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The voice of a nation

Polite lobbying of the South African government for action against Robert Mugabe has had no effect; now it is time to get more vocal.

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October 30, 2006 9:11 AM | Printable version

President Mugabe of Zimbabwe has murdered more black Africans than even the South African apartheid regime. In just one region of Zimbabwe, in just one decade - in Matabeleland in the 1980s - he was responsible for the massacre of 20,000 civilians. This is the equivalent of a Sharpeville massacre every day for more than nine months.

There was a global campaign against apartheid. I was part of it for more than 20 years. Why isn't there a similar global campaign against Mugabe's murderous tyranny? Ooops, silly me. The killer is the wrong colour. He's a black murderer, not a white one. Besides, it is racist and neo-imperialist for anyone in the west to criticise the leader of a developing country, even a bloody butcher like Mugabe. Well, that seems to be the perspective of some (not all) of my colleagues on the left.

It also appears to be the view of the South African government, judging from the pitiful performance of the South African foreign minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in London on Wednesday night.

Speaking at the London School of Economics, she failed to address the two biggest crises facing southern Africa - the HIV pandemic and the chaos and brutality in Zimbabwe.

I was there and heard Dr Zuma speak about the importance of international solidarity. She rightly praised the late ANC leader Oliver Tambo, stating that he was an "ardent internationalist" and a person who believed in "true solidarity".

This was stomach-churning stuff coming from a foreign minister who, together with the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, does nothing while Zimbabwe burns.

It was also too much for the Free Zim Youth (FZY) activists in the audience.

"We were sickened to hear Dr Zuma talk about international solidarity when her government is refusing to show solidarity with the persecuted people of Zimbabwe," said Alois Mbawara, one of the organisers of FZY.

He led the disruption of Dr Zuma's lecture, in protest at her government's failure to do anything meaningful to pressure Mugabe to hold free and fair elections, and to halt his regime's policies of detention without trial, rape, torture and murder.

During the 1970s and 80s, I remember well the ANC's call for international solidarity against apartheid. The world responded and the ANC has since said that global support helped the victory over white minority rule.

Despite having benefited from an international solidarity campaign to win black freedom, the ANC is now refusing to show solidarity with the freedom struggle of the people of Zimbabwe. The ANC had a Freedom Charter for South Africa. Don't Zimbabweans deserve a freedom charter too - and shouldn't the ANC be helping them win it?

I hate to criticise my friends in the ANC but the truth is that President Mbeki's "quiet diplomacy" has failed. Mugabe's abuses have increased, not diminished, with millions at risk of starvation because they are being denied food. Why? They don't get food because they live in regions of the country that voted for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. I call it political cleansing.

The ANC once led a heroic liberation struggle. Now it seems to be turning its back on the ideals of liberation and internationalism. Some of its leaders have become complacent and corrupt, suddenly accruing fabulous wealth. The government in Pretoria spends vast sums on armaments, while claiming there is not enough money to combat HIV, fund land reform and treat Zimbabwean refugees humanely.

With these concerns in mind, I joined the protest; jumping up onto the stage behind Dr Zuma and holding up a placard reading: "Mbeki's shame. ANC betrays black Zimbabwe." It wasn't long before I was fingered by PC Plod: "Mr Tatchell, it's time to leave," he said. Next thing I knew I was put in a restraining grip, my wrist forced back and my fingers crushed to pinch the nerves. I was powerless to resist. That was the end of my protest.

Soon afterwards, more black Zimbabweans erupted from the audience. After a few minutes, we all were either ejected or left of our own free will. We had made our point. Dr Zuma was able to complete her miserable lecture.

Although Dr Zuma was greeted by warm applause when she arrived, by the time she finished her speech she had alienated much of the audience. They were riled by her arrogant, heartless refusal to express even a few words of concern for the Zimbabwean people. Particularly reprehensible was Dr Zuma's parting shot: that Zimbabweans in Britain had no right to speak out about the situation in their homeland. This is a bit rich coming from Dr Zuma, who spent much of the apartheid era in exile in the UK.

While we continued our protest outside the LSE, Dr Zuma was humiliatingly smuggled out of a side exit to a waiting unmarked car. She scuttled away like the shamed foreign minister she is.

Polite lobbying of the South African government has got us nowhere. The ANC ignores all cries for help from Zimbabwe. That's why we had to stage this protest.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, MPs and civic leaders have been brutalised while peacefully demonstrating for fair wages, against rocketing prices and mass evictions, and for basic human rights.

We have seen South Africa blocking calls for the UN to investigate Mugabe's abuses. It has endorsed Zimbabwe's flawed elections, even though they were conducted in an atmosphere of violent intimidation by Mugabe's henchmen.

"We salute Cosatu and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Unlike the ANC, they have spoken out against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. They stand in solidarity with ordinary Zimbabweans. Mbeki, Zuma and the ANC see nothing, hear nothing and do nothing," said FZY protester, Wellington Chibanguza.

"The Zimbabwean people supported South Africans in the fight against apartheid. Now it is time for South Africa to support Zimbabweans in the fight against Mugabe's dictatorship," he said.

Mugabe has killed tens of thousands of Zimbaweans, but he cannot kill a nation and its yearning to be free. The old rally cry of the ANC is more relevant than ever to Zimbabwe: "Amandla! Awethu!" - Power! To the people!

This entry was tagged with the following keywords: zimbabwe robertmugabe southafrica anc

Comments

Comments have now been closed on this entry.

PoliticalUmpire

Comment No. 274319

October 30 9:55

GBR

Peter Tatchell is a brave man, who lives by his principles instead of just standing on a soap box. (He was beaten up by some of Mugabe's thugs a few years ago, who obviously took 'gay bashing' literally.)

Zimbabwe is a murderous disgrace, but little gets done about it for the following reasons:

1. His neighbours include some tyrants who are almost as bad. Mugabe distracts world attention from them.

2. His favourite excuse is that any and all problems are those of 'colonisation', never mind that Rhodesia was a far better place for 99% of the population that Zimbabwe is, even under international sanctions in the 1970s. And never mind that those whose homes were bulldozed recently weren't, at last look, British imperialists.

3. It suits his neighbours also to blame colonisation for any and all problems Africa faces.

4. There is no oil there, and no other compelling strategic reason for the west to intervene militarily.

5. Even if there was, one doubts America and others would have much appetite for further foreign adventures given the last ones.

6. Economic sanctions are inappropriate - the economy has been destroyed enough already, and Mugabe's personal wealth has remained largely untouched.

http://cricketandcivilisation.blogspot.com

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Teacup

Comment No. 274329

October 30 10:04

IND

Agree with PoliticalUmpire that sanctions do not work. They harm the wrong people and the leaders can just carry on (examples Cuba and Iraq). Armed intervention is also not possible and would backfire. So how does one put pressure on that nasty piece of work?

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xyzzy

Comment No. 274358

October 30 10:35

Apartheid was about poor blacks being suppressed by rich whites, while a few blacks got rich on the side. Modern Sourth Africa is about poor blacks being suppressed by rich blacks, while a few whites get rich on the side. What's the difference?

Part of the problem, of course, is the idolatry of Nelson Mandella. His hand-picked successor is an AIDS-denier (like a holocaust denier, but with more corpses) and his ex-wife is closer to becoming a convicted murderer than most people could get while still getting elected. But hey: he's OK! He's a national hero! And from his poor taste in men and women flows the corrupt nature of the South African government. White lefties then patronise them by saying things like``yes, he's a sexual predator who believes that a shower prevents AIDS, but at least he's a BLACK sexual predator...'' --- presumably, young vulnerable women prefer to be raped by black than by whites --- and we are assured bad governance forever.

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Neoconned

Comment No. 274378

October 30 10:48

GBR

Tatchell -

**in Matabeleland in the 1980s - he was responsible for the massacre of 20,000 civilians.**

Given the scepticism in some quarters about the recent study of mortality in Iraq, I have to ask does Tatchell have any peer reviewed studies that support his statement, or is he just blowing smoke again?

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Berchmans

Comment No. 274379

October 30 10:50

GBR

Mr Tatchell

## Why isn't there a similar global campaign against Mugabe's murderous tyranny? Ooops, silly me. The killer is the wrong colour. He's a black murderer##

Whilst you are maybe right I knew this language would enable e.g. XYZZY to come out of the closet with unwarranted racist typifications.

Remember when Mugabe was ( briefly) the hero?

My brother wrote # Vickory to Zimbawe # (My brother still can't spell) signs all over Leith as a kid.

Then a billboard was cleared and painted white..

At night we took rollers and lengths of chimney pipes and he wrote:

## SUPORT MUGBY ## in 3 ft high letters..ah well.

Congratulations on your work.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 274399

October 30 11:01

GBR

The figure of 20,000 murdered comes from the Catholic Church and human rights groups in Zimbabwe. They independently conducted extensive investigations into the killings and came to the same conclusion re the death toll.

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riziki

Comment No. 274421

October 30 11:15

GBR

PoliticalUmpire:
Peter Tatchell was bashed by Mugabe's bodyguards because he tried to carry out a citizen's arrest on Mugabe, It had nothing to do with him being gay. Would you similarly support, for instance, a foreign citizen who attempted to do the same to Tony Blair or George Bush on the basis that they felt that the two of them had committed war crimes? If they did, I reckon they'd end up in Guantanamo bay so Peter, maybe, is Lucky that he only got a beating.

None of Mugabe's neighbours are half as bad, or do you reckon that all Africans the same? Most aren't very democratic but that's not a specifically African problem. The problem is you expect people to discard the governance systems they developed over thousands of years to suit their societies and adopt a political system that was imposed by force and not particularly for their benefit and you expect them to to this successfully in less than 50 years? get real!

So you think Africans fared better under colonisation. One thing you empire apologists have never answered is; why did Africans resort to armed struggle to overthrow colonialism if it was such a good thing for them? Would you care to enlighten us! The fact that the economic indicators in "Rhodesia" might have been better than they are now doesn't mean that life was better for Zimbabweans, it just means that those who owned the country's productive assets were doing very well. Most black Zimbabweans were living in poverty and were not guaranteed any rights by the regime of the time. It's interesting also that you metion sanctions, why take those in the 70's into consideration but then ignore the sanctions placed on Zimbabwe now? Also, do you really think that economic growth would justify the kinds of policies practiced by Smith's regime? a question for you, If Germany had conquered England and through German innovation had contributed immensely to the British economy, would that have justified Nazism? if not, why not?

I haven't heard any African countries blame all of their problems on colonisation, would you care to provide links or are you just talking out your arse. Most of them seem to recognise that most of their problems emanate from the kleptocratic political classes they have who have the advantage of presiding over a very exploitative political system and whether you like it or not, this is a legacy of colonialism!

Having said that, Something should be done about Mugabe although i'm not too sure asking for a foreign intervention would be the right thing(foreign could also mean other African), they'd probably fight back and a foreign occupation would probably end up with the populace rallying around Mugabe just out of pride. We tend to disregard dignity and pride as a motivating factor behind resistance at great peril. Wole Soyinka said it best in his "Quest for Dignity" Lecture.

