via email 27 October 2013 by Moses Chamboko
A good number of pupils who were in primary school at independence in 1980 are now grandparents. This is not an exaggeration. Such a simple perception of the passage of time demonstrates that some of our leaders have indeed overstayed their welcome.
This generation of students recalls how normal it was for a teenage boy to go for years proposing love to a girl only to fall into some kind of a relationship way into high school or beyond. The day when the girl wrote “You have been pestering me for a long time, I thought seriously about it last night, I’m now yours” was usually the day when the boy would virtually freeze and literally run out of ideas as to what to do next. Superlatives used in the past would quickly vanish from his vocabulary. Indeed, a time for a reality check!
This appears to be the most unenviable position that ZANU PF finds itself in. After investing so much effort, money, time and whatever means towards winning the July 31 election at any cost, they are now faced with a crumbling economy. They don’t know how to proceed or react as they encounter the same pre-election problems and challenges if not worse; foreign debt, unemployment, de-industrialisation, cash crunch, power outages, water woes, food shortages, slave wages, a despondent populace – the list is endless.
Patrick Chinamasa, the “new” Finance Minister, recently returned from an overseas trip visibly frustrated with nothing but an empty begging bowl. Joining the fray was former CIO operative and ambassador, Chris Mutsvangwa who chided the IMF for causing all the problems that Zimbabwe is grappling with.
The drama climaxed with an empty threat from the highest office to sue European countries for maintaining sanctions that were said to have bled the economy of billions. We were not told how exactly this actually happened. People can only assume that opulent shopping trips to London and New York’s most affluent boutiques by “chefs” and their families were generating a lot of income for our economy. This is a subject best left to the imagination of first year students of economics.
However, most of us vividly recall that the main commodity we traded in Europe was beef. The industry wasn’t obliterated by sanctions but ignorant destruction of the national herd. The net effect came heavily on the Cold Storage Commission and therefore the entire beef industry. As we speak, stock theft and fresh farm invasions are in full swing in our country.
Zimbabweans might be materially poor but certainly not intellectually. Even graduates from The University of Gonakudzingwa know this for a fact. As reality bites, ZANU PF has started pointing at anything and everything as the root cause of our problems, other than themselves. Not long ago, they were blaming the GNU for all failures. Now that they are running a homogeneous government, they are busy looking for scapegoats as far afield as America and Europe.
They are not interested in finding a solution to the crisis they created but apportioning blame. For as long as they and their families have food on the table, do they really care? They did the same with ESAP in the 90s when they were asking everybody to tighten their belts while they were busy loosening theirs. Now they are at it again!
What became of our Look East policy which was at one time as much of a mantra as indigenisation is today, if we may ask? Does ZANU PF think the entire nation suffers from amnesia?
Clearly, China uses Zimbabwe as a willing or unsuspecting dumping ground for obsolete military hardware, substandard technology and all sorts of poor quality products (ma Zhing Zhong). Even Gushungo would rather fly on a very old Boeing aircraft than a brand new Xian-made MA60.
The Commonwealth, World Vision, UsAid, AusAid, Sida, Danida, GTZ and many other agencies and organisations from Europe, America and The South Pacific helped Zimbabweans and Africans in many different ways for many years.
They funded schools, hospitals and clinics. They sank boreholes and fed the hungry. Why is it that up to now, we cannot point at any significant humanitarian project sponsored by our traditional friends in the East, the Chinese in particular? What positive thing have “friends” around the world such as Israel, Iran, DRC, Russia or Equatorial Guinea done for the ordinary Zimbabwean? When shall we ever hear of something called ChinAid or RussAid?
Do the Chinese only become friends when they hear of diamonds in Marange where they thank us with looting, abuse of employees and environmental degradation? Do they only become friends when they can make millions by building our national stadium with labourers bricklayers, plumbers, painters and wheel barrow “operators” all imported from Peking? Are these the kind of friends we really need? If they are genuine, why are they not coming in droves to invest and revive our comatose economy? Didn’t somebody tell them that their friend won resoundingly and is now in full control?
Given that China is a leading producer of rice, why don’t we see them in Binga, Zaka, Muzarabani, Plumtree, Nembudziya, Chibwedziva, Nyamaropa or Checheche dishing out free bags of the commodity to starving Zimbabweans? Why would we stoop as low as begging for grain from poor Malawi and Zambia when our number one friend from the East has plenty of it to donate for free? Are we only excited about the benefit of a new breed of “coloureds” that is forming in Kuwadzana, Tafara, Mabvuku and soon Dangamvura?
China has the capacity to build a city the size of Bulawayo in only one month. Why don’t our friends help us upgrade waterworks in Harare, Bulawayo Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo so that life in our cities can return to normal again? What kind of friends are they who don’t come to the aid of a neighbour in times of need such as this? From Israel, is it only the likes of Nikuv and Ben Menashe that have some interest in our predicament?
