Friday March 30
There is only one possible thing I could write about today, and it's the looming stayaway planned for next week - I am writing this with real hope in my heart. I believe that the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ stayaway (nation wide strike) called for the 3 and 4 April might be successful.
I am hoping for the shops to be closed, the fuel queues gone, and the streets to be empty of cars and bicycles.
The stayaways called in the past have never been as visibly powerful as the vision I have just described.
Every stayaway is preceded by a lot of talk and soul searching on the part of both employers and employees. Everyone wants to support the stayaway, to stand united, but some people are scared. Some people have certainty about what they will do, but for others it's more difficult.
Listening to someone talk about what to do on a stayaway is like watching a baby bird tremble on the edge of a twig: if it jumps, will it know that it can fly or will it tumble to the ground? You can almost see people nervously considering their odds.
There are many small signs that this stayaway might be different.
A very good friend of mine (who demanded I refer to him as a REAL war veteran in this blog) said to me yesterday that past stayaways presented employers with a "damned if you don't" and "damned if you do" set of choices.
“Damned if you don't” close your business and tell your workers to stay at home, because it means you'll be passively accepting the terrible conditions of life in Zimbabwe. And “damned if you do”, because it means as an employer that you are publicly defying this regime and risking repercussions.
Make no mistake; those risks are still there. Even now, we are hearing stories that the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) is going around to factories and businesses in our town and threatening owners who close their businesses and warning them that they will be held responsible.
But we are also hearing that the police are abducting our leaders at gunpoint, and no one knows where they are being taken; and that the police are visiting the ZCTU offices and threatening and intimidating them; and we have fresh memories of the way Mugabe unleashed his vicious thugs on our leaders when they tried to attend the Save Zimbabwe Campaign rally.
This cannot go on anymore. We are angry and we have had enough.
My friend the real war vet has always honoured every single stayaway called and he has survived them all: his business has not been closed and his employees still work with him. He very strongly feels that the fear we all struggle with is mostly in our heads, and that Mugabe and his bullies are master manipulators of the state of fear.
The person who owns the business next door to his has never closed his business on a stayaway, but he does experience shame and guilt because he knows that fear has prevented him from supporting a cause he believes in.
My real war vet friend argues that our individual choices are different for this stayaway; they have changed to two options: "damned if you don't" and "damned if you don't".
Zimbabweans are realising - just like that little bird - that the only way they will ever be able to fly free in our country is to take the risk and jump. The twig we stand on offers us no security anymore, because we can feel it breaking under our feet.
I was encouraged to hear today that the person who has the shop next door to my real war vet friend has said that this time he plans to close his business and join the stayaway.
He is still fearful, but he has no choice. His employees are talking about giving up their jobs because they can't survive on their wages and he can't afford to pay them more. He says he has to try and do something.
The fear he once felt for the thugs and bullies is now far outweighed by the fear he feels at the thought of losing his business and being unable to feed his family and his children.
I believe that the tide is turning and options are running out. The day when Zimbabweans all realise that they have no choice but to stand shoulder to shoulder and demand a new better government is not that far away any more.
I can feel the change in the air, and it really excites me.
Thank you for reading my blogs this past week. Please watch over us closely next week and in the weeks to come; pray for us, and stand with us in spirit.
Hope, a Sokwanele activist
Blogging for Sokwanele at ‘This is Zimbabwe’
www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe
My thoughts and prayers will be with Zimbabwe next week during the stayaway. Economic circumstances forced my husband and I to leave 4 years ago, although we do have a house there and my family is still there. We also go home twice a year. I always followed the stayaways, and I really believe that by doing this, bringing the country to a standstill, is the only option left. Yes, mugabe can beat up people, but he cannot get to everyone. And after hearing todays news does Zimbabwe really need another 5 years with this parasite at the helm?
Posted by: Sarah, Izmir, Turkey 30 Mar 2007 20:39:27
Those people who criticise Blair and Bush for not intervening. Are you prepared for about 50,000 US/UK troops to be committed, to firstly invade Zimbabwe (without a UN resolution, because every African country will block it) and then remain for several years as peacekeepers? They do nothing because they know that ultimately the public aren't prepared for the sacrifice involved in actually doing something.
Posted by: Andrew Robson, Birmingham 30 Mar 2007 17:15:46
My heart bleeds for all the people who are suffering at the hands of such a minority of very powerful people. As a Zimbabwean living in Spain but with all my family and friends in Zim it is just too much sometimes to deal with. At the moment we can not get through on the phone and wonder what is happening.
If people can just mobilise and Stay Away, I understand "priyazim"'s predicament but at the sametime your going to work will not make the situation better that it is. Stay Away will cripple the already crippled economy but who knows it may be the turning point.
HOPE thanks for the blog and keep blogging words from a true ordinary person living the life is just about the truth we need now.
