Zimbabwe is a beautiful country ruined by greedy clueless people!
This morning when I was listening to the vice president Constantino Chiwenga officiating at a business conference at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair - taking place in our second largest city Bulawayo - my mind was carried back three decades ago.
Tendai Ruben Mbofana
I recalled a boy scouting trip we made in August 1989 to the small southern African country of Swaziland (now eSwathini) – whereby, on our way back, we had an overnight stay at a hotel in then apartheid South Africa’s Johannesburg, which was a truly world-class glamorous city at that time.
As we were still young boys (I was 16 years old), and donning scout uniforms – we typically attracted quite a lot of attention, at which some curious South Africans were eager to know more about who we were, what we did, and where we came from.
Of course, they were also itching to hear what we thought about their country – which, they were obviously quite proud of – to which I boldly responded, “South Africa is a very beautiful place, but your politics suck!”
I honestly did not know how they were going to react to such a cheeky statement – considering that this was at the height of political tensions, with the fervent fight against the unjust and cruel segregatory system of apartheid – but, this was me, someone who spoke his mind without any fear or favour, and believed that it was always imperative to say what people needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear.
After gazing at me for what seemed an eternity (although, it probably was just a few seconds) – with expressionless faces, that did not betray what was on their minds – a smile finally began to form on one of the South Africans’ face, which morphed into a hearty laugh, and eventually a friendly pat of my back, at which he simply nodded his head.
These images played out again in my mind this morning, as Chiwenga went on and on about how our country (and, the African continent) were richly blessed with abundant resources, which needed to be shared equitably for all the people’s benefit.
As I listened to these obviously insincere comments, I could not help wondering why we were so poor, to begin with – yet, being in a country possessing some of the most sought-after treasures of this world?
Why were the likes of Chiwenga himself, and those in the country’s ruling elite, filthy rich and rolling in dough (as we would say in our youth) – whilst, millions of Zimbabweans wallowed in abject poverty, and unable to meet even their basic needs?
Was this not as a result of their proximity to political power, which has enabled them to flex their muscles for their own aggrandizement – grabbing the best land for themselves, ensuring privileged access to crucial inputs and the most sophisticated machinery, as well as forcing their way into huge business deals in diamonds, gold, and other precious minerals?
Is the reason for the untold impoverishment and suffering of nearly 76% of the country’s population (living below the poverty datum line) not the fact that we are no where near the reins of power – and as such, excluded and marginalized from the fat of the land, and this phenomenal wealth Zimbabwe has been endowed?
The main crisis we have in this country is not necessarily economic, but political – originating from a ruling class that is more interesting in enriching themselves at the expense of the rest of the citizenry.
This is no different from the apartheid policies that I came face to face with, on this visit to South Africa in 1989 – whereby, it was glaringly obvious how the vast majority were alienated in their own country, and abandoned on the sidelines of both the economic and political landscape.
This was not an economic issue – but, strictly a political one – as their country was, as still is, also wealthy, but the majority poor.
As I told my small captive audience in South Africa those decades ago – I will repeated it today to my own leaders – Zimbabwe is a beautiful country, but the politics suck!
We are reigned over by a greedy, selfish, and clueless group of people – who do not care about the citizenry’s welfare and wellbeing – rather opting to unleash savage brutality against those who dare speak out, and stand up, as they voice their objection and resistance in the face of unmitigated oppression and subjugation.
Zimbabwe is not in desperate need of sound economic policies – no, not at all – but, desperately needs a new breed of leaders, who put the interests of the people first!
We already have the wealth – so, there is nothing much that is required on the economic front – except, for these riches to be equitably shared, and benefit the wider population.
Our ruling elite is already benefiting – so, why can’t we?
Is it better being oppressed by one’s own race than by those of a different colour?
I found a news report I came across recently - on the outrage surrounding a New Zealand-based "Rhodesia Museum", established in 2018 by a grouping calling itself the Rhodesia Services Association - quite intriguing.
29.4.2022
by Tendai Ruben Mbofana
The historical exhibition, named Lion and Tusk Museum, drew angry criticism from several quarters, especially some Zimbabweans now resident in this Oceanian country – who, understandably and justifiably did not take kindly to what they perceived as the glorification of this colonial period, describing it as “disgusting and offensive”.
