that they do not care about the suffering and misery which

their foolish action would result in. Their hate and blind prejudice against

the South African government is too great for that. On the other hand, the

reports do not cause surprise because it has become increasingly clear that

all foreign countries doing business in South Africa will come under

increasing pressure from the country's enemies to withdraw from South Africa.

At the time of this writing there is still uncertainty about what exactly is

going on with Shell. While some reports give the Impression that Shell is

seriously considering disinvestment, others give to understand that Shell will

not take such a drastic step, but that it only intends to openly take a more

denunciatory stand against the South African government's policy directions

in the future. Even if Shell should not give in to the pressure to withdraw,

the sanction fanatics have from their point of view still already achieved a

certain measure of success. The uncertainty which they have sown about

Shell's involvement in South Africa will come in handy in their continued

propaganda camapign against the country.

It is too bad that Shell's chief official in South Africa, Mr John Wilson,

could not resist the temptation to use the government as a convenient punching

bag in order to try to alleviate the pressure from anti-South African groups

on his company. It has now almost become a regular habit for businessmen who

are connected with international companies to use this strategy whenever they

are attacked for their involvement in South Africa. Although nobody claims

that conditions in South Africa are perfect, it is still obvious that among

these businessmen there is usually little recognition for the many reforms

which the government has already implemented or is planning. Moreover, it can

get risky for multinational companies to have too much to say about the

economic conditions of all the countries where they do business.

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SOUTH AFRICA

CIOSURE OF BLACK SCHOOLS CALLED SELF-DESTRUCTIVE

Cape Town DIE BURGER in Afrikaans 20 Oct 86 p 6

[Text] Although, according to Mr Sam de Beer, deputy minister of education

and cooperation, the attendance of black schools has in general improved a

lot since strict security measures were introduced in July and the state of

emergency was proclaimed, the disruption in schools continues to be a source

of concern. Altogether 33 schools are closed due to the school boycott.

Although that is a small number if one takes into consideration that there are

more than 7,300 black schools in the country, most of the schools being

affected are high schools. The political disturbances in the black community

and dissatisfaction about living conditions are at the foundation of the

unrest in schools. This is exploited by radicals who recklessly play with the

future of young people. In many cases intimidation is used to keep them away

from the classrooms. Even children have already been victims of a flaming

necklace.

Discipline and order are a necessity in such circumstances, but they should be

applied in such a way that they do not play into the hands of the radicals.

It is important that the good will of more blacks be won and that parents

themselves help on a larger scale to keep their children at school. At the

same^ time urgent attention should be given to the blacks' socio-economic

conditions, which in many cases are precarious. The disruption of classes is

not going to bring any Utopia to the blacks, who already have a big handicap

in many spheres. On the contrary, it is self-destructive and is going to have

a devastating effect on the careers of thousands of young people. On the

other hand, education is an effective means by which a community can free

itself from many stumbling blocks. That truth must be brought home to

everyone.

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82
SOÜIH AFRICA

BRIEFS

EMIGRATION SURPASSES IMMIGRATION—Pretoria—South Africa already gives up more

people to foreign countries than what it can attract from overseas. The net

result of immigration and emigration in August of this year shows a loss of

797 people as compared with a loss of 332 in August of last year. Moreover,

the Republic shows a loss of 4,935 people in the period from January to August

of this year, compared with the gain of 5,622 in the same period of last year,

according to figures from the Central Statistics Service. Altogether 32,117

South Africans departed temporarily for foreign countries in August — 8,505

for business, 23,215 on vacation and 397 for study purposes. At the same

time, 53,426 visitors entered the country — 11,423 for business, 40,349 on

vacation and 1,654 to study. The countries which were visited the most by

South Africans are Britain, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Most of the foreign

visitors came from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Swaziland. [Text] [Cape Town DIE

BURGER in Afrikaans 17 Oct 86 p 3] 13084

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83
SOUTH AFRICA

TUTU CALLS FOR RELEASE OF DETAINED CHILDREN

MB051058 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1016 GMT 5 Dec 86

[Text] Cape Town Dec 5 SAPA—Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called for the

release of all children in detention before Christmas.

In a statement issued today, the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town called on

"all who seek justice in South Africa" to "oppose and reject" the detention

of children without trial.

He said the allegations of torture of child detainees were disquieting and

"could not be doing this country any good."

"What country detains 11-year-olds because they are a threat to the security

of the state?

"We are appalled when we hear that riot all of South Africa's military might

has been used, and yet children are detained and many of them for several

months. This is a crying shame," Archbishop Tutu said.

