34 This hate speech frequently translates into action, and, whilst such actions has been overwhelmingly aimed at the MDC, it has not been exclusively so. Civil society too has been weakened, and can no longer play its role of putting pressure on government to recognise the citizens' rights. They are now even threatened with deregistration53. In the opinion of the victims, NGO’s have been demonised and there has been extensive smear campaigning against any organisation that raises it head to address the issue of human rights violations and governance issues. The following quotes from President Mugabe illustrate this point: “Foreign aid should not substitute home grown programmes … it is for this reason that my government refuses to allow non governmental organisations to be used as instruments for the destabilisation of our country”54 “We now know their tactics, these imperialists... as they deploy hoards of their compatriots under the cover of innumerable non-governmental organisations to destabilise our country and to try and effect the so-called 'regime change'."55 The participants believe that there is infiltration by government agents and members of the ruling party into not only opposition political parties but also civil society. This is seen as a bid to control every sector of society and to ensure that every political space is limited and controlled. Unsurprisingly, the victims had some strong views on the violence. The levels of intimidation are unacceptable, with the media so far baring the brunt of institutional intimidation, with arrest, harassment, beatings, and maiming of local journalists, as well as the deportation of foreign journalists. There is destruction of newspapers, beating of newspaper vendors, and intimidation of readers. Media houses have been bombed and no one has been arrested for those attacks. As they stated, freedom of expression no longer exists in the country, especially with AIPPA and the handpicked media commission. Socio-economic rights There were strong views expressed too about the state of social justice. Socio-economic rights do not exist for the average person, as the health system is near collapse, the hospitals do not have adequate medication and personnel. As the government is failing to remunerate doctors and nurses adequately, they are leaving the county in droves. Home-based care is being encouraged especially for HIV/AIDS patients, but this is strain upon the community, as those providing the services are unable to cope with the costs of living. Education has become a luxury only for the rich, and the quality has deteriorated, as the government cannot provide the necessary equipment and books, or decent levels of pay for the teachers. Basic shelter and food are now beyond the reach of many people, with most people surviving on one meal a day. Finally, there is gender inequality as women are sidelined at all levels of society, even though they are in the majority, and this is a cultural issue, which needs to be addressed. Possible solutions to the problems 53 The Non Governmental Organisation Bill 2004 requires all NGOs to register with the NGO Council, which will primarily be made up of government officials. The Council will have powers to regulate NGOs, including investigating NGOs and take severe action against a defaulting organisation. The bill has a number of restrictions on which organisations can be registered and what activities can be carried out. It states that no local NGO shall receive foreign funding for issues of governance; this includes human rights and political governance. 54 President Mugabe speaking at the Inter-Regional Meeting of Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa on 13 October 2004 in Zimbabwe. 55 President Mugabe, speaking at the funeral of a veteran nationalist, Eddison Zvobgo on 29th August 2004. IDASA: Zimbabwe at the Cross-Roads: Views of Zimbabwean citizens on democracy and transitional justice.