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McQueue

Comment No. 274433

October 30 11:22

GBR

Blimey! another article by Peter Tatchell that is totally spot on - Berchmans, call a trowel a trowel - if Mugabe was a leader whose skin colour was white, there would have been international outcry and action since day one - white isn't the only colour capable of racism you know!! If anything, this very example typifies this fact.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 274434

October 30 11:23

GBR

The only economic sanctions on Zimbabwe are imposed by Mugabe. He refuses food aid, last year saying words to the effect - "do you want us to choke on too much food?"

He blocks the efforts of NGOs to bring in, and more importantly, distribute food fairly.

The only sanctions are personal ones to prevent Mugabe and his cronies going on shopping trips in Europe and the US. He now has to go to Malaysia, Cuba and South Africa, although there's not much available in Cuba.

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Donuts

Comment No. 274437

October 30 11:26

GBR

I'm white, english and only 40 years old and therefore have an apology to make: I'm sorry but I cannot apologize for anything my country has done in Africa, because I wasn't born, or consulted, at the time.

Can we please put the colonial past (look up past) to bed and focus on the problems facing Africa today. In the South, this means Aids, and the internal conflict within Zimbabwe.

On Aids, no easy answers, but the absence of leadership in SA is probably a godsend considering what their leaders actually do say when they open their mouths. Affordable generic drugs and education the only ways forward that I can see.

On the conflict, I would love, absolutely love, to see Africans sorting this out for themselves, but the truth is that outside of historical tribal loyalties, there appears to be very little to 'bind' Africans together: hence no moral imperative is felt by people to do something about the problem neighbour next door.

I do think that 'our bit' in the UK and EU should be to keep Mugabe et al out of this country, totally, and restore the asylum right to those fleeing the regime. Beyond that, no matter what any white european actually does, it will only be seen as an oppressive act.

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Repressed

Comment No. 274443

October 30 11:29

GBR

Zim Crisis A Collective Responsibility
By Wellington Chibanguza

THE resolution to the Zimbabwean issue has always been reliant on a collective effort between Black Zimbabweans and the region �SADC�.

Given the recent political and economic upheaval fuelled by ZANU (PF) cocktail of African culture and Politics. Comprising a deadly mixture of ingredients elitism, brutality, individualism, superiority complexes and corruption.

One is to question the regions reluctance in pushing for a resolution to the Zimbabwean crisis. But forced to highlight a catalogue of missed opportunities to address the issue head on.

At the recent SADC Summit held in Maseru, Lesotho, the chairman, Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, said, "The situation in that country is of concern. We have been engaged with the leadership of Zimbabwe on how best we can recover the economic viability of that country. (But) there has been progress," Please note the key word here being progress.

Signalling that the regions attitude is still one being played on the colonial card by Mugabe. Intern the supposed illegal travel sanctions by the international community are crippling the economy right? Hence the regions heads of states position on Zimbabwean crisis is stagnant, with astonishing support for Mugabe�s, outstanding record of the struggle against colonialism and minority settler rule.

It�s somehow the norm amongst the African leaders not to acknowledge the Zim crisis as one of bad governance by one true liberation hero. Due to Looming fears of being labelled puppets of the west, resulting in them forming a legion of support for Mugabe.

Referring back to the questions of reluctance, one is quick to point out SADC�s flaunting of the regions economic, social and political growth. Undoubtedly some of the SADC�s member states have be lavishing in economic growth at the expense of Zimbabwe�s migrant skilled and labour workforce not mentioning the vital investment organs that flooded the region from Zimbabwe.

Is SADC�s solidarity with the regime out of fear of Mugabe or is it systematic exploitation of Zimbabwe�s economic and political meltdown. �African to African slavery� With Zimbabwe�s highly educated and skilled population at grabs, the regions reluctance can be justified as �progress� in the words of Mr Pakalitha Mosisili.

As for SADC�s prosperity of democracy within the region, it�s high time the Political tide turns on the Mugabe regime. There is a need of transparency and immediate shift from the �quite diplomacy� with Zimbabwe, despite of September the 13th brutal attacks by police and Youth militia on leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions after their attempt to petition government on the plight of workers, the region maintained a code of silence.

The Mugabe regime is in clear breach of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights by intimidating and assaulting and not respecting the basic fundamental freedoms of its citizens. This should call on the African Union and SADC to condone such Gross Human rights violations and adopt an attitude that recognizes the suffering being incurred by millions of Zimbabweans and the negative impact this has on the region.

The big question being how can we as Africans move forward economically, socially, political and most important as a people, if we cant uproot the evil unjust being done to our own people. But it�s important that SADC uses its influence on the ever-isolated Mugabe regime to push forward a long overdue political resolution that has the plight of Zimbabweans at heart.

Zimbabwean crisis is collective responsibility between Zimbabweans and the region. Like how the region played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle �Chimurenga�, South Africa�s Apartheid and the civil war in Mozambique.

We all now know the Zimbabwean crisis is now a humanitarian crisis and that sees no boundaries so sovereignty is secondary. So all member states signed to SADC and AU should adhere and be bound to the basic principals and protocols of those organisations, so what we demanding from South Africa is not alien nor unconstitutional to the charter of this bodies.

Drawing to the general consensuses shared amongst most young Black Zimbabweans, that 'Our independence is meaningless unless we can be totally liberally and exercise our civil rights�. And the denial of good governance is a shamefully mockery to all those who died in the struggle for a Free and Democratic Africa i.e the late Oliver Tambo should be turning in his grave.Shame on Mbeki and Zuma.

Wellington Chibanguza is a founding member of Free-Zim Youth, UK

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PoliticalUmpire

Comment No. 274452

October 30 11:35

GBR

riziki

Steady on old man, I didn't say colonisation was good. Rather, I was trying to make the point that Mugabe is managing the not inconsiderable feat of being WORSE. In the same way that I would argue that for all of Saddam Hussein's atrocities, the situation in Iraq is worse. Not the same thing a bit as praising colonisation.

Mugabe's neighbours may not be AS bad as him, but they're hardly shining lights for good governance are they, eg the aids-denial that has condemmned thousands - perhaps millions - to death in South Africa (one of the otherwise better regimes than Mugabe).

I have no idea about how your rantings about Bush and Blair relate to the issue of Mugabe's homophobia and poor governance. The point I was making about Tatchell's beating was that he is a man who is prepared to make a human rights protest at the risk of his own health - a far cry from most of us who just whine away on blogs. Legally speaking he was not entitled to make a citizen's arrest because Mugabe hasn't committed a crime against the laws of the country where the beating took place (though he is a scoundrel of the first order). But morally speaking Tatchell was right to make a protest - or are you with Mugabe that all gays are wrong and deserve to be shunned?

Funnily enough we both agree that something ought to be done about Mugabe. Any ideas? As

http://cricketandcivilisation.blogspot.com

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274459

October 30 11:38

My Big question is why should the World let Mbeki,South Africa proper while Zimbabweans are suffering.It high time the corner South Africa to condemn what is going in Zimbabwe.Thabo Mbeki is seen as a sellout by Zimbabweans and by Africans so he should not be given the respect he is being given.It is high time South Africa should be condemned for protecting Mugabe,Mbeki does not say anything about what is going on in Zimbabwe so sanction Him.

No to World cup for South Africa till they say something about Zimbabwe.

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Goodfairy

Comment No. 274461

October 30 11:39

IRL

Muggers killed 20,000 eh? Now compared to the carnage your New Labor friends are CURRENTLY up to their bloody necks in, in Iraq, that is small beer.

And do you have a Lancet Study, or even a Zimbabwean Body Count to back that up?

And WHY are you focussing on little massacres when your liberal interventionist pals are engaged in the BIG ONE?

So, what about the Euston Manifesto? How come we never hear about it any more? Just another victim of the slaughter in Iraq, eh?

You LIs killed over 100 Afghan nomads in tents on Friday and fifty more in a village. That's 150ish, Pete. How many folk did Muggers kill on Friday?

Given that by YOUR count his total to date is barely a months worth of dead innocents in Iraq/Afghanistan, thanks to Eustonite New Labor's Born Again Imperialists.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274462

October 30 11:39

No to World cup for South Africa till they say something about Zimbabwe.

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riziki

Comment No. 274488

October 30 12:07

GBR

PoliticalUmpire
Well, it seemed to me that you were saying that Zimbabweans would fare better under colonialism, I do apologise if I misunderstood you but the point still stands that however bad Mugabe was, It doesn't excuse the actions of his predecessors. Just for the record, Mugabe, although repugnant, is nowhere near as bad as the colonial system, if you really think that, you don't know much about what went on during those days. The "native pacifications" and punitive expeditions massacred millions directly and indirectly and Mugabe's account, by this article's counting is nowhere near that!

I wasn't defending his neighbours, just saying that you were a tad bit unfair by characterising them like that and trying to provide what, I think, is a factor in the way the political structures of these countries have evolved. In think that maybe I should point out that although Mbeki is a kook, his pronouncements hardly amount to public policy...at least there is no evidence of that and South Africa does still provide ARV's for their AIDS patients.

I wasn't ranting about Bush and Blair, just giving an example of an analogous situation. Peter Tatchell has every right to protest but that does not include arresting foreign heads of state. I most certainly am not with Mugabe but as much as Peter has his rights, Mugabe also has the right to hold his views, repugnant though they may be!

Do you think military intervention is an acceptable option, or that it would improve ordinary Zimbabweans lives? I don't

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DrJazz

Comment No. 274497

October 30 12:19

GBR

Peter: Thanks for the article. Thanks for taking part in the protest.

Donuts: Africans would sort this out for themselves if they were allowed democratic elections. In the only fair election carried out in Zimbabwe - the 2000 referendum - Mugabe lost. That was the signal for farm invasions (as an electoral ploy) and election rigging in the parliamentary election a few months later. Even that rigging produced a close result, so the rigging in the Presidential election in 2002 had to be better. He still only scraped in. Hence even more rigging in 2005.

riziki: Ordinary Africans have learned the democratic lesson well from their colonisers. They would just like the chance to put it into practise.

Mugabe, and other African leaders blame colonisation all the time. There are too many instances to quote. The people don't. They know what the score is. My understanding is that African Chiefs were paid tribute before colonisation. That has been translated into kleptocracy.

In Zimbabwe SADC stands for Southern African Despots Club.

Goodfairy: You seem to be saying that we should only be concerned with body count. The body count in Zimbabwe is still rising.

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Dreaming

Comment No. 274540

October 30 12:48

CHE

It would probably take strong pressure from the West to get the South African regime to face up to their regional responsibilities in Zimbabwe. Before September 11, Bush (whatever his motives and whatever his failings) started to apply this pressure. Blair has been largely silenced by Mugabe and it brings back memories of Ian Smith's successes with Labour governments until the Conservatives and Thatcher (whatever her motives and whatever her failings) and Carrington helped engineer the Lancaster House talks.