"We call for the immediate release of all children before Christmas."

He said Christmas was a family occasion and children should enjoy Christmas

with their families "in a land that claims to recognise the sanctity of

family life," he added.

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84
SOUTH AFRICA

UDF DENIES URGING ATTACKS ON AZAPO MEMBERS

MB041516 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1515 GMT 4 Dec 86

[Text] Johannesburg, Dec 4, SAPA—The United Democratic Front today denied

authorship of a pamphlet, allegedly on a UDF letterhead, calling on UDF

supporters to hunt down AZAPO members.

The Azanian People's Organisation challenged the United Democratic Front to

deny it issued the pamphlet.

"We in the press this morning made it quite clear that we deny categorically

that this was the work of the UDF," Mr Ahzar Cachalia, national treasurer of

the UDF, said.

AZAPO's publicity secretary, Mr Muntu Myeza, criticised the "omission of the

UDF to prove and state categorically that this is not their work and to also

come out explicitly and condemn the prevailing internecine political

violence."

AZAPO consistently condemned such violence, My Myeza said.

"And we have taken action against members who violate our code of conduct."

Organisations within and outside the country had condemned the attacks,

"but the UDF has maintained a deafening silence," Mr Myeza alleged.

"It has ample evidence its affiliates members are responsible for these acts."

The UDF repeatedly made statements condemning violence, Mr Cachalia countered.

Mr Cachalia said the UDF did not want to become involved in a slanging match

with AZAPO.

"It does the organisations and the liberation struggle no good."

"It is not the policy of the UDF to get involved in public slanging matches

with AZAPO and we are certainly not going to answer the specific allegations

in the pamphlet."

85
The pamphlets, distributed in Soweto this morning, commanded supporters to

destroy AZAPO "this reactionary third force" before December 16.

"We would like to believe that the UDF is not responsible for this

(pamphlet)," Mr Myeza told a press conference in Johannesburg.

He called for united action, saying AZAPO was prepared to meet the UDF

"anywhere, anytime."

My Myeza said AZAPO could not dismiss this pamphlet as being the work of

"agents of the system" as in the past.

"And we base this on fact."

AZAPO members had been kidnapped, killed, their homes set alight and rumours

abounded that AZAPO was about to be eliminated.

He alleged AZAPO had evidence that some of the people responsible were members of affiliates of the UDF.

If an affiliate did things the UDF disagreed with, the UDF owed it to its

members to make its position known, he said.

Parts of the purported statement made it difficult to believe the document

was the work of the UDF, Mr Myeza said.

The UDF had no doubt the pamphlets were the work of "agents of apartheid."

"We have no doubt that this is the work of agents of apartheid and it is not

coincidental that has come at a time when there is a major move against the

UDF executive," Mr Cachalia said.

It also came at a time when the UDF had embarked on a major campaign of united

action.

"It is quite clear then that the aim of the pamphlet is to exacerbate

conflict in our communities—in fact to promote violence in our communities.

"We call upon our activists in our communities to be vigilant and not allow

the actions of agent provocateurs to divert them from their struggle."

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86
SOUTH AFRICA

ANC BLAMES RSA GOVERNMENT FOR ANTI-AZAPO CAMPAIGN

MB051141 Umtata Capital Radio in English 0800 GMT 5 Dec 86

[Text] The ANC has blamed Pretoria for the spate of anti-AZAPO leaflets and

graffiti. The leaflets purport to be the work of the ANC, Howard Barrell

reports.

[Begin Barrell recording] An ANC statement issued from Lusaka says that on

Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week graffiti and leaflets which purport

to come from it have appeared in townships around the country. The central

message of the false leaflets is that ANC supporters should launch attacks on

AZAPO members. The ANC statement, released in Lusaka last night, says: We

have never issued such instructions. The ANC calls for forged leaflets,

criminal provocations designed to cause divisions among opponents of apartheid. The ANC blames what it terms government dirty tricks for the false

pamphlets. [end Barrell recording]

The South African Government's Bureau for Information says it has not yet

been informed of the allegations of government involvement.

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87
SOUTH AFRICA

AZASO VOTES TO DROP 'AZANIA' FROM NAME

MB071219 Johannesburg THE SUNDAY STAR in English 7 Dec 86 p 1

[Article by Barney Mthomboti]

[Text] Azania, the controversial name proposed in some quarters for South

Africa, has got the boot—by the Azanian Students' Organisation (AZASO).