Posted by: MKRice Spain 30 Mar 2007 16:28:44
Hope and Zimbabwe, Stand firm, stand united and soon you will all be able to stand proudly once again. Mr. Mugabe would do well to remember that whilst every dog has it's day, his has been over for some years now. We all get what we deserve, Zimbabwe doesn't deserve him and he will get his just desserts too! Have faith that tomorrow will be a better day, do what you (each and every one of you) can to ensure that the new day brings what you hope and pray for and trust that this will happen. Faith can move mountains, hope and the urgent need for a brighter future can move people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Tammi, Calgary, Canada 30 Mar 2007 16:10:25
So where are Bush and Blair when it comes to dealing with this deranged madman ? - nowhere to be seen !. Why ? - because Zimbabwe has no oil and there is no Jewish lobby (and money!)pushing for action behind the scenes.
Obscene hypocrisy as usual - exactly what we have come to expect of these two scheming liars !
Posted by: David Cox, Windsor 30 Mar 2007 15:49:33
Hope,
Our prayers are with all like minded people of Zimbabwe. I am sure you will fly, as where there is will, there is surely the way and the strength won't fail you.
It is unfortunate that you have to fight for a second liberation. You however must laid the country of self seeking dictators. I am gland to note that many are now joining the stayaway. Had they done this before, you could have been far, hence I deplore those with mixed heart to make the wise decision and join to hasten the day of Liberty.
YOU SHALL OVERCOME!!
Kiragu.
Posted by: Clement Kiragu 30 Mar 2007 14:01:50
I feel the same kind of excitement that you relate Hope, but mine is tempered by past experiences when calls to stay away from work have fallen on deaf ears. My plea this time is to employers. I know a company which penalised employees who chose to stayaway from work the last time. Those 12 men who did not come to work, lost their jobs. This in a country with over 80% unemployment.
My employer always gives us an "option", which is usually worded thus, "we cannot make the decision for you. It is up to each one of you to decide whether to come to work or not. You have to decide if it's safe for you to come to work. If it is not safe, then you are free to stay at home". You clearly get the sense that they would rather you were at work than not. It is not stated but it is implicit in this statement. But what if employers were to unequivocally say, come the 3rd and 4th April, no one should come to work? Can you imagine???
As for me, no work on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. It will not be "safe" for me to come to work. I just know it!
Posted by: catherine 30 Mar 2007 13:52:36
This is the moment. Stay away. Stay away. cripple Mr Mugabe and his puppets. this is the begining of the end. Mugabe no more!!!! Come on people of Zimbabwe unite and make it work. This is it.
Posted by: Dave S 30 Mar 2007 12:50:36
[quote]Please watch over us closely next week and in the weeks to come; pray for us, and stand with us in spirit.[quote] "Hope" has echoed the sentiments of all, at this very difficult stage in our country's history.
The feeling of despondency that is pervading at this time may be replaced with elation after the 3rd and 4th April, but there will be repercussions.
At my place of employment we have been given the option to stay away or report for work. As a female worker, do I brave possible road-blocks and be called a 'sell-out' for reporting for work, or do I sacrifice 2 days' pay, and stay-away, for a cause in which I strongly believe. Industry has suffered a lot with power outages and foreign currency shortages and the stay-away will exacerbate an already fragile situation. There are two sides to this story - loyalty to your employer, and your conscience. I have both.
To the world at large....look deep into yourselves and know that we are a people suffering untold hardship. Please don't forget us. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers to whichever divine power you believe. We need it.
Posted by: priyazim, bulawayo 30 Mar 2007 12:08:38
A fourth-generation white Zimbabwean, I was forced to emigrate with my family after receiving a number of very real death threats. I feel the only way to help the people of that wonderful country is to impose wide-ranging sanctions on the whole of Southern Africa until such time that the region wakes up and itself removes Mugabe and his despotic regime once and for all.
Sadly, though, tribalism will be the continent's downfall. African economics has for so long favoured a fingers-in-the-till golden rule where whoever makes the rules takes the gold, a brotherhood of thieves.
If South Africa wants to continue being a part of the "Global Village" and the light of the continent, it needs to start weilding a big stick on its northern neighbour before the situation destabilises the region even further. Possible? Only if President Mbeki removes the cloak of a tribal underling and takes on the responsibilities of a world leader.
Posted by: Basil Greyvenstein, Melbourne, Australia 30 Mar 2007 12:04:48
I am no longer living in Zimbabwe, but feel as much love for the country as I ever did. I remember with trepidation, the feelings I had when Stayaways were announced in the late 1990s and in early 2000. I undersatnd what you mean when you say it is like a little bird trying to fly...the trembling feeling of knowing that it must be done, but what will the out come be? Good luck and stay brave and safe.