The Apartheid government ultimately jettisoned Smith in favour of the inevitable change that was looming on the horizon - something the ANC government either does not have the guts or else the foresight to do with Mugabe. I recall proudly as a teenager helping close down, through student demonstrations, a (Barclays) bank branch on our campus in the Midlands in the UK in the 70s, for doing business in South Africa. I remember the dirty tactics from Pretoria in the 80s when Zimbabwe stood up for the people of South Africa - car bombings in Harare, military aircraft destroyed on the ground, oil and rail delivery slow downs...etc.

Mbeki's betrayal of the people of Zimbabwe is frustrating for many of us in Zimbabwe. For Mugabe is not Zimbabwe - whatever the little voice in his head seems to tell him. Zimbabweans were there before ZANU-PF and they will be there long after, when that now corrupted party most likely crumbles or divides into factions after his departure. There was traditionally bad blood between the ANC and ZANU, as opposed to ZAPU... which makes some of us look at Mbeki's embrace of Mugabe (the so called "Quiet support, not quiet diplomacy") with very jaundiced eyes. For example, I may be wrong but it appears that even the Mozambicans (once Mugabe's closest regional allies) under their new government have now opted to distance themselves from Mugabe. So what ais Mbeki's motivation, really?

We recognize that it is ultimately up to us in Zimbabwe to shake Mugabe and his failed, repressive de facto regime off our backs - but this article and demonstrations such as the one against Zuma as reported in this article give us a little light in the midst of our dark, dark night.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274548

October 30 12:55

I think the best way to make Mbeki speak is to do campaign to denounce South Africa.You see African leaders are hyopcrites they only listen when they are shouted at.So i strongly believe No World Cup to South Africa.Because we black Zimbabweans are suffering in the hands of Mugabe and South Africa is not saying anyhting.

ordinary Zimbabwean

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AllyF

Comment No. 274551

October 30 12:58

GBR

Firstly anyone who says that the atrocities in Zimbabwe don't matter, because there are worse atrocities in Iraq or elsewhere, is a heartless buffoon.

Secondly, I applaud you Peter for your stance on Mugabe on this occasion and in the past, but...

What do you suggest? You appear to be saying South Africa and other countries should take the lead - but what do you want them to do, beyond issuing condemnations? An invasion and occupation is doomed to disaster (they always are). Stringent economic boycotts are unlikely to do anything other than push yet more into starvation and destitution.

Seems to me that we in the West have only one option (and sadly it is not one with fast resuts). That is to get our own houses in order. The West cannot condemn collective punishments in Zimbabwe with the ghosts of Falluja and Lebanon haunting us. The West cannot condemn brutal dictatorships when we support and arm the House of Saud,
Niyazoz in Turkmenistan etc etc, and turn a blind eye to the likes of our new best friend Gaddafi. We cannot demand the arrest and trial of Mugabe when our own war criminals have been re-elected in '04 & '05. We cannot demand that he is dragged before an international criminal court when the US Government refuses to allow such a body to exist.

Seems to me we have one option, and one option only: To set a good example. Motes and beams Peter, motes and beams.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 274577

October 30 13:13

GBR

Allyf: The threat of economic sanctions by Mbeki - eg cutting off electricity supplies - would bring about Mugabe's downfall very quickly. It would signal that Mugabe has run out of credible support. Mbeki is a respected politician and would get the support of other influential African leaders such as Obasanjo. They would insist on free and fair elections and that would produce the desired result. There are many decent honest people in Zimbabwe who, given their track record in government, could run the country well.

Alternatively, I'm in favour of a UN sanctioned assassination attempt.

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Helado

Comment No. 274607

October 30 13:33

I don't always agree with Peter Tatchell's political outpourings,but he has my respect because he does have the strength of his convictions. Tatchell showed more bottle than all the european governments put together when he confronted Mugabe and his bodyguard thugs and was knocked unconscious for his trouble. He doesn't just write about the injustice in Zimbabwe he actively opposes it.
In an ideal world the tragedies of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan,Iraq,and let's not forget Darfur,would not exist, but they do, and people like Goodfairy who criticise and blame the west for all the world's problems seem to do only that, criticise and blame. Well Goodfairy, why don't you wave your magic wand (I assume all good fairies have one) and let us know what you would do to bring a lasting solution to these problems. I await with interest.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 274614

October 30 13:36

GBR

I oppose foreign intervention against Mugabe (as I oppose foreign intervention in Iraq (by the US, UK, Iran etc). Foreign intervention is morally wrong (it is neo-imperialism) and it won't work. It would allow Mugabe to play the nationalist and anti-imperialist card, and rally support to his cause. He would be able to portray himself as the defender of the nation against the new colonists (in the same way that western intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan has boosted al-Qaida).

The best response is to support the internal democratic, trade union, church, student and left-wing opponents of Mugabe's tyranny. Help them by funding Zimbabwean opposition-controlled satellite TV and radio to beam into Zimbabwe to break Mugabe's censorship of the media, so ordinary Zimbabweans can know the facts about what is happening in their country and be mobilised to rise up against Mugabe in a "people power" non-violent revolution.

There also needs to be international sanctions targeted against all Mugabe's cronies in government, the judiciary, police etc. - including travel bans, asset freezes.

When Mugabe and his henchmen travel abroad, they should be arrested and put on trial before the International Criminal Court, like Slobodan Milosevic was arraigned in The Hague.

South Africa's open, public condemnation of Mugabe could help move the African Union to act. It would change African consciousness re Mugabe and rewrite the whole terms of debate about Zimbabwe.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274633

October 30 13:50

Yes i strongly believe what Tatchell is saying is right regime change is not right,this will give Mugabe an excuse,the only way is to influence South Africa and SADC member states to act.And Zimbabweans need to be seen doing something about their problem,I think that was a good treat for Zuma she now knows black Zimbabweans are angry and now demand action from South Africa.

Its time for us Zimbabweans to take the leading role of out liberty.

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frothwrath

Comment No. 274643

October 30 14:01

CHN

While I sympathise with this article to some extent, I also wonder why an Englishman is demonstrating against the South African Foreign Minister because he doesn't like the President of Zimbabwe. Really, it's South Africa's business what policy it adopts. If SA were invading other countries and murdering vast quantities of people, then I would applaud this demonstration, as I would applaud South Africans or anyone else interrupting a speech by Margaret Beckett. As it is, Britons in particular should really be looking to the beam in their own eye. I'm afraid we don't have much credibility left.

As for taking Mugabe to the Hague, first do that to some US puppet criminal, or at least someone whose acquittal could be countenanced by the 'international community' (cough, splutter), don't always be doing it to people the i.c. seeks to demonise who, like Milosevic, have to be denied medical treatment so they die before the court has to embarrass itself. Although the ICC is a separate establishment, the grotesque behaviour of the ICTY has made the concept of dragging people to the Hague quite distasteful.

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FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 274681

October 30 14:21

USA

Of course, Tatchell is very peeved because Mugabe called the subset of humans he openly belongs to "as worse than pigs".

Proof: If Tatchell were genuinely concerned about "HUMAN rights"--meaning ALL humans--he would have first directed his peevish vitriol against all the members of the U.N. Security Council who have actively slaughtered millions and millions of innocents.

In the case of Africa, if Tatchell were a logicl thinker he would have first turned his splenetic attention to HOS like Mubarak, Zenawi, Bongo, et al. But he hasn't, so it's just a verbal tit for tat against Mugabe.

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Donuts

Comment No. 274684

October 30 14:23

GBR

thoughtprovoker - er, bonkers. Should rename yourself noughtprovoker. Let us hope you find yourself in Africa, needing a blood transfusion or interfacing horizontally with the local population, sometime soon.

Peter, I'm not sure that funding people 'we like' inside Zimbabwe is much different to overt foreign intervention - splitting heirs if you ask me, but I'm in favour of anything that will improve these people's chances of sorting things out themselves... by that I meant more of a pan-african sorting out; perhaps peace-keepers from SA and elsewhere. I think we all totally agree we should be keeping Mugabe out of Europe, possibly freezing his bank assets whilst we are at it.

Failing that, I'm with Dr Jazz. Let's take this guy out...

It was my preferred option for Iraq as well, irrespective of the UN, and frankly I'll volunteer to pull the trigger myself.

It might save us a lot of time, a lot of lives, and once the hand-wringing stopped, people would move on. A lot cheaper too.

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Repressed

Comment No. 274694

October 30 14:34

GBR

The ANC won the struggle against Apartheid through the drive of Solidarity, through the sympathy of the international community with ordinary Black South Africans,
So they have regional responsibility to ensure a democratic growth in Sub-Sahara.

So the move by Young Zimbabweans to demonstrate against Dr Zuma and denounce the South African gvt on its quite diplomacy towards Mugabe is right.

The Zim crisis is now of tsunami proportions, fastest shrinking economy in the world, a catalogue of human rights abuses look at operation murambatsvina estimated 700 000 people displaced for political gain, if this does not orient for the South African gvt to use its regional influence and drive for a resolution (a political platform where the civil society of Zimbabwe draws a new constitution) I personal do not know what will.

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alisdaircameron

Comment No. 274745

October 30 15:05

Thoughtprovoker, you write "Homosexuality is associated with verificable physical changes to the body that are commonly judged as being negative. One of these changes is crippling or loss of full mobility of all of the limbs"

Strewth, you aren't terribly well today, are you? Seldom has anyone posted such unsubstantiated twaddle on CiF, and that's saying something.
There may be graver injustices elsewhere, and yes many aspects of the colonial empires were utterly detestable, but that should not blind anyone to the completely reprehensible and evil wrongs perpetrated by Mugabe.So what if he's not the most evil man on the planet-he still imposes bad and wholly wrong repressive policies, and anyone with even a scintilla of a conscience should voice their opposition.
Hats off to Peter tatchell, who may at times have a blinkered single-issue outlook on things, but is at least prepared to be a man of courage and conviction, speaking out where others are too timid, too intimidated or too politically and economically compromised to do so.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 274766

October 30 15:20

GBR

For the record, my human rights campaigns against Mugabe are not promarily motivated by his homophobia. I was active in the campaigns against Mugabe's tyranny long before I ever knew his was anti-gay.

NB: I was also active in the 1970s campaign to support the Zimababwe liberation struggle against Ian Smith's white minority rule. Mugabe thanked me personally for my (small) contribution.

The "crimes" of the UN or anyone else do not justify inaction against Mugabe and other dictators. All oppression everywhere is wrong and must be resisted - whether by the US and UK in Iraq, by Israel in Palestine, by Indonesia in West Papua, by Sudan in Darfur or by Morocco in the Western Sahara. The west has committed many terrible crimes - but so too have non-westerners.

The idea that I never attack Blair and Bush is a complete joke. Who ambushed Blair's motorcade in early March 2003 in protest against the impending invasion of Iraq? I don't wan't praise, but nor do I want to be misrepresented and falsely abused.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274785

October 30 15:34

We dont think the UN could take a tough stance if Africans are not critisizing Mugabe.You Mugabe was very clever he dramatrised the whole Zimbabwean crisis as a racial issue,he used the land reform as a political gimmick to divert his mis-rule and to get support from the Continent.So any interferance from the West,this will give Mugabe more support from the region.So Zimbabweans needs to work with their African counterparts for them to see whats going in Zimbabwe.And South Africa has been on the record of blocking Zimbabwe to be chaired on the UN.

