Far from Bulawayo!

Nothing brings me good memories of Bulawayo than the Christmas holidays. Its been about ten years since I left the great "City of kings", yet a big part of me still remain there. There is a saying that , you can take an African away from an Africa, but you will never take Africa away from him. This saying is more true to me about Bulawayo. Bulawayo is a small city of no more than 2 million people. Not much industrialized thanks to the politics of the day. Bulawayo means, "the one who is being killed", and is a former capital of the last Ndebele king Lobhengula.

For 26 years I lived in this city, its people as well as its culture. I was so religious about Bulawayo. I loved its beautiful roads and buildings. I never would have imagined that one day I will have to leave the great city of my ancestors.Bulawayo is the city that King Mzilikazi founded when he came out of Zululand in the early 1800 century. After the famous Zimbabwe's independence of 1980 all the cities had their names changed, but Bulawayo remained Bulawayo. Unlike most Zimbabwean cities, Bulawayo is a traditional city. Its buildings still resembles those ancient colonial architecture. Its roads are still as wide as King UMlilikazi 's team of architectures designed them. It is said that there where made wide so that the ox drawn wagons could easily turn.

Growing up in the Midlands, (Lower Gwelo/Gweru) area I was never brought up to believe that there was a more greater city."Kontuthu ziyathunqa". That is what we used to call it. I must admit that leaving in that great city made me a proud citizen. Beside I knew no other city like that. I was born in Harare, way back when it was called "Salisbury" in the colonial days. For reasons known to both fate and destiny, I never lived there. So in reality Bulawayo is my adopted city. Harare is booming capital of Zimbabwe also known as Bamabazonke, however that is different story altogether. If you want to see capitalism in the hands of Africans, go to Harare. "Bamabazonke" means grab all. The city could not have found a better nickname.

Bulawayo is closer to South Africa, both Culturally and economically as compared to Harare. It goes without saying that, we that live in Bulawayo receives "crumbs", or left overs from the central government in Harare. There is a saying that Harare is Zimbabwe, and "Zimbabwe is Harare". This means that for you do be anything, or anybody meaningful in Zimbabwe, you have to be in Harare. That is where there money, and power.

To be continued!

M.J belonged to us all!

Those of us who were born in the seventies, were born in the reign of pop star and king "Michael Jackson". His albums were hot sellers in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) too. Those were the days of "records". My own father who is still recovering from a terrible stroke managed to "speak to me about" M.J's death, when I called him this afternoon.The influence that M .J had cannot be under estimated whether you hated him or loved him.Its hard to remember a time when there was no M.J. From a young age he would inspire, and entertained millions around the world for half a century.Jackson who was born in Gary Indiana (two hrs away from where i am) destroyed racial boundaries that separated cultures and ethnic groups in America and around the world through his music.

For me growing up in the eighties, his signature performance was when he and other American musicians sang for charities in Africa. They composed a song, "We are the world, we are the children" To this day I can still sing that song word for word. In my class at Inzwananzi Primary school, every six grader had a song book. "We are the world" was number one in every body's song book.We were all crazy about the song. We knew who sang which part. From Lionel Richie to Deon Warwick. The song had a positive message that we connected to and identified with.

I still remember how one of the kids in my neighbor hood transformed himself to a Michael Jackson look alike. His clothes were all customized to look exactly like the MJ on stage. To this day I cannot remember this guys real name because we called his "Michael Jackson". He walked like M.J dancing on stage.His hair style was permed.He was so thin and wore tight black pants (trousers) and a white shirt.His shoes were sharp pointed.He also wore some snow white globes in each of his hands. Everything about him resembled the man Michael Jackson.Most people who lived in New Lobengula and the surrounding areas must know man I am talking about.Actually I think his real name was Zhila. Most of us who never saw Michael Jackson in person, "Zhila" is the only closest image we will ever have of the pop star.

In 1989 I visited my mother's family in Chief Sigola area. I was surprised to see a young boy wearing a Michael Jackson tee shirt.Deep down in a village that isolated and seemingly forgotten from the rest of the civilized world. Guess what! Michael Jackson"s image was there! The world lost a great entertainer, and a fine human being. People everywhere were touched by his death even as they touched by his life.

Diasporians' struggle to live in hope!

Working double shifts, sometimes through the clock.
No weekend,no Sunday, no holiday, birthday
No Christmas day, and no new year!
Because  its  all work, work and work!
Its normal to have  lunch on  the steering wheel.
The same applies to breakfast and dinner.
The vehicle is the house.
That is life in the diaspora.
Always on the go!

Keeping western union and the government in business.
Not counting the money for phone cards.
Sacrificing many luxuries that our peers enjoy.
Even church is a luxury we cannot afford.
Scheduling a physical check up appointment is too much.
We live by faith and prayer.
That there will be no evil force to derail the plan.

Investing at home and build houses
Educating our brothers, sisters and cousins.
Helping  bury our loved ones within our extended families
Struggling to support our ageing parents .
In a country there is neither  medicare  or social security benefits

The burdens at home are too hard to bear.
So we care less about ourselves.
Suitcases are always fully packed and loaded
Hoping  that  next Christmas one will be at home like everybody else
Relaxing in my mother's kitchen.
Enjoying the fruits of my hard labour, and sharing a laughter
Qghwe qghwe qghwe. He he hu wi!
Isn't this how life should be after all!
 Occasionally  dreams  allow me to take quick travel
To  see  my  relatives and friends in full color
One that needs to ravel document or visa

Its all about  living in hope and prayer.
Hope that all will go as we planned.
Since they say "hope is the mainstay"
And surely hope does not kill.
Without warning, fatigues  and silent killer strikes.
Exhausted, we aging and collapse!
Our bodies cannot take it anymore.

