Tuesday, April 18, 2006 – Independence Day (Ha ha the joke’s on us)
How I wish that I could slip down a hole at the bottom of the garden to escape the reality of Zimbabwe, 2006. Alas, no luck for us Zimbabweans, for ours is a deep, dark hole, one that allows no escape, for our chasm’s slippery sides prevent any exit to the path of freedom.
Was Alice’s dream world, with reality turned upside down, a nightmare or a reflection of the real world? Zimbabwe, like Wonderland, is a place where Queens can move swiftly and freely, kings move (and do) very little, and Alice, as a pawn, moves steadily straight ahead.
Allow me to indulge my inner life of fantasy and visit a land where knaves are rightfully imprisoned, evil kings dethroned, goodness abounds … enter this land of harmony with me.
“WonderZim – A Land that Could Have Been…”
I woke up early this morning to make sure I got a good seat at the stadium to proudly celebrate Zim’s 26th Birthday bash. The city’s spotless streets were abuzz with excitement for 26 years on, what an amazing place we live in.
Our freedom hero, rgm, stepped down from power six years ago paving the way for true multi-party democracy in this jewel nation of ours. We are a beacon of hope for the rest of our continent, a model for all to emulate. True to his word, our honourable ex-head of government created a nation of peace and harmony.
Free health and education, housing for all, jobs for all, a thriving economy, our agricultural sector a shining example of shared skills with an effective plan put in place to ensure land for all, backed up with great infrastructure and support services. The economy is vibrant, our streets are packed with tourists, many here to share a great line up of musicians and entertainers from the length and breadth of Africa to be followed by the football challenge of the year.
Children, linked arm in arm, skipped down the street as I passed them by, spontaneously breaking into song to celebrate their love for their country. Their fat, shiny faces a symbol of hope reflecting our country’s health and prosperity.
At the stadium, I finally made it, after hours spent in the carnival mood of long winding traffic to the main arena. The atmosphere was electric for the rest of the world’s cameras were there to record Africa’s quintessential success story. Messages of congratulation poured in from every corner of the planet ensuring our place in history as the African nation that marked the end of tyranny on our continent. Democracy groups, civil rights groups, every group dedicated to the dream of social equality and progress was there.
It was a party to beat all parties, the people of Zimbabwe united, regardless of colour, creed or race, regardless of political affiliation, age or social standing.
I love my Zimbabwe, how proud I am.
THE DREAM ENDS HERE, NOW FOR A REALITY CHECK… ZIMBABWE 2006
- Inflation – highest in the world at over 900%
- Health care – collapsed
- Education – all but collapsed
- Unemployment – highest in the world at over 80%
- Housing – destroyed at whim
- Agriculture – breadbasket to basket case
- Independence Day Celebrations - what’s to celebrate?
But, it was fun to dream…
Ever drifting down the stream –
Lingering in the golden gleam –
Life, what is it but a dream?Lewis Carroll
April 19th, 2006 21:57
There is a “path to freedom” and economic prosperity, ‘Still Here,’ but it is not found in Marxism or socialism. Marxism is the philosophy of repression and socialism is the philosophy of impoverishment. To find the path to freedom and prosperity, turn towards the middle.
‘Be free’
April 21st, 2006 16:36
Perhaps Zimbabwe should take some lessons from Nepal. Protests 100,000 strong finally unseated the king. The Bible says “Love knows no fear”. In order to conquer the evil in your nation you may need to stand fearlessly against it in a non-violent (loving) way.
And never give up hope! The day of victory will come.
April 18th, 2006 22:00
A Happy Independence Day?
Today is Zimbabwe's independence day, marking 26 years of misrule, decline, and oppression. This address from Arthur Mutambara, an opposition leader associated with the Movement for Democratic Change, sums up my feelings beautifully. Twenty six ye…
April 19th, 2006 10:50
[...] Zimbabwean blog, This is Zimbabwe comments on this years Indpendence “celebrations” stating there is nothing to celebrate with high inflation, a collapsed health service and education system and high unemployment. [...]