As beasts of prey vultures and lions display fascinatingly different characteristics in the jungle. Lions hunt down and kill their prey themselves. Some times it can be tiring business giving chase until they kill the prey. Sometimes they earn bruising kicks and tosses from the prey, which go down fighting. After the kill obviously the lion helps himself to the juiciest portion of the meat to his fill before they abandon the carcass, hence the saying, having a lion’s share. The hyena, green with envy can only watch salivating from a safe distance. He dares not ruffle the lion while it feeds. Is it not without good reason that the lion is referred to as king of the jungle?
The vulture meanwhile can only circle high above in the sky or perch on a tree branch and wait, wait patiently for her turn when the lion has long left, to peck on the leftover bones. They are birds of carrion that scavenge for dead animals in the bush. They neither hunt nor kill their own prey. What the vulture lacks in strength and courage it over compensates in patience. The vulture is the most patient animal. Witness its behaviour excellently captured in that Pulitzer Prize winning photograph that provoked an avalanche of outpouring philanthropic sentiment for the staving inhabitants of the troubled horn of Africa in the 1990s. Hopping behind that crawling starving baby too weak to walk to the nearest feeding point, the vulture could never prevail on itself to finish off that dying child to satiate its own hunger. Queer animal nature isn’t it?
ZANU_PF political jungle has spawned its own fair share of lion-like and vulture-like politicians over time. These animal characteristics have become more evident among so called party stalwarts as the party prepares for the March 29 election.
It is common cause that there are two factions in the party both eagerly eyeing Mugabe’s throne. They are both agreed that the incumbent should be succeeded sooner or later and one faction, lion-like, has decided to give chase to the prey in the hope of catching and killing it in Zimbabwe’s political jungle to secure the coveted lion’s share come March 29. There are obvious risks attendant to this option. The prey might put up a spirited fight and escape altogether. The other faction which shall remain anonymous for the present, vulture-like waits in the sidelines but actively wishing Mugabe to die literally or at least to quit politics of his own volition. They dare not take on the man but wish Mugabe to expire politically without them raising a finger. They see and believe Mugabe’s political demise as inevitable and themselves as the logical beneficiaries of his departure. Little does it ever occur to them that there may be hyenas and jackals waiting to give them a stiff competition for the same trophy.
That Mugabe can outfox them all and turn the hunter into the hunted in the treacherous political jungle is a possibility none of the beasts of prey and scavengers alike have given serious consideration. They say in Shona Hakuna inofurira ivete, meaning no one works and toils for another’s benefit.
Zvenyika E. Mugari
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Why Makoni makes sense
Zimbabwe's political scene can never be the same again. The political situation in Zimbabwe is crying out for interpretation. The convoluted gymnastics playing itself out on Zimbabwe's political landscape is too confusing for the ordinary man as the nation hurtles inexorably fast towards March 29. Where are our interpreters? Why this deafening silence by our University Professors? Please clarify the true import and meaning of all this. There is a crisis of information in the country. What do you make of Makoni's entry into the fray? I for one do not agree with the Herald's Ceasar Zvai in dismissing this development as a loud fart.
Like it or not Makoni is now man of the moment. Let people not waste their precious time speculating about the appropriateness of the timing or wheter this or that force is behind the man. Zimbabwe deeply needs a respite from the binary nature of the political talk that had come to characterise Zimbabwean politics, the Mugabe good Tsvangirai bad kind of talk. The Makoni factor simply makes such talk irrelevant. His bold step challenges us to step forward, set aside our petty differences and rededicate ourselves to the service of our beloved country. What can be more patriotic?
Zvenyika E Mugari
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A market dictatorship meets people power in Zim
Come to Zimbabwe and witness the fall of a dictatorship. People power works. The market had gotten used to abusing the suffering masses of Zimbabweans untill early this week when government simply dictated that prices of all commodities raging from foodstuffs to clothing should be cut by 50%, and pandemonium broke loose. Hordes of shoppers literally invaded shops to buy up everything they could lay their hands on. suits meat bread sugar you name it were grabed of shop shelves faster than retailers could restock. In fact is no longer clear whether it is the work of customers whose purchasing power has suddenly been boosted and who are on a buying craze or the shopowners themselves who are taking goods back into their warehouses resulting in the empty shelves.
In Gweru, the midlands capital where Midlands State University is situated transport crisis is looming as commuter transport operators have literally withdrawn their vehicles from the roads in apparent protest against the price freez. people generally are euphoric about the forced price reduction.
"If you compare Mugabe and the so called faceless 'market forces' you find that Mugabe is the more benign dictator of the two," remarked one shopper who had managed to buy 8kgs of beef from a butcher in the city centre. Meat prices had recently climbed out of reach of many average income earners in Zimbabwe. Others interviewed on this recent government policy expressed scepticism about whether the victory over market dictatorship can be sustainable in the long run but said they will celebrate for as long as it lasts.
