Sometimes a person just has to have a rant…
July 1st, 2008
There are two things that bug me whenever there is a massive crisis or a big newsworthy event taking place in our country:
A. The first is the way we are usually immediately subjected to a fresh wave of Zanu PF rhetoric about how this is a fight against the British and for sovereignty, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, George Bush, sanctions blah -de-blah blah. Wow, I am so tired of this.
B. The second is the way the crisis almost simultaneously provokes another wave of ‘I told you so ‘s’ to our email inbox, often with rhetoric about Rhodesia: you see how right we were, why do we bother trying to help that continent; look at how Africa can’t manage itself; leave them to destroy themselves, blah blah blah. This is just as boring and tedious as the Zanu PF rhetoric to me. I am so tired of this too.
I find both discourses in relation to the problem in Zimbabwe very unhelpful. Neither displays any sensitivity or empathy to the victims or the people in our country and both smack of self-centred agendas.
The ding-dong that goes between these two extreme views is like arrows or bullets flying over the heads of ordinary Zimbabweans who have been struggling to make a change and restore our country. I wish I could take the parties who cling to these positions by the hand, put them on an island and leave them there – alone – to have it out without the rest of us being caught in the middle.
Please keep in mind that there are people in our country who have been born, schooled, gone to university, successfully started businesses and careers and even their own families under the Zimbabwean flag.
The vast majority of us live together very happily and supportively. A very small minority of Zimbabweans are evil and cruel and determined to destroy our country. They have a lot of power and a lot of money and so they get away with it. They come under the category ‘dictatorship’, and the whole world has their share of these including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It is not just Africa.
The truth is that this is a Zimbabwean country populated by Zimbabwean people trying to bring about a Zimbabwean solution – one which is non violent – to a problem created by a Zimbabwean government’s mismanagement of our Zimbabwean economy accompanied by a gross Zimbabwean abuse of Zimbabwean human rights.
Those who smugly think that we still live in Rhodesia and who think ‘I told you so’ is an answer… please go navel-gaze somewhere else. And those who think we are still fighting a Rhodesian war for liberation – please, find a prince to give you a kiss to wake you up because thirty years have passed now. Both groups need to catch on to lacto (‘wake up and smell the coffee’).
Those of us engaged in the struggle are in the here and now focussed on what IS, not what WAS, because what IS, is a massive problem costing thousands their lives right now.
OK. That’s my rant over. Comments are open but I have to warn you that my delete finger is really twitching tonight and anything that falls into A or B will not be published.
July 1st, 2008 20:15
I agree fully. I am Zimbabwean and had one (Zimbabwean) friend try to convince me that because i was born in Rhodesia (1978, which was Zimbabwe-Rhodesia from what I remember… anyway) that i should call myself Rhodesian. I HATE that, I am Zimbabwean, I was born with the spirit of Zimbabwe in my blood no matter what it was called and am proud to be a Zimbabwean, even in these times of madness.
I only wish I could do more from my comfortable seat in London, but I am ready to go back to rebuild as soon as I can see it is possible.
July 1st, 2008 20:32
great blog. keep up the excellent work – the regime is nearing the end now i am sure. i read the other day a comment on targeting fifa as a way to put pressure on SA. sepp blatter says fifa has a plan B just in case. how about a campaign in this regard? i think it is worth it.
July 1st, 2008 21:10
Dear SOKWANELE & Staff.
You are entitled to be pissed off. Have some chocolate. Relax…This is a “Long Haul” game.
It seems that Mbeki is trying to split the MDC agreement by talking to “Welshman Ncube”. This may ne the source of the statements that talks are ongoing. I don’t trust this man or Maconi.
What are the chances that they will bribe these people and take control af Parliament?
July 1st, 2008 21:18
Perhaps we have reaped what was sown. . .was Ian Smith not also a dictator in a one party state where opposition was not allowed?
July 1st, 2008 21:19
Well said you.
July 1st, 2008 21:20
@Dave: ‘Divide and Rule’ is a Zanu game. We know there’s pressure now for a GNU we can expect dirty tactics. You remember that when MT retracted his article in the Guardian he cited a ‘credible source’. Who was that? Is THAT person on the Zanu payroll. Who knows? Or myabe its just Zanu playing with all our heads.