At its sixth annual conference thjis week, AZASO voted to change its name to

the South African National Students' Congress (SANSCO).

A member said AZASO did not agree with the name Azania, The debate about

changing the organisation's name had begun a few years ago when it shifted

from black consciousness into the non-racial, "progressive" fold.

AZASO members had been uncomfortable with the name because they knew

neither its meaning nor who had chosen it.

At the time, the general feeling was that the organisation should give

priority to strengthening its "political content" as a non-racial,

progressive organisation.

The conference decided that the academic boycott was an effective means of

isolating South Africa, and called for a total boycott.

Two months ago, AZASO members hounded visiting Irish academic Dr Conor

Cruise O'Brien, causing him to abandon his lectures at the University of

Cape Town.

SANSCO committed itself to advancing a people's education in collaboration

with the National Education Crisis Committee, which comprised teachers,

students and parents.

The conference dismissed the Natal Indaba as "another oppressive tactic."

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88
SOUTH AFRICA

BRIEFS

UDF'S ANTI-EMERGENCY EFFORT—Cape Town Dec 4 SAPA---The United Democratic

Front today launched its "Christmas Against the Emergency" campaign in the

Western Cape, focusing on what it said was the plight of the more than

7,000 detainees and their families who were likely to be separated this

Christmas. At a press conference called by the Claremont and Observatory

UDF area committee, reporters were told the public had become immunised

about the spate of detentions. As part of their campaign, large cards

with messages of condolences to detainees and their families would be

placed in churches in the Western Cape and congregations would be invited

to sign them. A competition to raise funds for a Christmas party for

children of detainees, as well as a drive for food donations, has also been

organised. [Text] [Johannesburg SAPA in English 2232 GMT 4 Dec 86 MB] /6091

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89
SOUTH AFRICA

COMMENTARY REJECTS U.S. CALL FOR TALKS WITH ANC

MB080558 Johannesburg Domestic Service in English 0500 GMT 8 Dec 86

[Station commentary]

[Text] It is becoming increasingly clear that certain Western government

interests, particularly in America, are trying to force on South Africa a

redefinition of the context in which the ANC should be judged. It amounts

to an insistence that the ANC, whether or not it foreswears violence as a

political instrument, should be accommodated as a legitimate partner in

the political debate on democratic reform. Logically such an accommodation

of a movement that by its actions has rejected democracy is a contradiction

in terms. In practice it would require South Africa to gamble suicidally

with its chances of maintaining the reform program towards a more free and

open society. As such it is simply not on.

The latest example of the new thrust in policy comes from a speech last

Thursday by America's secretary of state, Mr George Shultz. In the speech

Mr Shultz managed almost unnoticed to make virtually a complete reversal of

the policy stance he and the State Department had affirmed repeatedly up to

about a year ago. Where previously he had praised the unprecedented reforms

taking place in South Africa, he now spoke of the need for the government to

do something urgently about reform. Where he had previously rejected categorically the use of violence as a political instrument—and his government

had refused even to speak to the ANC—he now announced that talks were being

held with both the ANC and the PAC to advance, as he put it, the cause of

equal rights, democracy and constitutional government. The onus, he implied,

was not on those organizations to prove their bona fides in a democratic

context but on the South African Government to accept them as they were.

Mr Shultz's government has of course come under tremendous pressure to

change its South African policies. But it cannot seriously expect South

Africans to accept the scenario it is now evidently prescribing for them.

They cannot afford to shrug off ANC violence with ritual criticisms, and

conduct their affairs as if that violence has no implications relevant to a

democratic debate. They cannot ignore the fact that the ANC has an avowed

policy of conducting acts of terrorism and intimidation as an instrument in

the furtherance of its political goals.

90
Only last week the wife of the ANC's chief representative in New York told a

university gathering that the ANC made no excuses for employing the technique of necklace murders. Puppets had to resign, said Mrs Susan Mnumzana.

Those who did not resign had to face disciplinary measures—the necklace—as

traitors deserve. Mr Shultz may find it convenient to ignore such statements, made in his own country, on the ANC's attitude to those who disagree

with it politically. South Africans, who would have to live with such

effects of an abandonment of democratic principles, cannot ignore them.

Attempts to put pressure on South Africa by portraying the ANC as a legitimate participant—even in its present form—in a democratic debate, are

futile.

