Tuesday April 3

March was supposed to be the first month of  ‘price freezes’ imposed by Gideon Gono, the Governor of the Reserve Bank. This was the latest in his inflation busting gems of wisdom. The original idea was that prices and wages would be frozen for three months, beginning with March.

The announcement came with the usual threats to retailers and shop owners, saying that those who were found to be increasing their prices would be dealt with severely. But after a week or two the talk of freezes seemed to fade into the background.

Yet another ill-considered Gono idea tossed to one side. I start to wonder if these ‘ideas’ have more to do with threatening businesses in the hope that intimidation will create self-regulation.

The reality is though that the price increases are desperate efforts by struggling businesses to stay afloat.

As for Gideon Gono: the joke is that the man has “Go’no idea what to do!”

We all talk about prices all the time. One of the more shocking increases I heard was from a colleague who bought 2kg of rice for £17 last month, but towards the end of March he saw the same rice priced at £165! He didn’t buy it.

It’s not the best example of our difficult existence because rice is very much a luxury product in our country these days.

Anticipating the price freeze, I thought I would start a log of costs of some essential items since the beginning of March. Clearly, nothing is frozen…. prices for the cheapest loaf of inferior quality bread looked like this:

28th Feb: £2
2nd March: £4.25
22nd March: £6
28th March: £6.50

And this is what happened to the price of 500ml of milk over the month (this being the smallest packet available):

28th Feb: £3.20
2nd March: £4
22nd March: £6
28th March: £6

We've turned into bargain hunters in a massive race against inflation. For ordinary Zimbabweans, that means bulk buying (those who can still afford to bulk buy) an item before the shop owner has realised that its price has soared through the roof while he or she wasn’t watching.

It isn’t unusual now to walk into a shop and see an entire product being quickly cleared off the shelf by shop staff. Why?  Because they cannot re-price items quickly enough and they have to do something to prevent customer from buying everything at the lower price. Many of those eagle-eyed customers will be hoping to re-sell the goods themselves, to make a small profit.

I’m writing this the day before a nationwide stay away called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions comes into effect  – a two-day nationwide strike. March prices have driven home the need for us all to honour the call and to stay away from work on the 3 and 4 April.

Here’s another reason why: I felt sick today when I heard, via word on the street, that ET fares (Emergency Taxis) are now about to go up to £22 per one way trip.

Those of you who read my blogs last week might remember that this time last week I spoke about how we were all struggling with the fares - they cost more than we earn.

How can low-income earners feed themselves, never mind feed, educate and clothe their children? What are the 80% unemployed meant to do?

Words fail me. I can't describe to all of you living in wealthier countries how the panic feels, the sick feeling of fear in our stomachs, the sleepless nights when we think about our children’s future and how we can't provide for them.

This is the real reason why we want Robert Mugabe out of power and why we want a new government. No population in the world would tolerate this level of incompetence and economic mismanagement, so why should we? And why should we be expected to withstand brutality and violence and aggression when we exercise our human right to ask for change?

How can the regional leaders ignore the reality of the issue; and that is that Mugabe has destroyed Zimbabwe, and now he is set on destroying the people who live there too?

They make me so angry and I am disgusted with the way they have failed Zimbabweans.

There is no way I will be going to work: I am honouring the stay away called for by the Trade Unions no matter what happens. We need change.

Hope, a Sokwanele activist
Blogging for Sokwanele at ‘This is Zimbabwe’
www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe

Comments

[Jorge Saiete, in Maputo 5 Apr 2007 15:55:02]

let Mugabe and his people in peace.
mugabe is hero, a great part of african people and government supports him, i am one of them. viva Mugabe and Zimbabwe

[martyn Johannesburg 4 Apr 2007 06:35:28]

I think its fair to say that what is happening in Zimbabwe is no different than what has happened in the most of Africa, colonial powers have left and the greedy have put themselves in power and rape the wealth of their country until their is nothing and the poor suffer and those original colonial powers have to send aid for the starving.We hope and pray it does not happen in South Africa but history tells a different story, lets hope things in Africa changes and the rest of the world wakes up to facts.

