Thursday, January 31, 2008

My fascination with books.

Growing up in Gwabalanda/Luveve surbub in the mid eighties, I still remember vividly the days I spent going through the book shelves at a local public library. Needless to say that I had began my education in the rural areas where there were no libraries at all. In those days the Bulawayo City council took great care of its facilities. The Luveve library was one of them. I first visited the library when I was in the company of a friend Peter. He was already a member there. In my mind I thought the library membership was out of reach for people poor people like myself. I was amazed to learn that with the little pocket money, I could be a member and enjoy the privileges of the library. The only problem I had was that in order for me to join the library I needed produce a rent card for our house. This would help the library authorities verify my residents. To be honest I did not know such a thing existed and I was afraid to tell my parents home.

When I finally got the guts to mention the subject I was glad they did not have a problem with that. As time went by, going to the library became a hobby for me. We were given two weeks at most to finish a minimum of two books. That to me was a very long time and most of the times I would return the books within one or two days. Being a fourth grader I read books like Tom Sawyer, Tales from the Arabian Nights, Nancy Drew, The Hard boys. Some were simple Bible stories. I even read books about different countries of the world. It was at that age that I learned that India and Pakistan put together makes one third of the world's population. I could read anything my eyes came across. One of my favorite books was titled "The magic bean stalk." I read it over a dozen times.

It was one of the tales, but being young and immature I believed it. As a matter of fact I never knew that there was something called fiction. I was to be disappointed when I learnt that my favorite story was a lie. When I got to form one I was had already graduated into Pacesetters. There are only a handful of them that I did not read. The only time I did not read much was on the last years of my high school, this was because of the load of school work I used to have.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

FAIR ELECTIONS STILL A FAIRYTALE IN ZIM.

In order for free and fair elections to be achieved in Zimbabwe there is need for ground work to be laid first. Whether we agree or not that the majority have ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, we must agree that elections have taken place every five years. There are a lot of things that needs fixed in Zimbabwe if the dream of fair and free elections is to be realised. Zimbabwe's ruling party has abused the democratic system to its advantage. In every election there should be losers and winners and that is a fact. The point here is that in a true democratic society the losers are respected regardless. Since Independence in 1980 the rulers have sought to eliminate the opposition so that they can rule forever.

This is a country that have seen people beaten to death for their political choices. The political playing field is not level. The state media is used for the benefit of the ruling party. The ordinary people do not have a voice. People are victimised in many ways for expressing their opinions. There is freedom of speech but no freedom after speech. Independent newspapers had their licences revoked. The government watch dogs like the C.I.O are all over, sniffing anybody who is not a member of the party. Promotions in public service and other institutions are given to the ruling party 's faithfuls. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army are openly patriotic to the ruling party. Without connections to anybody in the ruling party one cannot survive in any business they do.

The late Vice President of Zimbabwe C.D.E Simon Muzenda used to say Z.A.N.U PF will rule until donkeys have horns. In those days there was no meaningful challenge other that PF Z.A.P.U which off course they tried by all means to crush. The rulers divided the country and the people they ruled for the above mentioned reason. They did this using the privileges of democracy yet they destroyed that same democracy. They put measures in place to make sure their purpose is fulfilled by all means. In other words the Robert Mugabe democratically elected regime does not care if there is democracy or not. Zimbabwe has had the same person as the Registrar General for as long as the country has had the name. The party is stronger than the whole nation put together. The people report to the party and not vice verse.

The new opposition groups must be informed that its not democracy as usual in Zimbabwe. Most MDC people are former Z.A.N.U PF sons and daughters who have not experienced serious persecution before. They are former beneficiaries of that system so much that for them it will be like testing their own medicine. They have to undo the evil they help perpetrate on the people of Matabeleland and Midlands in the mid 80s. Most were in the classrooms in different colleges and universities advancing their academic lives when some people were butchered for that democracy. Some were the militias thereof. The man Robert Mugabe himself prides himself for I quote, "a track record in pondering our enemies." When it comes to power the man will do anything to consolidate it. When he was killing and persecuting the people of Matabeleland and Midlands he thought he was doing it for his people in Mashonaland. He thought that was heroism. Nobody told him any better.

He made sure that his own people benefited for supporting him in crushing rebellion in the South. He would never had expected opposition from his own. He never dreamt of a day when his own people who sang loud praises of him would betray him. He was the father and they were the children. Even though they knew the truth they could not afford to speak it because their mouths were full. In Africa it is a taboo to speak when your mouth is full. He gave them the best he could. For them to start pointing at his faults is not only forgetting where they come from but also an unforgivable sin." Betrayal" The opposition factions within and outside ZANU PF must remember where they came from. They must count their blessings. If for sure they are repented they must denounce their boss past heroic deeds. They must be reminded that it is they and their fathers who helped bury any hopes of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.