Forget about those big houses.
Forget about supporting the family.
Never mind those big visions!
Suddenly we need that care we provide.
And that money we wired every week.
Suddenly its me, myself and I.

Is Africa under the "shadow of demonic influence"

The strong spiritual influence among those of African descent is undeniable.This is without regard to religious or cultural boundaries. In many African villages one will not fail to come across some sacred worship shrines. I am not an expert in spiritual matters, and therefore I am not in any way judging these sacred places of worship. By no means! One ought to acknowledge things as they are. The influence and role of "sangoma and inyangas" witch doctors or spritual healers in many  African kingdoms has been evident for generations.

Nobody really need to prove the influence that organized faith sects in many Southern African societies today.  Local and international faith evangelist have shuttered records, filling stadiums everywhere within the continent.Which ever spiritual group one may belong to, there is clear evidence that we African descendants have deep roots into the unseen world. Nowhere in this article do I belittle, blasphemy or disrespect any religious, spiritual organization or sect of any kind or way How then does "the shadow of demonic influence" come into play? One may ask. In all these groups there are some form of casting out demons at least. So the mentality of demons or evil spirit is not new in Africa.This is not limited or directly linked to witchcraft. Good or bad, our sensitivity to the spiritual realm has left us handicapped to the physical one. For example, if a relative is sick, or something bad happens the first thing that comes to mind is a witch doctor  "inyanga or porofethi emazayonini kumbe amapostoli". This mentality is rather limiting.One would think it would be easier to consult a medical doctor

 Witch doctors are not experts  medical practitioner. They do not diagnose one 's condition. No cutting age equipment and tools. To them all sickenes is some form of eveil spirit. I know the scripture instructs us to pray always. Perhaps I must put it this way, prayer cannot replace expertise.We can pray for water, and not build a dam.We risk losing all the water that will come down after our prayers are answered. There are honest case where people are forced to rely on such help because of lack of hospital and clinics, since most Africa is still rural.


I have been in this country a little less than ten years now.I have never seen any preachers casting out demons. As matter of fact the y do not even think that demons exist in this part of the world.Not even those preachers that are known for casting out demons back home in Africa. Here they do not lift a finger against them. In Africa we tend to see everything in spiritual terms. Over here preachers like everybody else have specialist doctors they go to for check ups. Back home its unheard of that preacher has a doctor, all  is left for divine power. "Its like that man of God has no faith" is he goes to the hospital. To say we expect a lot from the supernatural is an exxaggeration. I was just trying to paint a picture of the mentality of our trends.

It could be that our lack of medical advancement is substituted by our desire for the supernatural or rather compliments it. A respected African American mega preacher once said to his black congregation in Atlanta, and I quote, "Some of you are still being followed by demons your fore fathers brought from Africa". When he said that hundreds of people respeonded to the alter call for some "cleansing prayer "The idea that Africa is somehow a cursed place has deep roots overseas, yet we also reinforce it ourselves by further promoting bizarre spiritual activities. It could be that demons manifest themsevles in different ways, but I will tell you that there are more quiet and smart demons here than anywhere else in the world. thre are serial killers, prostitues, drug delaers, cold blooded mass murderers, terrorists of all kinds. 

Things that are easily dealt with here like malaria,cholera still require miracles back home.In fact most people in developed countries benefit a lot from the use of prescription drugs. On the flip side an average American is always on some kind of drugs, doctor prescibed or not. Nobody makes money like the drugs and pharmaceutical companies. Hospitals, and insurance companies are big business here.They even control media institutions.There is absolutely no mention of the spiritual world at all.Let alone the demons, and evil spirits. Except on movies, and children story books.

Nobody here prays for rain, yet nobody starves. No sacrifices and no rain making ceremonies.In fact there not many sacred worship shrines.In most of our  cultures we burns incense, "Ukuthunqisela"get cleansed for evil omen. "Ukugeza umnyama" some kind of exorcising demons or evil spirits. Ukulahliswa. Growing up in the city, one would see a lot of coins and treated water on the crossroads especially in the mornings. Evil spirits are believed to hinder one from many good things in life. In my culture, if things are not going well it is said that "ulomnyama"This applies even in marriage. Seers, and traditional healer use the term. "Ngibona ithunzi elimnyama" I see a dark cloud!

Our quest for the spiritual world has further plunged  into thick demonic consciousness mentality. Some greed and preying American Evangelists have taken advantage of that. We are a fertile ground for any spiritual experiment and exorcism.

A NEW DAWN, A NEW ERA.

Above Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma seen doing some Zulu dance during a rally.Zuma was declared the winner last week in one of the most tightly contested South African general elections since independence in 1994.JZ, as they call him is popular among the poor and unemployed South Africans. Many feel confident that Jacob Zuma will do a good job of alleviating poverty and job creation. He faces a tough job mending the divisions within the ANC party, and the entire Rainbow nation at large.Zuma who was catapulted to power last November in annual ANC congress in Polokwane.Zuma has has along history with ANC dating back to his youth days.He almost saw his political career come to a sudden end, after he was fired by Thabo Mbeki's cabinet three years ago.

He is also a former detainee along side Nelson Mandela in the Robin islands prison.
The sixty six year old Zuma is not formerly educated but has respect of most of the major institutions in South Africa.The man who was finally acquitted of corruption charges hardly a week before the elections, brings a new energy with his as evidenced by his skills of traditional Zulu dancing.Jacob Zuma will be the first Zulu President of the Republic South Africa.He is said to be very close to King Goodwill Zwelithini.His election was also a win to most of the Zulus people.For the first time in history KwaZulu Natal and Durban constituencies were tightly contested. These are places where Inkatha Freedom party traditionally wins easily.Throughout his campaign, Zuma has shown great leadership and maturity in his speeches.

