Zim 'to take all white farms'
2004-12-15 09:01
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Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe has taken a swipe on US' Johnnie Carson, calling him "an idiot" following an exchange between the two in Libya.
Media 24 Africa Bureau
Harare - Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party's central committee apparently has decided to confiscate all remaining farms still owned by white farmers, reported the Zimbabwean website, Zimonline, on Monday.
About 500 farms out of the initial 4 500 are still in white hands.
The first farm to fall prey to this decision is that of well-known cricketer Dennis Streak, father of Heath, the former cricket captain.
This decision, which is discussed in a secret report of the Zanu-PF's central committee, clashes with a statement by President Robert Mugabe and his cabinet that the land-reform process in Zimbabwe has been completed.
The report reads: "The resolution, which sources in the party's inner circles believe will definitely be implemented in the next couple of months, will mean the 500 white farmers who have managed to retain their land until now will definitely lose it."
Granted permission to stay on
The Heath farm, near Bulawayo, was listed for a government takeover as long as two years ago, but the Streaks appealed against the decision.
They were granted permission to stay on the farm while waiting for the appeal decision to come through, but this week it became clear that the die had been cast and the family would have to move.
Streak was not available for comment on Tuesday, but his wife, Shona, confirmed the news.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's official inflation rate dropped to 149.3% last month, down from 209% in October, said the state central statistical office on Tuesday.
The new rate still leaves Zimbabwe with the highest inflation in the world.
- Beeld