By the Oracle
In Gweru, the midlands capital where Midlands State University is situated transport crisis is looming as commuter transport operators have literally withdrawn their vehicles from the roads in apparent protest against the price freez. people generally are euphoric about the forced price reduction.
"If you compare Mugabe and the so called faceless 'market forces' you find that Mugabe is the more benign dictator of the two," remarked one shopper who had managed to buy 8kgs of beef from a butcher in the city centre. Meat prices had recently climbed out of reach of many average income earners in Zimbabwe. Others interviewed on this recent government policy expressed scepticism about whether the victory over market dictatorship can be sustainable in the long run but said they will celebrate for as long as it lasts.
By the Oracle
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The girl child in the context of HIV and AIDS
In Zimbabwe, cases of rape are on the increase, in particular rape of children and minors. Somehow no one seems to be worried about the HIV infection in a country whose HIV prevalence statistics stand at one in every four adults. Currently the country is fighting to bring down these statistics and the main focus is adult infection and infection to children at birth. Rarely is the subject of rape and newer infections tabled. This story follows a report of about 88 pupils who were sexually abused between January and March this year in the Manicaland province (83 girls and 5 boys). The cases of the boys who were sodomised though, is a separate issue that requires a separate debate. Thus considering that this has happened in one province alone, then one wonders about the larger picture. One is reminded of the Macheke saga, not to mention the numerous stories that are carried in Zimbabwean newspapers.
The girl child thus is one of the most vulnerable regarding newer infections amongst children who were to previously HIV-free children through sexual assault. What makes it worse is the fact that the girl child has traditionally served as a sacrificial lamb, capable of cleansing the clan of any evil or avenging spirits. The AIDS pandemic becomes a newer evil, that in the eyes of rogue traditional healers, requires cleansing before whole clans are wiped out. Consequently, these traditional healers have prescribed virgins as an antidote to HIV/AIDS. Although the percentage of children who fall victim through this is not known, the percentage of rape victims in Zimbabwean society is cause for alarm.
While the media warns children and teenagers of possible abuse, nothing is said of the drastic consequences of infection, HIV infection. To add to this, rapists who infect children get away with light sentences whose levels do not match the magnitude of their crime. The sentence for rape or an indecent act of a minor by an infected adult is not less than ten years. This is reflected in one case carried in The Herald (10 January 2007) of a man who got 12 years for raping a four year old. This is subject to possible parole, meaning that culprits can rejoin society and pose more risks for potential victims. The sentence is ridiculous and worse still, there was no indication that the victim was tested for HIV. This shows a society that appears to be insensitive and oblivious of the wider implications of HIV to the plight of children.
Poverty is also another aspect that is forcing girl children into sexual encounters detrimental to their health. While some girls run away into the harsh environment of the streets, others often become victims of prostitution in a bid to save siblings in dire need of a livelihood. Forced marriage is another phenomenon still rife particularly in the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe amongst some African Apostolic churches; a practice that has its roots in traditional culture. In times of famine, girls could be exchanged for as little as bags of maize meal. In another twist of fate, the girl child falls prey to the cultural practice of chiramu where a younger sister could be ‘wife’ to her sister’s husband.
Whichever way, the girl child happens to carry the extra burden of the world. In families where the parent(s) are bedridden AIDS patients, the girl child usually drops out of school to nurse the sick parent(s); again aggravating the possibility of getting infected. She assumes the responsibility of the family’s needs denying her any hope of a good education. With no help in sight, these children often get the easiest way out- using their bodies for survival; a situation that has resulted in a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
The shocking story of the orphan Tambudzai also highlights another dimension of newer
infections- coerced prostitution (“Four-year-long night-mare” The Sunday Mail, September 24, 2006). The story recounts how she was forced into prostitution by her stepmother and for four years slept with ‘hundreds of men.’ Chances are high she could be infected. All this expresses the vulnerability of the girl child in the HIV and AIDS environment, factors that require special emphasis regarding newer infections in children.
The question, which remains, is, what should be done? It is a fact in this case that the plight of children hinges on the behaviour of adults, which if not changed could result in more unnecessary deaths of children. Stiffer prison terms could see cases of child abuse going down, a fact that can be substantiated by low HIV and AIDS prevalence in Islamic states where any incidence of adultery, fornication and misdemeanors are met with harsh consequences. Media focus should reorient itself to the spread of awareness amongst children, especially very young children of the wider implications of abuse and rid society of behaviour that facilitates their falling prey to pedophilias.