"A FRIGHTENING DREAM"

A FRIGHTENING DREAM.

Yesterday night I had a frightening dream.
This is not the first time I had this dream.
I am tormented each time I have this dream.
It troubles me so much that it awakens me up from my sleep.

When the dream episode begins,
it doesn't usually scare me as such.
In fact it makes me happy.
I mean very happy.
Would you not be happy being among your own people?
Greeting friends and relatives not seen in a decade.

I see myself at home in Bulawayo.
Greeting friends and relatives.
Some of whom are dead and those that still live.

I dream in clear colors,
laughing with aunts and cousins.
Shaking hands with neighbors and friends.
Drinking and breaking bread with my people
I dream walking in familiar grounds.
The same grounds where I grew up on.

Suddenly, my dream is interrupted.
How did I get here?
Do I have any money and documents to go back?
At that point, reality sink in.
Soberness, and panic takes over.
I am in deep trouble.

How in the world did I come to this place?
Yes I was homesick.
But this is a terrible mistake?
How am I ever going go back?
At that point, I am awake and sweating.
"Thank God, I am still here in the States"
Oh it was that dream again.

Mandla Mkwananzi.

REFLECTING ON MY EASTER .

I had forgotten that Easter holiday is one the major proud pullers in churches other than Christmas. Despite the fact that me and my family arrived in church at least 20 minutes early,we where amazed that the parking lot was already getting full.The church that we attend has two services, one starts at 9am, while the next one starts at 10:45am.We prefer the second service because we enjoy contemporary music, while the other one is mostly traditional.Apart from the preacher, one would think they are in two different churches when comparing the way the two services are conducted.

Its important to mention that this was our first Easter, since we are fairly new in the area.This is one of the two churches we tried out since our arrival in Carmel almost two years ago.There was another one we attended for a couple of months, but my wife did not like it.That meant we had to move.When we visited the Faith Church at the corner of 91st and College, she enjoyed the service, and we have been going there ever since.Any married man will tell you about consequences of arguing with a woman.Indeed my wife made the right choice. This church gave us a warm and friendly welcome.They are the nicest people one can ever find.They have supported us prayerful and materially.

Something about this church that reminds me of my home church in Zimbabwe.Maybe its the way they gracefully handle the house of God, or just their reverence for the word of God.Many times during worship, I take a trip to my own church in New Lobengula Brethren In Christ.I also find some characters strikingly similar. Sometimes the songs they sing have similar tunes to those we sing back home in Ndebele.

This past weekend a lot of people came in as families, as compared to some days in the past. Coincidentally I used to see that a lot at home during such holidays.However there is one major difference that is interesting to me.At home my pastors, or ministers usually come in when the service is already began.They arrive through the back door in a grand entrance like style. They would come in walking solemnly in a orderly fashion.They take the seats, while one of them, heads to the pulpit to greet the church, and officially open the service in a seemingly rehearsed voice. After greeting the congregation the master of ceremony will say,"Let every body say Amen. Here the Ministers sits together with congregation, and leave to the pulpit from the people's side.At home they had a real clergy like style and tone of service command.That is one thing I miss about my home church among other things.

REMAINING WHITE FARMERS TELL THEIR STORY.

Dear all, Thank you for your prayers. On the face of it you may wonder whether they are being answered or not. I will give you a brief synopsis of today: We managed to leave Mike and Angela's house this morning despite invaders all around and a small blockade of cut trees on the driveway going out to the main road. On leaving though "Landmine" gave his name as "Landmine Shamuyarira" and told us that the place was now his as he has the offer letter for Minister Nathan Shamuyarira.

Angela and Cath tried to go back a little later to sort out a wound on the old horse that lives in the garden and give him water as well as get the cat. They also needed to check the small herd of "house" dairy cows as they haven't been able to be milked for a few days due the invaders stopping the workers from being allowed to work. Cath got out of the car to remove the blockade of branches and "Landmine" the main invader tried to grab the car keys and get them both out of the car. They were denied access to the house. At the police station the police did not want to take a report regarding this situation. We had our lawyer, David Drury there, and they eventually took the report after considerable discussion. We spent the next 7 hours at the police station but police never came out to Mount Carmel to allow us to get to the house despite numerous requests. For all we know the house is being looted. They smashed the kitchen door lock a few nights ago and we have not been able to replace the lock. Police saw the smashed lock but "Landmine" was never arrested. They have now got total control to smash the rest of the locks and take what they like. Bruce managed to get one of the workers, Sinos, who was badly beaten up by the invaders a couple of days ago, x-rayed. It has transpired that he has a badly fractured skull. "Landmine" and the gang that beat Sinos, were at the police station 4 times in the 7 hours that we were there.

They walk in at will and appear to command considerable power with the police. We asked that they be arrested but police are clearly in collusion with them. As a result of these beatings and police arrests of the workers, many of the other workers remain in hiding or simply just sleeping rough in the bush. I asked the police Sergeant doing the case regarding the arrest of our workers what "Landmines" real name was. He told me to get me to get it from "Landmine." When I asked "Landmine" his real name [in the Sergeants presence] he refused to give it to me. I was told to get it from the police superiors. Assistant Inspector Sasa refused to give it to me as it was a "police matter." Inspector Zengeni said I was "provoking him." Chief Inspector Manika, despite him being on the phone with "Landmine" on a number of occasions, told our lawyer that he does not know his name but will find out. On the 4 occasions that "Landmine" was there that afternoon he somehow failed to find out! Towards the end of the afternoon I was asked to get Martin Joubert to the police station as they just wanted to record a statement from him. When he arrived they said that they wanted to charge him for kidnapping! [a totally false charge]. They started recording a statement which was done by the light of a cell phone into the night as they had no candles. They have now put Martin into jail with the other workers.

