The Sorry state of Bulawayo

High tariffs on imports and raw materials as well as poor representation of people from the Matabeleland region in policy and decision making bodies have been highlighted as the reasons why so many strategic companies have been closing down or relocating to other cities.

This was said last week by Dr Ruth Labode, the chairperson of the Matabeleland Chamber of Industries, during an MDC –T organized extra ordinary policy conference on the re- industrializing of Bulawayo.
Labode said Bulawayo had been hardest hit by the company closures and relocations which she said had affected the quality of business markets, purchasing power, employment generation and household incomes.

“It is our concern that over the past decade, there are fewer and fewer people from Matabeleland in policy and decision making bodies, be it public or private ones. This leads to marginalization and failure by the people of this region to participate actively and contribute into mainstream national activities,” she said.

She cited the Zimbabwe Tourism Board (ZTA), National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), NASSA and the Zimbabwe Revenue Collection authority (ZIMRA) as some of companies whose boards did not have any one from the region. Labode also cited the Lupane State University board which she said was being run by people from Harare.

The MCI chairperson also complained about what she described as high tariffs on imports of raw materials which many companies in the city used. She also blamed the city’s perennial water shortages.

More than 80 companies are reported to be either closed down or relocated to other cities since the beginning of the economic meltdown which hit the country before the formation of the inclusive government.

Ruth Labode, the MCL Chairperson. (Zim diaspora)

Do not just "baby sit" your own kids!

For most of us busy parents, the temptation to just "baby sit' your children is greater. Baby sitting is a term used to keep the kids out of dangerous things, feed and change diapers (nappies) Izitshubo! We are living in a time, and a generation where we want it all. We work harder to make sure that we live a good life. A life style where by we have everything at our finger tips. And really there is nothing wrong with that. For most of us, we are trying to make sure our kids get things that our parents never managed to do for us. We look back at the life styles that our parents lead, while we were growing up, and feel compelled to do better. Surely there is no better standard of measuring progress than that. Each generation is pushing for the better.

While the above general analysis is true to many people, it could not have been any more real than in my own life. We all natural respond to life choices, and decisions by what transpired in our lives during our upbringing. I know a lot of people who grew up in mere poverty, but are now living like kings. I also know a lot of people who never amounted to anything just because of the environment they grew up in. There are some who used their own humble beginnings as a stepping stone for the better. Such are few, and the rest lie somewhere in the datum line. Its been said that if you do not know where you are coming from, you do not know where you are going either.

I must admit that most of the things we run around chasing every single day, are not really about putting bread on the table. They are about pleasure, and matching the Jones next door. We do not want to be left behind. If the neighbors get a new vehicle, its time for us update our models as well. This is an acceptable type of peer pressure in today's world. The only sad thing is that in the process we neglect the most important investments we have. Our children. Spiritually, emotionally and socially they become losers, and loners. We do a good job of connecting them to elements, yet a bad job when it comes to connecting them with us.

I am one those who grew up in transitional period of time in Zimbabwe for most African people. This was the time when our parents could afford to leave their children with grand parents in the rural areas while they were working in the cities. Back then money was not an issue as it is today, but it paved a way for a good living. This is true especially for those who used it to further their education.  Education, like sports skills and innovation rules the world we live in today. These are not  measurable by the income people get, but the amount of loss that families go through socially is unmeasurable. The abuse of drugs, alcohol among other things is a direct result of such well not limited. For most of parents we are bent on hiring baby sitters who offer nothing other than "baby management" We spend most of our lives running away from our children. Some even send them to boarding schools far away as much as possible. Boarding schools have produced some of the greatest academic minds, who are also some of the corrupt people of all time. I am in no way trying to strike a contrast between those who have and those who have not. All I am saying is that we can use our energy, and resources for the betterment, and the benefit of our children as a people.