The girl child thus is one of the most vulnerable regarding newer infections amongst children who were to previously HIV-free children through sexual assault. What makes it worse is the fact that the girl child has traditionally served as a sacrificial lamb, capable of cleansing the clan of any evil or avenging spirits. The AIDS pandemic becomes a newer evil, that in the eyes of rogue traditional healers, requires cleansing before whole clans are wiped out. Consequently, these traditional healers have prescribed virgins as an antidote to HIV/AIDS. Although the percentage of children who fall victim through this is not known, the percentage of rape victims in Zimbabwean society is cause for alarm.
While the media warns children and teenagers of possible abuse, nothing is said of the drastic consequences of infection, HIV infection. To add to this, rapists who infect children get away with light sentences whose levels do not match the magnitude of their crime. The sentence for rape or an indecent act of a minor by an infected adult is not less than ten years. This is reflected in one case carried in The Herald (10 January 2007) of a man who got 12 years for raping a four year old. This is subject to possible parole, meaning that culprits can rejoin society and pose more risks for potential victims. The sentence is ridiculous and worse still, there was no indication that the victim was tested for HIV. This shows a society that appears to be insensitive and oblivious of the wider implications of HIV to the plight of children.
Poverty is also another aspect that is forcing girl children into sexual encounters detrimental to their health. While some girls run away into the harsh environment of the streets, others often become victims of prostitution in a bid to save siblings in dire need of a livelihood. Forced marriage is another phenomenon still rife particularly in the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe amongst some African Apostolic churches; a practice that has its roots in traditional culture. In times of famine, girls could be exchanged for as little as bags of maize meal. In another twist of fate, the girl child falls prey to the cultural practice of chiramu where a younger sister could be ‘wife’ to her sister’s husband.
Whichever way, the girl child happens to carry the extra burden of the world. In families where the parent(s) are bedridden AIDS patients, the girl child usually drops out of school to nurse the sick parent(s); again aggravating the possibility of getting infected. She assumes the responsibility of the family’s needs denying her any hope of a good education. With no help in sight, these children often get the easiest way out- using their bodies for survival; a situation that has resulted in a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
The shocking story of the orphan Tambudzai also highlights another dimension of newer
infections- coerced prostitution (“Four-year-long night-mare” The Sunday Mail, September 24, 2006). The story recounts how she was forced into prostitution by her stepmother and for four years slept with ‘hundreds of men.’ Chances are high she could be infected. All this expresses the vulnerability of the girl child in the HIV and AIDS environment, factors that require special emphasis regarding newer infections in children.
The question, which remains, is, what should be done? It is a fact in this case that the plight of children hinges on the behaviour of adults, which if not changed could result in more unnecessary deaths of children. Stiffer prison terms could see cases of child abuse going down, a fact that can be substantiated by low HIV and AIDS prevalence in Islamic states where any incidence of adultery, fornication and misdemeanors are met with harsh consequences. Media focus should reorient itself to the spread of awareness amongst children, especially very young children of the wider implications of abuse and rid society of behaviour that facilitates their falling prey to pedophilias.
By Angeline Madongonda
(PgDip in Media and Society Studies)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Does the ZBC also listen?
Interactivity between the communicators and the audiences is a very welcome development and is the in thing especially between the mass media and their audiences in this day and age of media convergence.
This has the advantage of providing the necessary feedback the communicators need if they will not feel removed from the audiences. Musical programmes aired through the national broadcaster from time to time invite and receive the audiences’ opinions on the programmes. Sometimes listeners vote for certain musical pieces ratings on the top 40 or 20 are received and aired.
From this feedback, the broadcaster gets a confirmation that out there, there are some people listening to their programmes. On the other hand, the viewers/listeners feel that their participation on the radio or television programmes are taken into consideration.
However, I have wondered whether the presenters on ZBC TV newsnet are at all serious about their call for comments from news viewers. Presenters go to the extent of supplying telephone numbers, fax numbers and the e-mail address. Of course the presentation of this advert has been carefully done – the text of the telephone and fax numbers as well as the e-mail address being dramatically articulated in keeping with the screening of the figures or letters on the screen.
But if there are any people responding to the invitation for comments “to these and other stories” we are yet to hear of such views from audiences being reported on. Is it because there are no people sending their views/comments on news items? One can only wonder. If there are none why should not the invitation be either stopped altogether, or at least changed as it seems not to have any effect. If people have indeed sent in comments what happens to those comments.
By Elikana Shoko
This has the advantage of providing the necessary feedback the communicators need if they will not feel removed from the audiences. Musical programmes aired through the national broadcaster from time to time invite and receive the audiences’ opinions on the programmes. Sometimes listeners vote for certain musical pieces ratings on the top 40 or 20 are received and aired.
