Its been a bad week

This past week there was the unfortunate eviction of hundreds of Zimbabweans in Johannesburg – most likely in preparation for the FIFA world cup. This demonstrates how, despite a large amount of hype, and the massive investment of both South Africans and immigrants tax money, the soccer tournament will probably only benefit an elite few.

It appears that the world cup will serve to direct money from taxpayers into the hands of a few elite, with the massive investment in stadiums resulting in increased profits for a few formal businesses. Street vendors and informal traders have already been forced out of business by the tightening of municipal laws. Already this has brought about the confiscation of traders goods and in many arrests.

Now the increased urgency of landlords and property developers to evict and empty the buildings they have failed to maintain, is clearly an attempt to profit with no concern for the poor.

Despite desperate attempts by Methodist Bishop Paul Verryn to save the residents of The Chamber building in Johannesburg from eviction, hundreds of Zimbabweans and South Africans are now homeless.

It is interesting to observe how struggles faced by the poor are not a result of foreigners or xenophobic South Africans, but of the elite who have no concern for the poor. I wish these wealthy people would hear the story of Chuck Feeney, founder of Atlantic philanthropies, who has donated billions of dollars to the poor and apparently has been quoted saying he who dies wealthy dies in disgrace!

The continued mistreatment of the displaced Zimbabweans living in De Doorns also leaves us with little to be happy about.

Then there have also been the unaccountable, unfounded and baseless attacks on the acclaimed and well-respected individual, Elinor Sisulu. It is disgraceful that journalists who claim to be reporting news produce speculative, opinionated and fact-less nonsense.

Yes, Paul Rumema Chimhosva, we are referring to your conspiracy theory. We have not seen one single piece of evidence or sign of truth in your allegations against the respectable Sisulu. We consider them in the same light as Jonathan Moyos ludicrous allegations and attacks on Wilf Mbanga. It seems Chimhosva is a renegade wizard of words, but if he aims to be respected by Zimbabweans, outside of Zanu (PF), he must come clean and explain his actions. This discrediting of Sisulu could have a disastrous impact, as she can help Zimbabweans obtain human rights through her continued advocacy efforts largely because she is so reputable.

In our struggles we must aim to unite against the oppressors, those who aim to benefit from profit at the expense of human rights, and we cannot allow divisive and malicious behaviour to go unaccounted for.