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afrotrash

Comment No. 274794

October 30 15:44

For good or bad, Zimbabwe is within South Africa's spehere of influence. SA's refusal to do little in regards to Mugabe's atrocities is one of the greatest roadblocks to real political development for Africa.

When major African states, such as Nigeria and South Africa, fail to demand better from fellow neighbours such as Zimbabwe, the continent falters a little more. Mbeki has proved himself to be a far greater failure than many commentators ever predicted, domestically, continentally and internationally.

Bodies such as the Organisation of African Unity prove to be moribund if they are incapable of providing real practical solutions to the obvious crimes committed by leaders such as Mugabe. The crime of playing deaf, dumb and blind to Mugabe's actions is surely not only Mbeki's, but shared by a whole continent that should pay far greater respect to pan-Africanism than the navel-gazing isolationism that each country is currently afflicted by...

Zimbabwe is not a strict example of the result of colonialism, but a problem that a modern Africa must begin to tackle in order to make progress for the future

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Repressed

Comment No. 274804

October 30 15:47

GBR

I think its clear here that Peter was sympathising and in solidarity with the young Black Zimbabweans, who have been in the forefront of revitalising the struggle in the Diaspora.

We need to be clear on that the EU and American sanctions imposed on Mugabe and elite few have extremely affected the ordinary Black Zimbabweans, as a result we are now talking about 80% unemployment, hyper inflation, collapse of infrastructure (Health and Education) mortality reduced to 34 for women and 37 for man highest in the world by the way.

Yes it has increased isolation for the Regime but, they have counted that by adopting a �look far east policy� with such sympathises as China and Russia who are looking to spread their influence in Africa so they are more than happy to accommodate a rouge regime like the Mugabe�s, Whilst he is mortgaging Zimbabwe to the highest bidder to prolong his Political and Economy life line. It is living a trail of Economic constrains that are going to affect our descendents

That�s why it is important for South Africa and the Region to take a firm stance towards the Regime now i.e. to cut of Power to Zimbabwe will bring it to a stand still even Mugabe cant wiggle out of that one it worked on Ian Smith.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 274815

October 30 16:00

Tony blair has been very selfish towards Mugabe.A direct involvement of UK into Zimbabwe is wrong.The struggle is black Zimbabweans,its just like Saddam their was a regime change in Iraq but is it free now,people are still dying.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274825

October 30 16:09

Afrotrash the problem is South Africa is benefiting alot with the crisis in Zimbabwe.All the tourist are all flocking to SA,2010 they are hosting World cup so them to feel change is to openly expose it.The region is enjoying alot with the suffering in Zimbabwe.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 274836

October 30 16:16

GBR

Repressed: There are NO economic sanctions on Zimbabwe. NONE. The sanctions on Mugabe's cronies have no effect on ordinary Zimbaweans.

The main reason for the current situation is Mugabe's fear of losing power, which is why some minor corruption in 1996 led to the current crisis. The corruption was the looting of the secret War Victims Compensation Fund by Mugabe's cronies (the principal beneficiary being Mugabe's brother-in-law).

Genuine War Veterans staged demonstrations and demanded pensions worth the whole of the annual tax take. Mugabe gave them 10% of what they wanted, which led to a slide in the currency and the kind of difficulties a country experiences when it can't afford imports. Fuel shortages and queues first appeared in 1999. At around this time their wasn't enough diesel to power up the coal fired power station at Hwange.

Mugabe lost the referendum on the constitution in February 2000 and then realised that power was slipping away. Hence the policy of taking land from white farmers.

By 2001, because of the general lawlessness sanctioned by Mugabe, the tourist industry - a major source of foreign currency - had collapsed. Farming was also bringing in less foreign currency because the cronies of Mugabe who got the land instead of the peasants - were not interested in farming. Nor did they have any farming skills, because the blacks who farmed the land for the whites had been driven away.

To make matters worse, the shortage of foreign currency (and hence the rise in price) meant that the mining industry could not afford inputs, so that industry also declined. I could go on.

The economic collapse of Zimbabwe is a classic example of the multipier effect in reverse.

The Look East policy, like all Mugabe's other similar 'policies' (Lybia, Malaysia) is a complete failure as China has shown no evidence at all of assisting him. Zimbabwe has nothing to sell to other countries and therefore has no money to buy.

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JJ10

Comment No. 274845

October 30 16:25

GBR

Another good article Peter. However a little honesty about the fall of the old South Africa. This was less to do with western sanctions and protest, though of course these made you feel better I�m sure. It had everything to do with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Look at the timing. South Africa is now living a temporary respite before it follows the rest of Africa...
Zimbabwe is a terrible tragedy, what is worse is that African leaders will not condemn Mugabe and indeed defend him from international criticism. After all who among them will cast the first stone. And we talk of awarding prizes. Without a sizable 'white' population would anyone care?
Another Darfur perhaps?

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frothwrath

Comment No. 274849

October 30 16:25

CHN

Just realised I wrote 'Englishman' earlier - not sure if Peter is English or Australian or both, but my comments can apply to either.

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yzerfontein

Comment No. 274879

October 30 16:52

ZAF

Well done Peter Tatchell, that thug Mugabe needs all the attention possible, as well as his cronies in South Africa.

http://www.southafrica.to

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Tichaona

Comment No. 274892

October 30 17:00

ZAF

Make no mistake about it, Peter Tatchell is a man of deep principle and conviction. He has, on many occasions, put his own safety at risk for the benefit of others less fortunate than himself. He did so for the people of South Africa. The fact that he made his presence felt at the speech given by the South African Foreign Minister speaks volumes for this man.
It is a well know fact that the ANC government has given active assistance to Mugabe to enable him oppress the people of Zimbabwe. The South African government are hypocrits and they have even gone so far as to lie by telling the world that "things" are improving in Zimbabwe. The truth is that there are now 4 million Zimbabweans living as refugees in South Africa. south Africa is capitalising on Zimbabwe's misfortune. They are stealing their teachers, doctors and other skilled Zimbabweans. The brain drain is a result of Thabo Mbeki's smoke screen to protect Mugabe.
Oliver Tambo will be turning in his grave at the disgraceful way the ANC government treats Zimbabwe's refugees and the way they support Mugabe oppress the people of Zimbabwe.

The people of Zimbabwe need your help.

To people like Peter Tatchell, I salute you for your courage to stand up and be counted in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.

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Repressed

Comment No. 274893

October 30 17:00

GBR

DrJazz) Due to the west imposing those �Travel sanctions� allow me to dig deeper this has diminished investor confidence, we all know who had high investment risk in Zimbabwe Britain.

When there is loose of confidence in investment the prosperity of any nation is minimal, in the short term this would have work on Zimbabwe if the African community had condoned and had been on the forefront in driving for change, unfortunately this was not the case living the window to Mugabe to cry foul and play the imperialist card and gain extreme support from the Region.

All this mounting up on the ordinary Zimbabwean, Zimbabwean women stripped of their dignity (Sanitary), funds for HIV reduced power cuts every day, I am sure the list could go on.

But what�s important is for us to try and push Sub-Sahara specifically SA on Zimbabwe mainly as black Africans

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 274915

October 30 17:15

What Sanction when Mugabe is allowed to go to US and other Western Countries through back door.These Free Zimba crew should make sure Mugabe won't travel.

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Bix2bop

Comment No. 274956

October 30 17:44

USA

"In just one region of Zimbabwe, in just one decade - in Matabeleland in the 1980s - he was responsible for the massacre of 20,000 civilians."

I'm no fan of Robert Mugabe's and I'm not as informed about Zimbabwe as many here, so excuse me for playing devil's advocate for a moment.

It seems to me that reaching back more than 20 years to the massacres in Matabeleland as a call to action, as it were, against Robert Mugabe, is equally as suspicious as our governments' use of Sadaam Hussein's 1988 poison gas attack against Iraqi Kurds as evidence of his evil and inhumanity. Don't misunderstand me; both of these atrocities against civilians were evil and both leaders deserve the infamy they've received. However, wasn't Mugabe, subsequent to that massacre, as the leader of the "frontline states" opposing South African apartheid, a towering figure in the region and generally considered a noble if somewhat eccentric and doctrinaire leader?

The late Zimbabwean novelist Yvonne Vera's last work, "The Stone Virgins," tells a story about pre-independence Rhodesia and post-independence Zimbabwe from the perspective of two sisters. I'm surel I'm not the only one here who's read her. She's a very lyrical and soulful writer who sadly, passed away last year at a far too young age. The sisters are both victims of the massacre in Matabeleland, however, I wouldn't describe it as a "political" novel in the tradition of protest novels. The "prime minister" although unnamed, is intended to be Robert Mugabe, however, the novel is not about him, but rather, it's about the selective forgetting of history.

"Mugabe lost the referendum on the constitution in February 2000 and then realised that power was slipping away. Hence the policy of taking land from white farmers."

Didn't he use the threat of expropriating white-owned farms as a means of pacifying his restive citizens as far back as 1997, in order to divert attention from the country's economic problems, probably the result of his involvement in the second Congo war?

Just to play devil's advocate again, isn't Mugabe's action against white farmers the human rights violation which is really driving public opinion against him the the West? (I don't mean Peter and others here on the board). For example, just last month, the Guardian polled about 100 writers and asked them which novel they considered the best of the past 25 years, and the winner was "Disgrace" by J.M. Coetzee, which is a chilling novel, in part about the expropriation of one white-owned farm. It also describes a brutal interracial rape, but so do recent novels by Indian and black SA authors: Bitter Fruit by Achmat Dangor (Booker shortlisted) and The Madonna of Excelsior by Zakes Mda (shortlisted for the Wright-Hurston Legacy Award), but very few people read those books -- or even Chris Abani's "GraceLand," about a fictional government bulldozing of an entire community.

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Goodfairy

Comment No. 274963

October 30 17:47

IRL

AllyF, Dr Jazz etc; nope. I am not saying that 20,000 Zimbabweans killed is unimportant; just putting it in context AND asking for some verification.

And with all of the ME and Africa to choose from I find a certain pattern to the countries Tatchell is moved to write about. For example, I have often read that the complex wars in the Congo are the worst in Africa; with casualties a HUNDRED times worse than Zimbabwe.

And the West clearly CAN do something in Afghanistan and Iraq. It can do very little in Sudan/Zimbabwe (not least BECAUSE of it's record in Iraq).

My solution? as someone suggested; clean up your international act; stop supporting Zionism and thus alienating the whole Muslim world; get out of ALL Islamic countries NOW; stop selling arms to Israel and third world dictators (as New Labor said it would) and wait some years for your credibility to recover.