When Morgan Tsangirayi was asked the question, When did you realise that Mugabe was heading the wrong way? The former Trade unionist leader replied, "In 1998". All along he was loyal to party and the Boss. Its not just him but many people are on the same boat. However I respect the man Morgan because he has stood for something bigger that himself unlike most Zimbabweans. He has risked his life several times for his beliefs. He is better than The Simba Makonis of this world because they are cowards and have never stood for anything. There is no easier way to free and fair elections. The opposition must clearly denounce violence and not only that but also press that the government open an inquiry into the Gukurahundi sixth brigade atrocities of the eighties. The only way forward is the way backwards. If one is not free all are not free. We have avoided the Kenya experience but we are worse than the Kenyans. The Kenyans would rather be dead that live like Zimbabweans.

Monday, January 21, 2008

U.S. STRUGGLES TO REVIVE KING'S VISION.

Those of us who note things down often run the risk of being called various names by those benefit from the people's ignorance. We often apologise for saying the truth. The truth that people know is the truth that liberates them. One dictionary describe the truth as the highest form of reality. There is a difference between the reality that we experience and the reality that we long for. For example knowing that you are the heir to some fortune does not change your life. What changes one's life is experiencing and benefiting from that fortune. To put it simple knowing that you used to have plenty to eat in the past is not a guarantee that one will not starve in future. There is a lot that we treasure from our past. There is a lot that inspires us from the previous generations. The language and the culture of any people is as good as their identity. Anybody who thinks that the victories of the past will propel them into the future must be very careful. Having said that, how then do we draw the line between the success of history and the defeats of our present day.

Imagine being somebody who lived in one of the great cities in the world like Jerusalem. This is a royal city of the past and of the future. When we think about Jerusalem we think of gold and so on. (Read the Bible in Revelation from the first chapter to the last). However in the same city resides some of the poorest people in the whole world. This is not spiritually.This is a natural and real flesh and blood observation. As a matter of fact we are not all spiritual we are also flesh and blood. Spirituality is a greater part of our beings without any doubt. The picture that I have been trying to paint above is exactly the way I feel about the Civil Rights Movement in America today. There is a huge generation gap between the youth and adults. The struggles and the gains of the post civil rights movement cannot be accounted for.

Someone one said, " the reason why history repeats itself is that so many were not listening the first time." United States of America like Africa has not stepped up to the challenges of the present yet being preoccupied with the past. The celebrated civil rights pioneer, the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr dedicated his life to challenging and changing stereo types and status quot in America. He did not only talk the talk he walked the walk. The only thing he is known for today is his speech. "I HAVE A DREAM" Not many people know more than that sentence. America today stands condemned because they have forgotten the foundations and resources that brought about the freedoms we enjoy today. This generation has not only forgotten the sacrifices and the work of the civil rights movement but also neglected the cause.

Crime is rampant among black people. Over two million black man are in prison. That is like putting the whole population of Botswana in jail. Not all of them are guilty of any crime. Racial discrimination is still alive and kicking. The black neighbourhood is drug infested. The black community makes the worst of every negatives statistics. Politicians use Dr Martin Luther King Jr as a tool to further their ambitions. Only on his day do they recite his speech. The gap between rich and the poor is alarming. Only a handful of blacks enjoy the plain field that the slain civil rights leader fought and gave his life for. Even The President George W Bush admits that there is a lot of be done. The question now is "What then is the way forward? For us to find the way forward we must put ourselves in the shoes of the man Dr Martin Luther King Jr himself. What would he say if he was here today?

No doubt that America is still giving us a bad cheque. The progress that was brought about the days of marching and protest is still a pipe dream. The freedoms thereof have become a weapon against us. Young people do not know where they are coming from and therefore do not know where they are going. We have to work hard to fulfil the dreams of the patriarchs. These freedoms did not come on a silver plate. Let freedom reign.

Friday, January 18, 2008

WHO REALLY WAS JOSHUA NKOMO?

When it comes to the man Joshua Nkomo's legacy, history and achievements a lot of people have different opinions. Who was really was this man and what was his philosophy? Was he a champion of the people or not. Was he a unit er of the people or not. Mdala remains a mystery to the younger generations. Some people think he was an imperialist, yet to us he seemed to be a nationalist. How can the youth connect the ideas of the freedom fighters. What lessons can we learn from the movement. Could it be that Father Zimbabwe is misunderstood?

What position should he have taken at famous Lancaster House agreement? Did the British use him? Did he lose connection with the people. Did he listen to the people or did he just did not care. Was he right to stop Ntumbane. What happened to ZAPU properties? Is there any one person who can attempt to shed light on the life and legacy of this man?

Sunday, January 6, 2008

GUNMAN NOT ZIMBABWEAN AFTER ALL.

The Indianapolis man who surrendered himself to the police for allegedly committing the New year 's first homicide was not a Zimbabwean after all. The man who appeared on the several news channels must have shocked Zimbabweans in Indianapolis since his name is Sunungura Rusununguko. A black man with a Shona name and surname would no doubt come from Zimbabwe. Not in this case. After an independent investigation I found out that the man was born and raised here in Marion county and has no ties completely with the above mentioned country.

It is confusing why an ex football player for the Indianapolis Fire birds without any criminal record would end up committing such an offense. The dread locked thirty year old man with two daughters had a long football career even though he was inactive because of injuries for some time. He was also honored as an MVP in college for an outstanding football career. Also a wrestling champion in Franklin Central High School. He later earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in social work from Ball State college.