[D. Stevens, Toronto, Canada 4 Apr 2007 06:34:21]

The world is watching, twisting in frustrated agony as Mugabe destroys so much of what he claimed to love.
We admire the people of Zimbabwe, in their stoic strength, their resilience, their quiet heroism.
The tyrant will fall, or be pushed, and tomorrow would not be too soon.
I wish the U.K or U.S. or S.A. would help with the pushing, but apparently that is not to be, and the future of Zimbabwe is solely in the hands of the Zimbabweans. Whatever the price to be paid, the people of Zimbabwe will win the right to democracy and freedom once again.

[Vic Richardson. Botswana 4 Apr 2007 06:17:37]

It brings tears to my eyes just reading these comments, how could this guy be left alone to do what he has done to such a wonderful country and its people.

[peter ,Brunei Darussalam 4 Apr 2007 04:34:24]

We were in Zambia in the 70's and 80's as teachers, and witnessed the changes taking place from Rhodesia, to Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and finally to Zimbabwe (in 1980 i think). Yes by all accounts it was a beautiful country, and the "Bread basket of Africa", but what is failed to be mentioned is how appalling the "whites" treated the "blacks", as they were known then. They were simply servants for their "white" overlords and masters, without proper pay and a decent education to boot. Is it any wonder that a "monster" was created amidst these conditions.? If the ruling party then had been more democratic,(and by avoiding a violent conflict), the current situation may never have occured. Always look to history to examine the present!

[Gibby 3 Apr 2007 23:56:12]

It's disgraceful that Joe in London and Clive in America can, in the time of great suffering of these people, still find time to be anti-white bigots and racists.
No, the 'British People' did not put Mugabe into power. A handful of (no doubt well-intentioned) men did it. Men who have grown up in the three biggest charity-giving nations on earth remember. But they got it wrong and put too much faith in the poor character of yet another african leader. Now western nations have often hesitated to help because of the barrage of racism from the black community inside, and outside, of Africa. The final nail in the coffin being the racism-led paranoia about oil and Iraq. I don't know about Bush and Blair themselves but the soldiers went in to kill bad people and help the good people. To misread these intentions decade after decade is a massive insult causing aner of its own. Surely the proof of oil reasons for Iraq would be in the lower prices: but hang on...the prices are the highest ever and not one of the thousands of journalists in Iraq can find evidence to form a story. And I want them to find a revelation because I detest the ground Blair and Bush walk on!
Mugabe is entirely responsible for this, much inspired by his own racism towards whites, who contributed an enormous amount in Zimbabwe. Are people like you any different to Mugabe, you're driven by the same self-destructive bigotry.
Fortunately the majority of whites do not judge entire races on the actions of a couple of men. It's a pity you do.
And to the victims of the idiotic regime, we all support your cause in western nations, ALL of us. We want the Labour government to be gone for good for reasons including this one. The downside of democracy is you have to wait. And we must ignore the discouragement caused by anti-white racism, exemplified by Joe and Clive, to do it.
'The British people' caused this eh? What a shameful comment. What a way to ask for help.

[Sheila - Fife, Scotland 3 Apr 2007 17:14:54]

How sore is my heart when I read these e-mails from the people within Zimbabwe on how the ordinary people are being treated. I lived there for 21 years in the 60's, 70's and left just after that horrible man took over in the 80's - and he is still there. I thank my lucky stars we got out when we did, although we moved to SA we are now in the UK for living in SA was not that much better, only you could survive financially, we could not survive the security situation. Even the coldest winters here are far better than what the people in Zimbabwe are having to put up with now. My blood just boils to see what HE (I do not want to say his name) has done to that beloved country I knew. It was paradise and now it is just plain HELL. How I feel for those people who just want to live a comfortable and happy life and give their children what they could not have. If only Ian Smith was still young enough to take over AGAIN, at least they would have a chance and I am sure if you ask the people in the street, they would agree with this. Let's face it, 27 years has gone and really UK and USA PLEASE WAKE UP AND TRY AND SEE IF YOU CAN PUT THE SMELL OF ROSES BACK IN A COUNTRY THAT HAD SO MUCH GOING FOR IT BEFORE HE TOO OVER.
There definitely is no one higher up as if there was, how can he let this sort of treatment of people go on by such a tyrant.
Sheila, Fife, Scotland