Remember … politicians saw what happened to Joshua Nkomo in the 80s and they talk about it all the time so anyone who falls for that trick would be signing their political careers away. Ncube is a clever guy, and he comes from the Nkomo side of the country where they really hate Mugabe so I doubt he would be that stupid. I also think both factions know that Mugabe’s days are numbered an anyone who hooks their chariot to his wagon is only going to go for a short ride before they are well and truly tarred and feathered when the change comes.
July 1st, 2008 21:30
Thank you very much Sokwanele and I think your rant is totally worth hearing. I can’t imagine it’s easy working on this site.
I think you vocalise (hopefully) what most of us feel. Sometimes I hear or read things I just find delusional, disturbingly so, in their denial of reality at the expense of maintaining so-called ideologies.
Actually it’s hard to write the response to your posting I would like. There is so much to think about and events are moving so fast. But thanks, keep going and well done for clarifying your standpoint.
July 1st, 2008 22:06
Well said, Hope. As for me, born in “Rhodesia” in 1960 (or was that maybe Southern Rhodesia??) I’m now a Zimbabwean and proud of it.
One small but not insignificant benefit of living in Zimbabwe: you don’t run the daily risk of actually encountering these contemporary Rip van Winkles or having to listen to their nauseating droning on talk shows like we here in R of SA. Delete away, dahling and keep safe and warm. The chocolate a good idea. Can we send you some?
South Africans used to have a good joke. Q: What’s the difference between a When-We and a Jumbo Jet? A: The Jumbo stops whining when it lands.
July 1st, 2008 22:11
Hi Sokwanele
Well put, thank you, I hope this does put an end to the nauseating rhetoric.
On the otherhand good on Kenya and Bostwana for their frankness on the illegitimacy of these past elections and the present Zimbabwean government.
Government of national unity? what is the AU collectively thinking? How can there be national unity when one party is determined to undermine and repeatedly grossly violates human rights and democracy? How can this happen when opposition members are all fair game to the brutal state machinary that has been unleashed on Zimbabweans? When our elected parliamentary leaders are under threat. I am wondering if this GNU formula can work in such a dictatorship and since the AU knows whats going on do they sincerely think this is the african solution Zimbabwe needs?
How exactly do they plan to make a man who has turned on his dogs of war and tastelessly stolen an election suddenly respect his opponents and negotiate power? How are they going to implement this? How?
I am disappointed that they came up with such a statement. I did expect a stronger stance and more action on their part.
I am just left with more questions than answers and mostly I wonder if the interests of the Zimbabwean people are considered anywhere in this resolution. I fear not.
I like the plan of an arms embargo. This is a truly good idea. China, Russia and RSA please be true to the positions of trust you have been given.
I also like the plan of a visible civilian peace keeping force in Zimbabwe. I think Tutu mentioned something like that earlier this week. This I can see helping to restore peace and security in Zimbabwe. From this I can see that any future elections that should be carried out may be free and fair.
Dialogue – is there honestly space for dialogue when one party is making sure it kills members of the opposition. Even de Klerk had to call off the apartheid war machinery before they could engage in any meaningfull dialogue for a GNU. Surely Mbeki recalls that in the least.
Nana
July 1st, 2008 22:13
“What are the chances that they will bribe these people and take control af Parliament?”
I think it is more likely that they will jail or kill MDC MPs until Zanu-PF has a majority. They may prevent Parliament from meeting at all, as has been done in Lebanon.
July 1st, 2008 22:18
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for saying all that. Its a new day. I have tried to contact you about an interview unsuccessfully. Here is an article I recently wrote for a U.S. publication:
http://www.telospress.com/main/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=253
Thanks you so much for all your work. It has been so indispensable for keeping many informed and most of all, giving us a unified vision of Zimbabwe, a national identity, one based on law, on rights, not on race, ethnicity or colonial/post-colonial binaries.
I am working on an article on Ms. William/Ms. Muhlanga. They are the very embodiment of our new national identity. We need to raise such representation to the forefront. When this is all over I would like to meet you. Your service to Zimbabwe will be honored. Without a doubt
Your fellow in the Struggle
NC.
I very much if possible to be in correspondence with you.
July 1st, 2008 22:23
I am so sorry that you have to read stupid invective about ‘Rhodesia’. I am also sorry and ashamed that many of these people are able to live in England, my country.
