Opinion: Mugabe’s failing reputation has now even gotten stained by Botswana!

There are often many signs when someone has been in power for too long, their age and their will to serve. That is why the Mugabe family are riding new Rolls Royce’s down the streets of Harare, while the citizens are struggling to afford gasoline and possible hyper-inflation again. So, the Zimbabwean

President, the Head of State have the audacity to insult Botswana. Even if his own state is in tatters and self-indulgent of his cronies and ZANU-PF. A man like that should more careful with his words, but his use of power and His Excellence are used to be chauffeured and have enough “yes men” filling brigades. Therefore, they will not stop him or disagree with him.

That’s why these sort of acts and words comes from his mouth. President Mugabe wants to act like the wise, but comes off as the ignorant. Blaming Botswana for not sticking-up for itself. Would he have respected if someone said the same about himself, which was a fellow Statesmen? I doubt it, he would say other foreign forces had allied against him and wanted to invade his precious Republic. Because, then Mugabe become defensive.

Now, lets look at the quotes from recent events!

Mugabe publicly spatting about Botswana candidate:

“Speaking at a meeting with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, Mugabe said everyone in the region had tried to support Venson-Moitoi, except Khama. “We worked hard, they worked hard, sweated. They sweated, you sweated, we sweated, but one man did not sweat. He sat at home and expected miracles to happen, but that did not happen. Everybody just said you (Venson-Moitoi), we have not seen your President here, he does not attend meetings. What will happen if we placed the organization (AU) in his hands. She had worked hard and we were sorry that she lost. But we knew in advance that we were trying the impossible one,” Mugabe said, drawing laughter from both the Zimbabwe and South African delegation attending a binational commission, aimed at strengthening trade relations between the two neighbors” (Mhaladi, 2017).

Botswana retort to Mugabe:

“The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation wishes to respond to the recent media reports in which His Excellency, Mr. Robert G. Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe blamed the loss of the candidature bid of Botswana’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, on the lack of support by His Excellency, Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana. In this connection, the Government of Botswana has taken note of the comments and regrets these inaccurate and unfortunate remarks. However, the Ministry chooses not to comment any further out of respect for President Mugabe’s advanced age and as such, understands that allowances need to be made” (The Observer, 2017).

That President Mugabe has some age, that is true the President is now currently 93 years old and has been running the government since 1980. It’s high time for changes in Zimbabwe since the government is rotting on its roots. Therefore, political activists are detained on phony charges and no-sense policies are put on the people. The economy is fragile and weak, the reputation of the Bond-Notes is as low as it should be, considering it came with beautiful idea, let’s borrow money to print money. Could think they key economic adviser came from bankrupt banks and maybe it did!

So President Mugabe should be more careful, its been years since his last success, unless seeing his wife fleeing from the law in South Africa on possible assault with battery charges on a South African model. The rampant injustice of the system and total control that put the whole state into abysmal performance because of constant oversight. Clearly, the Mugabe regime and ZANU-PF has not thought of letting it go, even if it means making the situation worse, than it already is.

So that he critique the Botswana government for their African Union position and blamed them for the way it went. Shows the lack of tact the man has now. Instead of concealing defeat and discussing it with the Botswanian counterparts, he bluntly speaks ill of them with South African President Zuma. So use others misfortune to bond with important neighbor. That just how Mugabe, the supposed elder Statesman is acting and not supposed to be.

That President Khama should take is offense is natural, but Mugabe can offend anyone because of his age and get away it. Still, he deserves to be rebuked for his words. If he continues he will has less friends on the continent. Not that the Zimbabwean Republic is strong friend for them in need either. Not at this point. Peace.

Reference:

Mhaladi, Bakang – ‘Botswana mum after Mugabe jibe on Khama’ (03.10.2017) link: https://southernafrican.news/2017/10/03/botswana-mum-after-mugabe-jibe-on-khama/

The Observer – ‘“Mugabe’s comments are inaccurate and unfortunate”: Botswana responds to Mugabe’s attack on Ian Khama’ (05.10.2017) link: http://theobserver.co.zw/mugabes-comments-are-inaccurate-and-unfortunate-botswana-responds-to-mugabes-attack-on-ian-khama/

Grace “Gucci Gucci” Mugabe [above the law] got her ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ today after her violent acts against several models at Sandton Hotel!

