MUTSA MURENJE
Before independence in 1980, the majority of the population suffered appalling discrimination, humiliation and dispossession, with the colonialist settler regime constantly and consistently violating every human rights standard. This compelled ‘Sons and daughters of the Soil’ to forcefully seek freedom, equality, individual liberties and democracy. To realize these, they had to sacrifice their lives, families, education, livelihoods et cetera. And yet, it is tragically true that human rights are frequently and flagrantly violated in Zimbabwe, albeit, 28 years after independence! Since independence, there have been setbacks, with innumerable legal limitations imposed on our rights. It is against this background that I advance the thesis that Robert Mugabe, the octogenarian tyrant (not sanctions), has made life miserable for us. Sanctions have nothing to do with the current mess.
Prominent nationalists like Chitepo, Mangena, Takawira and Sithole were people of faith, of integrity, of perseverance – the difficulties they faced were legion, and one might have thought, insurmountable. But they persisted, ever faithful to the cause for a free, just and democratic Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe was established. But they hoped to establish and regulate a free Zimbabwe in which the young would be educated, the sick would be treated, and the hungry-would be fed.
Today finds Zimbabwe faced with additional problems - dictatorship, oppression, repression, corruption, poverty, hyperinflation, unemployment, AIDS, and a myriad of others common to the modern world. Will those working here today have the faith, the integrity, and the perseverance to overcome as those earlier nationalists? We pray to God that they, and those who follow to carry on the work, will not be found wanting. This has to be especially when taking into account the fact that Zimbabwe is in the intensive care unit and requires medical treatment of a patient who is dangerously ill, with constant supervision. But what’s your point? Some are asking.
My point is: Mugabe betrayed the struggle for independence. His behaviour is a complete negation and betrayal of what the liberation struggle was all about. We were removed from a hard world only to be dumped into a far worse one. Don’t be fooled that Mugabe is defending the ‘gains’ of the struggle. He wants to safeguard the narrow interests of the ruling elite, their ill-gotten wealth at the expense of the whole nation! But why? The answer is simple. Mugabe has become godless as a result of the merciless onslaught of materialism. He has not only become a real danger to society but also to himself. Mugabe is a threatening menace to our peace, security, progress and development. But we all know, don’t we, that oppression remains oppression no matter what the skin or ethnicity of the oppressor. It doesn’t become more palatable simply because one recognizes heir tongue or skin in the dictator. One, therefore, must either be with the struggling people or with the oppressing government. There are no other choices. I have chosen to be with the struggling people rather than the oppressing government.
Serious cases of unlawful assault and killing, kidnapping, torture, destruction of property and the like are key features of the Mugabe regime. Sanctions have nothing to do with these. Threats, degradation, torture, violence, and savage cruelty are largely a result of Mugabe’s insatiable desire for power. And yet we, as citizens, have a right to participate freely in politics and make decisions about how we are governed, without being threatened or intimidated. Our political rights include the right to vote, to think freely, to express our opinions in the newspaper, over radio and TV, on the phone, and by letters and e-mails, without hindrances or harassment. Linked to this is the right to privacy; we don’t want our personal communication to be intercepted. When we think that something is wrong, we want to exercise our right to hold peaceful demonstrations, without being tear-gassed, beaten up, arrested or shot. We need to be protected from the illegal regime of Robert Mugabe’s ally! In conclusion, pragmatism is more appropriate, or safer in the circumstances of our country. I rest my case.
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HOW MUCH LONGER WILL IT TAKE SADC, AU AND UN TO DEAL WITH MUGABE ?
MUTSA MURENJE
Zimbabwe emits a constant groaning, a cry for redemption and restoration, but very often we ignore the message until suffering forces us to attend. It is my humble submission in this contribution that political renewal and economic regeneration will only be realized when a sturdy position is taken against Robert Mugabe and his evil regime. For this reason we, the oppressed and suffering people of Zimbabwe torment ourselves with this question: How much longer will it take SADC, AU and UN to deal with Mugabe? We haven’t slept at all in years. It’s been so long since we’ve had peace. What can we do to make you understand us, what can we do to make you care?
The MDC was, is and will always be a people’s project. They seek nothing but the interests of the people of Zimbabwe. This explains why their objective is simply a peaceful resolution to the crisis that respects the will of the people as expressed on March 29, 2008. For the record, the June 27 ‘election’ lacks authenticity and a connection with real life and real people. It’s an imaginary election and because of this, Mugabe remains illegimate not only yesterday but also today, tomorrow and forever more! This we know in excruciating detail. As a result, no amount of lies and verbiage will endear us to the illegitimate head of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Mugabe is not our president, Tsvangirai is !
The MDC promises to stop the political bickering and fighting that waste so much of the nation’s wealth. That will mean the end of political violence that takes the cream of the nation’s youth and, afterwards, send them back with large numbers crippled, having hands, arms or legs amputated, perhaps blind or, worse, in the form of lifeless corpses. Those who live in a New Zimbabwe will all be peace- loving persons. With peace prevailing countrywide, wonderful things, can then be accomplished for the good of all people in Zimbabwe.
Having Morgan Tsvangirai as the President of Zimbabwe means that the rich produce of the land will be enjoyed by all persons, wherever they may live. No more in this country will we see starving children with bloated bellies and shriveled arms, as is true in many parts of the country today. Furthermore, it is poignantly painful to come to terms with the fact that Robert Mugabe has denied us the chance, the opportunity to enjoy, the springtime of our life and to get the best out of it.
We want to build the qualities that will bring us the greatest happiness possible, both now and in future. We want to use our youth to get a fine start on the road to life, not just to a few decades of life in the present dying, decaying system of things, but to eternal life in the freshness of youthful vigor on God’s paradise earth.
SADC, AU and UN intervention is therefore a functional prerequisite in that it will help Mugabe realize that something is wrong with a life of war and violence and human tragedy. Mugabe lacks sanity which the US court system defines as the ability to discern between good and evil. It has to be made known that true fulfillment comes, not through ego satisfaction , but through service to others. In conclusion, ‘Think too of all who suffer as if you shared their pain’ – Hebrews 13: 3 (J.B Phillips).