It would appear that ZANU PF does not only suffer a crisis of ideology and policy but of pathetic friendships. If the truth be told, the Chinese are among the worst racists as well as environmental enemies of this world. If indeed the expansion and refurbishment of Hwange Power Station has been awarded to these “friends”, then it’s not too late for the nation to seriously consider solar power.
As for Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire, indeed my homeboy, it is probably time to make serious contact with the Chinhoyi Diesel brigade and ask for Rotina “The Rock” Mavhunga’s whereabouts, pamwe magetsi angapfuta!!!!
Moses Chamboko writes in his personal capacity, He can be contacted at chambokom@gmail.com
COMMENTS
I remember the people of Zimbabwe dancing and celebrating the right to vote and independence,,i remember how they willingly took part in farm invasions to kick the white farmers out.mostly unlawfully,,so don’t blame the west for your narrow minded thinking..
Very true Supermondo , it seems that zanu pf is the party of excuses
Being friends with China is very akin to the “friendships” a drug dealer makes by supplying free drugs to get those people hooked… and once addicted, he owns them, and can charge whatever he wishes for the drugs they use.
Yes, absolutely, ZANUPF cares only that there is food on their own table… and they’re not particular how they come about it.
ZANUPF has no concept of economics. On that front, a farmer or gardener realizes that to sustain their enterprise, they must invest in inputs and sweat-equity each year. Seeds that are not planted will not produce a crop to harvest. Even the ignorant among them understand what ZANUPF does not… that even the goose that laid the golden egg had to be fed.
@ Fallenz nicely said
You know Fallenz,what is really sad is, sometimes it is not even about being given anything that can be remotely be equated to food on these people’s table. Sometimes it is just about having their egos assuaged by China, the master manipulator. For megalomaniacs like Mugabe, merely having the red carpet rolled out to him and being allowed to steal elections which are then praised as among the freest and fairest on the planet is enough to get Mugabe to surrender our resources to the Chinese.
A VERY inciteful article. ZANU PF are worse than dogs & pigs!!!
Despite all those PhDs, they just lack common sense. Chikoro chekupindira mumajere chinonetsa.
@Moses – hats off to you. We have for long been commenting on the same issues, but who listens to you- None! Thanks for reinforcing and getting more elaborate.I have come to realise that Mugabe can better be advised on how to run the country by referencing this column. The contributions people are making here can take Zim out of this mess.
The leadership ie President and his team are busy lining up their pockets. Having food or no food is of no relevance to them – it’s a secondary issue to them. All they are good at is to find fault and finger-pointing for their own misgivings.The level of arrogance by the President and his henchmen is beyond description. The 1980s remind me of these economic entities which have since been run down or non existing
-Cold Storage
-David Whitehead
-ZISCO Steel
-Lancashire Steel
-Stewart & Llyods
-ZIMASCO
-Shabani Mine
-Freda Rebbeca Mine
-NRZ
-Hippo Valley Estates
-Kintyre Estates
And many more, the list is endless, but where do we stand today?? All our problems lie with the British and their allies ie the WEST, that’s according to our so called President . In as much as we got political independence in 1980, we have never been really independent more-so economically, and not at the hands of white colonialists, but at the mess of the emerging new colonial dispensation by our own people. Unless and until there is a complete paradigm shift in our policies we are heading for a real disaster big time.
Diego, you could add ZUPCO to the list. My heart aches when I remember how at independence how every corner of Harare had its transport needs adequately covered by ZUPCO and you could set your clock by its timetable – on time every time. There was a bus every 10 minutes from high density suburbs during pick hours and the fare was just 15 Zimbabwean cents.
Then came the story of Zanu Pf rallies and trips to the hero’s acre where people were asked to assemble st “the usual pick up points”. Not a cent was paid to ZUPCO for this service.
By 1990 ZUPCO was a shadow of its former self yet we are told its demise is due to sanctions.
But then again, this country is being run by people who believe diesel can ooze out of a rock. Maybe they genuinely believe that even if they do not pay their bills, some ancestor will provide magically generate free electricity.
Taura hako. Taitamba pana Rezende street paye nezvi mababie zvechinozi, knowing that the last bus to my neighborhood was at 7pm, Harare United Omnibus Company was cream and marron (red). I really wish our kids will get to at least see that kind of life here in Zimbabwe. Tinongozvionera pa TV chete.
HOUC changed name and management to ZUPCO soon after Independence and by 1993 ZUPCO was operating 1,200 buses on 426 routes.
The problem is that we know our problems but are too scared to tackle them. I think ZUNDE Zimbabweans Uniting for Democracy is the way to go – see http://www.zunde.org
Thanks Moses, this is a very good article. We need more of these articles.
Thanks Moses, great article that is to true! Look forward to reading more of what you have to say.
