My 5th letter to Zimbabweans in the Diaspora
The best laid schemes of mice and men / often go awry
This is now my fifth letter to those of you who are in the Diaspora and I hope it finds all of you in good health and gainfully occupied.
The title "Of mice and men" (Ye makonzo ne varume) which sounds rather surreal in Shona, came to me as I considered the situation in your country, Zimbabwe. The book, "Of mice and men", written by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck published in 1937, is a parable of human suffering and the challenges and hope that we must go through. Our dreams, dignity, loneliness, powerlessness and sacrifice in Zimbabwe, are similar to the story told in the book. Our history of the last thirty three years will forever be etched in our minds as a terrible dream that must surely now come to an end.
Three weeks ago, I had an opportunity to pay a brief visit to the Highfield District Clinic, as I walked into the old building, a cold chill, like death itself, ran over my spine. It was dark because power was off and it was cold and lonely. The maternity ward looked and felt like a place of death and not a fountain of new life. I noticed the old iron beds still standing strong from yester year, with ragtag linen on them that can hardly warm a mouse. It was spooky in there and looked as depressing as you can imagine.
I am ashamed have been born at that very clinic in 1963 when things were much better than they are now. I am disillusioned with of all of you of out there who come from or were born in Highfield and encourage you to do the little that you can to make a difference. Nobody else really cares.
With regard to the elections, expect more drama and intrigue as the race to power hots up. There seems to be a huge confusion on the on when elections should be held, and how the new constitution fits in. From my understanding, the provisions regarding elections must be in place before we hold our next elections, which should be clear to everyone. There have been attempts by ZANU (PF) to hold them in June, but that seems to have failed. The best laid schemes of ZANU (PF) do oft go awry-indigenization is one and believe me, there is more coming.
I was quite dismayed the other day, when I spoke proudly of how Zimbabweans in the Diaspora can come home; apply their skills and experience to rebuild Zimbabwe. I was informed of the divisions amongst you over there. In Canada, for example, I am told that some of you now even have separate Shona and Ndebele churches and you are not helping each other.
I have been told by some Zimbabweans out there that they actually avoid mixing with other Zimbabweans because all you talk about are the cars you drive, your girlfriends or boyfriends, your houses and how much money you have made or are making. Apparently you are so jealous of each other that, you even go to the extent of reporting each other to immigration officials. It has even happened in the USA. I have been warned, therefore, not to expect much from you when you get back home as most of you have become materialistic and divisive.
I anxiously wait to be proved wrong because, that is the same attitude and value system that has destroyed your country. God help us if millions of you return with nothing to offer the country, which desperately needs your experience and leadership.
I pray that those of you doing the above will change your hearts and focus on those things that matter. More important, you must help each other out there and unite so that it may be well with you. Remember, we are only on this earth temporarily to do good and help those who need us.
In conclusion, I was shocked t hear that some youths here who were sending sms messages to get other youth to register for the elections were raided and their efforts disrupted by some thugs who, no doubt, represent the CIO here. They were threatened with unspecified action and I am surprised that not even the MDC has come out in their defense. In the meantime, we hear that the police are being taken in droves to register in specific constituencies that are deemed MDC strongholds. That is clearly unacceptable and shows that we have a long way to go to democracy. I guess we can expect more intimidation as we draw closer to the elections but my message is that; the darkest hour comes before dawn.
I once again encourage those who can, to come home register and vote so that we may accelerate the arrival of a new dawn in your country, enough is enough.
I shall be writing to you again soon.
Till then, may God bless you all and please, unite and help each other as Zimbabweans, so that we at home may all be proud of your achievements there.
With warmest regards,
Vince Musewe
Vince Musewe is an economic analyst based in Harare. You may contact him on [email protected]
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