Dave Drury managed to get private access to some of our workers who were in jail on similar charges. They were not being brought to court and were being illegally incarcerated beyond the 48 hour limit. This was pointed out to Chief Inspector Manika but he did not let them out of custody. The workers showed how they were tortured by police when having statements extracted from them. They were beaten using a heavy electrical cable. Dave saw the cable and the welts from the beating. We also got information that having chased all the guards away, "Landmine" is now taking car loads of mangos out in the maroon Prado that he drives and selling them at the market.

On leaving the police I went out to try to get to Mike and Angela's house on foot in the dark with a friend. Bruce had told Chief Inspector Manika that we were going to try to sleep at the house to stop any looting that might be taking place. The Chief Inspector said that he thought this would be fine. On getting to within 100 yards of the house we were ambushed by some invaders who were waiting for us. They fired stones with catapults. We had to run for it while stones whistled past our ears. My friend went down when a big rock hit his leg but he was up in a flash and somehow avoided capture. He went down again when he leapt the trees and branches blocking the road and he is quite grazed up. It was a great mercy that we avoided capture because another cracked skull, 50 yards from where they cracked mine 9 month ago, would not have been good. So today has been another difficult one. At this stage we are quiet at our house though; so we are thankful for that.

The answer to prayer is that despite all this and virtually no sleep for several nights and hardly any food, we are not discouraged.
It is a hard time but I know God is with us and I know that this lack of discouragement has to be from God! Please keep praying, With love, Ben."

THE DAY I WALKED OUT OF A CHURCH! (Part 2)

When the lady Pastor came back from her South African visit which lasted about nine days, the whole church was eager to hear her experience.This was obviously her first time to go out on an international outreach of that manner.I was one of those who were eager to hear about her trip.I must mention that her trip almost coincided with President Bush's first visit South Africa. The American President had gone there with her Secretary Condoleza Rice, a black African American woman. That same year in 2003, things were very difficult in Zimbabwe. There was no food, no fuel, and so on.Political tensions were mounting everywhere. It was no really this bad but it was just the beginning.This was just to give you a little background of that period.

My own Uncle Rev Jordan who is a minister here in the United States and his wife made several trips to Zimbabwean all year round.Rev N. Jordan is married to an American woman who is also a co minister just like my lady Pastor.Despite the hardships in Zimbabwe my aunt loved the place and the people. She knew Bulawayo like the back of her hand. It was important that make that comparison. Its a Sunday morning and my Lady Pastor begins to preach. Can you guess the title of her message. "My trip to Africa" She started by thanking God that, "even though we came here as slaves we are better off" I could not have guessed that her trip did not go so well.

She said Africans are poor and sad people and its evident in their faces.She said was hosted in a little house which they called a "mansion" and "that was no mansion at all" She also told a story that she had heard about lions at Kroger Park. Somebody told her that Lions at the Game Park were dying because of Aids having eaten some infected illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe.Her sympathy was for the lions more than human beings.When she recited that story, the whole congregation was sympathetic to the lions.

The Pastor would go on saying that she saw a mosquito on her car window and she had to pray in tongues, that she does not get infected with malaria. She did not even eat any fruits because she could have brought a disease that could wipe out the entire nation, she continued.As she was speaking I began to think to myself, What if she has visited Zimbabwe? She had only visited the finest places Pretoria, Cape town and a little bit of JHB. I was still waiting for her to preach, but when she continued her episodes of her nightmare trip. She further criticized people for not putting ice an her soft drink soda like they do here.I could not stand her blunt and ignorant whining. I took my bible and headed for the door.If she despised Africans and Africa in particular,I had no business being around her.I later tried to seek audience with her to give a cultural understanding, but her staff could not allow me.I even offer to put an appointment with her but all that was fruitless efforts.On that day I understood why some are of the opinion that woman should not preach.

I concluded that the ministry that hosted her did not do a good job of explaining to her where she was going.I also concluded that the people who invited her treated her like local black people. Anybody who knows South Africa must know the gap between the two races. This is regardless of weather one is a christian or not. The lion story must have been a propaganda from unreformed racist in that country.I vowed never to put my foot on that church building again.If my uncle Jordan and his wife lived in Zimbabwe for the whole of 2003, what was so special about her to make so much noise. President George W. Bush and Condi Rice went to South Africa and did not complain, given their capacity as VIPs.

THE DAY I WALKED OUT OF A CHURCH! Part 1

Not too long after having settled here in Indianapolis, I began looking for a home church. Those of us who have migrated from place to place know pretty well the difficulties that comes with looking for a place of worship. I would not have anticipated that it might be difficult since there is a church building every street corner. One of my major problems was my work schedule. I could hardly have a Sunday off. If by chance I had one, I would be so tired having worked hard the previous night on Saturday. I had purposed in my heart to find a comfortable place of worship. Needless to say that it was going to a year without fellowship. I knew the scripture in Hebrews that clearly encourages saints to "gather together even as the day approaches"

Having been a believer for a little bit over ten years back home, I was not going to have a problem with the any style of worship.I told myself that as long as they read from the Bible that is all I needed."Hunger makes bread precious" somebody once said. That is how hungry I was spiritually. In my Christian walk and fellowship, I had experienced various forms of worship. Pentecostal worship, charismatic, and evangelical ,you name it.I have friends from a wide range of christian  persuasion and beliefs. Some believe that one has to hear a voice to be considered saved, while others believe that one is saved through faith and confession.I considered my self an all round christian  who is above petty immature differences. I was open minded and I knew my limits.