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91
SOUTH AFRICA

DELEGATE CLAIMS INDABA PERPETUATES APARTHEID

MB051114 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1052 GMT 5 Dec 86

[Text] Durban December 5 SAPA—A coloured leader, Mr Morris Fynn, stormed

out of a meeting of the Natal-KwaZulu Indaba in Durban yesterday after a

heated clash over "ethnicity." Despite the often stormy debates, this is

the first time a delegate has walked out—and it hints at serious unity

cracks, even among moderates. Indaba convenors were today deciding what

to do about Mr Fynn's action.

Meanwhile, the National Party in Natal was facing its own crisis amid

increasing signs that the party has had a severe set-back over its flat

rejection of the indaba's constitutional proposals. NP spokesmen were

today putting on a brave face over the backlash from controversial condemnation of the proposals last weekend by their provincial leader,

Mr Stoffel Botha.

Mr Fynn is leader of the People's Congress Party and also represents five

other organisations—the Natal and East Griqualand Farmers Association, the

Austerville Ratepayers and Tenants Association, the Dunn Descendants and the

Fynn Descendants Association.

Mr Fynn said today he had walked out because he could not be party to a

system that "perpetuated apartheid."

"I refer specifically to the second ethnic chamber, which is designed to

represent different racial groups and basically is an extension of the

tricameral system," he said. "Ostensibly this is said to protect minority

rights—but in reality it is just entrenching racialism in the second

house." Mr Fynn said he had argued against the second chamber since it was

first proposed. "What really upset me is that it is PFP members who have

written this racialism into the constitution."

On the NP front, it is reported that although some NP spokesmen conceded the

party would be hurt in the short term because of the rejection, the party

would recover its position "when the full implications of the proposals are

understood." But the NP's opponents are convinced that the party has made a

major blunder from which it will not recover easily.

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92
SOUTH AFRICA

INDABA AGREES TO ADJOURN INDEFINITELY

MB051505 Johannesburg SAPA in English 1452 GMT 5 Dec 86

[Text] Durban, Dec 5, SAPA—The KwaZulu-Natal Indaba today unanimously

agreed to adjourn indefinitely as it had fulfilled its main objective—the

formulation of proposals for a single non-racial legislature for the

KwaZulu-Natal region, the indaba's chairman, Prof Desmond Clarence, said in

a statement today.

He said four more delegates had signed the indaba's constitutional proposals,

bringing the total to 28, or 83 per cent of the voting participants.

The proposals are to be presented to the government by Prof Clarence, and

the indaba's two co-convenors, Dr Oscar Dhlomo and Dr Frank Martin. Chief

Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be invited to join the delegation.

Following the adjournment of the indaba, the chairman and the co-convenors

are empowered to form a steering committee drawn from representatives at the

indaba.

The committee will then appoint an executive to deal with ongoing indaba

matters, including the promotion of the indaba's proposals.

The executive is also empowered to reconvene the indaba and its committees

should the need arise.

At its final session this afternoon, the indaba decided that its constitutional proposals would be submitted to the chief minister of KwaZulu, the

administrator of Natal and the minister of constitutional development and

planning.

The proposals will be accompanied by a chairman's memorandum and any comments

on the proposals that delegates wish to make.

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93
SOUTH AFRICA

NEW NUSAS LEADER SEEKS TO MAKE UNIVERSITIES 'DEMOCRATIC'

MB042032 Johannesburg SAPA in English 2032 GMT 4 Dec 86

[Text] Pietermaritzburg Dec 4 SAPA—The newly elected president of the

National Union of South African Students [NUSAS] today committed the student

organisation to changing universities into democratic institutions which

represented the broader South African community.

Mr Steven Kromberg, a 26-year-old honours student in African literature from

the University of the Witwater^srand [Wits] , was elected president at the

64th NUSAS congress which ended in Pietermaritzburg today.

"University administrations are already under great pressure on issues like

adherence to the academic boycott and making themselves more accountable to

all sections of our society," he said.

"We intend turning this into a major political campaign involving students

and staff at universities throughout the country."

He said student and community representation on university decision-making

bodies should be improved, entrance criteria needed to be changed and the

curricula needed to reflect the realities of South African society.

He said that with the "impressive" Stellenbosch NUSAS local committee leading

the way, NUSAS would actively promote itself on Afrikaans campuses in the

coming year.

Other people elected to NUSAS are: Miss Viv McMenamin, a UCT [University of

Cape Town] economics honours graduate, as projects officer; Mr Peter Cranko,

a development planning student from Wits, as the secretary-general; and a

Wits final year architecture student, Mr Colin Coleman, will be the new

media officer.