Until then, there is NOTHING you can or should do. Tough that. But one of the very many chickens that will be coming home to roost after Iraq.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275018

October 30 18:23

South Africa could make Mugabe history very much easy.The quiet diplomacy that Mbeki is being accussed of is(1)South africa doesn't want to accept their is a crisis in Zimbabwe(2)Nkosazana Zuma the foreign affairs minister earlier this year told the World that she doesn't see any evil in Harare(3)The Vice President of SA Ngcuka was the head of the SADC election observer team which endorsed the 2005 election as free and fair in which the ordinary zimbabwean sited violates and terror.(4)South Africa is on the record of blocking Zimbabwe to be chaired on the UN human rights abuses.(5)Their was no word of condemnition from the South African Govt on the recent brutal attack on civic leaders(6)Mbeki and Annan said the Zim crisis was going to be looked at their AU summit in Gambia but nothing comeout from the meetings.(7)Mbeki has not been an honest broker in the Zim crisis(just the same critisizm he is getting in West Africa)he is not openly telling Mugabe to promote dialogue or face isolation.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275036

October 30 18:33

Yes but how can South Africa end Mugabe's tyranny?

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 275042

October 30 18:35

GBR

Bix2bop raises a valid query: why am I am reaching back over 20 years to the Matabeleland masscacres to make a case against Mugabe?

Well, firstly because that figure of massacred civilians has been well established and accepted by a range of respected bodies, including the Catholic Commission in Zimbabwe (I would not trust the Vatican's agents on issues like HIV, condoms, gay rights or women's rights, but on war, poverty, debt and other human rights abuses many Catholics have played a laudable, progressive role).

My point was that the 20,000 people massacred in Matabeleland makes even the vile apartheid regime look moderate. I was trying to highlight the double standards in the left's response to the two oppressions - Mugabe and apartheid.

Secondly, I wanted to demonstrate that Mugabe's murderous policies are not recent aberrations, but stretch way way back.

Thirdly, the more recent death toll has been lower scale - a few killings here and there - but no large scale massacres. Neverthless, the cumulative total of murders runs into hundreds over the last six years. The big problem is that there is (as far as I know) no exhaustive, authoritative tally.

As well as murders, we must not forget the many thousnds of political opponents who have been subjected to beatings, torture, mass rape (of men as well as women) and detention without trial.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 275097

October 30 19:22

GBR

bix2bop: You are probably right about white-owned farms being what drives British public opinion. I always have to point out to anyone who raises that issue, that the blacks suffer far worse than the whites and the majority of black Zimbabweans oppose Mugabe. Even the rural peasants, who are supposed to benefit from 'land reform' only vote under the threat of death. Literally.

Mugabe has always used the land issue to win votes, but never had to implement it because until 1999 there was no credible opposition. He still hasn't. The few peasants who have received land have given it up and returned 'home' because there are no schools or other infrastructure for them.

Repressed: There has never been much foreign investment in Zimbabwe - or Africa for that matter. In Zimbabwe, Mugabe has been determined to exclude foreign investment, at the same time producing educated people who need the jobs such investment would provide.

For example, all the farming investment has come from money borrowed from banks. Farm labour is cheap. Many white farmers have now moved to other African countries.

Tourism requires little capital investment. Safari lodges can be built very cheaply and safari vehicles leased from financiers - funded by pension funds.

Mining requires more investment, but not much.

The 'British' firms in Zimbabwe, which Mugabe often refers to, are invariably owned by Zimbabweans. BP petrol stations for example are owned and run by Zimbabweans. BP is just the brand name. The same goes for Barclays Bank and others.

Mazda has a vehicle assembly plant in Zimbabwe. It can hardly be described as Japanese investment because all they do is ship the parts.

As for Africa, Calestous Juma on another thread, highlights the high transport costs which make investment in Africa uneconomic. That's the main reason why there isn't much foreign investment in Africa. Not because they're black, not because there's no oil. It's the economy stupid.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275171

October 30 20:13

Outlawed has got a number of options to take to bring Mugabe down(1)acknowledge that Mugabe is the problem in Zimbabwe(2)Exercise their SADC democratic principles and protocals on Zimbabwe,that is openly tell Mugabe to uphold democratic rights in Zimbabwe,Mugabe controls everythng in ZimbabweArmy,police,Press,Judicially,Media,Electoral system so their is no way they can be free and fair Election in such a system.(3)Zimbabwe's main electricity supplier is south Africa so Mbeki can simply tell Mugabe to reform of cut Electricity.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275185

October 30 20:28

SanctionMbeki you have a point but don't you think South Africa's prosperity is based on Zimbabwes fall.Because remember Zimbabwe used to be the power house in the region,so Mbeki is much happy to see Zimbabwe go down unless it is exposed.But Zimbabweans have got the biggest job that is to try and influence the region for them to see the real Zim situation.It is also very important for Zimbabweans in UK to work with The stop war campaigners to help in the Zim crisis.

Zimbabwean

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 275209

October 30 20:57

GBR

SanctionMbeki makes a strong point:

South Africa's trump card against Mugabe is the vital electricity that it supplies. Together with Mozambique, South Africa provides half of all Zimbabwe's electric power.

Mbeki could issue an ultimatum to Mugabe: hold free and fair elections, supervised by UN monitors, and halt human rights abuses, or South Africa will begin cutting off the electricity supply in stages - starting with a 20 % cut immediately, leading to a 100% cut seven days later if Mugabe fails to comply.

This would lead to hardship, but much less hardship than a continuation of Mugabe's dictatorship.

If Mugabe did not capitulate to South Africa's ultimatum, and the power was going to be shut down, it is likely that patriotic elements in the Zimbabwe armed forces would overthrow him.

A military coup is never desirable, but it is preferable to a continuation of the present bloody tyranny.

As we all know, the threat by PW Botha of South Africa to cut off Zimbabwe's electricity in the late 1970s (for PW's entirely opportunistic, self-serving reasons) is what forced Ian Smith to the negotiating table and led to majority rule.

This threat worked then. It can work now.

PS: Zimbabwean political dissidents suffer electric shock torture from electricity supplied by the ANC government in South Africa. Mbeki is, by default, an accomplice to torture.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275219

October 30 21:06

If EU should also use its influence to put pressure on South Africa.Like what Lord Triesman was saying but it doesn't have to be a direct approach this will look like a regime change.But one wonders if their is a regime change in Zimbabwe will Cuba,China,Charev interfer to protect Mugabe?

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Repressed

Comment No. 275222

October 30 21:11

whats happing in Zimbabwe is warning shots of what morden Africa is going through,i.e below is an extract from a report published today,this show the support Mugabe has even from young Africans

"We love President Mugabe- ANC Youth leader

President Mugabe addressing a rally

By a Correspondent

Amid economic hardships and human sufferings in Zimbabwe, ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula says he loves President Robert Mugabe for a job well done.

He said this to hundreds of the league supporters at a rally in Klerksdorp, North West when introducing the youth leader of Zanu-PF, Richard Bvukumbwe.

"You must go back and tell Mugabe that we love what he is doing for the people of Zimbabwe. He is doing a good work. You must tell him that we love him. We love him for redistributing the wealth and land to the people," Mbalula said at the celebration rally of the league's 62nd anniversary.

Bvukumbwe also thanked the audience for support they were giving to the people of Zimbabwe."

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275227

October 30 21:18

Yes Peter Tatchell

If South Africa takes that simple step Mugabe could be history.One is raising a fact of Castro and China in Zimbabwe its very wary-some,Mugabe lately has been strengthing ties with Castro,China,Russiandoes this mean they are going to influence in Zimbabwean politicals protecting Mugabe from EU and US.

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275234

October 30 21:25

Hats of to Free-Zim Youth for taing their stance against Zuma ,i am very disappointed with The NCA Youth ,shows that Mbeki has faild to caltivate future leaders ,the whole idea of having a political party is to represent the people fro NCA to be in solidarty with the Mugabes Regime is shocking

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275244

October 30 21:38

Africa libarate Zimbabwe

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Repressed

Comment No. 275262

October 30 21:54

power to the people,support to all Zimbabweans

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275265

October 30 21:58

But how is Africa going to liberate Zimbabwe,When the likes of Kofi Annan are failing to exercise authority.

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275269

October 30 22:00

The harsh reality is that Mugabe is highly intellectual and has mastered the art of propaganda. In a quest of unravelling and understand the influences behind his speeches. One is quick to come to the conclusion that it�s an art of deception aimed at focusing on nostalgia and sentimentalism, as one ultimate illusion to sway Zimbabweans and specific African Nations to value Zanu (PF) iconic and na�ve representation of what is worth defending, in this case is Zimbabwe�s sovereignty and Africa�s fight against imperialism.

Facing extreme political and economical hardships, it�s clear that it�s now difficult, for the Mugabe regime to oppress the Zimbabwean people. �Mugabe�s Harry Houdini master of illusion days are numbered�, no amount of persuasion or hoodwinking is going to delude the Zimbabweans and the African community that the current situation

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275273

October 30 22:07

Chissano's latest comment on Zimbabwe shows that Mugabe has sold the crisis as a racial issue.But he also noted that Mugabe has lost his way and overstayed is visit.

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275289

October 30 22:19

Between the lines �War in Zimbabwe likely if Mugabe ousted - Chissano�

The Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano was quoted saying �Forcing President Robert Mugabe out of power could compound Zimbabwe's political crisis and even lead to civil war,�

As young Zimbabwean we feel this is an inaccurate diagnosis of the Zimbabwe Crisis, but one that projects the misconception amongst the prominent African Influences of the Political, Social and Geographical mapping of the Zim crisis. Undoubtedly the massage is a reciprocal one challenging the Zimbabwean community (Pro- democracy) to do more ground work mainly in the sub-Sahara region to articulate and present a more transparent road-map to the crisis.

Chissanu added "If Mugabe steps down, what will happen then?" Such comments solidify that, there is a need to break the shackles of political incompetence, we have been chained to by Mugabe and the African community, but there is a great need to highlight the difference between Political incompetence and un-constitutional repressive and oppressive legislature tailored to eradicate any political interest or opinion and made to fit the Zanu (PF) ideology.

"What is happening now is bad, but it could be worse -- a big situation of violence could lead to internal war," he said, unfortunately Mr Chissanu the biblical concept of "turning the other cheek" is insignificant, as the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) talk about economic, social and political prosperity in the region. Chissanu should be calling for the empowering of the people of Zimbabwe and advocating for a politically conscious and democratic environment�

With all due respect Credit to Mr Joaquim Chissano for acknowledging the Zimbabwe crisis and that Mugabe is hindering ...democracy and development of the nation.

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 275291

October 30 22:20

Im Glad that their are some people who are not black zimbabwean but are going an extra mile in fighting for the innocent civilians in Zimbabwe.We salute Peter Tatchell Mugabe will go one day.Zimbabweans in diaspora need to unite and speak as one.

