Following is a report of this Sunday's demonstration
contributed by "Paul".
As promised herewith a report from your Ipswich
based correspondent !!!
We left Ipswich this morning at 1030 and upon
arriving in London made our way to Zimbabwe House. We met with some
Zimbabweans on the tube – always amazes me how we instantly recognise one
another – a knowing smile and the little tell tale signs like the cooler
box ! As they had been to the last protest they led the way to Zimbabwe
House which helped us considerably.
We must have got there at about 1215 and already there were
a good 300 odd people gathered. We made our way through the crowds and sat
just to the side of Zimbabwe House. I wanted to take some photos
(attached) and also I really wanted to sit and write what was going on as
it transpired, however the police had other ideas and we were constantly
pushed back and told to move even though we were well out of the way. We
were all placed behind the barriers and we were right at the front which
was pretty handy.
The people were now growing in numbers and from
what I could see I would estimate there were a good 500 – 700 people
there. Many held banners and wore Zimbabwe clothing. There was a fair
amount of press coverage which was very encouraging. I don’t know where
the crews were from (i.e. which TV stations) but quite a few people were
interviewed and they filmed a fair amount. The atmosphere was warm and
almost jovial, the crowds were chanting MDC, MDC, MDC, MDC, MDC. It was
that kind of goose bumps feeling that you get when you stand in a crowd of
people and you all know why you are there and you all empathise with each
other.
There was not much chatter. We had a ‘leader’
of sorts who got the crowd going with WHAT DO WE WANT – crowd then roars MUGABE OUT, WHEN DO WE WANT IT – NOW !!!
There were also various renditions of Ishe Komborera Africa which was
quite amusing as we all tried so very hard to remember the words ! I was
quite surprised Scott had forgotten the whole anthem. The banners and
placards were amusing to read and very blunt in their statement ! BAN THE
BOB read one. NO FARMERS NO FUTURE. I wish I could have written down the
amusing ones but it was difficult to write when you are cramped in a small
space. Quite a few made references to Bobs thieving ways. One said BOB’S A
GOAT HE WONT LET US VOTE (referring to Zimbos in England), MUGABE SHOULD
GO WITH GRACE (excellent!) One banner held by a young black guy read
something along the lines of Grace must stop shopping ! VOTE ZANU PF and
the F was crossed out and replaced with OFF. MUGABE APENGU INGUTCHENI
AWAITS. WHAT DO WE SAY NOW – COME AND VISIT THE ZIMBABWE RUINS ?
I am sure you will be able to pick up more of the banner
readings from the photos. There was talk of us marching to Downing Street
but the Police would not let us out of the barriers, there was also
another protest just up the road. Once the press left the crowd was pretty
quiet and no-one really knew what to do. Every now and again someone would
break out in to song and others would join in. When ever a tour bus passed
us people would wave and show support and the crowd went wild. Cars would
drive past and hoot further encouraging the crowds. One guy drove past
with his Zimbabwe cricket shirt attached to his car and waving another out
of his window. It was great to see such support. It was a very peaceful
and controlled day.
I think that most people felt the same as we
did – so ineffective but pleased to be doing something. Lets hope it gets
reported and has some effect. I suppose the strangest thing
for us was to see this crowd of mainly white Zimbabweans and not recognise
even one ! It was pretty difficult as you were unable to walk around
looking at who was there – we were pretty confined to our pozzie. We could
not have asked for a nicer day – the sun shone – though the wind was
chilly and not a drop of rain in sight.
People were in their shorts and tee shirts (well the braver
ones !!). We hung around for about an hour and a half then we went to
Covent garden to the markets and watch the street performers. We ended our
day with a fine peri peri chicken from Nandos – a real treat
!