I first became interested in Zimbabwe when I briefly dated a white Zimbabwean some years ago. Now I understand more I think he’s what I’ve heard some Zimbabweans call a Rhodie. When I asked about Zimbabwe, he always gave me a look and said ‘you wouldn’t understand’. One day he got incensed about a documentary we were watching about Africa and I began to understand… I’d never heard views like his expressed in England and they were so alien, antiquated and disgusting.
I felt ashamed, because my country created people like him, and was taking him in because he had English ancestors. I doubted we were welcoming black Zimbabweans with open arms. I was also confused, as I’d met some of his friends who had been activists in Zimbabwe, one had been tortured by Zanu, yet they put up with him.
The whole thing led me to think that this sort of white Zimbabwean might be common… The acquaintance left me feeling dirty and wanting to find out about the reality of your country and people.
I’ve been appalled to see views like the ones you talk about posted on websites. I am so sorry you have to put up with it, and that these people are so often living in England.
Whenever I see those comments I want to scream, partly because they provide propaganda for Zanu. I suppose as well, it is their views that fuel the belief that England still wants to colonise Zimbabwe in the first place.
I just want to apologise for my country, and say how sorry I am that when your people are suffering so much already and fighting so bravely you have to put up with that nasty insidious rubbish.
July 1st, 2008 22:26
German firm stops banknote exports to Zimbabwe
Tue 1 Jul 2008, 18:38 GMT
BERLIN, July 1 (Reuters) – A German firm supplying banknote paper to Zimbabwe said on Tuesday it had stopped deliveries to the African nation’s central bank due to pressure from the government, European Union and United Nations.
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL01181047.html
Your work is making a huge difference! Well done Sokwanele and emailers!
July 1st, 2008 22:41
You continue to do a great job, and this rant is just another example of the excellent job you are doing in highlighting all the facets of this battle. I agree with you whole heartedly, and, like Bruce, feel the frustration in being on the other side of the world when the core of my being is Zimbabwean.
July 1st, 2008 22:42
Just in from AP:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i6E4D-den-G6lcpey9MhfZ76vCvwD91L99A80
German firm halts bank note sales to Mugabe regime
By MATT MOORE – 10 minutes ago
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A German company that has been supplying paper used by Zimbabwe’s central bank to print bank notes said Tuesday it is stopping shipments immediately at the request of Germany’s government.
The move could be a new problem for the regime of President Robert Mugabe, which has been churning out currency amid skyrocketing inflation that forces Zimbabweans to shop with bundles of cash. A pint of milk can cost 3 billion Zimbabwe dollars, or about 30 U.S. cents.
Giesecke & Devrient GmbH of Munich said it would stop delivering bank note paper to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe “with immediate effect.” It said the decision came in response to an official request from the German government and calls for international sanctions by the European Union and United Nations.
“Our decision is a reaction to the political tension in Zimbabwe, which is mounting significantly rather than easing as expected, and takes account of the critical evaluation by the international community, German government and general public,” chief executive Karsten Ottenberg said in a statement.
Zimbabwe’s currency needs have spiraled upward as a shattered economy spurs overheated inflation. Prices rose 165,000 percent in February, according to government figures, but independent experts say the real inflation rate is closer to 4 million percent.
Mugabe, who was sworn in as president for a sixth term Sunday after a widely discredited runoff election, was once hailed for leading Zimbabwe’s independence fight. But he has grown increasingly unpopular for land seizures and other economic policies that wrecked the country’s once-vibrant agriculture sector.
On the Net:
July 1st, 2008 22:44
Beautifully stated.
July 1st, 2008 22:44
I agree fully with your post. I was wanting to go to Zimbabwe after the March elections to offer what skills I have to rebuild that country, which is a nicer country, I think, than South Africa is at the moment, of which country I am a citizen. I have watched appalled at what has been happening between March and now – most un-Zimbabwean. I still want to go when things settle down, as I am sure they will. But I sure agree that the two extremes don’t help.
July 1st, 2008 23:14
I would like to echo the support above. This website is the first on my list of sites to visit each day and i often wonder at those working to keep us all up to speed. Thank you for this blog and thank you for your views and all you do.
July 2nd, 2008 00:05
You said it Hope. Thank you.
Hurray for Giesecke&Devrient! (Ahem I think they may still be the spawn of the devil but hey you takes what you gets)
Thanks for the news Zimbo!
They’ve responded to an official request from the German Government to halt.