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94
SOUTH AFRICA

NATION'S MUSLIMS DIVIDED ON HOW TO OPPOSE APARTHEID

East Burnham ARABIA in English Oct 86 pp 20, 21

[Article by Gill Marais]

[ Text ] S~| A band of young Muslims marches up

[3*3 a street in the Islamic quarter of

Woodstock, Cape town. With fists raised

and shouting "Amandla!" (the Xhosa

word for strength) the youths pass

between small, darkened houses, some

with candles burning in the windows. It is

the time forthe weekly Wednesday night's

vigil in the struggle against apartheid.

Abdul, a 52-year-old self-made man, is

furious. Intense and eloquent, despite

only three years of formal education, he is

about to rush out and shout at the

marchers. His wife pulls him back, a little

grandaughter runs to turn out the lights.

"No discipline"

"No one is going to push me into political

activity." He states emphatically, "There

is too much violence and it is against our

religion." After the primary allegiance to

his faith, Abdul's main concern, like so

many of his kind, is in educating his

grandchildren. "Things have got out of

hand. Why? Because parental discipline is

disappearing, and the kids no longer have

respect for anything." With his homespun

philosophy Abdul is more upset about

civil disorder than political activism. He

no longer wears his white cap outside the

house or mosque, saying: "Too many nonMuslims and ruffians put it on, join

peaceful demonstrations, cause trouble,

and then our people are blamed." He is

against the boycotts that have disrupted

schooling. He is vehemently critical of

certain black leaders who encourage

student riots, but make sure that their own

children receive a good education in

expensive private, racially-mixed, church

schools.

Abdul, having had few advantages in

life, recognises his material gains over the

past 40 years, and attributes them to his

own positive thinking, combined with the

government's social amenities. He says:

"should this government ever be

overthrown and replaced by a black

majority rule, who then is going to pay for

our sick, or our schooling? If it ever

happens, I tell you, I will take my family

into the sea!"

In the eyes of the younger generation,

Abdul is a man still chained to the past and

a sense of inferiority, yet he sees himself as

a moderate, and one of the not-so-silent

majority in his neighbourhood. His hopes

for the future arc grounded in negotiation

and forgiveness on all sides. At present he

is perplexed, for even the one constant in

his life, his observance of the ideals of his

creed, does not protect him from the

changing moods within the Islamic

society.

Joined forces

Indeed, the Xhosa cry of "Amandla"

rings out together with "Allahu Akba" in

the noting. The people of Islam

represented by the Muslim Judicial

Council (MJC), have joined forces with

the Christian blacks of the United

Democratic Front (UDF) and sail in

tandem on the current gales of change

Amongst South Africa's Islamic

population of nearly 800,000. 75 per cent

?M,^hi"u thC Muslim Judicial Council MJC), a basically religious body set up in

1975 to reduce friction between the Shafee

and Hanafee sects.

95
Marriage of convenience

Under the banner of dismantling

apartheid, the formerly conservative MJC

has joined the UDF (United Democratic

Front) ina timely marriage of

convenience. The UDF. accepted in

certain respects asa front for the banned

ANC (African National Congress),

providesa mouthpiece for many

frustrated factions— regardless of colour.

But as one Muslim,a highly-qualified

sociologist, explained: "The customs of

Islam can differ from the blacks, whose

Christianity is often mixed with traditional

ancestor worship. Their wants are not

always our needs." With this in mind, the

relationship of these two organisations is

carefully described by the Muslims as an

association; not an affiliation. Generally

speaking, the Muslims are better

educated, live in more prosperous

communities, have their own trusts and

funds for self-help, and receive financial

aid from other Muslim countries. They

can afford to give money to the UDF. and,

althougha minority, are confident that

they can achievea balance of power within

that organisation's black majority.

In an interview Sheikh AG Gabicr,

chairman of the MJC. said: "As far as the

Muslims are concerned, our organisation

is considered to have the most authority

and credibility."I asked him if he

supported the school boycotts. "At the

moment," he replied, "there are two

schools of thought. Even in times of war

and revolution children went to school, so

supporting boycotts isa difficult decision.