Posted by: J.Macefield 30 Mar 2007 11:51:08
As long as Mugabe gets support from Mbeki and SADC nothing will change...and what did SADC do yesterday...now I understand why Africa is in such trouble and will continue to decline. Why? Because of poor leadership with individuals still focussed on tribal issues and devoid of vision. Not to mention the feathering of their own nests via the corrupt institutions they have put in place. Zimbabwe today...South Africa tomorrow...watch this space. One man, one vote, one time.
Its time to call a spade a spade and the African leaders are all spades...digging arround for riches and excuses...blaming the white man, slavery, the IMF, Blair and Bush...never themselves. "Its not my fault"..."I am not the one"..."I want more money"..etc etc..what a crying shame.
Yes the people are scared but until they overcome that fear and take to the streets to regain their right to freedom, stolen from them by their own people, they will continue to suffer and the scum of this world will prevail.
On a more positive note I believe that Mugabe must wake up every day and ask himself the question.."..will it be today?". The sooner that day comes the better but the longer it takes the more anguish he has.
Posted by: john - harare 30 Mar 2007 11:45:21
Great to hear this.
I have always advocated that Zimbabwe's problem is the responsibilty of the Zimbabweans themselves. I know help from outside would have been great but the question remains in the word the Late Rt Hon. Nester Marley, "How long shall they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look?"
You feel it, you know it, so go ahead and do the right thing. Which is uprooting this demon. God almighty will be your strength.
Great Zimbabwe, I have always prayed for the victory of good over evil in Africa. I want to congratulate you before hand for starting this revolution.
Gob bless Zimbabwe!!!
Posted by: Oluebube, Chester, UK. 30 Mar 2007 11:41:55
May god bless you all, Hope. Thank you for telling people what is really happening at home. I will be standing with you in spirit.
Posted by: Nokthula, Zimbabwean in London 30 Mar 2007 11:29:46
As long as Mugabe gets support from Mbeki and SADC nothing will change...and what did SADC do yesterday...now I understand why Africa is in such trouble and will continue to decline. Why? Because of poor leadership with individuals still focussed on tribal issues and devoid of vision. Not to mention the feathering of their own nests via the corrupt institutions they have put in place. Zimbabwe today...South Africa tomorrow...watch this space. One man, one vote, one time.
Its time to call a spade a spade and the African leaders are all spades...digging arround for riches and excuses...blaming the white man, slavery, the IMF, Blair and Bush...never themselves. "Its not my fault"..."I am not the one"..."I want more money"..etc etc..what a crying shame.
Yes the people are scared but until they overcome that fear and take to the streets to regain their right to freedom, stolen from them by their own people, they will continue to suffer and the scum of this world will prevail.
On a more positive note I believe that Mugabe must wake up every day and ask himself the question.."..will it be today?". The sooner that day comes the better but the longer it takes the more anguish he has.
Posted by: john - Harare 30 Mar 2007 11:14:53
It is an absolute shame to the rest of the world, including all those do good bodies like the UN, have allowed such an insane lunatic to ruin a beautiful and productive country. It is an even bigger shame that the rest of the world have allowed this lunatic to harm, kill and maim so many ,now miserable, human lives. I pray everyday that, not only, Zimbabwe could be saved from this inhumane tyrant but that South Africa is prevented from going the same, power hungry, corrupt, insane, destroying way.
Posted by: SouthAfrican, living in Ireland 30 Mar 2007 11:11:37
Whilst indeed it can be adjudjed that desperate times callfor desperate measures, certainly thoughts and prayers will be for prosperity and health for all. In order to somewhat ease undecided minds not so long ago British TV had a Dog Trainer in the name of Barbara Woodhouse, and as I recall, in order to tame a wild dog, the owner had to stand firm and not show any sign of fear otherwise the dog attacked. It is your land and wild dogs must be told to stayaway! Good Luck, God Bless and rest assured life will get better, wont it Muggy? Walkies.............
Posted by: Khalid 30 Mar 2007 10:37:22
As an expatriate South African who spent some wondeful times in Zimbabwe, I feel very sad that the lives of the ordinary people have become so troubled. I apologise as a South African that the politics and weakness of other African states has seen such a weak response as to appoint Thabo Mbeki as a mediator in the Zimbabwe crisis. It is clear that he lacks the will to confront Mugabe. Sadly, it is only the people of Zimbabwe who can make a real difference and no one can measure the likely cost until the day comes when true democracy is instilled once again.
Posted by: Derek Bowman Warwickshire England 30 Mar 2007 10:19:44
i agree in Mugabe and i will be standing in spirit with them and yes i will even pray for them because God is good and he will do what is right and people will be shocked in what God can do. He is the creator and we should believe in him.
Posted by: Liz Portsmouth 30 Mar 2007 09:33:33