We can now officially say that First Lady of Zimbabwe are now standing above the laws of South Africa, a republic where she doesn’t reside, but because the relationship between Mugabe family and South African government, the RSA laws doesn’t matter to the Princes of ZANU-PF and their Family members. Grace Mugabe can now assault with battery and with intent, and get away it it. Since it was internal family matters, a visit to look after her long-lost kids who lives in luxury, while the Zimbabweans are starving. Such justice there, but the point now, is that Grace Mugabe can assault not only one person, but more with help of her bodyguards. Just take a look, first the ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ and then eyewitness stories from what she is free of charges from, because of her stature and place of life. The law isn’t the same for all kind, especially not when you have powerful friends, it seems.

Government Notice number 850 of 20^th August from Minister Maite Nkoana-Mshabane, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperations wrote: “In accordance with the powers vested in me by section 7(2) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, 2001 (Act No. 37 of 2001) and acting in the interest of Republic of South Africa, I hereby recognize the immunities and privileges of the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Grace Mugabe, in terms of international law and as set out in the attached Notice” (Government Gazette, 20.08.2017 – Government Notice No. 850 of 2017).

Victims of Grace Mugabe’s rage:

“One of the three women, who describes herself as a promotional model, told of her terror as Mugabe lashed out at them. Mugabe was accompanied by about 10 bodyguards and hotel security guards and she was looking for her sons, Robert jnr, 25, and Chatunga Bellarmine, 21. Both men had fled the room when they heard their mother coming. The attack took place in Sandton’s The Capital 20 West hotel. The woman said that at the time she did not know who her assailant was or why she and her friends were being beaten. “I really thought she was going to kill me … From the moment she stormed into the room she was ready to murder someone,” the woman said. “The electrical cord-cable was tightly wrapped around her hands. No one could stop her. The guards and hotel security guards just stood there and watched as she whipped me with the cord and dragged me across the floor by my hair.” Mugabe’s sons have recently been in the news for their behaviour. The brothers were kicked out of a Sandton hotel last month, allegedly for bad behaviour” (…) “When the three friends could not tell her where her sons where, Mugabe lashed out at them with the electrical cord. The woman said the attack carried on for 20 minutes. While she was being assaulted, her friends fled. “She dragged me by my hair and held me tight. She slashed me viciously with the electrical cord. She then dragged me by my hair across the floor and threw me on a couch where she forced me to call our mutual friend and Bellarmine’s best friend, but their phones were off. “She continued beating me with the cord; I was rescued by the hotel manager, who rushed to the room after hearing my screams for help.” Engels’s two friends said they were too frightened of Grace Mugabe to lay criminal complaints, but said they would support Engels in court” (Ndabeni, 2017).

This should be insulting to the victims, the families and to the justice system of South Africa. That a foreign dignitary can carry out assaults and violence on their citizens. Than, run home with immunity from her crimes. The violence done because of the sons wish of partying with models and expensive bottles wine. The sons of Robert Mugabe have already caused trouble on the same hotel in past, but because of their standing and ranks they are allowed back. If someone else did similar acts, they would be banned from the premises.

Still, as that is awful enough – Grace Mugabe put-up the ante and attacked fellow guests of her sons. She violated them and harassed them. Grace Mugabe actually torn them and used violence. The First Lady did not act against her sons in this way, but against strangers who was invited by her sons. She attacked innocent South African girls, who had no ill-intent and was invited to the hotel. This is vicious and insane!

So with this in mind, the RSA and the Minister Maite Nkoana-Mshabane should offer a leaf of faith. This should be investigated and taken to the law. First Lady Mugabe should stand trial and answer for the possible misgivings and assault with battery. This isn’t flattering, this is a clear violation of ordinary and civilian courtesy. The First Lady could have talked ordinary to the woman and asked why they we’re there and why her sons was gone. Instead, she attacked them with the force of 10 bodyguards and left no-one with wounds. The witnesses even fear the woman after this and that is not strange, she attacked them viciously.