They likened the audacious touting of this dark period in our country’s history – which these voices of dissent characterized as “white supremacism” – to apartheid in South Africa, and the Holocaust (whereby, over six million Jews were savagely massacred by the Nazi regime in Germany and other occupied European countries in the 1930s and 40s).
The Lion and Tusk Museum is said to house artefacts including guns, machetes, bayonets, flags, military uniforms, medals, and other memorabilia of the Rhodesian army – which, a spokesperson said was aimed at preserving “the military history of Rhodesia” from its colonial beginnings in the 1890s until its transition to majority rule and name-change to Zimbabwe in 1980.
The main bone of contention against this display of Rhodesian military prowess appears to be the apparent one-sided glorification of the military – with scant acknowledgment of its role in maintaining colonial rule and oppression of the black majority.
As far as I can tell, these arguments against the museum are valid, since they have profound merit.
The reason being that – as someone who loves studying history – I have always been a firm believer in the need for any history to be told in its fullest and entirety, without leaving anything out (be it good or bad), if it is to be taken seriously.
There is no way, for instance, if my history is ever to be recorded or narrated, for this to be done without including everything that I have done wrong, as well as all I did right.
Any biased and managed recording of a past event, period, or the total accumulation of the developments connected with a particular nation, person, or thing – can never genuinely be described as history.
It can be called propaganda – but, definitely not history.
However, what I also find disingenuous is the world’s obsession with racial subjugation as the only purely distasteful, repulsive, and unacceptable type of oppression – that we should all stand up, and speak out against with all our might – at the expense of any other forms, particularly when blacks subjugate other black people.
Although this is only conjecture, I wonder just how “disgusting and offensive” a museum showcasing only the good and beauty of post-independence Zimbabwe would have been considered – yet, failing to honestly touch on the 1980s Gukurahundi genocide (whereby, the military brutally murdered over 20,000 innocent unarmed civilians of Ndebele ethnicity), or the 2008 post-election butchering of hundreds of suspected opposition supporters, or the beating up, abduction, torturing, and raping of perceived anti-government voices.
If we were to have such an exhibition, say in New Zealand, touting the successes and development in post-independence Zimbabwe – glaringly ignoring the dark unenviable side of this murderous past – would we have witnessed the same levels of “disgust and offense” and outrage, as experienced with the Lion and Tusk Museum?
I think not!
This is an issue I have always had with those of us who claim to fight against oppression and human right abuses.
It is rather disturbing that the world we live in today appears more “disgusted and offended” by white-on-black rights violations – yet, exhibit a more laid back, lackluster response, more in the form of a half-hearted slap on the wrist, when it comes to black-on-black repression.
As someone who was born in colonial Rhodesia, and spent my adult life in independent Zimbabwe – subjugation, segregation, and economic marginalization by a whiteman is just as harmful and painful as by a blackman.
The velocity of a bullet from a gun held by a black dictator, is just as damaging as that from a white oppressor.
In fact, it can be more hurtful coming from a fellow black brother or sister – since, these are own kith and kin, from whom we expect better – than someone of a different colour, race, or creed.
I am sure there is nothing more traumatic than being betrayed, made to suffer, and even killed by one’s own family – whom we expect a bond of love and oneness – than an “outsider”.
I actually find it incredibly ridiculous that a white person can call me a “Kaffir” right now, I swiftly post that online, and immediate ignite global outrage and outcry aimed against this racism.
Yet, a black leader can loot (with his family and dubious hangers-on) our country’s resources – leaving millions of Zimbabweans wallowing in abject poverty – and, solicit not much in terms of reaction, should I post that online.
Let us not be hypocritical, and treat the issue of oppression with double standards – since subjugation by a fellow blackman deserves condemnation as that from a whiteman, as they are both “disgusting and offensive”.
I found a news report I came across recently - on the outrage surrounding a New Zealand-based "Rhodesia Museum", established in 2018 by a grouping calling itself the Rhodesia Services Association - quite intriguing.