From this feedback, the broadcaster gets a confirmation that out there, there are some people listening to their programmes. On the other hand, the viewers/listeners feel that their participation on the radio or television programmes are taken into consideration.
However, I have wondered whether the presenters on ZBC TV newsnet are at all serious about their call for comments from news viewers. Presenters go to the extent of supplying telephone numbers, fax numbers and the e-mail address. Of course the presentation of this advert has been carefully done – the text of the telephone and fax numbers as well as the e-mail address being dramatically articulated in keeping with the screening of the figures or letters on the screen.
But if there are any people responding to the invitation for comments “to these and other stories” we are yet to hear of such views from audiences being reported on. Is it because there are no people sending their views/comments on news items? One can only wonder. If there are none why should not the invitation be either stopped altogether, or at least changed as it seems not to have any effect. If people have indeed sent in comments what happens to those comments.
By Elikana Shoko
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Big Brother says ICU.
The Interception of Communications Bill (ICB) has now sailed through Zimbabwe's House of Assembly, going to the upper house will just be a formality reports Newzimbabwe.com. (see link):
The only hope left is that the good President will take his time to append his signature to it like he did with the NGO Bill. Meanwhile, we can continue with our harmless childish pranks on the President or even sellout to the country's ditractors through the Internet or the cellphone. Very soon the thought police will catch up with all thought criminals like Talkmedia and others in Zimbabwe.
What will be the possible implications of this new law on those of us who live by peddling juicy tit-bits on the unfolding tragedy and its main protagonists in Zimbabwe?
1, Imagine how we shall all miss the unsavoury SMSs cartooning our hitherto good natured President through our cellphones.
2, How we shall all be relieved to have no more silly little jokes lampooning His Excellency, spamming our e-mail boxes.
3, Rumour mongers bent on tarnishing the image of our beloved country, its leaders and its sacrosanct institutions by pretending they were privy to juicy details of scandals will be no longer at ease to pass on their blatant lies to journalists via SMSs, or e-mails since no journalists can guarantee their anonymity anymore.
4, Our media shall be sanitised of all unpatriotic confabs.
5, Critical blogsites like Talkmedia will have to tone down criticism especially if directed to government policies.
Isn't that double plus good in Orwellian Newspeak terms?
By the Oracle.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Was Ankomah doing it for the money?
The truth is not for consumption by those of a weak nervous disposition, otherwise people wouldn’t get paid to write it. That is not what journalism schools are there for, to train people to write it. The truth can be found anywhere else but in the news. Just as physicians live by the hypocritic oath so also journalism’s professional ethic enjoins them to avoid the truth like the plague. Just musing.
It is for this reason that anybody who reads the May edition of the New African magazine’s reporting of the March 11 civil disturbances in Zimbabwe should do so with extreme caution.
Running across the first two pages of the supplement is a three word banner headline “Zimbabwe The Truth” writ large and in bold typeface suggesting to the reader that what they are about to read in the next 73 pages is nothing but the truth about what is going on in a country so deep in political and economic turmoil. Two portrait pictures one of Mr Morgan Tsvangirai leader of the opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and the other of a female police officer both victims of the low keyed political conflict in the country. the one with a wounded scalp, the other with a scalded face, face each other across the page as if to accentuate the unbridgeable divide that separates the political parties they represent, the MDC and Zanu PF respectively.
The headline Ankomah pens for his intro to the supplement “When truth takes a holiday” immediately puts one on their guard never mind the assurances and protestations made about how this collection of stories is going to be different. The appellation ‘Sponsored Supplement’ that marks each of the 26 odd stories on Zimbabwe further reinforces the premonition that truth might be as absent from this collection as it is alleged to have been from the discredited reports by western media.
The reader becomes acutely aware that Baffour Ankomah, the magazine’s editor, was doing it for the money. What the reader has in front of him is not the simple truth but a ‘sponsored version of it’. The point Ankomah’s constructed truth tries to make, that western media has misrepresented the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe is itself much less convincing given the official sources he relies on.
A case in point is the interview with Mr Godwin Matanga the Deputy Police Commissioner whose rationalization of his charges' brutal assault on Mr Tsvangirai insults the reader’s intelligence. How a single man, unarmed, could possibly have attempted to overrun a whole police camp, ends up with a cracked scull without him inflicting a scratch on any policeman boggles the mind.
The truth probably lies in all that hasn’t been said or written about the Zimbabwean situation in general and the events of 11 March in particular. Is the truth so disquieting that no journalist dares write about it and no newspaper publish it?
One is reminded of John Pilger's remark that real truth is always subversive, that truth comes from the ground up, almost never from the top down.
How do Ankomah’s stories on Zimbabwe's disturbances of March 11 measure up to this standard of truthfulness?
By the Oracle
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