What is more insulting, is that the State offers no sympathy for their own citizens and leaves them behind. They are just flesh-wounds and exchangeable, they can be traded with someone else. The next time the Mugabe boys looking for a fling. No big-deal, but the Mugabe family is so unique and special. So they can assault strangers without any consequence or facing justice. They are above the law, not only in Zimbabwe, but also in the proud Republic of South Africa.

This is just proving that the First Lady of Zimbabwe can do whatever she wants, the same for her sons and also the President. Since they are dignitaries and state officials with different passports, but that doesn’t mean they should get away with everything. Also, this shows how accommodating the RSA is the Mugabe family and therefore, accept this sort of behavior. It is okay and nothing wrong, apparently that is the message. Peace.

Reference:

Ndabeni, Khanyi – ‘ First Lady, Grace Mugabe ‘was ready to murder’ (20.08.2017) link: https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2017-08-19-first-lady-grace-mugabe-was-ready-to-murder/

“Gucci Gucci Mugabe” ditches justice in South Africa!

You know your an important person or of some influence when you can run from the law and not get into greater trouble. If it was an ordinary person or an ordinary Zimbabwean citizen who did something unjust in South Africa, the person would be questioned, would make an affidavit and been put for trial. Nevertheless, the First Lady Grace Mugabe could access lawyers and even run from the Republic. She was not on official business as a diplomat, but she was there for her sons. Just take a look!

“Gabriella Engels on Monday said she was visiting Mugabe’s two sons Robert and Chatunga at the Capital 20 West Hotel whom she met through a mutual friend on Saturday. Engels said a bodyguard asked her and a friend to wait in a separate room before Mugabe allegedly started beating her. “When Grace entered I had no idea who she was. She walked in with an extension cord and just started beating me with it,” Engels told News24 over the phone. Engels said Mugabe accused her of living with her sons. “She flipped and just kept beating me with the plug. Over and over. I had no idea what was going on. I was surprised… I needed to crawl out of the room before I could run away” (…) “Her ten bodyguards just stood there watching, no one did anything, no one tried to help me.” Engels said hotel staff escorted her out of the hotel. She immediately tried to open a case of assault at the Sandton police station” (De Villiers, 2017).

So when you have these sort of allegations against the First Lady of Zimbabwe, the South African Police Service (SAPS) should take this serious. Instead, they are doing this:

That she wants to use diplomatic immunity for her assault of a 20 year old lady and model at the Hotel in South Africa, shows the proof of using her reach of power to personal gain. This is disrespectful of the person violated by her and her assistance, there is nothing that justifies this and also it should be wrong of the South African state to disband the investigation and not look into the matter.

That means that VIPs and greater persons of power can be over the state and over the law. She should be indicted and put into question over the acts that happen at the hotel. That they can be verified and the assault charges can be put to rest. She was not a diplomat or a part of state convoy with state security ushering her around in South Africa. “Gucci Gucci” was initial a tourist in South Africa visiting family members, not being there to discuss trade and border issues between Zimbabwe and RSA. That was not the issue of the days, she was not at Gauteng or Pretoria trying to discuss important members with officials. Instead, she was there visiting her kids, where she met a model and hurt Engels.

This is really sad, how little the law matter, when VIPs and people of Power breaches the laws in the RSA. That is shown with the Gupta’s and Zuma’s, now also Mugabe’s, surely it must help that Zuma and Mugabe has houses close by in Dubai. So they have surely shared a few moments together there around the pool. This is disgraceful to Zimbabwe and also to South Africa. Both republics are played around by the First Lady Mugabe. This is beneath the State and the Authorities, as they can do as they want.

If the RSA gives “Gucci Gucci” diplomatic immunity in this case, than their true allies of Zimbabwe, but are disgracing their own laws and justice, which is not equal for all, but the VIPs can do as they want. Peace.

