A valuable lesson
Friends and family abroad always ask me why I choose to live in Zimbabwe. “Leave now, start afresh, there is nothing left for you there.” When I see friends who I have not seen for some time, the common greeting is “You still here?” followed by “Are you going?” and then the usual pros and cons of living abroad. So, why do I choose to stay here? Its simple. I was born here and this is my home; I will not be forced out against my will.
But living in a country like this, where there is poverty and sickness and mass starvation all around you is not easy. The people are suffering, the animals are suffering - we’re all innocent victims of one pathetic old man; robert mugabe! Some days the pure sadness is overwhelming. My darkest day happened about a year ago. I was in my car, parked outside a bakery just getting ready to drive off. A scuffle took place inside the shop and I witnessed the security guard who was manning the door physically throw a lady out of the bakery. She was middle aged, dirty and dishevelled. In one hand she held an assortment of scruffy plastic bags filled with her possessions, and in the other she clutched a LARGE bundle of $100 bills. Standing on the pavement about a meter away from the bakery, she collapsed into great big sobs. Gut wrenching cries came from deep down inside her.
I realised what had happened (which I later confirmed with the bakery staff). She had saved up her money (acquired probably through hours of begging on the streets) and proudly went into the bakery to purchase a loaf of bread. Not realising that the price had increased, she did not have enough cash with her and she argued the price. They physically threw her out. On that day, I was able to help: I purchased two loaves of bread for her and we both stood on the pavement outside the bakery and cried together.
I don’t have much to give but that day, I had enough to change that lady’s life (if only for a few hours). I have never seen her again; I often wonder where she is today. Did she become one of bob’s starvation victims or has she found sanctuary somewhere? In my heart I hope she is alive and well, but my brain tells me otherwise. Realistically, I know her chances of survival are slim. This is the cruelty of life under the rule of mugabe. When I have any doubt as to whether I should be living in Zimbabwe, I think of that day and remember how fortunate I am in life. I look forward to the day when we get beyond this evil bitter little man robert mugabe.