29.4.2022
by Tendai Ruben Mbofana
The historical exhibition, named Lion and Tusk Museum, drew angry criticism from several quarters, especially some Zimbabweans now resident in this Oceanian country – who, understandably and justifiably did not take kindly to what they perceived as the glorification of this colonial period, describing it as “disgusting and offensive”.
They likened the audacious touting of this dark period in our country’s history – which these voices of dissent characterized as “white supremacism” – to apartheid in South Africa, and the Holocaust (whereby, over six million Jews were savagely massacred by the Nazi regime in Germany and other occupied European countries in the 1930s and 40s).
The Lion and Tusk Museum is said to house artefacts including guns, machetes, bayonets, flags, military uniforms, medals, and other memorabilia of the Rhodesian army – which, a spokesperson said was aimed at preserving “the military history of Rhodesia” from its colonial beginnings in the 1890s until its transition to majority rule and name-change to Zimbabwe in 1980.
The main bone of contention against this display of Rhodesian military prowess appears to be the apparent one-sided glorification of the military – with scant acknowledgment of its role in maintaining colonial rule and oppression of the black majority.
As far as I can tell, these arguments against the museum are valid, since they have profound merit.
The reason being that – as someone who loves studying history – I have always been a firm believer in the need for any history to be told in its fullest and entirety, without leaving anything out (be it good or bad), if it is to be taken seriously.
There is no way, for instance, if my history is ever to be recorded or narrated, for this to be done without including everything that I have done wrong, as well as all I did right.
Any biased and managed recording of a past event, period, or the total accumulation of the developments connected with a particular nation, person, or thing – can never genuinely be described as history.
It can be called propaganda – but, definitely not history.
However, what I also find disingenuous is the world’s obsession with racial subjugation as the only purely distasteful, repulsive, and unacceptable type of oppression – that we should all stand up, and speak out against with all our might – at the expense of any other forms, particularly when blacks subjugate other black people.
Although this is only conjecture, I wonder just how “disgusting and offensive” a museum showcasing only the good and beauty of post-independence Zimbabwe would have been considered – yet, failing to honestly touch on the 1980s Gukurahundi genocide (whereby, the military brutally murdered over 20,000 innocent unarmed civilians of Ndebele ethnicity), or the 2008 post-election butchering of hundreds of suspected opposition supporters, or the beating up, abduction, torturing, and raping of perceived anti-government voices.
If we were to have such an exhibition, say in New Zealand, touting the successes and development in post-independence Zimbabwe – glaringly ignoring the dark unenviable side of this murderous past – would we have witnessed the same levels of “disgust and offense” and outrage, as experienced with the Lion and Tusk Museum?
I think not!
This is an issue I have always had with those of us who claim to fight against oppression and human right abuses.
It is rather disturbing that the world we live in today appears more “disgusted and offended” by white-on-black rights violations – yet, exhibit a more laid back, lackluster response, more in the form of a half-hearted slap on the wrist, when it comes to black-on-black repression.
As someone who was born in colonial Rhodesia, and spent my adult life in independent Zimbabwe – subjugation, segregation, and economic marginalization by a whiteman is just as harmful and painful as by a blackman.
The velocity of a bullet from a gun held by a black dictator, is just as damaging as that from a white oppressor.
In fact, it can be more hurtful coming from a fellow black brother or sister – since, these are own kith and kin, from whom we expect better – than someone of a different colour, race, or creed.
I am sure there is nothing more traumatic than being betrayed, made to suffer, and even killed by one’s own family – whom we expect a bond of love and oneness – than an “outsider”.
I actually find it incredibly ridiculous that a white person can call me a “Kaffir” right now, I swiftly post that online, and immediate ignite global outrage and outcry aimed against this racism.
Yet, a black leader can loot (with his family and dubious hangers-on) our country’s resources – leaving millions of Zimbabweans wallowing in abject poverty – and, solicit not much in terms of reaction, should I post that online.
Let us not be hypocritical, and treat the issue of oppression with double standards – since subjugation by a fellow blackman deserves condemnation as that from a whiteman, as they are both “disgusting and offensive”.
© Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice activist, writer, researcher, and social commentator. email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com
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