[Nokthula, Zimbabwean in London 3 Apr 2007 16:43:20]

I just found out about the stayaway solidarity protest for those in the diaspora in London and I plan to go. Anyone care to join me?

Outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand, London, WC2R 0QE between 12-2pm on Wednesday 4th April.

[Loretta, Northern Ireland 3 Apr 2007 13:16:35]

I lived in Zimbabwe many years ago and have followed events since leaving. Ordinary Zimbabweans have to take a stand against Mugabe, even if this means making more sacrifices, it is the only way that change can be made. Take heart in the fact that many people around the world have not forgotten your plight.

[John - Ipswich 3 Apr 2007 13:14:40]

This is a very sad report, but unfortunately one that we have come to expect from many countries run under coruption and mismanagement. Yes, the US, UK and the entire developed world should become more involved, but more importantly, the remaining countries of Africa should be correcting the situation. There are political difficulties within African countries, but they need to show that they are able to manage, and stamp out coruption for themselves. This is not a new problem, remember Idi Amin. Self help with support is what is needed, democracy over centuries has come at a price!

[catherine 3 Apr 2007 13:04:28]

I am so upset by the response to the call by the ZCTU. I live in town and have been left speechless by the number of vehicles l am seeing on the roads, seemingly going about their business as usual. A part of me thinks Zimbabweans are a lost cause. A friend of mine on justifying why he was going to work this morning, said, "because the stayaway will not result in any change". I was left speechless. I am now convinced we are a lost cause. We should never point a finger to the Mbekis of this world, when we cannot do something as simple as staying put in our homes. I am so angry.

[John Liverpool 3 Apr 2007 12:04:20]

You do get the feeling that if Zimbabwe was rich in oil reserves the reaction would be somewhat different from the likes of Messrs Bush and Blair

[Patricia Reid, Worcester, UK 3 Apr 2007 11:49:06]

It saddens me to think of how such a beautiful country with such wonderful people are suffering. The World needs to take action but seem reluctant to do so, for reasons known only to themselves. I pray for Zimbabwe and its people every day and wish that I could do more. I am a Zimbabwean living in the UK and miss home so much. The United Nations needs to wake up and see what is going on. The African Congress is doing nothing to help the Zimbabweans plight. It would seem that some governments can get away with murder and no action is taken.

[Oluebube, Chester, UK. 3 Apr 2007 11:45:54]

Very disappointed with the cold response to this stayaway.

Read someone talking about cut in salary threats and being able to feed family.

How myopic!!!

It is unfortunate that people have not realised that complacency is very devastating. Sitting down and praying for Zimbabwe to change will never change it.

God himself has put that power to change things in the Zimbabweans so it is for them to rise against this regime and reclaim their God given land.

May there be a RAIN OF WISDOM on Zimbabwe!!

[Simon, London 3 Apr 2007 11:35:22]

I fully support the ZCTU general strike today. It is important for the international community to support this action and stand in solidarity with the workers inside Zimbabwe. It is great the the South African Union COSATU are taking to the streets today and tomorrow lunchtime in London there is a demonstration organised by ACTSA and TUC outside the Zimbabwe Embassy for exiles, unionists and activists to voice their concern and show their support for ZCTU. We watch with baited breath to see how today's actions unfold and pray that no more beatings and brandings take place by the state aggressors.

