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The
corrupting of Zimbabwe’s youth
Christians
Together for Justice and Peace
January 14, 2003
We, Christians
Together for Justice and Peace in Bulawayo, feel constrained to
speak out again on a matter that concerns us greatly relating to
the young people of this country. We refer to the so-called National
Service Training Scheme which in our view is one of the most pernicious
evils in our midst. In the long term this sinister scheme has the
capacity of inflicting more violence and suffering on our people
than any other already promoted by this violent and lawless regime.
We agree with
the observation of Pius Wakatama (The Daily News – 4th
January) that "the ruling party’s most disgusting method of
suppression is their subversion of the country’s young people into
ruthless killers through systematic brain-washing (in these camps)".
"It is
bad enough that our rulers have allowed themselves to be utterly
corrupted by their own lust for power and privilege. It is worse
still of course that they have corrupted so many of their own contemporaries
through their (illegal) powers of patronage and violent methods.
But to fill the minds of the younger generation with nothing but
blind prejudice, hatred and fear is another. And to instill in our
youth the firm conviction that in achieving their objectives violence
counts more than any amount of wisdom, courage or patience, is surely
nothing less than Satanic", said a spokesman.
First-hand reports
of the brain-washing techniques used in the training centres are
well documented, as are the consistent reports of drug abuse, rape
and torture as means to secure the complete subservience of the
youths to their political commissars.
"Put bluntly,
the training scheme produces mindless thugs who will not hesitate
to resort to any degree of violence in compliance with orders. We
understand this to be a part of the grand design of the ruling party
to secure the blind and unquestioning allegiance of all sectors
of society to the party leadership and whatever policies they espouse."
"In our
view, it is the plain Christian duty of all parents to refuse to
allow their children to take part in such an immoral and corrupting
programme, just as it is the duty of the young people concerned
to refuse to undergo training," the spokesman said.
We are well
aware that some parents with convenient links to the ruling elite
and the necessary funds are buying their children’s exemption, and
others may be tempted to try this route in order to protect their
youngsters. "However we appeal to all Christian parents and
young people simply to refuse to have anything to do with this pernicious
scheme."
"It is
time to stand together against the corrupting tyranny of evil in
our country. Enough is enough! Therefore in the name of the God
of truth and justice and peace we call upon our brothers and sisters
in Christ – and particularly the mothers of this nation - to unite
in rejecting this great wickedness", the spokesman added.
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