Television preachers kept me revived. Sometimes I would watch the Christian Channels the whole day. These cannot compare to one on one fellowship. Almost one year passed without me any progress. Here in America everything is revolves around work. I do not think there is country in the world where people work so hard. Two or three jobs on average. It soon dawned on me that I have to force myself to fellowship come rain, snow or sunshine. I had fallen in love with another church not too far from my area, thanks to local television Christan ministry. This young and vibrant church turned out to be what I needed. Both the Pastor's wife and the Pastor were ministers.

I had gone there for a little over a year when trouble began. It happened that the Lady minister was going to visit South Africa, on another famous minister's invitation. I should have mentioned the fact that this ministry is a black church. In America there are what they call black and white churches. The late Rev Martin Luther king saying is still true today that Sunday morning at eleven o, clock is the "America's most divided hour". One of the reason why I chose a black church was because I did not want to look like I was beggar.I also did not want to look different. In other words I did not want to attract attention to myself at  church.

My experience in Atlanta GA on my three months stay had taught me a lesson.I had attended a white church at the invitation of neighbors. To me church was church white or black, but the minister made me feel uncomfortable.I do not know if he realized it or not. He would make examples of poor and needy people during a sermon and saying, "If you think I am lying ask the brother from Africa right there! It was not a big deal at first time, but as he repeated the same thing. I would naturally feel uncomfortable. That is the reason why I was trying to hide behind my skin this time.

To be continued.Please don't miss part two.

I once onwned a mpondo !

Lisayikhumbula yini impondo.A lot of guys would display this on the white shirts pocket. This was to show some girls that one has money. This one would never be used no matter what. I also did that trend in 1988 and it was fun.

THE UGLY FACE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (2)

Angela Cain/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Someone with whom you work may be a victim of domestic violence. Studies show that as many as 44% of workers have experienced it.

One abuse survivor whose story made headlines across the nation came to Indianapolis to shatter the silence in the workplace.

The keynote speaker at an Indianapolis conference has had her story published in the New York Times, People Magazine, and the Washington Post.

Her name is Yvette Cade and she has been scarred by abuse, figuratively and literally. Her story even headlined on Oprah.

"I have third degree burns over 65% of my body. So, basically my entire head was engulfed in flames, my upper body and part of my right leg," said Yvette.

She was burned by her estranged husband Roger Hargrave where she worked at a T-Mobile store in a Washington D.C. suburb.

A store security camera shows him walking into the store and up to the counter near Yvette in October 2005.

"He says, 'I love you, Yvette.' I am agitated, but I continue working."

Hargrave was carrying a Sprite bottle that was filled with gasoline. The video shows him pouring it on Yvette.

"I didn't know that it was gas. He was chasing after me. I ran outside."

Yvette fell and then her estranged husband lit a match and threw it on her.

The tape captured coworkers screaming, "She's on fire! She's on fire! He set her on fire!"

There was pandemonium at her workplace and pulsating pain in her body.

"I felt the extreme heat going up my back.The flames were 1,500 degrees. I saw my flesh dripping to my feet. I was screaming, 'Someone help me. Someone help me.'"

A T-mobile customer helped extinguish the flames, but Yvette spent three months in the hospital.

"I was just delirious for three months. I've had 19 surgeries."

It's been a long road to recovery for Yvette, but it's also a road paved with good intentions - helping others.

"I feel great that I'm able to help others get out of abusive relationships."

And to this day, she urges employers to get training on how to recognize and help employees facing abuse at home.

"The victim doesn't want anybody to know. I wore L'Oreal makeup to cover black eyes."

But Yvette says her co-workers knew her estranged husband called her constantly on the job and harassed her - months after she left him.

"They just didn't know how to approach me because we are not taught to say, 'Can I help you?'"

Yvette hopes her tragedy will help save the lives of others. She said that in many ways, it has saved her.

"I don't know where I would be without the Lord."

She is strengthening her faith in God and in herself.

"I am able to love myself, enjoy myself, embrace myself."

She wears her scars as a badge of courage."

"My fingers are deformed, I'm burned, but I value life more than what I look like on the outside, so I'm happy."

Yvette Cade's ex-husband is serving life in prison for his crime.

If you want training on helping domestic violence victims in the workplace, call the Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis at 475-6110.

If you're in an abusive relationship, click here or call 926-HELP.

Shattering the Silence.

The evil force of dmoestic violence!

One of the hottest stories in the American media these days is the issue of Chris Brown and Rhianna.We all know that on the night of the Grammy awards, singer Chris Brown was arrested allegedly for battering his girl friend Rhianna, also a fellow musician.The two had to cancel their scheduled performance at the Grammies that very night.The development of this story did not only shock the entertainment industry, but also angered the public.Among the celebrities who did not mince their words on the issue was Oprah Winfrey and her friend Gayle King.

Rhianna's fans called for a boycott of his music.To make matters worse Rhianna's police profile picture leaked out to the media.In no time the picture was in every American publication and the world, thanks to the magic of Internet.As if that was not enough, within a space of about a week the story took another turn.Chris Brown and Rhianna were reported to be together again.This would further anger many lawyers and experts who apparently had predicted that such is likely to happen.The high profile story has once again opened a debate about the issues of domestic violence in America.

Many analyst and legal experts suggest that people who engage in domestic violence are not likely to change.It is also believed that there are more domestic cases in America today than reported.Many organizations and individuals have made a deliberate effort to help expose and eradicate domestic violence.Quite often most victims are young women.there are numbers one can call unanimously.If one dials a number, in just a few minutes the whole battalion of armed police force and fire brigade will be bursting the door.Even neighbors can call the police. There are shelters one can take advantage of.If America being a nation that is both developed and civilized as it is has such alarming statistics, one would only shudder to think about our own continent of Africa. Those of us who are living in the diaspora must have seen the disgusting and terrible acts of domestic violence among our own folks on the one of the popular news paper columns.Sadly, some of the victims were murdered and those who lived were maimed.I have wondered why people would come all the way overseas just to kill each other here.

