On the 29th of March, Zimbabwe had elections. I was born in Zimbabwe and my umbilical cord is still buried there. I feel connected and yearn to return despite the fact that my family was forced to leave not long after Mugabe came to power 28 long years ago when I was just one. I have visited Zim many times since then. Two of my sisters married and returned to live in Zimbabwe but were also forced to leave due to unrest, inflation and Mugabe's land siezes etc.
On the 29th of March I could not contain my excitement. With the country in disarray and the MDC (opposition party led by Morgan Tsvangarai) positive about fair elections, I was hopeful that the dictator that has brought my country to her knees and caused so much pain and suffering for so many would finally be deposed. I followed whatever news I could online. The elections proceeded peacefully with little intimidation and it seemed that the MDC with their plans for reconstruction and development would emerge victorious.
Now on 9th April we still wait. Wait for election results. Wait as Mugabe proceeds to instigate violent intimidation, forcing whatever white farmers still remain in Zimbabwe off their land. Wait while armed war veterans march in the streets of Harare. Wait while the poorest of poor are threatened. Wait while journalists and opposition are arrested. Wait for Mugabe to cling to power using the same tactics that have kept him there for 28 years. Wait for support from the neighbouring African countries. Where does South Africa stand? What will Africa do?
Wait
I try to unload the contempt I feel for an 84 year old man. The man who took my country by promising a better life for the poor and then violently clung to power by whatever deceitful means possible while usurping vast personal wealth while "his" people starved. The man responsible for a 100 000 % inflation rate that leaves many destitute. Suffering with nothing. Fleeing across crocodile infested waters to neighbouring countries. A man who will fight to the end because he has EVERYTHING to loose.
Wait
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Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one
night." - Charles M. Schulz
3 comments:
Hi, Sylvia
I've been following the elections in Zimbabwe, too (but not with your understanding, obviously). I know the opposition party is calling upon South Africa for help. Why has Mugabe been allowed to do this for so long? How does a leader become so powerful. Oh, wait. Stolen electins, corrupt short-sighted leaders...I guess things aren't much different here!!
Makes you look forward to Judgement day doesn't it?
We all feeling the tension. Jusin served a mission in Zim between 2000-2001 and said that Mugabe force people to vote for him...
Now the opposition is fearing for his life. Zim flocking into SA and we fearing South Africa's heading same way
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