[Simba Mbuyazi, Nairobi 3 Apr 2007 11:11:53]

It is sad that while a two-day general strike was called for, majority of Zimbabweans seem to have reported to work...rendering the strike more or less unsuccessful. If Zimbabweans don’t feel the urgency to do something about their plight, how can they expect external forces to do anything? Zimbabweans you are the authors of your own destiny, no one will come to your rescue (especially since you have no oil). Since most of you are starving anyway, why not go on an indefinite strike, fill up your streets and demand Mugabe’s resignation NOW! Mass action is the only way. You really have nothing to loose and of course there will have to be some sacrifices made. If you are waiting for Mbeki to come to your rescue, then I am afraid you may wait for a very very long time! Come on guys! More powerful regimes have been bought down by the people…, do yourselves a favour!

[Colleen - Ireland 3 Apr 2007 10:57:52]

My family and I left Zimbabwe 5 years ago (held on until the last minute like fools expecting change). We are the lucky ones to have had foreign passports. Just wish I could have taken all the Zimbabwean children with me!! We feel very strongly that all adults should stop having children immediately, even if drastic and I mean drastic measures have to be taken!! Let the Zimbabwean adults suffer for their decision and not the kids! Don't blame Blair, Bush etc. for the actions that they so many times years ago said would happen if African leaders get their hands on a country - it will always just be pure GREED!!

[Joe London 3 Apr 2007 10:43:35]

Clive it is easy for you to say this living in America what you tend to forget is that back in 1983 the American and British People removed the exsisting government and handed power to this Dictator who doesn't know anything about raising chickens never mind running a country that back in those days was known as the jewel of Africa. Rhodesia as it was known was the place that many British and American bought property because it was Prosperous and thriving with potential. Well I hope that all Americans and British are happy with what they have now done to this once gem of the British Empire. I think it's time that the international community step in and force a regime change, Oh I forgot there is no oil in Zimbabwe so nothing will be done.

[Will - Sydney 3 Apr 2007 09:43:34]

Thank you for your insightful blog Hope. My thoughts are with you all on this important day.

I was born and lived my first 26 years in Zimbabwe and feel ashamed of the comfort and security from which I write and the full pantry in our kitchen. I often wonder if things would be different there if more of us had the courage to stay and be politically active.

I am one of the many who chose not to sacrifice my personal safety and economic security by being active. I did not want to behave like an ex-patriot and ignore what had happened to the dream of a free and democratic Zimbabwe. So I "took the gap" as the saying went then.

My life has been wonderful, full of interest and challenge. But it has felt incomplete since leaving and I retain an obessive interest in the country of my birth.

Hungry for news I haunt the web. Recently I read extracts from an interview with Dr. Douglas Gwatidzo of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights in allAfrica.com. I recomend it to all readers.

Like your friend the "REAL war veteran" he must be an extraodinarily upright and courageous man, even more so in that he has not only made no attempt to hide himself from the authorities, rather he notified them of his intention to form an association of doctors to begin publicly reporting on the torture victims they treated.

When asked about the numbers of docters leaving the country he resonded "We are losing many people. Many of my colleagues choose the easier option. The easier options that exist are you either keep quiet and you carry on, or you leave the country. Many have left the country, and many have decided just to keep quiet. So, not everybody is like me. But I believe
that there are - there's quite a number who would like to be like me."

This is very humbling. I do wish I were like like him or you or the real war vet.

I like to think that if I had chosen to remain and "keep quiet" till now that I would be like the war vets' neighbour and finally leap off the twig.

In the back of mind is the thought that this will result in much state violence to make a futher example of the perils of open resistance to Zanu-PF. I am afraid that I might have found that I do not have the courage to be an activist in Zimbabwe if I could still afford food, school fees and petrol.

I pray for your safety and success in the coming days.

[Clive, Florida USA 3 Apr 2007 09:21:18]

Terrible though this is,the real shame is that, Bush, Blair and company, including the United Nations, have ignored Mugabe in the past and continue to do so in the present. if ever there was a cause for "regime change" then this is it.But try telling this to Bush and Blair !!