It is said that he was born William Chelsey but his father decided to change his name to Rusunguko Sunungura after befriending a Zimbabwean man at college. Both names means freedom and liberty respectively in Shona. Police were on manhunt for the cold blooded murder who surrendered himself a few days later.He went on record as he committed the first homicide of the year on the New year's eve. The man is custody of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department. I just thought this might be of interest to Zimbabweans in Indy.

Friday, January 4, 2008

CAN KENYANS DELIVER THEMSELVES?

" One time you are sitting under an air conditioned office and the next moment you are fleeing for you life without shoes on your feet," Other than that we are normal like the rest of the world. This is how I summed it up for a co worker of mine who kept asking me about life in the motherland. The ongoing civil and political unrest in the East African nation of Kenya has once again proved that anything is possible in Africa. Kenya of all the countries in Africa should have known better. Kenya has enjoyed peace and prosperity thanks to its so called democratic society. The country founded by one of Africa's most revered sons Jomo Kenyatta over half a century ago has suddenly proved ordinary. A lot of people were shocked to hear that one of the largest tourist destinations in Africa is in Chaos.

Not too long ago Nairobi was considered the central part of Africa. This was before the liberation of the nation of South Africa. Most flights to Zimbabwe in particular used to connect in Kenya before heading to Europe and elsewhere. Needless to say the corruption in Kenya has been rampant for many years. One time Kenya was considered one of the most corrupt governments in Africa. The stability of this country made it a better alley of United States especially in the fight against terrorism. Kenya's position in the east Africa is one that is unique given that the neighbours in Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea have for years been going through wars. Kenya is a home to most refugees of these countries. Given all this background most were fooled, as for me I knew it was a matter of time.

One of my favourite saying is this " The reason why history repeats itself is that so many people were not listening the first time". The learning experience must never end. To me Kenya was no different from Zimbabwe and still isn't. In our pursuit of better living we must never be caught off guard. All African countries must find a way of dealing with the differences among themselves. Portraying a good fake image to the world will not help us. Most countries that look stable are no better than a volcano brewing under the earth. The Kenyans have been playing this false image game for too long. The A.N.C of South Africa must learn from this. Zimbabwe tried this game. For a moment they fooled the world but not for long. "You cannot hide something with horn in bag," goes the saying.

We pay dearly for building on the sand. We end up resorting to the extreme measures AK 47. Anybody who thinks the sound of gunfire is the solution to problems need to think twice. Being a child of war myself I can attest to that. Whenever I hear the sound of the gun my stomach gets loose. I still remember clearly as If it was yesterday when we lived in the village in Lupinyu area in Victoria falls. The bus Pullen and Sons was burnt and there was no transport to leave the area. The bus driver and the conductor were never found. My mother and my grandfather's family and I all left everything, taking the clothes which were on our skins. One of the boys was shot and killed on his way to school. His name was Bernard having just started his first grade. We were lucky we managed to escape unharmed even though my grandfather left my grandmother there and the two never lived together ever since.My Grandfather was the headman of the area was on a hit list of the Rhodesian soldiers.

All this was just before Independence (1977 or 79 there about). However years later after Independence in 1983 we had to flee our home in Lower Gweru in the same fashion. This was an ethnic cleansing. I was doing my third grade when one day a group of militants called the youth came to our school and demanded to speak on our assembly. The school was divided into two groups. All grades five to seven were taken away for training. At first all this looked like a joke but the days that followed were going to be hell on earth. People were killed, some were taken away from their homes and never found. Some were beaten thoroughly by the youths. Every male of high school age was considered a dissident. Many were buried in mass graves. This was now a different war. War against the civilians. Pregnant women were butchered openly.

As for us we had survived because of our Shona relatives who adapted us when the going got tougher. Any Ndebele speaking people were persecuted. To this day the people of Bhembe area in Lower Gweru still do no want to talk about this period of time. They just say "Akuthule ngalokhu mtanami". Its been said that the oppression of Africans against another is more severe. African people have no respect for each others blood. I wish these statements were false but sadly they are true. It remains to be seen if Kenyans will deliver themselves from self.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

KENYA IS ON FIRE!

Hundreds of people are feared dead in the east African country of Kenya following the recent Presidential elections. The country that for a long time has been seen as a peaceful democratic country has been rocked by looting and violence. The riots are so fierce that if something is not done immediately thousand will die since already many are homeless. The Raila and Kibaki parties must resolve this crisis. What seems to make the whole thing difficult is the fact that these parties are tribally affiliated.

Kikuyu support the incumbent President Kibaki while the Luos support Mr Raila Odinga. The massive violence looting ,killings and property distraction has left many cities empty. Places like Kisumu, Mombasa and some other large cities. The outrageous wave of violence has not spared even those taking refugee in churches. Today fifty people were burnt to death seeking shelter from a church. The incumbent President Mr Kibaki did not waste time to be inaugurated just a day after the election. The Raila camp is still pressing for clear documented results from the election commission. Kenya has been a haven for thousands of Somalians fleeing political persecution back home.