In the past the Government was spending

around 194 Randa year on an African

child's education, 1400 Rand ona

European and approximately 700 Rand

on Indians and those of mixed race. Our

children can just about make it with the

Indians to get into university, and because

of limited instruction at school, they have

to work twice as hard as Europeans. If

boycotts bring results,I am for them. 1985

was undoubtedlya great year in our

struggle. It has engendered an awareness

unknown in the 60s and 70s. Success

though, has had its side effects, and

unfortunately we have hada lot of

unnecessary drop-outs who normally

would have obtained an easy pass." A different point of view was expressed

by one prosperous Muslim who solved the

problem of education by sending his gifted

children toa private, racially-mixed

Catholic school. "Until there are more

Muslims educated in political science." he

said, "it's ridiculous to think we are

qualified to govern. All this upheavel just

deals with the effects, not the causes, of

bitterness and discontent. I. asa Muslim,

think that only by example, by adhering to

spiritual values can people bring about

true change within themselves and

others."

Change, he added, should be evolution

rather than revolution. And. evolution

depended on obtaining the best education

possible. These are not the views of

Rashad. Committed to the radical group

of the Qiblah. he claims there are 70 hard

core organisers working in cells with

nearly 2000 followers. Rashad idealises

the Ayotollah Khomcni. agreeing with his

principles and methods of revolution.

Doctrinal differences with the Shiites are

dismissed. "They are not as great as one

thinks, and at present we in South Africa

do not have enough leaders to interpret

the Holy Book. Our leaders are not

effective enough to head the struggle."

Local hero

Involved in opposing the existing

educational system. Rashad was arrested,

interrogated, and beaten before being

sent to prison for 14 days. It made hima

hero asmong the 1000 students in the local

High School. But. Rashad's own dress and

outward life-style, his well-furnished

house with television and car, are typical

of South Africa's prosperous middle-class

Muslims.

Nevertheless, unafraid of informers

within the Muslim community, and

dedicated to the Jihad— "the pivot of

Islam that must culminate in revolution"*

— he says, "I am prepared to die and

becomea martyr."

When Sheikh Gabier was asked how the

MJC views the Oiblah, he answered. "Let

me explain. When we speak of the

oppressed and the whole struggle, we do

not look at it froma totally Islamic point of

view. However, amongst us are radicals

who feel they area separate group, and

they wanta separate identity,a separate

solution anda separate interpretation of

our religion. Actually, the Oiblah isa very

small organisation. They makea lot of

noise, but in the final analysis we believe

that due to our history and the influence of

our religious leaders, the Islamic peoples

will listen to us."

Now that the Muslims (2 per cent of

South Africa's population) have joined

forces with the predominantly black

UDF. it remains to be seen how they will

fare in the future. Some object to the

96
possibility of living under a black majority

rule, others believe that if a multi-racial

society is just, there is no need to fear

those who govern.

Civil disobedience

At present. South Africa's Muslims arcunrecognised in apartheid's haze of laws.

Those of mixed race, Indian, and black

Muslims are classified under race, not

religion, one more discrimination to be

dismantled in the general consensus of

civil disobedience.

On the subject of violence, Dr

Mohomed Momoniat, a member of the

Muslim World League said: "Due to the

built-in structural violence of apartheid. I

uphold violence as a reaction against

oppression. If it turns bloody, perhaps we

must let it run its course in the hope that it

brings a climate for serious negotiation

and change. As for instigating violence I

will only uphold this if all communication

breaks down. But personally. I don't want

the degradation of civil war."

Sheikh Gabier concluded: "'We have

been given bad publicity overseas. They

have concentrated on riots and backlash

and violence. I believe there is still a lot of

good will. We want peace for our children,

to bring an end to this regime, and install

sanity. If the government will not

negotiate with the real leaders of this

country, such as Mandela and others, who

represent the grass root desire for change

blood will flow. Being religious people."

we Muslims wish to avoid bloodshed. It

would take much longer to come together

again. South Africa has everv ingredient

to make it one of the world's richest

countries. At the moment our money is

worthless. 22.000 African children die

each year before the age of two. This is

unacceptable. Change must come, but we

do not want a Belfast or a Beirut."

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97
UNION RIVALRY FOR MEMBERSHIP INTENSIFIES

Johannesburg THE STAR in English 27 Nov 86 p 19

SOUTH AFRICA

[Article by Sheryl Raine]

[Text]

Tension is running high between the United Workers'

Union of SA (Uwusa) and other

rival unions where competition

for membership is threatening

to turn ugly, say reports from

the Metal and Allied Workers'

Union (Mawu). j

And there are clear indications that the competition now

involves non-trade union figures, such as local community

councillors and mayors, who

may be taking sides in the

struggle. i

While the latest incident in

the battle for membership took

place in northern Natal, there

are other examples of tension

in the Transvaal.