Reference:

De Villiers, James – ‘Grace Mugabe ‘assaulted’ me with an extension cord, model, 20, claims’ (14.08.2017) link: http://m.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/grace-mugabe-assaulted-me-with-an-extension-cord-model-20-claims-20170814

Opinion: Mugabe – “I am not dying”, pardon me President, but we all going to die!

““Some people would want to be president of this country. Some are saying the president is going but I am not going anywhere. Some are saying I’m dying but I am not dying,” said Mugabe. Mugabe, 93, said he feared that at the present time any person who wanted to succeed him would be trounced by Tsvangirai in an election” (Chikowore, 2017).

When it comes to the 37 years long Presidency of Robert Mugabe, it becoming more dire to Zanu-PF and the man himself. Who has not left anyone behind to takeover from him when he leaves. He has been the leader since the liberation from the United Kingdom and the segregated state it was in 1980s. So he is living in the belief that he can just continue like it was yesterday.

His own supporters and closest allies has praised him unto heaven and oblivion. All sorts of praise that doesn’t sound like anything you have heard, but that is the norm among the cronies of the Zanu-PF. So now, that he is planning for yet another term, the 93 year old had a few words himself.

Mugabe said: “Some are saying I’m dying but I am not dying”. Well, that isn’t up to you, that is adjustable age and health-care. Surely Mr. President has already traveled a lot to Singapore for specialized expensive treatment and billed it on the state coffers. That is just how he do and how his Zanu-PF cadres do, lives in hotels, drive expensive cars and get salaries while the others suffers to get enough monies out of the ATM. The cronyism of Mugabe, has really hurt the country.

But one thing, Mr. President cannot control is that he is aging and is getting older. An the older you get, the weaker you become, the youth and the energy is running out your body. The healing time takes longer and bones are not as strong. The intellectual powers and the cognitive base of your mind dwindles. The memory will fade and everyday things will become a struggle. Like walking, like keeping awake at rallies and in general. Because the body is tired after all the years of hard-work and dedication to own wealth and cronies enrichment. Certainly, that is why Mugabe during the rally yesterday fell asleep on the podium while “Gucci Gucci” Grace Mugabe was speaking her heart out.

Mugabe cannot control the inevitable, he is dying like all of us. It is just about gods grace and the possible travels to good health care. That can keep him alive. None can know when the days are ended for Mugabe. But for everyday it is going closer. By the simple reason, it is natural for his age and he could die whenever. He could become 99 or 101. But, that is if he is lucky and God gave him that amount of days. Still, he does not control when he last day is, that kind of power does not Mugabe posses. No of us does. Peace.

Reference:

Chikowore, Frank – ‘Mugabe: ‘I am going nowhere… My docs have told me my organs are still very strong’ (30.07.2017) link: http://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/mugabe-i-am-going-nowhere-my-docs-have-told-me-my-organs-are-still-very-strong-20170730

Opinion: Chipanga says Mugabe liberated Zimbabwean like Jesus, I beg to differ!

Within the recent year, the biblical scent has been made around the Zimbabwean President Roberet Mugabe, by all his loyal cronies has praised him sky-high. Today isn’t anything new, but to show you how many who has made him holy, these is them: Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Preacher Nehemiah Mutendi, Zanu-PF Youth Leader Kudzai Chipanga and his First Lady wife Grace Mugabe. They have all placed him at the Pearly Gates, he has been as strong as Moses, been as the holy-men in scriptures. In the recent times he has been even said to be reigning in votes after his demise, clearly the loyalists and Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) are misusing the scripture and the christian faith to praise their President for life Mugabe.

Again, they have another dry-spell and has to misuse the bible to improve the legacy of the 93 year old, again it is the Zanu-PF Youth Leader Chipanga gone on his praising mission:

“Yes, President Mugabe’s middle name is Gabriel. He was given that name by the prophets after realising he has some resemblance” (…) “He is our Messiah, just like Jesus Christ when he liberated the world. Jesus, when he came, liberated the world and when President Mugabe came, he liberated us in this age . . . we honour God, then Jesus Christ and President Mugabe” (…) “And to you, senior leaders, don’t mistake the respect we have for you. Yes, we respect you, but when it comes to support, we support only one person in the party and that person is President Mugabe, not any other individual” (Jena, 2017).