Zanu pf is well known for its scorched earth policy towards Zimbabwe. They don’t respect its people, have run rampant and hold the country hostage while they loot its resources. They tell the people that if they ever lose the elections they will burn down the everything. They have done terrible things to the population of zimbabwe and their evil deeds include, gukurahundi, murambatswina, 2008 elections murders and driving out millions of people into exile. These Zanus do not care what happens to the people, the economy or the resources of the country. They are agents of destruction, and not representative of the docile hardworking people of Zimbabwe. They have ruined my country. The situation will never return to normalcy as long as Zanu maintains this dishonest grip on power.
Well written article. No more ” Biti arikutinyima mari” Bhora raponja riri mughedhi. Cannot restart the match
A very well written piece, Mr Chamboko. ZANU PF is like a huge ball and chain, shackled to the nation’s feet, as she slowly drags her feet forward – like the slaves of old. Sadly no matter how many brilliant analyses are written, at the end of the day; the Chinese get away with what they do (or don’t do) because our leaders are either too corrupt to care, or else too incompetent to protect our interests; and our leaders in turn get away with it because we the people, for whatever reason, let them.
Haaaa ZANU PF need a kick in the ass…! Sereouly mhani , zvimwe zvinhu hazvidi kujaidza vanhu mhani… Hindava kurasa muswe so , manje gore rino vachamhanya vasina kusimira..!
Let them go & get money/support from their Chinese friends, why worry about the British & the Americans???? Ngavatonge handiti vanoti vakakunda zvine mutsindo!!!!!
yes very good article. Soon zanu will blame this column for the collapsed economy!!!
As long as the political leadership does not cherish the free view of Mbuya vangu varikwa Mazvihwa the country will not go anywhere. The reason why we have elections should not be to endorse but to choose freely. It should be paramount for the government have an election that is endorsed first by its own people, and later by foreigners. Even if the foreigners do not like our elections as long as we the people of the country endorse them then we will be on our way to prosperity. We all do not have to agree with the result but we all have to endorse the process. Why do we keep everything with some element of doubt. Yes some may say the doubters are in the minority but from the people I interact with very few people actually have faith in our elections, including some in the secret service. The foundation of any democracy is transparency and the drive towards perfect transparency. At present we have a huge part of our population who do not have faith in our election processes. That is the starting point. As long as we do not RESPECT or honour the free will of Mbuya vangu then we do not respect our own people. If we started to respect and honor that free will of the vote then our leaders will start to work towards providing a better life to the people for that is the only peaceful tool that the povo have in ensuring our politicians work hard.
Great article. I’ve never liked the chinese and all these so-called eastern “friends” that Zimbabwe has nowadays. Look at how the chinese treat their own people. Do you think they will treat us any different? Ofcourse they won’t. All their interested in is making a profit. This is best exemplified by the air quality in major chinese cities such as beijing. Industry operates in such a wanton manner that nobody cares about all the toxic gases released into the air as long as their filling their little asian pockets.
zanu-pf has not only sold our resources to these asian thieves and racists but in so doing, the future of our children and grandchildren and indeed future generations of Zimbabweans. zanu-pf has also sold our pride. Its funny that zanu-pf labels Tsvangirayi and the mdc as sellouts. They don’t realise that they are actually the biggest sellouts this great nation of ours has ever witnessed.
They preach of black empowerment and yet they disempower us relentlessly on a daily basis. Is lack of food, water and electricity their definition of empowerment? They are hypocrites. Indeed, zanu-pf is a cancer, a seriously malignent one. It has permeated itself through every aspect of life in my beloved Zimbabwe.
We have turned into a laughing stock not only in sadc and Africa but around the world. Even countries that once could not even dream of standing toe to toe with us (south africa being one of them) now look upon us as though we are some disgusting thing that crawled out of a sewer. Even an uneducated south african wracked with poverty thinks he is better than a Zimbabwean with a PhD. How far zanu-pf has made us fall.
My heart bleeds for my country and my fellow country men. Zimbabwe needs serious, intensive chemotherapy to rid itself of this cancer. But i’ve reached a point were i ask myself is even that going to work?
The memory of oppressed people is one thing that cannot be taken away, and for such people, with such memories, revolt is always an inch below the surface.
haaaa yah
Yes , revolt ! Revolt , revolt is the only way forward ..Zimbabwe will never change if we don’t kick ZANU out , I mean like literary kick them out . They have no respect for democracy , they don’t even care that they have lost touch with the will of the people . It’s not like they are not aware that majority of people in Zimbabwe don’t want them anymore …But they hang on to ‘ power’
What difference does it make ? Some people say revolt the Egypt style will only distroy the country !!! Listen , ZANU is destroying the country . Tell me what’s left now ? From Africa’s bread basket to Africa’s empty basket . This is ridiculous . Pick up your arms lets do this . We need more angry people , I am furious . I am ready to kick some ass . I am done with beautifully written article , wonderful analysis , websites full of news of how ZANU is screwing everyone right in the face at will .. I say f*** that and beat these idiots down … Grrrrrrr.