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Repressed

Comment No. 275303

October 30 22:27

Preserving the social, cultural and historical interest of our descendents should be of high priority and guaranteeing our descendents a standard of living no worse than our own ideally better,it is of utmost importance in any society. Brothers and sisters its very important for us young Zimbabweans in these challenging times to stand up for what we think is right, we need to address the core cause and call for an immediate political and constitutional reform.

and call for solidarity within sub-sahara South Africa

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275315

October 30 22:34

I stand with my stance towards Mugabe for South Africa to cut off electricity.Like what Peter Tatchell said PW Botha sanctioned Smith(but for his selfish inflows)so Mbeki should threaten to cut off power on condition of transition.People needs to understand that we are not saying Mbeki should go but,to openly tell him to promote dialogue.Mugabe knows Zimbabwe will never proper economically under his rule.

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275317

October 30 22:36

The future is bright; the road is tortuous. We must build Africa independently with the initiative in our own hands through self-reliance, hard work, diligence, and thrift.

We will build Africa through political and economical growth . We must be resolute, fear no sacrifice and surmount every difficulty to liberate and unify Africa.

We must create a situation in which there are both discipline and freedom, both unity of will and personal ease of mind and liveliness. There are 1 billion Africans scattered in over 120 countries and we are all responsible for creating and bringing into being a new material and immaterial realities, which enhance the national wealth (Africa).

Our youth leadership must be discovered, encouraged, fostered, and promoted somthing not happing in the ANC shame

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275322

October 30 22:43

But can one their is democracy in Iraq or the war was rushed.But honestly speaking the oust of Saddam was right considering the number of innocent people in Kuwait and tortured in Iraq under Saddam.So as Mugabe 20000 innocent people slaughted so why can't US and UK take out Mugabe.

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275330

October 30 22:52

The United Nations must by way of common sense, learn the lesson of the
people of the region and realise that what has happened in the Southern
half of Africa is the future for all humanity. The people of the region
have grown and continue to develop into the moral leaders of Africa and
indeed the world

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275331

October 30 22:52

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275332

October 30 22:55

The Zimbabwean situation or rather crisis should be of utter most
impotents to the African continent and the black race universally. The
Zimbabwean issue is more than what meets the general eye; it is a water
shed, a defining moment in the making of African history and that of
the black race. It will be in the history not of Zimbabwe alone but of
the world. The Mugabe regime's wanton destruction of Zimbabwean will
have a negative impact not only on the Zimbabwean future alone but that
of Africa and the black race.

This is what fellow African leaders, black empowerment movements and
the generality of the African and black population worldwide fail to
see. It is also possible that our full of I know president and his
Z.A.N.U (Permanent Force) party do not know the tragedy to which they
are exposing Africa and the black race. Whether one likes it or not the
question of race is one which the world can not run away from, I am not
trying to be a racist here but just trying to face facts as they are.

Mugabe seems to think that he is at war with Tony Blair who I will bet
does not lose a little bit of sleep over Zimbabwe. He froths and shouts
at Blair at the list of the given opportunities he get.

Now that Blair who came into power a decade later than Mugabe is
leaving office next year I wonder who Mugabe will pick on as his next
target of his imaginary war or as an object to use as one of his
diversionary tactics. Blair of all things in the world can never care
so much about Zimbabwe and neither will George Bush of the U.S.A.

This is what the black race world wide should know including people
like U.S.A Secretary of State Condolence Rice who I think needs to be
constantly reminded that she is black .The issue is I don't believe
that that the likes of Bush and Blair want to see Mugabe out of power
at all but rather want and have to a greater extent helped him to stay
in power.

Mugabe's continuous stay in power and his destruction of Zimbabwe
serves well the interests of the west .The west has always portrayed
Africa as a failure and the black race as incapable of doing anything
positive on its own. Zimbabwe thus under the mentally deluded Mugabe to
the likes of Bush and Blair is a good example to the whole world that
blacks can not do anything without the white man.

The west would rather have Zimbabwe grind to a halt if it has not
already come to that. They would rather have Zimbabwe come to it knees
so that it will serve as an example to the world how a black person is
a failure without the white man .

Mugabe on the other hand has played the piper and thinks that actually
he is invincible whilst he is being used to degrade black people and
Africa. In his self imposed delusion Mugabe thinks he is leading the
third world fight against the west yet he is actually serving the
west's cause. The west is using Mugabe as an example to the whole world
to portray African leaders as a pack of confusion that needs guidance
from the west in order to run their countries.

Soon after the constitutional referendum in 2000 it was quite clear to
the whole wide that the tide of Zimbabwean politics was about to
change. The exit sign was on the wall for Robert Mugabe and the
opposition led by Morgan Tsvangirai was set to take over Zimbabwe.
Events however did not turn out that way thanks to the interference of
the west led by Britain and America in Zimbabwean internal issues. The
west knew that the M.D.C was going to take over Zimbabwe and interfered
in order to make sure that this would not happen.

It's not a secret that if there was anyone who advocated for land
redistribution then it was Morgan Tsvangirai whilst Mugabe then was
turning a deaf ear plus a button wielding hand to anyone who dared talk
about land reform to which the people Svosve will testify.

It meant therefore to the western world that the coming into power of a
government with a comprehensive land redistribution plan the M.D.C it
would mean the success of the land reform in Zimbabwe which indeed
would serve as an example to fellow African countries that in indeed
land reform could be carried out successfully. This, the likes of Tony
Blair wanted to avoid and they did so in a diplomatic way which the
ordinary could not see. They could not let such an example be set for
the world.

It's no secret that the openness with which the west especially Britain
and America got involved in the Zimbabwean issues played straight in to
the hands of Robert Mugabe and to a greater extent made people
suspicious of the M.D.C. as a foreign dominated party. This did cost
the M.D.C many votes especially amongst the rural folk and former
freedom fighters who would not in accept anything associated let alone
backed by the former colonial master Britain.

The point here is not that they were not supposed to get involved,
afte

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 275334

October 30 22:56

Mbeki could follow the some steps as Obasanjo,What he did to Taylor(liberia)And US could do the same as well tell Mugabe to go or unseat him.But Mbeki have destroyed all efforts by Commonwealth heads of states to corner Zimbabwe.Obasanjo was open but Mbeki falled to take the same stance.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 275340

October 30 23:01

GBR

KingdomCome: Mugabe is only an intellectual when not under pressure. For example, what was the logic of awarding the War Vets unaffordable pensions? They had little power and could have been ignored.

Why did Mugabe agree to a referendum on a new constitution? The people calling for a new constitution could have been ignored.

Solidarity1: I don't think there will be war in Zimbabwe if Mugabe is ousted. Zimbabweans don't like violence and are willing to forgive. Unlike Iraq, there are no tensions that might result in war. ZANU PF will be shocked by his removal and other parts of civic society will welcome his removal. Zimbabweans have been calling on him to resign with dignity for the past six years.

Free elections will result in a new government. Even if it is incompetent, the principle that democracy prevails is important.

Cutting electricity supplies from South Africa will make a huge difference.

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Repressed

Comment No. 275346

October 30 23:10

drjazz,i am sure if you read what i said ,you would undertand ,but i d agree cutting power to zimbabwe is the only way foward.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275348

October 30 23:13

Drjazz

I think you are right, no war will erupt in Zimbabwe if Mugabe is Ousted.The situation in Zimbabwe is about Mugabe holding onto power not a civil war, the majority black Zimbabweans wish and are fighting to see a new democratic Zimbabwe.

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275351

October 30 23:14

i think the genaral notion is to lobby for South Africa to cut the power off,Free-Zim you got somthing to work for than

we will stand in solidarity ith the children of Zimbabwe

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 275353

October 30 23:16

GBR

Relying on Mugabe dying as solution to the Zim crisis is naive. That's what many Zim opposition activists have been saying for years. They urge us to wait.

Mugabe is old, ill, insane etc., they said. He will soon be gone. Nonsense. He appears to be extraordinarily fit and healthy. Although he has talked about handing over power to a successor, I suspect this may just be a ruse to disarm the opposition and lull them into false hopes.

I can invisage Mugabe still being in power in 10 years time (Hastings Banda tyrannised Malawi until he was well into his 90s).

That is why waiting is not an option. Zim cannot wait 10 years or even five. Mass starvation looms and millions of lives are in the balance. Action is needed now - by and for the people Zimbabwe, with the support of fellow Africans, especially South Africa.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275356

October 30 23:24

What i fell to understand is why do African leaders run around the World asking for financial aid to end poverty in africa, yet they are failing to uphold democracy.Like the situation in Zimbabwe last year people were driven from their homes by the Mugabe regime for voting for the opposition,this is man-made poverty and it should be condemn.So financial aid to Africa till they speak-out on ruthless regimes like Mugabe's.

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 275364

October 30 23:34

Peter tatchell

Is right waiting on Mugabe to die is wrong, the truth is Zanu PF has become a culture in Zimbabwe now so if Mugabe dies they will be another dictator from the regime.So its a culture that needs to be eradicated at grassroots level, like the militia these are people who are going to be a problem even if Mugabe goes.And the New Zimbabwe should be in a position of now producing their own Comrades to stand against the regime.

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275367

October 30 23:39

But is the opposition in Zimbabwe that strong to take Mugabe into the streets.

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275368

October 30 23:39

so what is the way forward?

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275375

October 30 23:46

Put pressure on the Region maily South Africa for them to see abuses in Zimbabwe.Put more pressure on Mbeki home and abroad to sanction Mugabe.If it doesn't work invade Mugabe

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DrJazz

Comment No. 275382

October 30 23:52

GBR

Peter: You are quite right. Waiting for Mugabe to die is no option, although i have heard Zimbabweans express that oinion. Only censure from other African leaders will bring about change. The opposition does not wish for violence, nor does it have the means.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 275411

October 31 0:59

GBR

How to bring about change from within Zimbabwe?

I don't have a blue-print but.....

Zimbabwe's Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube has called for a peaceful "people power" uprising. I agree, but it will be difficult to sustain given Mugabe's armoury of extreme repression and the state of poverty and hunger that has debilitated much of the population. How can you make a democratic revolution when you are struggling every day to find enough food to eat? It is hard.

Nevertheless Ncube is basically right. Although an atheist myself, I believe the Catholic Church could be the focal point of internal resistance (less so the f*cking Anglicans, some of whom are Mugabe's cheer leaders and gangsters and have been rewarded with stolen farms and other booty).

Turn the churches into bases of people power - and create a parallel state, an alternative to the regime, providing housing and welfare. Let church services become the forums of debate and protest, like they were in the Deep South of the US during the civil rights era. And have them embrace and work in alliance with the trade unions and student groups. The potential power of the workers is under estimated, as is the idealism and militancy of the students.

Churches, unions and students - this three-way alliance could be the key to liberation in Zimbabwe. But it is up to the people of Zimbabwe. Only they can set themselves free and build a successful, democratic future.