Five Uwusa men were suspended on full pay earlier this

year by Jabula Foods at

Springs on the East Rand after

the alleged killing of a Food

and Allied Workers' Union official, who was shot dead on his

way to work in June.

Investigations are continuing;

and an arbitration hearing is;

scheduled to take place before:

the end of the year.

In a statement released this

week by Mawu's northern

Natal branch, the union alleged

that its members at Multitube

Systems in Isithebe were being

intimidated by men claiming to

be members of the United

Workers' Union of SA (Uwusa).

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Uwusa was formed with the

financial help of Inkatha in

May this year and is organising

in various industries. It is procapitalism and anti-sanctions.

Mawu is affiliated to the

Congress of SA Trade Unions,

established last year on December 1, and whose motto is,

"one industry, one union".

Cosatu is in favour of all

forms of pressure on South

Africa to dismantle apartheid.

It has socialist leanings.

Mawu said people had ar- ,

rived at the Multitube factory

in seven vehicles last Thursday

at about 2 pm.

"They purported to be

Uwusa representatives. They

threatened to get their union

into the company by force and

said they would act against

anyone who tried to stop them

with their guns which they

claimed were in their cars,"

said Mawu.

"Mawu regards such action

as a deliberate attempt by

those who are enemies of democracy and peace and who

are also agents of division, to

intimidate Mawu members in

the Isithebe area."

Mawu condemned the presence of the mayor of Sundumbili (a local township in the

area) and his deputy who accompanied the alleged intimidators.

Mawu urged councillors in

the area and elsewhere to

"leave labour issues to trade

unionists, in the interest of

peace both at the workplace

and communities where workers stay".

"Mawu will not fold its arms

and let such a situation continue," warned the union.

A spokesman for Multitube

in Durban confirmed that a

meeting had taken place between Mawu and the company

to discuss intimidation. i

The company said it had no

proof that the incident described had taken place at its

Isithebe plant but would condemn any form of intimidation

of that nature.

Mr Simon Conco, Uwusa's

secretary-general, said: "We

deny categorically that we intimidated anyone. We are aware

of a disturbance at the factory.

"The mayor of Sundumbili

said people were denigrating

Zulu leaders and that he himself had been denigrated."

He said there had been several recent instances where

Uwusa members were being

intimidated by other unions.

He added that at Zincor,

workers had been threatened

with necklaces if they joined

Uwusa and on one Randfontein

mine on the West Rand, Uwusa

men had been forced out of the

mine compound.

98
COLUMNIST SCOFFS AT GOVERNMENT'S "INSTANT INDIAN' REPORT

Durban POST NATAL in English 26-29 Nov 86 p 20

[Commentary by Ameen Akhalwaya In "My View" column]

SOUTH AFRICA

[Text]

POSTS report last week

of the Government's

creation of "instant Indians" made an instant

impact.

I showed the report to

a relative — by marriage

— who is white, pukkah

British.

"Because you're cohabiting with my cousin," I

told him, "you're an instant Indian."

"In the first instance,"

he replied, "Cliff Richard, Colin Cowdrey and

Englebert Humperdinck

and heaven knows who

else were born in India.

One presumes they were

cohabiting with Indian

nannies or friends.

"Have you heard of

anyone calling Cliff or

Cowdrey or Engelbert Indian, instant or otherwise?"

"No," I admitted, "but

this is South Africa and

that changes the entire

complexion of the debate,

doesn't it?"

"I'll let you know in an

instant," he said as he got

up to leave.

I asked him where he

was going.

"This is the wit blitz,"

he said.

"Now you see me, now

you don't..."

In an instant, he was

gone.

With our Government

known for its instant solutions to problems that

turn out to be even more

problematical in an instant, it's little wonder

people blanch, just thinking about them.

I, too, was once a white

person. For an instant.

It happened a few

years ago when I entered

high school. The school

wanted my birth certificate.

At the time, my father

had just become the first

Indian to be given a notice under the Group

Areas Act to quit our

home in Newlands, a Johannesburg suburb that

had been declared white.

I went down to the

births registry office in

Johannesburg for a copy

of my certificate. Lo and

behold, it described my

race as "European".

For an instant, I was

dumbstruck. I turned

pale, finding I'd been

turned pale in an instant.

I went back to the

counter, showed the clerk

the certificate and told

her there must be a mistake.

Her fair face turned

red, she apologised,

erased the word "European" and inserted "Indian" over it.