Clearly, Zanu-PF Youth Leader Kudazai Chipanga should join a church, even learn some theology, even study the nature of the Christian faith. Before again utter words where he tries to put Jesus, the savior of all man-kind and the one that died for all sin. To be similar and the same liberation that Mugabe has given the Zimbabwean people. If he had really liberated them and given them a deserved liberty, than a giant section of people made the Citizen’s Manifesto, which clearly states the malfunctions and maladministration of the government under President Mugabe. Therefore, not so Jesus-y of Mugabe. Since cannot even give them proper liberty and a salvation from oppression. Peace.

Reference:

Jena, Nunurai – ‘Mugabe equal to Jesus: Chipanga’ (05.07.2017) link: https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/07/05/mugabe-equal-jesus-chipanga/

Mystery of President Mugabe trip to UAE/Dubai and why it is really troublesome!

It is just weird how things go, that the ageing President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe left for Swaziland for a South African Development Community Head of State Summit and left the kingdom for no-apparent reason, instead of coming home. This just happens as the citizens are reacting to the abolishment of demonstrations from the Harare Police of the Central Business District in the Capital are denouncing demonstrations for two weeks.

This happens as the Zimbabweans we’re making ready for the third #ZimShutDown where even the buses of Harare wasn’t going and other shops we’re closed in solidarity with the peaceful public disobedience towards the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) and their aging leader.

The Zimbabwe Shutdown 3.0 was still occurring as the speculations of why he didn’t arrive home and went away.

Default Explanation:

“According to online flight data, Mugabe landed in Dubai at 7:20AM local time, after taking off on a chartered Air Zimbabwe plane, Boeing 767-2N0 (ER) UM1 at Harare International Airport at 10:45PM on Tuesday” (…) “This was about three hours after touching down from Swaziland, where he left the 35^th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, which ended yesterday” (…) “Mugabe’s spokesperson, George Charamba” (…) “saying he rather left the media dwell and delight on “a default explanation” that his boss was ill” (…) “Each time you people don’t know the purpose of the President’s visit  there is always a default explanation that he is ill” (…) “So the life of the President springs between a known mission and illness. If I don’t tell you the purpose, it should be illness” (…) “I will not give you the purpose of the President visit to run away from the default explanation. This is not new. It is year in, year out; he is sick, he died and resurrects. His life until age of 92 revolves around illness and death” (NewsdzeZimbabwe, 2016).

Certain rumours the Zanu-PF doesn’t want out is that the son of Mugabe, Robert Mugabe Junior had been partying hard in Dubai and we’re taken by Local Police on Drug Related incident in the place to be for the wealthy. So the President travelled to Dubai to bail out his son.

The issue was that no information we’re giving for the flights, has even before the SADC Heads of State the same plane had hit the Nairobi and such. The reports that it had been in Nairobi on the 26^th August 2016, so the issues of having a President that isn’t anywhere or anywhere where the Civil Servants will know or even Parliament of Zimbabwe will know.

This happens as the President briefly just left the Summit and we’re supposed to pass by Singapore and instead left for United Arab Emirates (UAE)… or as many says Dubai. When the people don’t have any knowledge of the reason or quest the ideas keeps coming. President Mugabe has fallen asleep while having Press Conference with Japanese dignitaries; so what his true mental state and health situation is not easy to know, because that is not a good look for any honourable to fall asleep amidst cameras and journalists.

The issue also was the last information on the 1^st September was the plane had left Zimbabwe on the 29^th August, but no information of any flights after that. As the landing in Dubai was the last and not Singapore as somebody expected, even was more expected to be able to hold-out a Summit in the fellowship of SADC.

That is something the older President Mugabe cannot handle right now. As he had to go to Dubai, either to bail-out his groomed son or going to hospital.

What matters is how he waste the government funds on travel, doesn’t take care of domestic business at the regional summit, because it is more important with his own family as the economic situation is ailing. He still see fit to pay for the flights, the charges of having a aircraft on the Dubai International Airport and also covering the days spent in the not in-expensive city in the UAE. This shows the level of using the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as his personal ATM.