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Tichaona

Comment No. 275550

October 31 6:05

ZAF

All African leaders are a disgrace for their silence about Mugabe's Abuses of power. The AU is a disgrace. SADC is a disgrace. In fact, Africans have allowed themselves to become the laughing stock of the free world. It's time for Africans to stand up and fight these dictators who they themselves appointed into power. Mugabe has almost destroyed Zimbabwe's future. Zimbabweans must stop sitting on their hands. they must do something about zanuPF and Mugabe. The event and outcome of last Wednesday's Glamini Zuma puppet show showed that Free Zimbabwe, with the very able assitance of Peter Tatchell, managed to embarrass a senior ANC official who supports Mugabe. So it can and must be done by all Zimbabweans, wherever they are. Let this event be the start of bigger things. To you Zimbabweans in the diaspora, epecially those in South Africa, this is a call for you to do small things to create big things. It is time to organise yourselves and go out there with passion and disturb those who are actively playing a role in keeping our people oppressed. look at what Peter Tatchell and Free Zimbabwe achieved. You too have the power to do exactly the same.
Viva Zimbabwe, Viva !

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Radicalsoldier

Comment No. 275557

October 31 6:25

Open Letter To President Robert Gabriel Mugabe!

There have been many open letters to you,your Excellency!
The most challenging ones used to appear in "The Daily News" (which you made all efforts to silence! I wonder if you by any chance read any of them.

The people you claim to lead were writing to you in your capacity as The Executive President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.They were trying to offer solutions to to the country's problems and others were asking questions.

(You remember its you that was saying Zimbabwe is a Nation of Rumour-mongers.)

You mainly ignored these various "Open Letters" but you cannot afford to ignore this one.

Cde Robert , you have perrenially sorrounded yourself with timid "bootlickers" and praise-singers and nobody knows better than you that any system that ncourages "Hero-Worship" of "The Boss" tends to lead to lead to a Dictatorship and you very well know that we have been in that state (of Dictatorship) even before these "born-frees" of ours were born!

But Cde Robert,our dear country (which you correctly call "The Holy Land"),is in a despicable state of severe political ,psychological ,social and economical turmoil and decay.

You, Cde Robert ,do not know what I am talking about because you move about with bodyguards and the few people who have access to you eg Prof "Mafikizolo" Jonathan Moyo are just committed political prostitutes and despicable, stinking hypocrites.

You deliberately created that sorry scenarioand apparently you sadistically enjoy every moment of it.

We then have imbeciles and crooks like Didymus Mutasa who have the guts to say, "any publicity is good publicity�" including his clapping of a ZRP Inspector!

Then we have Elliot Manyika who shoots from the hip on Election Day at Zengeza! (Talk about any publicity being good publicity!) For sure there was "good publicity" and the young man was buried with "great publicity." (Talk about degrees and diplomas in violence!)

We also have Joseph "Mugodhoyi" Msika who breathes "hellfire and brimstone" when the CIO beat up Zanu-Pf youths (in error); yet he sips his whiskey quietly when the same CIO beat up , rape , mame and murder MDC members on a daily basis!

Now Cde Robert, we want to expose you as the "Public Enemy Number One" in this our God-forsaken but beautiful country!

Your primary objective is to remain in power "till death do us part".

The main reason is because you face death sentences for your supervisory role in the

assassination of hundreds of your actual and potential "enemies" before and after uhuru.

Like the brave Margaret Dongo once said in the August House..(The House of Assembly), all the Central Committee Members and the Cabinet Members are "your wives".

Those that have dared stand up to your Dictatorship have suffered serious consequences eg car accidents and other various strange misfortunes.

I and others have decided to bring you down to Mother Earth and to break that false sense of cohesion which exists in the ill-fated Organisation called ZANU-PF.

ZANU-PF without you, Cde Robert, has hope of redemption!

We know how numerous PolitBuro members have attempted to bring sanity to our God-forsaken situation but you then intervened spitting venom and threatening to rain down "fire and brimstone"on those who exhibited what you call "rank-madness" (whatever that means!)

A ready example is when Cde Emmerson Munangagwa sent Colonel Dyke to the MDC leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai to try to work out an Agreement to get Zimbabwe out of the hole that it is in.

After the 2000 Referendum, you have stayed in State House in the same manner that a man can have conjugal relationships with a woman who has said she no longer that particular man.

That then becomes "domestic rape!" You are effectively raping a whole nation and if you thought you would "hang on" until 2008, then can I inform you very sternly that you are completely mistaken!

YOU MUST LEAVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!

In fact, you should have left 15 or 20 years ago!

Please go on ZBC and ZTV and explain your role in the happenings that I will list after this Preamble:

and perhaps if you did that you may have done one honorouble act before you leave that Esteemed Office (which you have occupied for many years without the mandate even of the Political Party you claim to lead ie ZANU-PF.)

Every honest Zimbabwean knows that the Legitimate Leader of The Republic of Zimbabwe since 2002 is the MDC leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai..

We ALL know what happened because you used us to do the things that were done!

You instructed the Chief Justice to hold up the Election Petition Hearings because both The Chief Justice and you know very well that like the other 38 Parliametnary Election Petitions which the MDC won against "your" ZANU-PF;
you will have to move unceremoniously out of State House!

Go to www.zimfinalpush.blogspot.com

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Repressed

Comment No. 275582

October 31 7:11

the open letter is touching,if only we could get through to him,but the only thing i guess is that pride wont let him realise what is going on the ground.

loud deplomacy is the only way

cut of the power to zim

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275585

October 31 7:14

us as africans should be in a posiion to oust such regimes,mugabe time is up

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275589

October 31 7:17

in her on words,taling about solidarity,constant contradiction zuma

THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DR NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA
Was quoted on the 10th anniversary in June 2004, �we are mindful of the fact that our freedom was made possible not only by the sacrifices of the South Africans, but by millions of ordinary men and women of the world. It was a unique struggle that witnessed the titanic solidarity movement by workers, students, including professionals, children, housewives and senior citizens across the globe, under the anti-Apartheid Movement. Support from the Caribbean, Africa, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the then USSR and eastern bloc and the Scandinavian Governments and peoples.

The intergovernmental support, led by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on the African Continent, the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth, was indeed a humbling show of solidarity for which we shall forever be indebted and grateful. These experiences continue to impose a responsibility on us to act nationally and internationally in a way that does not betray that solidarity.

The ANC-led struggle and the world solidarity movement gave us an experience which informs the current and future role of South Africa in international politics�

It is quite true due to solidarity movements Africa achieved independents as a whole, Dr Zuma is right that without international solidarity, mainly regional Apartheid couldn�t have been won by ordinary black South Africans.

But contrary to this historic statement made by Dr Zuma, Ordinary Zimbabweans fail to understand why the now Independent South Africa is failing to uphold the self-imposed responsibility to act in a national and international way that does not betray that solidarity to mainly black Zimbabweans.

Zimbabweans have been subdued under a harsh political climate, exposed to such elements of counter productive National and International policies designed to ridicule and undermine the basic fundamental civil rights,

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275591

October 31 7:21

i guess it goes back to the point peter made the is a need for an iternatinal solidarity movement for ordinary zimbabweans

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275592

October 31 7:21

i guess it goes back to the point peter made the is a need for an iternatinal solidarity movement for ordinary zimbabweans

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Repressed

Comment No. 275622

October 31 8:04

you all talk about solidarity ,but you should be working towards it call for it

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275625

October 31 8:08

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Spindoc

Comment No. 275632

October 31 8:14

ZAF

Dear Peter

I have to agree with the points mentioned in your article which paints the real picture of Zimbabwe.The ANC Government has lost it's way and is unwilling to take a active role in sorting out our neighbours.This is largely due to the fact that they support and condone Mugabe's actions on the basis that he allowed the ANC shelter during the Apartheid era.It has been documented in a South African newspaper yesterday that the ANC Youth League President Fikile Mbalula openly supports what Mugabe is doing and goes so far as to congratulate him on what he has achieved with regards land reform .This is the very same people who will be largely responsible for the next ANC President and openly supports Jacob Zuma.Ther will never be any help from South Africa because the ANC does not see that help is required , furthermore one has to also realise that South Africa is fast becoming another Zimbabwe and that they themselves are embarking on a similar land redistribution programme by allowing daily murder of farmers to take place without any real efforts to curb the violence.I would suggest one visits the web site below to understand why South Africa is very much like it's neighbours and in Africa they look after each other.

http://www.crimexposouthafrica.org

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DrJazz

Comment No. 275639

October 31 8:18

GBR

Peter: The alliance you talk about is impossible in the current situation. State repression will crush any protest because the whole system has become corrupt. Attempts to provide housing and welfare will fail due to the shortage of foreign currency. There has been lots of healthy debate in Zimbabwe since at least 1999.

The Catholic Church was powerless to stop the bulldozers last year. Bulawayo City Council - a shining light of good governance in Zimbabwe - was also powerless to stop the bulldozers, even though leading Council officials tried to stop them personally.

It is all very depressing.

RadicalSoldier: As you say, there have been countless open letters to the President. Try writing to Mbeki instead. You'll find his e-mail address on the ANC web site.

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Berchmans

Comment No. 275648

October 31 8:27

GBR

MR TATCHELL

You will be acutely aware that the present tragi-farce in Irafghastan means our standing in the world makes us popular in only the Falklands and parts of Texas.

This is a long shot..but could we invite them back into the Commonwealth..and try using it's influence?

Or hold the games there and send a hundred thousand athletes?

Best Wishes.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 275672

October 31 8:56

Mugabe's days are numbered,Mbeki is now cornered and will speak out

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Outlawed

Comment No. 275675

October 31 8:59

The only Tatchell is to corner African leaders to do more radical things to embarass them

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 275680

October 31 9:02

Yes Outlawed is right to put pressure on South Africa is only way forward.

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Repressed

Comment No. 275754

October 31 10:04

GBR

Zimbabwean)

you know seem to understand what i have been saying for the last 24hours

No to South Africa until they can act in a responsible way,ANC BETRAYS BLACK ZIMBABWEANS ,that is a good moto how can i be a part of this?

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truthhurts1

Comment No. 275758

October 31 10:09

GBR

Hats of to you all for contributing and showing such passion about Zimbabwe, I can see there are a lot of positive comments I guess the biggest challenge is to just turn it all into practical solutions

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KingdomCome

Comment No. 275766

October 31 10:15

GBR

i have to agree to this statement,Mbeki is a shame to African politics

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solidarity1

Comment No. 275771

October 31 10:20

GBR

This is the what Zimbabweans go through,long arm of Mugabe

Zimbabwe: Government Intensifies Crackdown on Dissent

(New York, November 1, 2006) ? In reaction to a recent wave of protests against deteriorating social and economic conditions in the country, the Zimbabwean government has intensified its campaign to suppress peaceful dissent, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The 28-page report, "'You Will Be Thoroughly Beaten': The Brutal Suppression of Dissent in Zimbabwe," reveals the repressive tactics that the government has used against civil society activists in the past year. Human Rights Watch has documented systematic abuses against activists, including excessive use of force by police during protests, arbitrary arrests and detention, and the use of torture and mistreatment by police and intelligence officials.

"When Zimbabweans engage in peaceful protest, the government responds with brutal repression," said Georgette Gagnon, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "The authorities use torture, arbitrary arrest and detention to deter activists from engaging in their right to freely assemble and express their views."