I am privileged to be raising my own children together with my lovely wife, who is their mother. There are a lot of financial resources me and my family can use, just in case you are wondering, and have a little excess. It is blessed to give that to receive! (email listed above). Po Box Santa Indiana. We are an average family with ups and downs but we are seriously pursuing the American dream. During my grade and secondary schooling days, I could have used some emotional and financial support. I am not a cry baby type of a guy but believe me, it can be devastating when parents do not show support to your sporting and academic events. I played soccer and ran track, and none of my parents ever got a chance to cheer for me. This is not a verdict to my ailing father, who suffered terrible stroke over two years ago. I wish him well, and I love him. We cannot turn back the hands of time, if we could, I am sure he would do things different. My case is probably not isolated, but that is not an excuse either.

My mother did not get the chance given the distance. She lived over 400km away. Its tough being a child of a divorced couple in a third world country. No terms, no lawyers and the the children in between suffer terrible. I never had the luxury of playing with my father as a child. He was always a busy man, probably like many of us. He loved photos, and he could pose like a film star in front of the camera, yet he never took a single picture with me.

I only managed to take a picture with him last year for the first time in our lives. Thank God we had that chance. He is obviously not the same man any more. Grown up now. Times have changed, time has the magic of healing situations..

I pray and hope that God will continue to bond me, and my two boys together, so much that our life here on earth becomes an experience. That we can seize every opportunity to live, laugh, love, play, share and pray together. Just "baby sitting" them is not enough. Our generation has to get it right the first time!

Gukurahundi: push for genocide trial

Zimbabwean writer, Geoff Hill

More than 300 delegates from around the world have gathered at the National University in Buenos Aires for the biennial congress of the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
Ahead of the meeting, one of the most influential players in global justice reaffirmed that Gukurahundi falls within the United Nations definition on genocide and must be classified as such.
Speaking from the Argentine capital, Dr Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch told The Zimbabwean *********** that events in Matabeleland between 1983 and 1987 were well within the International Criminal Court definition, and ranked with, "the worst of our generation."

"Gukurahundi was genocide," Stanton said. "We have clear rules from the Rome Statute that set up the International Criminal Court at The Hague, and from precedents coming out of trials in places like Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Cambodia."

Stanton said that killing many people was not always genocide. "Idi Amin murdered more than 300 000 Ugandans, and while it was a crime against humanity, there is no agreement on whether this was genocide because his victims came from so many regions. He removed anyone who stood against him," he said.

The key, he said, is when people are killed solely based on their colour, tribe, religion, gender or social status.

"In Gukurahundi, the victims' only crime was an accident of birth. If you were Matabele, that was enough to have you killed. There is no difference with Hitler killing Jews or the murder of Tutsis in Rwanda. The numbers vary, but not the hideous thinking that lies at the heart of genocide."

Also in Buenos Aires this week was Zimbabwe author and journalist, Geoff Hill, who in 2009 became the first African to serve on the IAGS advisory council. Hill has been invited to deliver a paper on Gukurahundi and the silence in Europe, America and Africa that allowed it to happen.

He told this newspaper that there was "huge interest," in the topic.

"Sadly it took things like Murambatsvina and the seizure of white farms to move global opinion, but in the 1980s even those who were at the forefront of protests against apartheid in South Africa knowingly kept quiet while thousands were being murdered in Matabeleland," he said. "Mugabe was seen as a hero of his age and few were willing to tackle him."

Stanton agreed, and said lessons from Gukurahundi were especially relevant to killings now taking place in Sudan.

"The gun is not the deadliest weapon," he said. "Sadly the real danger lies in silence because it allows the slaughter to continue, and this was our crime during Gukurahundi. We must learn from that, and ensure that Khartoum's bombing and hunting down of civilians — taking place right now in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan — is condemned from every quarter," he said.

Stanton has been involved with global justice for more than two decades and was instrumental in setting up courts in Cambodia that opened last year to try perpetrators of the Pol Pot genocide, more than 30 years after the event.

He said that dealing with Gukurahundi was essential before real peace could come to Zimbabwe.

"That must include a chance for survivors to face their tormentors in a judicial environment, and a full investigation of events, regardless of who is named among the accused.

"I know that Geoff has worked hard these past two years to push the Matabeleland issue in the IAGS, at The Hague and elsewhere and he will be meeting with a lot of scholars here to take things to the next level," Stanton said.