The proof of little accountability of the man is with the reasoning of the spokesperson who claims it happens because of his age, partly true, partly wished by some and also worry by the Elite who eats of the ticket of the aging President; the reality is that the action and depleted economic foundation as the President continues to blame others than his own inaction. He has had the time to leave a policy and economic fundament for growth. If had the wish to, but instead has grabbed ever single opportunity to loot as the liberator he is.

The proof of that is how he used the planes in recent days without any thorough explanation or consideration as most of the men and woman in Zimbabwe has enough with the day-to-day. They cannot all of sudden take an Airplane and leave for exotic destinations.

But then, there haven’t been in the interest of Zanu-PF to be accountable as the Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, been lodging for months at a Hotel and paid for food there on the government accounts. The proof of the not caring about Tax-Payers monies comes from the President that apparently can just fly away for days and pay for services of any kind in Dubai, United Arab Emirates without any consideration of cost. So the system is in place to wreck the economy for the Zanu-PF elite and let the people be left alone.

So the accountability, transparency and the little knowledge of the reason for the travel is the main concern, together with the cost of travel and lodging as the facilitation has to come from Central Government and the hampering of the initial codes of conduct. The sudden flight and the strange how little accountable the President has to.

President Mugabe can do as he pleases and Spokesmen has to make any kind of suggestion and answer as he doesn’t care. Mugabe has gotten away with any kind of behaviour and doesn’t respect the will of the people, because his own will and power is what matters. He talks Zanu-PF party, but when he does speak that he means himself. The same he does when he speaks for the Zimbabweans and wanting him in charge. It isn’t the will of Zimbabweans who wants that, they want a government that actually cares and wants to try to deliver. Not a government that uses government funds on the elite and doesn’t care for making sure there are jobs and food security for citizens. This is really lost! It is such a lost cause under the current leadership and the current President Mugabe. Peace.

Reference:

Newsdzezimbabwe – ‘Mystery over Mugabe Dubai Trip (01.09.2016) link:  http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2016/09/mystery-over-mugabe-dubai-trip.html

Zimbabwe: Thabiths Khumalo needs your prayers and Journalists beaten up during the demonstrations in Harare today!

“I hear she has developed some breathing problems after inhaling police tear gas during the Harare demonstrations today. UMakhumalo is a very unfortunate character, she needs our prayers as we play toyi toyi with our self created dictatorship” (Ndaba Nhuku, 03.08.2016)

Other victims of Police Brutality today:

“ANTI-RIOT police of Wednesday ran amok, beating up journalists and protesters who were had embarked on a peaceful demonstration against continued joblessness under the current Zanu PF led government. Journalists who fell victim to the cops during the Harare demo were Aljazeera’s Haru Mutasa, BBC’s Tendai Masiyazviripo, freelance journalists Chris Mahove and Tony Manyangadze as well as Idah Mhetu, a female photo journalist with the Financial Gazette” (RadioVop Zimbabwe, 03.08.2016).

So the Zanu-PF does not accept people demonstrating against them or the ones reporting them to the media. So the demonstrations against the economic policies and longevity of Mugabe Presidency is not seen as good thing by the ruling regime. They continue to hurt innocent civilians to be in power. The Good Governance and Justice is not worthy words coming out of Mugabe’s mouth, as his actions and his Police are making citizens to criminals for doing the duty as citizens. Peace.