They say:
“Our decision is a reaction to the political tension in Zimbabwe, which is mounting significantly rather than easing as expected, and takes account of the critical evaluation by the international community, German
government and general public,” explains Dr. Karsten Ottenberg, Chairman of
the Management Board and CEO of Giesecke & Devrient GmbH.
To revel in a bit of good news:
Giesecke & Devrient Halts Deliveries to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-01-2008/0004842387&EDATE=
Neu Aktuell, Switzerland: Giesecke & Devrient stoppt Lieferungen an die Zentralbank von Simbabwe
http://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100006218/100565108/giesecke_devrient_gmbh
Berliner Kurier, “Münchner Unternehmen liefert kein Banknotenpapier mehr an Simbabweâ€
http://www.berlinonline.de/aktuelles/politik/detail_afp_183059-TX-PKJ47.php
There is still the matter of the remaining 50% of Zim banknotes. But that’s for another day.
July 2nd, 2008 00:19
Well, thank you all for the comments; not one needed to be deleted. I actually thought after I posted that that a better title might have been ‘Hope has a hissy fit’.
July 2nd, 2008 00:30
To Hope: You just go right on doing what you’re doing, living up to your name. Every now and then a rant is healthy and necessary, given your situation (which is nearly unimaginable to me, thousands of miles away in comfortable suburban America).
Years ago (decades?) I encountered someone who probably would be one of these “Rhodies” described upthread. He seemed a perfectly charming and rugged chap, full of interesting stories about life in Africa. But then one afternoon at backyard barbecue the discussion (which started out to be about camping out in the bush) turned into an extremely uncomfortable airing-out of some surprising prejudices. This was during the time when Mandela was still in prison, and my ignorance about the general area of southern Africa got me into trouble merely because I expressed admiration for the man.
I was given that look too – the one that says “You know nothing about these people, they are worse than…” some offensive simile or other.
I would much rather learn about the people of Zimbabwe by reading this blog, and how their fortitude, grace and cheeky humor help them cope with the many difficulties of life there.
You go right on doing what you can, Hope, and send those nay-saying emails right to the bit-bucket.
July 2nd, 2008 00:39
This is an excellent website, some friends i’ve shown it to have been upset by the graphic photo’s but I argue that all media channels should be showing them. The international media has a duty to show the full horror of what is happening in your country. Perhaps then pressure will be stepped up even more. This is my main source of daily news on Zim, the BBC and Channel 4 here in the UK do report on your plight frquently but not to the same level of detail as on Sokwanele.
Arms embargo: China has already indicated it would not sign up to any embargo, not surprising as they are happily selling weapons of death and torture to the Mad Bob. With the Olympics looming and their paranoia about bad publicity, a well executed campaign revealing the extent of their ethical and moral bankruptcy in supporting probably the worlds most hated man might attract a lot of media attention.
I always objected to them getting the Olympics on human rights grounds, this just proves how low they will go. People should be aware of thier complicity with your oppressors. The Olympics would be an ideal platform to raise global awareness of their ongoing contribution to your violent and bloody oppression.
July 2nd, 2008 01:09
I lived in Zim for a few years until being deported by the govt. I was running a feeding programme, but of course no-one is hungry in Zim (officially at least) so I was clearly superfluous to requirements.
I get sick of hearing so called ‘analysts, ‘experts’ (x is the unknown quantity and spurt is a drip under pressure) et al talking about govt’s of national unity, negotiated exits for the desperate despot etc.
We all know that the only way the desperate despot is going is in a wooden box. Be it old age or a Kabila type exit, that is the only way he will give up power.
Thanks for your rant, it was timely and well put.
July 2nd, 2008 02:35
Yippee! Absolutely fantastic about Giesecke & Devrient.
Now where are the rest of the banknotes coming from? There are other suppliers..?
The brutal regime will have their smug smile wiped of their faces very soon.
July 2nd, 2008 03:03
Actually ..not so yippee, as where does that lead everyone’s lives there, will it get worse?
From an outsider in a free world, it is just incomprehensible and does not compute how you survive under those conditions.
The AU summit produced a meek & mild outcome. But Zimbabwe was hassled. Will the wrath of Frankenstein make things worse when he gets back?
July 2nd, 2008 05:30
WELL SAID THAT MAN !!!