I remember few tears there was a couple I knew had dangerous ups and downs like that.When they were happy they wanted everybody to see, but when their demons were present they fought like wild animals.The young woman took a lot of abuse from this guy.He would come home drunk and beat the hell out of her.He would sometimes take the car and visit his friends only to come at his own time. This young and industrious lady who was the bread winner of the house would sometime lose jobs because she could not find transport to work. Surprisingly he would expect her to pay rent, food and all the bills. He was not the working type. He was an ambitious hassler who wanted a quick buck.The full account of the abuse she took will never be known.Evidently she developed a migraine headache to which even though they have been separated for years, is still a reminder of her past woes.
This young woman is one of the few lucky ones.There are many who are still on the receiving end as I write this article.

A MAN OF FAITH AND INSPIRATION.

This evening I had a privilege of seeing one of America's most respected Football coaches face to face. This guy is not only known for his winning tactics on the football field, but also for his deep faith in Lord. One would wonder if there is an connection between sports and faith, let alone American Football. Tony Dungy, unlike most born again christian understands the saying that, "No man put the light under the table" Tony has used his celebrity life to reach a lot of people whom organized religion had long forgotten. "Football fans"

Anybody who has never seen football a fanatics does not know the meaning of the word.I have never been a soccer fan myself, but having lived in Bulawayo for almost all of my life , I can assure you that, I know what soccer a fan is. People go to extremes in support of their home team Highlanders, "Bosso Tshilamoya", Umantengwane". Given such a scenario, one would imagine the number of people who throng soccer stadiums every Sunday afternoon.Football fans are like that too. They are very faithful to their teams, come rain snow or sunshine. They worship they team, and are devoted followers. Some of them might not be able to see the door of the church in their lifetime.

It is in this regard that the ministry of Tony Dungy has tremendously imparted the football world in America.He has a lot informal ministries from Orphans to prison as well as giving Godly counsel to football players. He also promotes family and fatherhood in the community. His influence extends even to the business community.Having lead the Indianapolis Colts Football team to a historic Championship in 07,Tony remains humble and down to earth.

Needless to mention that the man has broken a lot of records as both a player and a coach. He has written three inspirational books. I had the opportunity to take one of our kids to have him sign his auto graph,Dare to be Uncommon.He has penetrated the football and shone the light to young black and white males, many of them coming from dysfunctional families. Dungy, who finally left the football world as a coach, says he is waiting on the Lord for the next move.

A LETTER FROM CANADA.

KaMadiba
Its a year this month since I left Indiana for Canada. It was not an easy move considering the networking I had ...many friends, associates and family of which you are a big part of. We have prayed together, played soccer together, discussed politics, business, bringing up children all in good spirit with the brotherly love of building each other. Allow me to once again thank you for the years gone by and the impact you have had on my life and also thank you for the year ahead as we strive to be a better people and more so to provide the best for our families in these challenging economic times.

I am sure I do not need to go into details on how hard hard a decision it was to leave the USA, that fear of the unknown leaving our comfort zones. I have learnt that the only thing that is holding us back is FEAR. How many times have we lost opportunities because of fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of pain. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of loneliness. Fear of you name it.

Do I regret leaving the USA? No. The only regret I have is not leaving early enough. The great comfort I have is that I finally overcame my fear and left my comfort zone and moved. Coincidentally I have finally got a job on the 2ND Feb after a year of unemployment. Hold your congratulations. While I appreciate that that's not the cause of my excitement. What excites me is the fact that I intend to quit my job and any job for that matter this time next year.

Yes the company is great, good pay, great benefits, awesome team members and environment, but its still a job with a boss. You know a boss is like a baby diaper... always on your arse and full of shit most of the time...(excuse my French) You might say we all have bosses. Yes and because you are special to me I want to give you two challenges.
1)Be your own boss and create a residual income.
2)Hold me accountable to my goal to fire my boss next year (2010).

I challenge you to have the desire, the passion and holy anger to take control of your life/freedom and above all to act upon it. Think positive all the time. See your cup as half full and not half empty. When life throws lemons at you squeeze them and make refreshing lemonade.

You are obviously going to meet challenges the moment you start making a positive move. There are those who will tell you forget it you can't. History has been made at the White House based on "YES WE CAN". I challenge you and I "YES WE CAN" Now is the time. Find your passion and go for it. Put away your fear and dream big.

I have found my passion and am on my way up. I have overcome my fears. If you still have fear to journey alone I invite you to come on board with me and together we can achieve even greater things. Just forget about all those excuses you are thinking of and what people will say.

Yah we heard things like he is not experienced, he is an elitist (whatever that means)he is a Muslim, he is a terrorist, he is black, he is that one...blah blah blah... so what?
His answer and those who believed in him was "YES WE CAN". The rest is History. It is not easy, but its not impossible.
Find your passion and go for it or come on board with me on:

Yours Faithfully

T.Mabasa and family.

NO SENSE BEING ACADEMIC ABOUT ZIM CRISIS!