This story was first published by The Zimbabwean news online.

Zim international match fixing scandal is bad news

As I was watching USA women soccer World Cup team qualify for the finals this morning in Germany against France, I could not help but agree that soccer is still the most beautiful game. Well not because the women were playing, but also the unity that it brings among nations, races and creed. The game of soccer has been used as a vehicle of goodwill around the world. We have seen various international organisations donate to the improve the lives of young people around the world through soccer. United nations in particular donate millions of dollars annually to a lot of causes in the third world countries. Soccer has inspired young people in war torn regions of Congo, Uganda, Angola and so on. It has opened the world to different cultures. The recent World Cup held in South Africa in 2010 was an example of such a showcase. In a world of turmoil and tenacity soccer has transcended politics and religion.

I noticed that before they started the game, the players had to make a statement about racism and unfairness around the world. They raised a big banner with a sign that loudly read, SAY NO TO RACISM! Watching females plays this game at a world cup stage shows how much the world has changed. For a long time this was a game played only by males. In many African countries Zimbabwe included women soccer it not as popular as it is in developed countries. Some countries have obviously made commendable strides, while others have neither resources nor provision for such. Its been said that you can only judge a nation by how they treat their women, and that to me is a best standard one can use to do that.

I must admit that I am not an average soccer fan. In fact I am more of a player than a fan.I love to watch certain players execute their game. Not every player impresses me.I am more interested in their intentions with the ball. Soccer is also a mind game believe it or not. As a soccer referee myself, I have the privilege of seeing best execution and plays. Soccer is huge in United States, over forty million people play soccer every year including adults and kids. That is almost like the rest of South Africa playing soccer!
I was actual impressed by a couple of French players Bompastor among others. They were a good team but lacked the drive to win. I was also amazed that United States did not have a single black player this time around. France had about four or so.I must also mention that Lauren Cheney a local girl is also one the most valuable team United States has.
She graduated from from Ben Davis, a high school not too far from where I live right here in Indiana, and that makes us proud.


The recent news about match fixing scandal in Zimbabwe national team international circles is certainly not good news. Never in the history of the sport have we seen so much greed associated with this game. Shame! This tragic and unfortunate incident will put a bad spell in Zimbabwe's grassroots soccer. Sponsors and well wishers might think twice. I hope those who did this sad and unthinkable act will be brought to book so that the world may continue having faith in the beautiful game.

Mthwakazi nation: Why now?

About two days ago, Zimbabwe leading online publication had a poll survey asking readers to respond if they agreed that maNdebele land should be a separate state. I am pretty sure that the results of the survey are yet to be finalized. It is also interesting to note that while that was going on the President of Zimbabwe had attended a celebration and commssioning of the new South Sudan. This is Africa's newest state which is said to have taken a long time after the people of that region fought hard to liberate themselves from the rest of Sudan that opressed them. I must also say that the calls to for Mthwakazi state or a separate MaNdebele independence state are growing larger each day. This is probably why Herald ran a poll survey I assume.

Zimbabwe's own second Vice President John Nkomo was recently quoted as saying that those who are calling for devolution of power are mislead individuals. Nkomo who sadly contradicted himself further by admitting that decentralisation was the only answer to the problems in Zimbabwe. Hardly a week before that another former high profile personnel in Zimbabwe' politics, who is also one of the founder members of the ruling party ZANU Pf, Cde Enos Nkala admitted that up until as late 1923 Zimbabwe was divided into Mtabeleland and Mashonaland. Hardly a month ZAPU leader and revivalist also denounced those who are calling for a Ndebele separate state. Dabengwa who defected away from ZANU PF last year also admitted that the Matabeleland region was lagging behind in terms of development. He further said that as much as he was not the separatist, he welcomed the debate that it has opened.

The high profile response by politicians of both parties was no doubt due to pressure social networks campaigns and the recent demonstration in Sand ton South Africa. The string of high profile letters written by Mthawakazi activist directed to his Excellency (The President of Zimbabwe) obviously hit the nerve. Without wasting time Zimbabwe's police commissioner Agustine Chihuri threatened to bring down to book anybody who causes conflict. Bulawayo was soon swamped by police from the left right and centre.