July 2nd, 2008 08:05
Yes, let’s target the Chinese now. They have absolutely no scruples about propping up dictators like Mugabe in exchange for a quick buck, and the Olympics is a rare opportunity to get them to back off. Who can provide the dirt on the Chinese connection that will make the world media run with the story?
July 2nd, 2008 08:45
I strongly agree with you Sokwanele. I am sick and tired of both A and B especially B with its accusations of Zimbabweans being incapable of managing themselves, lacking political leadeership and guts. as you have rightfully said our problem is small a group of very rich and powerful people who will do anything to cling onto power. And when I say anything I mean ANYTHING.
The work you are doing is appreciated my many. This is one place I can count on daily for a reliable source of information and views on what is happening in my beloved country. The struggle continues
July 2nd, 2008 09:20
I am British and I was 12 years old when Zimbabwe gained its independence. It was the first international political event that really impinged on me, mainly I think because my parents were both following the struggle with such concern. In our home at least there was nothing but relief and hope for the future of your beautiful country (which I have since had the opportunity to visit – thank you!) and although both might now be a bit battered, you are always on our minds and in our hearts.
July 2nd, 2008 09:53
Hey Sokwanele
don’t worry about those comments you mentioned.
The world is more complex than some people believe and more and more people recognise it.
Keep up the work! The best I’ve seen so far. Your courage and work gave me the belief that you can do something even it’s little like mails and letters or spreading news.
Even yesterday I didn’t believe G&D would stop delivering paper for Zim. I’m really surprised and happy but hoping the future worsening situation will not affect only the ordinary people.
We will stay with you. As bad as it is this is a positive community here with good ideas and moral support let’s keep it up..
July 2nd, 2008 10:10
Dear Hope, Sokwanele & all others
I wish for the day, let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later, when we can all have a big party together & meet face to face.
All the best
July 2nd, 2008 10:31
tc
I can smell that day and Sokwanele, well done!
July 2nd, 2008 10:36
The conference at Lancaster House in 1979 was one of the first international political events that I remember.
As a Brit I see my role as being to do what I can to keep your struggle in the news at a time when there is potential for change – since the spotlight seems to be one thing that makes a difference.
I see the battle in terms of asserting liberal values everywhere (heaven knows we have a lot of little battles here too at the moment to stand for the same values in daily life – albeit not on a life and death scale).
I’ve been thinking about ways to remember those who have died, and I hope to be in touch later.
July 2nd, 2008 10:44
Ironically, I suspect that the “B” group is precisely the sort that Zanu love the most. Wasn’t part of the reason for their cynical assault on the Freeth/Campbell household was to incite all those old colonialist white sentiments? Zanu would love to tar all white opposition to them with that brush.
July 2nd, 2008 12:01
Well now, what do we have here? It seems as though the Liberator turned Dictator has done it again! Worry not, though. There are groups like the Lions Club (which I support)that provide much help to the people of Zimbabwe in various ways. I’m all for the everyday Zimbabwean who has to work hard to put food upon the table for His or Her family, and I keep praying that somehow, someway that Robert Mugabe’s “Mad Bob’s” days will be numbered, as he is indeed a power-hungry creep who cares nothing about his fellow countrymen and provides no example whatsoever of what a real leader should be. So I say to the above rant that it’s indeed time for a real solution to the problem in Zimbabwe to be tackled and taken by the horns. In this way Zimbabwe’s economy and well being can progress forward and be a great and viable nation with a responsible gouvernment, led by the will of the Zimbabwean People. Cheers!
July 2nd, 2008 14:32
Hi Sokwanele
You deserve to rant indeed. Point of reality though, is the fact that bigotry, nostalgia and bitterness can take control of a man’s soul to unbelievable extremes.
Thanks for this platform of debate. To me and certainly to others in my situation, this has proved to be a source of debate and a way to vent our frustrations in a therapeutic manner than what our Comrade masango is doing.He has never debated with anyone but only dictated.
See the difference? I am a better person who is persuaded by different view points than a single minded bitter attitude towards a tribe or a race. By the way, I was born in 1964 I grew up reading the AFRICAN TIMES in Mzilikazi. I read the Chronicle before and after it got taken over by you know who.
July 2nd, 2008 15:45
“cry the beloved country”
it’s sad to sit back (forcefully) and watch one man ruin such a beautifull, enriched country!
Please tell me why would one man want live in such deserted, perished ruins?