“When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set.” This quote by Lin Yutang, the Chinese writer and inventor, captures our situation perfectly. It must now be evident to all that the years of plunder, patronage and dictatorship are surely about to end. Even small men have begun to cast big shadows as they campaign to be re-elected and continue to defend the indefensible.
Despite the disappointing turnout for the referendum, we must not under estimate the anxiety of ordinary Zimbabweans to see the demise of Zanu (PF) and the end of its selfish philosophies that have seen a majority of us becoming poorer and living sub-standard lives.
I learnt with utter disgust recently that the ministry of finance had to issue a 365 day bond at 7% annual interest in order to finance the referendum. The $20 million bonds were apparently taken up by Old Mutual and the National Social Security Agency (NSSA). In the mean time, the Minister of Finance, Tendai Biti, has estimated that the country has earned about $800 million from diamond exports to date, of which Treasury has received a paltry $45 million. The remainder is a mystery – or is it?
In effect, the country had to borrow from the poor in order to finance its political transformation. Pensioners receive a paltry $60 a month, and it is these people from whom the country has borrowed the $20 million. Those who are benefitting from the thieving of our minerals did not even have the conscience to help the country move forward.
We have also recently witnessed unbelievable action by the police, some of it directed at the Prime Minister’s Office. It is becoming quite obvious to most of us that things are going to get a little worse before they get better, but I remain positive that change is coming.
Our political landscape has been characterized by theft, dishonesty, corruption and scant regard for the well-being of our citizens. This cannot go on. I remain amazed at the audacity of Zanu (PF) and their sheer disregard for the rights of ordinary people. It is shocking how the police continue to be used as an instrument of suppression and yet the little pay they receive comes from taxes paid by hard working honest citizens who pay their taxes to be protected by our police – not harassed .
As I ponder on the future, I am convinced that there is no other solution than the emergence of a totally new brand of politics in our country and indeed in Africa as a whole. It is incumbent upon our generation to do everything we can to create that future. At times I do not think that most of us are aware that, unless we do something, the deterioration is bound to continue and with it comes continued mass poverty and suffering.
It continues to be a terrible experience to live in Zimbabwe today and I doubt whether those outside our borders can comprehend the desperate situation that millions of our citizens find themselves in today. Our situation will certainly not get better until we have a new government in power. Zimbabwe remains a failed, police state and this is convenient for those who continue to plunder our resources. Our rights continue to be abused and disregarded by our politicians while intimidation by the police is a common daily occurrence.
Our only hope it to turn out and vote decisively. I think of the thousands who risked their lives in order to participate in our armed struggle and I call upon the same emotions that led them there to lead us now to the voting booths.
This for me is not the responsibility the MDC or opposition parties, but the responsibility of every sane Zimbabwean who wishes to see a better future for coming generations. For those in the Diaspora this is not the time to philosophize and dither – but to come home, register and vote.
In addition I implore the SADC to realize that fair play does not exist in Zanu (PF)’s vocabulary and it is better that we delay the elections until Zimbabweans are free to express themselves without fear. Critical is the regularization of the voter’s roll, freeing of media space – especially the airwaves – restraint on the use of our police force as a Zanu (PF) agent and the removal of all state agents from the voting process. Our fellow Africans must come to the party now. Zimbabwe desperately needs their presence and assistance – but we Zimbabweans must do our part.
We stand at the cusp of reshaping our political landscape for the good of us all. I pray and hope that God will hear our fervent prayers for change at this crucial time. – Please comment and share your views by emailing: vtmusewe@gmail.com
Post published in: Analysis
you are one voice of reason we look forward to each time you speak. Stay at it Vince, the people are with you and this vote will be for our children and their children. One more time !