WATCH: No to Bond Notes protests in Harare violently broken up by Zimbabwe police (Youtube-Clip)

“Riot police in Zimbabwe used tear gas and water cannon Wednesday to break up a protest by several hundred demonstrators gathered in Harare in a fresh outbreak of opposition to President Robert Mugabe. An AFP reporter said police dispersed the rally by beating protesters with batons and firing tear gas, injuring several people as the fleeing crowds threw stones in response. Many of the marchers wore the national flag around their necks — seen as a symbol of a surge in recent protests — while unemployed graduates wore academic gowns and others held wooden Christian crosses. Among the slogans on placards were “Once Liberator, Now Oppressor”, “Mugabe Must Go” and “You Have Failed Mr Mugabe.” Zimbabwe’s economic collapse has worsened this year, with the government now without the funds to pay even its military or civil servants on time. A series of street protests has erupted in past weeks, despite 92-year-old Mugabe’s record of using his ruthless security forces to crush public dissent” (taiMEDIA, 2016)

Have hope in #ThisFlag; Still, it’s the darkest before a new dawn in Zimbabwe

“Dear Mr President. You cannot stop your sun from setting and you will most definitely not stop mine from rising #ThisFlag‪‬” – Evan Mawarire

There is a brewing something sinister in Zimbabwe. As the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) under the reign of long-long serving President Robert “Bob” Mugabe are using the Police and army as his prestigious bodyguards for his power.

The economic state of Zimbabwe is weak, weakest of the weak. Wiggling and broken as the civil servants and army personnel haven’t been paid in June and July 2016, as much as the people have been re-engaged in politics as the Zanu-PF elite has been eating. Lynda Masasira have been detained for speaking her mind on behalf of Woman organizations. #ThisFlag Movement Pastor and Founder Evan Mawarire have been taken to court on charges against the state, but a 100 lawyers showed up and the public demanded his release as the day went on; but after the release he fled into exile in South Africa. So the history repeats itself.

Only Morgan Tsvangirai is back home still, as his Movement for Democratic Change; are more and more fractioned. This being said while recently the former aide to Tsvangirai, Maxwell Zeb Shumba officially presented his new party at the 29^th July 2016 to launch the Zimbabwean First (ZimFirst) Party.  This happens as the MDC-T party are losing their backing from the people is dwindling; while the people’s faith in Mwarire is showing, as his selflessness and casting of the bitter truth is astonishing. The opposition has a political movement, but not a political party that all men and woman trusts. With the Ruling-regime total control and focus around the family of Mugabe; the ability of paying and splashing funds on Zanu-PF loyalists.

That is been showing in the Vice-President Phelekezela Mpoko living in a luxury hotel for a year and half where he paid $ 1.000 a day at the hotel and that was including meals. This happens as the most of the Zimbabweans are living fewer than 2 US. Dollars a day, to sustain food and shelter; also with the wonderful late-payment of government salaries and other difficulties to get certain import products. The land has also from January to June 2016 been importing from abroad for $1bn. and most of that for agricultural products. That means the former breadbasket of the Southern Africa; needs help to feed their own. President Mugabe must be so proud of his land-reforms.

The Zimbabwean State have in control the foreign exchange rates and control the usage of limited funds, the government at one point suspended certain imports for businesses. But at the same time, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mangudya saying recently “We are importing foreign currency to pay ourselves instead of paying for fuel and capital goods. That’s inefficiency”. Surely he is spot on, but the grand dictator doesn’t mind because when he celebrates he eats splendid cuisine on the tax-money.

As the state deteriorate, even the most harden loyalists have been attacking the long-term president even been accused of overuse and overstepping his power. The latest is the Zimbabwean Liberation War Veterans Associations (ZLWVA) Secretary-General Victor Matemadanda. Also the ZLWVA spokesperson Douglas Mahiya, these been detained for speaking their mind, which after the President the day before said the War Veterans we’re not patriotic, that meaning not speaking of the deity called Mugabe. He has gone further than that as well: “Ruhanya said Zanu PF’s advertisements calling for former Zipra and Zanla war vets to converge at Zanu PF HQ tomorrow 26/7/16 to support President Mugabe” (…) “From the adverts in state media, it appears clear that G40 led by the President has declared war on the leadership of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association led by Christopher Mutsvangwa. Waiting to hear the views of this G40 group. But the problems raised wont disappear because of this meeting; economy remains dead and the president cant provide the economic and political leadership as he remains captured by wife and a cabal benefiting from Stone Age corrupt practices against the majority poor. Elite discohesion and authoritarian erosion.” (Harare24.com, 26.07.2016).

