EDITOR - Returning from the Christmas break in the snow-bound UK I find myself deeply pessimistic about Zimbabwes future. The political violence may have declined but on every side there are disturbing stories of greed, corruption and deep moral decay. While the MDC now have a share in government, the truth is that some of their members too are besmirched by their own greed and contact with Zanu (PF). 2010 has begun with malicious and defamatory stories about misappropriation of funds. Even the heroes of the struggle have not been exempt from allegations of misuse of funds.
In a poisonous and utterly unsubstantiated article from a certain Zimbabwean residing in Scotland, Roy Bennett himself is accused of being the real villain of the piece behind the UK branch of the MDCs mishandling of membership fees.
Whether its the colour of Bennetts skin or the fact that he was once a member of the Rhodesian army that has so infuriated the Scottish gent, is unclear but it seems more than a little unjust that a man who has proved his loyalty to his country in so many ways should be accused of trumped up financial crimes by a fellow Zimbabwean who lives in freedom in the UK.
Whether it is here in the diaspora or at home in Zimbabwe, we seem to have lost sight of the fundamental principles that led to the founding of the Movement for Democratic Change; the desire for justice and a better way for all Zimbabweans. Instead we have become disunited and fragmented with individuals and groups sniping at each other amid claims that only they represent the true voice of the people. We have been lulled into a sense of false security by those full shopping trolleys, into thinking that the struggle is over; in reality it has barely begun.
More than ever, freedom loving Zimbabweans at home and abroad need to be united as we move into 2010 and the long delayed talks that might, just might, settle the outstanding issues of the GPA.
A friend of mine who lived through South Africas post-apartheid period tells me that squabbles and disunity are a feature of the post-settlement stage. But there is one big difference between South Africa and Zimbabwe, he adds sadly, Zimbabwe has no Nelson Mandela to unite our rainbow nation.
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