Thank you Mhlanga and Mandhlazi for your articles. I
have a problem with the obtuseness of issues raised.
The articles touch on how the country was colonized,
how the British (read as the Labor and
Conservatives) failed to honor some deals and
agreements; how ZAPU Central comitte failed to
publicize the gukurahundi genocide, the land issue and
how Mugabe is 'right' in his destructive and primitive
politics founded on neurosis of victimhood. Mandhlazi
brings in the issue of Zimbabweans in South Africa,
blames Tsvangirai and his sponsors, raises the issue
of how Tsvangirai conducted his campaigns. My worry is
that in the attempt to be academic about genocide,
humanitarian crisis and leadership failure, we fall in
the trap of being apologetic for Mugabe's politics of
destruction and violence just like the ZAPU leadership
we are condemning. I don't see anything complex about
the history of Zimbabwe that justify genocide and
irresponsible leadership. Let us not overburden the
issue of Gukurahundi with other issues. It was a
genocide that was presided over by ZANU-PF and Mugabe.
Mugabe remains a culprit. I wonder whether Mugabe is
right on the land question? I doubt his sincerity even
on this fundamental issue. The 'revolutionary Mugabe'
is engaging in violence against citizens at home while
playing pan-Africanism in the region and
anti-colonizalism abroad. I am sad that this rhetoric
is making some of us see sense in a senseless politics
of destruction and violence.

Regards,
Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni

SIGN OF TIMES!

Above a young boy struggling with a bunch of useless Zimbabwean dollar notes!

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
READS ZIMBABWE'S NEW CURRENCY!




Can someone tell me, is Zimbabwe a colony of $$$$? Most people who went to Zimbabwe for holiday were stunned to find out that Zimbabweans are now using $U.S. for their every day needs. What even surprised many was the fact that most local people have more money than people from overseas. It is said that things are so much overpriced, since everybody has their own price for goods they sale.

MUTAMBARA NEVER FORGOT MY WORDS! (2nd comment).

Comrade Marime,

Of cause there was a crisis in Zim 20yrs ago: the people of Matebeleland and Midlands regions were reeling from the brunt of Mugabe's self-proclaimed "moment of madness" having butchered some estimated 20,000 innocent Ndebele civilians in the well documented orgy of genocide by Mugabe's FifthBrigade crack unit. This was no different to the orgy of violence that has been perpetrated by Zanu pf in the Mashonaland, Manicaland and Midlands in the run-up to the presidential run-off elections last June, only that more people (almost exclusively Ndebeles) were killed and maimed 20 yrs ago.

Marime just because you are the unashamed rotten Shona tribalist that you are today, does not invalidate or minimize the tragic holocaust that occurred 20yrs ago when you were staunch Zanu pf supporter and as well as a mind-numbed Mugabe sycophant. The violent repression that the MDC has endured from Mugabe's regime in the past 8yrs is a microcosm of that which was perpetrated on the Ndebele people in the first 8yrs of Zimbabwe's political independence from the racist white minority regime.

When Mugabe was busy gouging out one 'eye' (i.e, innocent Ndebele civilians) in the 80's, the other eye (i.e, the likes of you Marime and the white farming community) looked the other way and 'saw nothing'. Now that you and the white farming community are the victims of Mugabe's blood-thirsty appetite you expect sympathy from the other 'eye' that was yesteryear's victim.

Furthermore, we need to interrogate the deafening silence of the international community (in addition to the convenient silence of the Mashonaland and Manicaland regions as well as that of the white farming community) when Mugabe committed similarly egregious crimes against humanity in the 80's. Why didn't anyone see the need for the West to intervene then? This does not necessarily imply that there's no need for&nb sp;intervention in the Zim crisis today by the international community.

This is the point that Mutambara and the writer below are making, and this is the moral equivalence argument that you seem to brazenly ignore in your myopic analysis and appreciation of the comprehensive nature of Zim's tragic political crisis.

Vele Ngeki iphele lindaba!

Mbuso

WHEN IT COMES TO THE MEDIA, MONEY TALKS!

There is no need to bother ourselves about the ethics of the news mediums we trust.Beside we we are merely recipients, who can neither add, nor subtract anything.The quality of the commercial news mediums is by and large determined by the business associates. They support the media institutions in form of advertisements, commercials, and infomercials. In media there is a saying that says" He who pays the piper calls the tune".It is normal for the business people to patronize their local mediums, be it newspaper, radios, or television. Given that scenario, the every people day might not the bosses. Depending on the type of news organization or its affiliates, it is dangerous to assume that these are civil servants.

The mouthpiece machinery on the news desk must be well oiled . The local people who tune in or buy the paper cannot pay as much as the business community. To have an objective analysis one would needs look at the media like any other business. They are there to make profit. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, that directly, or indirectly affects the outcome of the news.Its not easy to take note of this, if there a media monopoly, as compared to when there is two or three competing news mediums.

There is nothing wrong with this kind of partnership except that sometimes the quality of the news is questionable . It is very hard, if not impossible to strike a good balance between the two.The integrity of the reporters, and newscasters is tested time and again. There are business interests.One will choose either to inform, misinform, or even turn a blind eye on other issues that might be touching their affiliates. There is a lot at stake. Business people might not like they things exposed. What is interesting is the fact that some business people will go to the extent of buying shares in the local newspaper. There are no laws that prohibit people from owning media outlets. Media is the most lucrative business one can possible venture into, and its role in the communities is very essential. The values and ethics of the media will be a thing of the past given the stakes and interests there of.

THE CHALLENGES THAT COMES WITH AGE.

(Above the old and young Mkwananaz! that was Dec in 2007)

EsiNdebeleni bathi ukukhula kulamanyala! This means that the older one gets, the more problem they encounter. Quite often being young, one is normally shielded from many issues of life. On the contrary its not only problems that are brought about aging. It is interesting to realize that one's perspective of life changes as time goes by. One will naturally be tested. One is given different situations and scenarios to juggle. Upon graduation the playing field is changed time and again. Its a vicious cycle.

The new year period, is one of the times I usually try to measure my maturity, and growth. There are times I have recorded some encouraging results on my self calibrated scale. Ye there are times when the meter does not move an inch. Times like that are not always fun. It is normal for human beings to evaluate themselves on their day to day lives. The same goes for business and private institutions. If for any reason that company did not make profit, or achieve its desired goal, the management will naturally make adjustments. Only dead wood managers, or leaders will not make necessary adjustment for the better when needed. For example Zimbabwe! That is a tragic, catastrophic and desolating sacrilege unfolding.