Three people were picked up among them was Paul Siwela a well known former Zapu 2000 Presidential candidant and activist. Siwela who is also the son of one of the Bulawayo mayors, the late Abel Siwela was detained for almost six moths in prison for allegedly committing the act of treason. The protest and the unite among Mthwakazi and the Ndebele community was overwhelming especially on face book. Infact I must mention that there is a huge political revival and consiousness in the entire Matabeleland these days. Every political party oraganisation is gunning for the poor Matabele men. The economic decline did hit the region very hard. A lot of companies have releocated to Harare leaving Zimbabwe's former industrial powerhouse (Byo) as ghost town. The saddest thing is that even in Bulawayos's good days locals did not get jobs. People from other regions enjoyed the succes and local Ndebele man where left without a choice but to cross the border and seek opportunies either in Botswana or South Africa.

I will not talk about scholarships and college education. "Ayipiwa bana ningi". Kungenwa ngubuhlobo langokwazana! As a matter of fact for one to be suucess full in the present day Zimbabwe, they have to speak Shona whether you like it or not. The discovery of the infamous anti Ndebele document in the mid 90s sparked anger and distrust among young Ndebele youths toward the system in the country. This documnet which might have have been written just b4 independence or there about suggested that All Ndebele tribes must be supressed and oppressed in evey sector. Govt, Military, police, public service, education etc. What bothered most people was not the documnet itself but the realisation that the principles of the docuument where already in operation.

This was the time when Zimababwe was said to be booming. Not even tourism industry could bennefit the locals. People were shipped from Mashonaland to feel position even the most basic postion in hotels. Clearly the idea of a united Zimbabwe where oppoturnites where shared by all fail to materialise. Every sector is dominated by Shona. Primary school children are taught by people who are not fluent in local languages. Ndebele languages are undermined in Zimbabwe period. Ndebele people have been patient for long time. Perhaps they have decided to take matters into their own hands now and forever. Who knows if separation of the country back to Mashonaland and Matabeleland as it was before the arrival of the white men will bring the much desired dignity and respect.

Is it time for a separate MaNdebele State?

Its is amazing how soon change can occur sometimes. In the past twenty years I have witnessed world events that I never thought I would ever happen in my lifetime.  I have seen the South African gain its Independence in 1994. The whole world saw Nelson Mandela becoming the first black leader of a new South Africa. We all saw the end of violence in Kwazulu Natal(ANC and Inkatha freedom party clashes) This were so serious that my home time newspaper had a section  dedicated just for that everyday. The head lines would read. "Ninety nine dead on weekend in ANC/Inkatha clashes over the weekend" Most of the times that was just the lowest number.It would sometimes gat to 900 or more. I rmember delibertaely praying earnestly for that violence to  end. A year later we saw the Rugby World Cup coming to that same country in 1995. Just last year we all unbelievable saw the coming of the World Cup to South Africa. This was a mile stone for the whole continent. I am still pinching myself about that. I am probably over a hundred years by now  judging by by these events.


I should have metioned that as if that was not enough I witnessed Barack Obama taking an oath to become the first black President of United states of America. I was in the crowd among the multitudes that thronged downtown Indianapolis on his last day of campaign back in 2008. I made it a point to be there and witness history in the making. I do not regret taking  my family early in the morning on a cold freezing day! My son who was seventeen months old then, will probably never remember. I made sure he will always feel part of important piece history when he sees pictures some day.


Coming to Zimbabwe and Matabeleland issue, I must say I was little bit younger when Zimbabwe attained its Independence from Britain back in 1980. Radio slogans, and televisions promotions of the "New Zimbabwe" are still fresh in my mind to this day. I must be honest to say that as much as the rest of the country celebrated this historic event, there was not much enthusiasm in our area. I am pretty sure most of that was because the candidate and party that most people were behind, suffered a great loss. The most popular names was Dr Joshua Nkomo.

People sang emotinal about "Nkomo". Song like "uNkomo wethu somlandela, somlandela, somlandela yena uNkomo wethu" Eginiva somlandela!