With the darkness of bewildered state of Mugabe the bitterness of Grace Mugabe as she was shopping in Singapore as the #ZimShutDown was going on in mid-July, as the salaries we’re postphoned again for the civil servants, as the June-Pay had not arrived and seemingly not the July either. Just as today in the Zimbabwe Today reported this:

“Speaker of Parliament Advocate  Jacob Mudenda called on workers  to work overtime and expect not getting paid extra remuneration” (…) “Mudende said this would steer productivity  and ensure companies remain afloat than for them to retrench workers because of low production” (…) “Mudenda ‘s statement is likely to steer animosity among government workers who are disgruntled  over delay in payment of salaries. A majority of workers have of late clashed with their pay masters over unpaid over-time and other benefits” (Zimbabwe-Today, 25.07.2016).  As this came a few days early when the industries and workers we’re expected the same fate as civil servants; work but non-pay. The government promised to rescue with an old cue: “In a media briefing after touring companies in Bulawayo, Industry minister Mike Bimha said companies in Zimbabwe were struggling due to lack of funding and cheap imports from other countries. To counter that, he said the government was working tirelessly to revive the Distressed and Marginalised Areas Fund (Dimaf). “We want to revisit the issue of Dimaf in terms of making it bigger and more accessible. I’m sure we can do that so that we can continue to have companies accessing a little bit of funding and making a difference to companies,” Bimha, who is attending the on-going Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries congress” (Nyoni, Mthandazo, 28.07.2016 – Newsday.co.zw). If this is true, then some of the men might not go without salaries, but seeing are believing… and the government have not been accountable; so why believe them now?

With all this the recent days that #ThisFlag continues, the sanctions don’t get lifted and the IMF/World Bank doesn’t give in to the Mugabe Government. Let me end with quotes from Mugabe in an article from Daily News Zimbabwe:

“I want to warn leaders of these churches that are emerging only for the sake of money, the likes of Mawarire that Zanu-PF will not tolerate any nonsense done in the name of religion, that once you begin to interfere with our politics you are courting real trouble” (…) “keep to your religion and we will respect you. We know how to deal with our enemies who have for a long time been itching to effect regime change. We have the means to do that. I say to our  people, when these other small (opposition)  parties demonstrate  out of anger, control yourselves in the knowledge that the police belongs to us so we will ask them to throw them in jail so they can also test life in prison” (Mugove Tafirenyika, 28.07.2016).

This comes from the man who once upon a time in Mozambique wanted to free his Zimbabweans from the tyranny of Smith-regime and was righteous in that claim. But now he does the same in his own actions against his population and calls a citizens and a pastor a enemy who deserve to spend time in jail. That he deserve apparently for asking the government, to actually govern and not only eat the tax-money. The pride of Mugabe and his reign are ending in tyranny on the level of Smith or worse as the liberator knew what he fought against; An with time turned into the same kind of leader as the ones he fought against. The injustice of the past, is the ones of the present; might not in post-colonial treatment, but in honor of feeding the Zanu-PF and the elites, the cronies of the state instead of serving the communities and citizens with decent policies and progress through transparent economic framework. Zimbabwe, the place where the Zimbabweans can trust their government for serving them and not the President alone! For the reason alone that Mugabe says the citizens who oppose his rule can try out prison, because the #ThisFlag is an enemy that the Police would control the nation in the powerful hand of Mugabe.

The sun-might set on Mugabe, but it is not his sun. Even if he has reign the land and the nation of Zimbabwe, it is not directly it’s his nation to own; he has had the power for decades and thinks now it is a God-given right to rule. Therefore the one occupying the country is his subjects, not the citizens as he speaks and his Ministers speak. They expect the citizens to work for no pay, because of the decisions and his will to stay without questioning the implications of his decrees. The Zimbabwe deserves another regime, which actually cares about the citizens, not only the president. The dawn of something new must soon reappear as this regime is becoming more and more draconian. The laws and lawmen are taking in anybody who has a smidge of questionable words against his rule. Mugabe wants the citizens to obey his rule and his Zanu-PF; not for Zimbabwe. Peace.