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Mugabe (not sanctions) has made life miserable for us
Mutsa Murenje
September 08, 2008

Before independence in 1980, the majority of the population suffered appalling discrimination, humiliation and dispossession, with the colonialist settler regime constantly and consistently violating every human rights standard. This compelled 'Sons and daughters of the Soil- to forcefully seek freedom, equality, individual liberties and democracy. To realize these, they had to sacrifice their lives, families, education, livelihoods et cetera. And yet, it is tragically true that human rights are frequently and flagrantly violated in Zimbabwe, albeit, 28 years after independence! Since independence, there have been setbacks, with innumerable legal limitations imposed on our rights. It is against this background that I advance the thesis that Robert Mugabe, the octogenarian tyrant (not sanctions), has made life miserable for us. Sanctions have nothing to do with the current mess.

Prominent nationalists like Chitepo, Mangena, Takawira and Sithole were people of faith, of integrity, of perseverance - the difficulties they faced were legion, and one might have thought, insurmountable. But they persisted, ever faithful to the cause for a free, just and democratic Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe was established. But they hoped to establish and regulate a free Zimbabwe in which the young would be educated, the sick would be treated, and the hungry-would be fed.

Today finds Zimbabwe faced with additional problems - dictatorship, oppression, repression, corruption, poverty, hyperinflation, unemployment, AIDS, and a myriad of others common to the modern world. Will those working here today have the faith, the integrity, and the perseverance to overcome as those earlier nationalists? We pray to God that they, and those who follow to carry on the work, will not be found wanting. This has to be especially when taking into account the fact that Zimbabwe is in the intensive care unit and requires medical treatment of a patient who is dangerously ill, with constant supervision. But what-s your point? Some are asking.

My point is: Mugabe betrayed the struggle for independence. His behaviour is a complete negation and betrayal of what the liberation struggle was all about. We were removed from a hard world only to be dumped into a far worse one. Don-t be fooled that Mugabe is defending the 'gains- of the struggle. He wants to safeguard the narrow interests of the ruling elite, their ill-gotten wealth at the expense of the whole nation! But why? The answer is simple. Mugabe has become godless as a result of the merciless onslaught of materialism. He has not only become a real danger to society but also to himself. Mugabe is a threatening menace to our peace, security, progress and development. But we all know, don-t we, that oppression remains oppression no matter what the skin or ethnicity of the oppressor. It doesn-t become more palatable simply because one recognizes heir tongue or skin in the dictator. One, therefore, must either be with the struggling people or with the oppressing government. There are no other choices. I have chosen to be with the struggling people rather than the oppressing government.

Serious cases of unlawful assault and killing, kidnapping, torture, destruction of property and the like are key features of the Mugabe regime. Sanctions have nothing to do with these. Threats, degradation, torture, violence, and savage cruelty are largely a result of Mugabe-s insatiable desire for power. And yet we, as citizens, have a right to participate freely in politics and make decisions about how we are governed, without being threatened or intimidated. Our political rights include the right to vote, to think freely, to express our opinions in the newspaper, over radio and TV, on the phone, and by letters and e-mails, without hindrances or harassment. Linked to this is the right to privacy; we don-t want our personal communication to be intercepted. When we think that something is wrong, we want to exercise our right to hold peaceful demonstrations, without being tear-gassed, beaten up, arrested or shot. We need to be protected from the illegal regime of Robert Mugabe-s ally! In conclusion, pragmatism is more appropriate, or safer in the circumstances of our country. I rest my case.

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