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Friday, 8 March, 2002, 20:16 GMT
News from Zimbabwe
SW Radio Africa's home page, at www.swradioafrica.com
News from Zimbabe, on short-wave and the web
The BBC is not allowed to report from Zimbabwe, so we rely on other sources of news. One is a remarkable independent radio station, "SW Radio Africa", broadcasting on short wave from London. Hugh Sykes spent a couple of days with them, listening to the output and speaking to the people who produce it.

Presenters Mandisa Mundararara and John Matinde
Mandi and John, on the air
SW Radio Africa has gathered a significant audience in Zimbabwe - it has also attracted many unofficial correspondents who file news and information by mobile phone.

They will put anyone on air, so long as their stories are credible, or can be corroborated. There are some reports of violence against Zanu-PF; but Zanu-PF refuse to be interviewed.

Producer/presenter Georgina Godwin
Report the violence, tell the observers
Violence

In Zimbabwe, people listen from their homes in the cities, in groups around evening fires in the bush, and sometimes - to improve reception - from the branches of trees.

Listeners have called in to report beatings, kidnappings, and a catalogue of violence that has become almost routine. There are also accounts of missing voters' rolls and failure to announce where polling stations are located.

Intimidation

Presenter/reporter Tererai Karimakwenda
Reporting the news when you're not there
Some Zimbabweans say their ID cards have been taken by thugs - without an ID card, you can't vote.

There are rumours that ballot boxes may be opened, and opposition supporters identified.

There are even warnings not to shake hands before voting, in case you get ink on them: inked hands are proof that you have voted.

Observers

SW Radio Africa Station Manager, Gerry Jackson
ZANU-PF won't talk to us
Commonwealth observers say they are aware of all these reports. But they will not release their findings until after the election week-end.

SW Radio Africa frequently assure their listeners that the various rumours are unfounded - that the ballot is absolutely secret. They also urge people to report violence to the police, and to the international observers.

Turnout

Presenter/reporter Violet Gonda
Shocking stories to report
Opponents of Robert Mugabe are counting on a high turnout - but even if Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change wins the poll, his supporters are full of forboding: will the governing ZANU-PF accept a result that goes against them?

You can hear the station on the web: www.swradioafrica.com

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
Hugh Sykes:
Radio reports beamed back to Zimbabwe
Hugh Sykes:
The second report from "SW Radio Africa"

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