My parents were livid

when I related the incident. They said I could

have kept the certificate,

applied for an identification card, and if I were

classified white, they

could have rented our

home under my name.

I would be their nominee.

"You had it in black

and white," they said. "It

would have been a white

lie, but it's a question of

survival."

Today, I see wisdom in

their thinking. Why I

might have become Eugene Terre'Blanche's

neighbour.

Instead, we were

blessed with neighbours

of all kinds. One was the

owner of the corner cafe,

a Chinese man. We lost

touch with him after we

were shunted out to Lenasia.

Charged

Then, a few years ago,

we read about him in the

newspapers.

He had been charged

under the Immorality

Act for consorting with a

white Afrikaner woman.

In our country of instant solutions, the good

lady had applied for reclassification to Chinese

so that she could marry

her lover legally.

99
We haven't heard

much about them since,

though there are rumours

that the couple have either separated or divorced.

If that is so, one wonders what her racial clasification would be now.

If she cohabits witha

white man now, would he

be classified "instant Chinese".

Marries

If she marries an Afrikaner, would her children

be classified "coloured"?

On the extra-parliamentary side, would my

Instant Indian cousin-bymarriage be eligible for

membership of Azapo or

any other black consciousness organisation?

The question is not as

dumb as it appears.

Take this incident that

happeneda few years

ago. A handful of us

— who

were not classified

"Bantu"— were arrested

for entering Soweto without a permit.

We had gone into the

township to attenda

meeting of the black consciousness Writers Association of SA, successor

to our banned Union of

Black Journalists and

predecessor of the Media

Workers Association of

SA.

We told the security

police who questioned us

that we were black and

did not needa permit to

entera township in our

country. i

/13104

CSO: 3400/550

We insisted that that

would be our defence in

court. The police came

well prepared, having

presumably gone into our

records of applications

for identifications and

passports.

One of them who gave

evidence pointed at me — accused number one — and said he had been

keeping watch on who

had entered the hall

where the meeting had

taken place in Orlando.

He said that ata distance, I looked "coloured", but my official

classification was "Indian".

Turning to accused

number two, he said that

from afar she had appeared white, but her official classification was

"coloured".

Having good-naturedly

ribbed me about my ancestry, my co-accused

sniggered and smiled at

accused number two,

mumbling racial epithets

at her.

Funny

We found it funny.

Turning to another accused, the policeman said

he was classified white.

Everyone, accused and

spectators, all fellow

journalists, almost

turned white with shock.

Here wasa white man,

whom everyone had presumed to be "coloured",

who wasa leader and an

enthusiastic and hardworking member of

a BC,

organisation. j

We were found not

guilty on the grounds that

there was not sufficient

•proof to show we were in

Soweto illegally, although we had been arrested in the heart of

Soweto outside Orlando

Stadium in broad daylight.

Our colleague, meanwhile, remained a member of our union, and his

sterling work on its behalf made some of us

question the validity of

continuing to have black

exclusivist organisations.

That incident began to

colour my thinking. In an

instant,I was no longer

sure about anything.

Recalled

This week, while discussing the Post report

witha colleague, he recalled how he had applied for new identification documents after his

original one had been sto- j

ten.

He was called to the

office by the authorities

who wanted to see for

themselves if he realy

was "Indian".

In an instant, they decided he was, and that he

wasn't some non-Indian

who wanted to become

an Indian instantly.

He had no problem in

being classified, probably

because his skin is the

colour of coffee with

cream. Instant coffee,

that is.

100
SOUTH AFRICA

BRIEFS

WHITES-ONLY POLITICAL PARTY—A new political party for Whites-only, but which

will work for direct Black representation in Parliament, will be launched in

Heidelberg, Transvaal next week. Mr Ernst du Preez (40), Heidelberg Town

Councillor and former mayor and long-time campaigner against pronography, is

spearheading the formation of the new party, the Christian Party. He will

need 500 signatures, backed with identity documents, before he can apply for

registration at the Department of Home Affairs. "The Christian Party will

consist of all the good principles of the NP, PFP, CP and HNP," Mr Du Preez

told THE CITIZEN yesterday. "We want to include Blacks at all levels of

government, but we are also worried about the fact that the Group Areas Act

may be scrapped and that our schools will be opened to everyone," he said.

"Although we will be a political home for Whites only, we'll associate

ourselves with Black, Coloured and Indian political parties and the same

ideals and principles," he said. [Text] [Johannesburg THE CITIZEN in English

22 Nov 86 p 15] /13104

CSO: 3400/550 END

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