It was like a religion. "I must confess that I probably knew  more about Nkomo than God himself in those days". I have not seen so much energy and support for an political candidant in my life ever. We walked a whole day 's journey on foot just to witness Nkomo speak at a rally in Maboleni back in 1979. "Abantu babehlanya ngo Nkomo le ZAPU" In all this we were surprised when a new named was announced as a winner and leader of a free Zimbabwe. We began learning about Prime minister RG Mugabe. Cde Mugabe a leader of ZANU PF would take the stand as the leader of the new nation Zimbabwe. Rhodesia would be changed to Zimbabwe!

Soon after  Independence in 1980, I started my very first grade. Many will remember that the school were shut down because of the war of liberation. Although I had witnessed the first hand  activities of the war of liberation as a little child, the whole history behind the struggle would be told to us at school. Most of it really was bits, and pieces. It was not much detailed but enough to drive the point home. While we were still learning about ZAPU /ZANU PF/ ZIPRA/ZANLA/ANC/ and ZANU Ndonga, another  remarkable moment of history unfolded in our very eyes. Without warning.

The infamous "Gukurahaundi" (1982 - 1987) also known as the "dissident era". Times became  tough, people were murdered, maimed raped by the ZANU PF militia. This was unprecedented. The "New Zimbabwe" and its dreams came crumbling down right. Most people who suffered, were people from Matabeland and Midlands. These were the areas  where Mugabe and ZANU did not win any seats. Ndebele speaking  people were in hot soup. We had to learn Shona as quick as we can in order to survive. Lo and behold there was not enough time to do that. The divisions of Zimbabwe emerged fully. At least twenty thousand people died within those two provinces. Some went missing mysteriously to this very day. (To be continued watch this space)

Usazi kanganani isiNdebele?

(YiBulawayo endala ngaphezulu emfanekisweni)

Namuhla ngithe ke sikhumbuzane ngolimi lwethu esiluthandayo sonke malandu kamalandela. Ngitsho phela sona isiNdebele kumbe isintu uqobo. Ngizafaka izitsho kumbe izaga ezimbalwa, angizulichaisa kodwa kuzakuthi lowo ozwa efuna ukuchasisa iloba esinye sazo enze njalo. Asikhliseni ulime lwethu silufundise labantwabethu!

1) Bame amadlodlongana

2) Hlala uzinze

3) Odinga imbila uaya entabeni

4)Unguthatha awese

5)Angibuzanga elangeni

6)Engasadlanga nkotshana

7) Uzakhala zome

8) Yawuchitha umuthi inkonyane

9) Kusasa kuyizolo

10) Uzaqonda njengo solobhoni

Can Zimbabwe handle a new generation of political leaders?

For many Zimbabweans living in South Africa, the name Ngqabutho Nicholas Dube sounds very familiar. Dube who is a human right activist and representative of MDC(M) in South Africa is ushering a new kind of politics in Zimbabwe. His name first shot to the headlines, when he and others like Mrs Joyce Dube, also an activist were instrumental in organizing a soccer match between Zimbabwe's oldest team Highlanders, and South Africa's famous side Jomo Cosmos. This was a deliberate effort to forge "Ubuntu" relations between the citizens of the two countries and also to combat xenophobia through sports.

He is also credited for helping a lot of Zimbabweans immigrants through liaising with South Africa"s ministry of home affairs to get them registered for documentation in the on going amnesty in that country. He works tirelessly to bridge the gap between the two bureaucratizes and the people. The forty year old political science student, is also aspiring to represent the MDC faction as a member of parliament for the constituency where he was brought up. Ngqabutho Dube who communicates much through his face book page, was recently nicknamed "the man of the people" for his efforts in helping all Zimbabweans regardless of race , tribe and gender.

Dube who crisscrosses the country now and then to get in touch with people on the ground in Umzingwane district, to hear the people' problems, recently launched a rare political campaign slogan in Zimbabwe's politics. "Love your neighbor". This because of his great christian influence, which he boldly confess that it  inspires him in all that he does. He is a proud member of Brethren in Christ Church in Berea. BICC is a church that has its roots in Southern Zimbabwe where he comes from. It would be unfair for me to leave out that he is a proud Highlanders fan.