Its amazing how intelligent I became whenever the word Zimbabwe is mentioned. Without getting into much politics, I honest believe that there is no reason why the nation is going through such horror. We are not even a nation at war for God's sake. That would be acceptable for war tone places. Leaders must be in a position to sit down, and talk to make life better for their own people. Not even the least of Zimbabweans deserve to go through such trauma. I have always said that, no amount of education can save Zimbabwe, only when people are willing to use their common senses. Degrees upon degrees will not do anything to anybody. They will only decorate the walls. Those walls will be brought down by termites.

My challenges are doubled this year. United States is going through the harshest economic climate in many years. This is obviously not good news for some of us who are harboring here. Some things we take for granted might be lost. Many have lost their valuable things including their homes. Health care premiums will go up. Surveys are showing that a lot of people are now skipping doctor's appointments. Dental check up visits will be luxury. Companies are closing down. We have not seen the worst. Some of us who are raising young families might find the going tough. Diapers.(Izitshubo) Baby milk, wipes and things like that will not be affordable anymore. The young and the elderly will pay the price.

I am one person who has always managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physical wise. I have always been the envy of many. A lot of my work mates and friends thought I was ten years younger than my age. The past year saw me going off balance when it comes to weight issues. I can hardly fit into any of my only two suits. That is a cause for concern. In America obesity is the number one killer. Beside I can no longer afford buying any more suits being married and raising kids. Make no mistake, I am not about to be obese , but the alarm has gone off. I am headed the wrong way. On the other hand, I know that I never got this way willingly. Its the pressures of life and growing up. Juggling jobs, and changing diapers. Here there is neither man or woman!

Many times we are forced to eat fast foods. Whoever introduced the idea of drive through food ordering. In this country we are always on the run, and only come home too tired to cook, and ready for bed. That same thing is repeated next day, and so on. Most American foods contain a lot of fats, in the form of cheese. Sugar is also America's best ingredients. Unlike back home the food here is refined. This leads to diabetes, heart disease and other terminal diseases. Given the crazy schedules, we resort to the big Mac hamburgers. Quite frankly some of the food is addictive. Most of us are now drowning in the pool of oil, and carbohydrates. Its a time bomb.


My resolution this year is to take the challenge of leading a healthy lifestyle. Those of you who are struggling ngemikhaba ebanzi, must know that you not alone. A little walk around the neighborhood, goes a long way towards burning the extra calories. We must all stay active and drink water, instead of pops. Ikhokhakhola. If you have time to go to the gym do so. We can do this challenge as families. On a nice summer day, take your wife, spouse or girl friend, for a walk in the park. You can take the kids too. Ride a bike if you area has cycle tracks. Tell your friends to hold you accountable. I guarantee by the end of summer, you will fit in your old trousers which you bought from Gigas Boutique, way back when Zimbabwe was still Zimbabwe. If enough people sign up for this cause, I promise to show off my six peck in this page next summer.

WE ARE A PRODUCT OF OUR UPBRINGING! (part 2)

It is amazing how much of a difference the choices we make at a young tender age affects us for the rest of our lives. This is regardless whether they are good or bad. While I believe in fate and chance, I am also a strong believer in faith and prayer. On the previous article I ended by talking about the old fashioned values. These go hand in hand with the choices we make, or rather we do not make. Some people say that not planning is a planning to fail. The reverse is true. I grew up in neighborhood where there were not too many role models around. Every body's goals were just average and local. Being able to buy a new pair of shoes , trousers and a decent dress shirt was quite an achievement.

Its hard to imagine one's self rising above the set standards of their local heroes. One must have some inspiration. This is what the late American Civil Rights leader and champion Dr Martin Luther King calls a "Dream". One surely needs a dream. I have great respect for few of my fellow homeboys and girls, who by both grace, chance and determination, were able to rise above the local average standards. Some did it through sports, while some did it through the rough road of academics excellence. I can testify that these guys made tough choices. They worked hard and lived weired lives, in pursuit of their dreams and ambitions.

Where there is no vision.

Proverb 29;18 reads "Where there is no vision people perish, but he that keeps the law happy is he". Another translation says,"they cast off restrain". This is true for any family, community, and nation. Lacking a glimpse of purpose is dangerous. The young people who struggled, not being comfortable must have been driven by the glimpse of better life. I will never forget a friend and a neighbor of mine Nkosilathi Moyo. This guy devoted himself to books so faithfully. He lived in world of his own. Isolated and lonely. Nkose, as we use to call him, was the first child in the neighborhood to get University of Zimbabwe.

Former Zimbabwe national team kingpin and midfielder Ronald Gidiza Sibanda is also one of my biggest inspirations. From a very early age, anybody who knew this guy will tell you that he was a hard worker at his game.This is not to say that this guy was not naturally talented. He was naturally talented, yet at the same time he did not rely on his fancy footwork. There were many young boys in our area who could have gone places because of soccer, but it took a determined Gidiza to do that. I will always salute him. He defied the odds.

In that same area of area, I saw a lot of people messing their future because of temporary pleasure. Opaque beer and weed.(Imbanje, amasese legwayi) Everybody wants to be cool.We all want to fit in with our peers, and friends, but sadly some do it at a very high price. Some even catch some serious diseases that will send them to their grave prematurely. A lot of us are reaping from that seed that we sawed many years ago. The laws of sawing and reaping have not changed. (1) Reap more than you saw. (2) Reap later than you saw.(3) You reap what you saw. Some of these were sawed by our parents. Good or bad we reap them. "Those who plant in tears will harvest in great joy" Psalm 126v5.