"My growing up in the village during the war of the liberation struggle and during the Gukurahundi era inspired me to become a political activist. I grew up in a community of hard working peasants who survived on tiling the land. We would struggle to take our farming produce to the city due to lack of transport thanks to poor roads. Our village is about 40 km outside Bulawayo, but it will take you two hours to reach the city. There is need to embark on rural development. There is need to develop roads, improve on farming methods, make it easy for the rural community to have access to irrigation and clean drinking water. We need projects that will target young people in rural areas and embark on skills development."

Our biggest challenge in rural communities remains HIV /Aids. There is lack of education on the subject and shortage of ARVs in local clinics. People travel long distances to clinics. There is need to make it easy for people to have easy access to health facilities. Our children travel long distances to school. During the rain season, most children can't get to school because they can not cross the rivers. There is need to build better facilities in rural schools as a way of attracting qualified teachers.

In terms of governance, devolution of power is the best option. The current system has failed us as a nation. The relationship between three tiers of government, namely, national, provincial and local must be clearly defined. My party the MDC believes in a mixed economy. We believe that the government must protect both the rights of workers and employers.

Our country remains divided on tribal lines. We need healing. I personally think we made a fundamental mistake by asking politicians to be in charge of the ministry on National Healing. We recall the statements made by Hon Holland, that was unfortunate. In my view, civil society should be in charge. Unfortunately we seem not to have an independent civil society anymore in Zimbabwe. There must be a quota system introduced when employing public servants. This is why we believe that devolution of power is the best at the moment. This will address the question of access to our natural resources and who stands to benefit.

Being a rural boy,  my focus is more rural hence my desire to represent my rural constituency in parliament. I believe most rural communities have similar challenges. I did this interview with Mr Dube a little over two years ago. Mr Dube is running for MP for Umzingwane. There seems to be lot of new faces coming to the political arena this time around. I hope Zimbabweans will embrace the opportunity elect new leaders with new ideas.

Let Joshua Nkomo rest in peace

Its been exactly twelve since Zimbabwe's gallant son and human rights activists popularly known as Father Zimbabwe passed away. When it comes to Zimbabwe and Africa's politics, few men will match this man's status. Nkomo who became Vice President of Zimbabwe after the infamous Unity accord of 1987 was considered by many as larger than life itself.

"Mdala wethu" as he was affectionately known by many peace loving Zimbabweans, Nkomo was a once in a lifetime leader. He scarified his life for the freedom of the masses in Zimbabwe. The former ZAPU leader and commander in Chief never wavered when it  came to liberating his beloved country. Dr Nkomo made some tough choices concerning his political career, given the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe at that moment and time. He agreed to the join Mugabe one party's state government as second Vice President. Not too many  of his supporters were pleased with that move.

To him that was the only way to unite and bring peace to Zimbabwe, a country he had spent his life time fighting for. He was pained by agony of seeing Zimbabwe breaking into tribal lines. He had envisioned one Zimbabwe, where people of all colors and tribal origins would core exist and thrive. The idea of tribal politics caught him flatfooted. Though he was a Ndebele, he embraced the other tribes like Shona, and many others.

Mugabe's ambition idea of achieving a one party state all by means prompted him to send armed soldiers and militias to Midlands and Matabeleland from 1983 - 1987. Thousands of Ndebeles and Nkomo' supporters were killed massacred and butchered in indiscriminately in front of their relatives. Times were tough, and Nkomo was not getting any younger. He had seen enough blood shed during the liberation war. The former Anglican preacher did not distinguish between politics and religion. He was quoted as saying that if he does not unite Zimbabweans, God would not admit him to heaven.

He left a legacy that was clear to all. "Unity, love and prosperity". Sadly enough, a little bit over ten years after he died, many are using his name for politically gain and personal ambitions. My only wish and plea to you all who revered this man is that you let this man rest in peace!

Its time to let Joshua Nkomo rest in peace

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