Political, social and economic conditions in Zimbabwe have deteriorated considerably in recent years. Civil society organizations have increasingly expressed concerns at the worsening conditions by engaging in peaceful protests and demonstrations. The government's response has been heavy-handed and brutal. Police have violently disrupted peaceful protests by beating demonstrators with batons and in some cases rifle butts.

On September 25, for example, police violently disrupted a peaceful march by some 500 activists from the National Constitutional Assembly in Harare. Riot police armed with batons stopped the march, asked the activists to sit down, and proceeded to beat them one at a time with batons before ordering them to leave. During the beatings, a number of people panicked, which led to a stampede that injured about 24 people, seven of them seriously.

Police have also used laws such as the Public Order and Security Act and the Miscellaneous Offences Act to justify the arbitrary arrest and detention of hundreds of civil society activists around the country. After arrest, most of the activists are released within hours, but some are held for days, often without charge. Others are brought before the judicial authorities to answer charges that, in many cases, are dismissed by the courts.

Civil society activists who had been detained told Human Rights Watch that they were often held in overcrowded and filthy conditions, with human waste on the floor and blankets infested with lice. The activists have sometimes been denied legal counsel and access to food, water and needed medical assistance.

Human Rights Watch also documented acts of police torture and mistreatment of activists while in detention. Police have subjected detainees to severe beatings that involve punching, kicking and striking with batons, beatings on the soles of the feet, repeated banging of detainees' heads against walls, and shackling in painful positions. Civil society activists told Human Rights Watch that police and intelligence officers interrogated them during these beatings, and then accused them of belonging to the opposition and trying to overthrow the government.

"During interrogation, they beat me with baton sticks, clenched fists and kept kicking me," a student activist told Human Rights Watch. "I was being beaten every night. Every night they would threaten me and say, 'We will kill you tonight."

"Each night they would come and they would strip me naked and then handcuff me with my hands between my legs so that I would not be able to move while they beat me," said the activist, who was detained for four days in May by police in the northeastern town of Bindura. "Sometimes they would be three people beating me, then two, or at times four. I was being accused of trying to facilitate regime change and working for the opposition."

The report also highlights the brutal police assault of 15 trade unionists from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions at Matapi police station in Harare on September 13 after they participated in peaceful demonstrations to protest poor working conditions and the deteriorating economic situation. At the police station, a group of five police officers took the unionists in pairs to a room and proceeded to beat them with batons, and punch and kick them. The beatings, which lasted for between 15 and 20 minutes, were so severe that a number of the trade unionists lost consciousness. They sustained serious injuries ranging from fractured limbs to extensive bruising, deep cuts to the head, and perforated eardrums.

"The police torture and mistreatment of civil society activists is not only deeply disturbing; it's illegal under Zimbabwean as well as international law," Gagnon said.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 276231

October 31 14:52

Like Peter Tatchell said its a struggle for black Zimbabweans power to the people.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 276233

October 31 14:54

One wonders was Africa ever Free?

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 276242

October 31 14:59

It is true all African liberators are turning into Monsters once they get into power.AU and SADC are now being used to protect African dictators.We really need a reform of these organisational bodies which have turned into hiding areas for scep-goats.

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solidarity1

Comment No. 276257

October 31 15:05

Thats a very good point Africans in diaspora needs to play that big role in fighting for that reform.By ambushing any African leaders and tell them to reform,Annan needs a very good campaign to let him know he has never done anything for Africa.His 10 years as UN rep was full of nothing especially in the Zimbabwean crisis he allowed Mugabe to tell him what to do ignoring the suffering ordinary black Zimbabwean.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 276281

October 31 15:18

GBR

The point about the vital role of the African diaspora is a strong one. People of African descent everywhere have a special duty to support their brothers and sisters "back home". So many have wealth and skills that could help uplift Africa to become a mighty continent. Why do so few of the African diaspora seem to care so little? If they do care, it is not obvious.

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FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 276353

October 31 16:05

USA

It is obvious that most of the posters above know little about African history. Their information about Africa and Zimbabwe in particular comes mainly from the managed and selective media releases from the BBC and other European media.

The point is that if the government of Robert Mugabe were really as it is perceived by Europe--smarting to the point of apoplexy in some quarters--after having its land appropriations reversed by the Mugabe government--then the goodly people of Zimbabwe would have long begun a similar kind of guerrilla warfare against that government as they did against Ian Smith's regime.

If that were the case, the West would have gleefully flooded Zimbabwe with arms and military advice for free. But this has not occurred.

Think of the valiant struggles that the people of Africa mounted against the Apartheid regime, against South African control of Namibia, against the British colonialists in Kenya, against the Portugese in Angola, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau, and against the French colons in Algeria.

If Mugabe's government is as portrayed by Tatchell and co. then what are the 18 million Zimbabweans(I include those in other parts of Southern Africa) waiting on?

Surely, Mugabe could be much more easily toppled than Ian Smith--who had the whole West surreptitiously backing and supporting him.

Given their courageous history and their fighting capacities--Ian Smith was forced to back down from his boast that "never in 1,000 years would there be a black government in 'Rhodesia'"; he has now curiously chosen Zimbabwe as his Nursing Home--I am puzzled as to why people like Tatchell seem to be interested in the political fate of the people of Zimbabwe than they thmeselves.

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Joys

Comment No. 276370

October 31 16:17

USA

Yup Zimbabwe is a mess and not highlighted because Mugabe was one of the original leaders of the black emancipation movement in Africa and has some policies with popular resonance with SA voters. As anyone can see from the thread it is a hard sell for black politicians to explain, or stomach, lining up in solidarity with some of the people who support the anti-Mugabe movement for the same reasons that they dislike the current south African government.

People who can say that Mugabe is worse than colonialism being a case in point - slavery is not better than poverty - poverty is hard but incomparably worse than systematic perpetual humiliation and physical insecurity that is passed on to your children and foreign rule just as high rents are bad but serfdom is worse.

I think that South Africa should be able to be more critical of Zimbabwe�s government without giving encouraging the inflammatory rhetoric of apartheid supporters in their country many of whom fled from Zimbabwe to SA under apartheid and expect the ANC to act in a similar manner to the Mugabe government. I think however there is no appreciation in this article that the SA government is seeking to balance between these, the need for economic stability and confidence in the financial markets and those sections of their voters who want faster wealth redistribution.

As normal it is PT is too hidebound to understand a complex situation. As a perpetual protester he is free to criticise and pose for the camera without ever having to take responsibility for workable policies or figure out that that if we arrest Mugabe why can�t Bush, Blair, Pinochet, and the Pope be arrested when they travel abroad. Oh and Putin, Thatcher, Khatami, Castro� which would create quite a muddle to say the least.

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 276578

October 31 18:48

You see thats the problem, an element of selfish mentality which has got into Africa in diaspora.Once they escape the danger they forget their suffering families.But one says its because of the lack of leadership.

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Outlawed

Comment No. 276585

October 31 18:53

Thats a very good point where are the Zimbabweans in UK to support this whole move.The struggle doesn't mean anything when us Zimbabweans are not seen on the forefront of the revolution.Power to the People.

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Zimbabwean

Comment No. 276593

October 31 18:57

But why doesn't the british Govt still let Mugabe have legal representation in UK?So Where are the Sanctions?

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solidarity1

Comment No. 276595

October 31 19:00

Talking of radical things to Mugabe's regime what will the British Govt do if Zimbabweans in UK invade the Zimbabwean Embassy?

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DrJazz

Comment No. 276662

October 31 19:56

Flyswatter: You have no idea what you are talking about. The people of Zimbabwe don't rise up against Mugabe because they have no weapons. They can't get weapons because they have no money to buy wepons, and no friends who will give them weapons. Unlike the Ian Smith era. Also, they don't like warfare. They prefer elections.

In any case, who would they wage warfare against? Mugabe? The army? The police? Local government? Their black employers such as local government, ZESA (Electricity), NRZ (Railways), the PTC (telephones and Post).

How would you wage war against the British govermment?

And if you knew any history, you would know that it took 15 years for Ian Smith to back down after UDI in 1965. In 15 years there will be few Zimbabweans left.

There has never been 18 million Zimbabweans. The max population was about 13 million and now falling.

Most of the posters have lived in Zimbabwe and know a lot about the history of Africa. Unlike you.

Joys: Some of the people who oppose Mugabe are the vast majority of Zimbabweans. Like flyswatter you assume that Mugabe has support in Zimbabwe. He has very little support there.

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attilathehun

Comment No. 276679

October 31 20:21

NZL

I suspect that many of these commentators have never been to Africa, or spent any length of time amongst the people at grassroots level. The quote below is from a man who did. Now before you all crucify me, remember one thing � most of Africa�s leaders are educated in Western countries.

African leaders know these things about their own people (just like Schweitzer figured out). In their own minds, they are not deluded about democracy. They have always known that Africans require a paternalistic type of government. Africans want to call their leaders �fathers� and �mothers� of the nation. It is for this reason that regime change in Africa is so difficult. What �child� is ever taken seriously by its �father�?

The mistake we all make is to impose western ideals on Africa. We are constantly amazed that they don�t get it. Take a step back � maybe we are the ones that don�t get it... The solution is easy. It is a kind of �tough love�. Withdraw all aid from Africa. They will either sink or swim, the problem is that because of our innate compassion, we want them to be �happy� and �free�, have a TV, electricity, running water on tap etc. You are projecting Western values, the African will neither be grateful nor will he respect you for it. In fact by all the AID pouring into Africa, we are merely promoting mediocrity.

DARWIN had it right � survival of the fittest, not the ones who breed fastest. Breeding in Africa is a survival mechanism, much like rabbits and rats � they breed at awesome rates as well. Simply because they expect high mortality. We come along and mess with Mother Nature � and what do we have, booming bunny populations with lots of road kill. Take a look at Africa � the analogy is clear. The PCL�s are going to slaughter me for this, but let�s face it, as a kid I remember collecting for the poor hungry people in Africa. 40 years later I am still beset by hungry people from Africa. Quite frankly we have enough of our own social problems that need attention. I say leave them be- sink or swim.

Translated from the German
"I have given my life to try to alleviate the sufferings of Africa. There is something that all white men who have lived here like I must learn and know: that these individuals are a sub-race. They have neither the intellectual, mental, or emotional abilities to equate or to share equally with white men in any function of our civilization. I have given my life to try to bring them the advantages which our civilization must offer, but I have become well aware that we must retain this status: the superior and they the inferior. For whenever a white man seeks to live among them as their equals they will either destroy him or devour him. And they will destroy all of his work. Let white men from anywhere in the world, who would come to Africa, remember that you must continually retain this status; you the master and they the inferior like children that you would help or teach. Never fraternize with them as equals. Never accept them as your social equals or they will devour you. They will destroy you."

Dr. Albert Schweitzer, winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize,
"My African Notebook" (1961).

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ZOTZ

Comment No. 276758

October 31 21:37

USA

attilathehun
You ought to read what the ancient Romans said about the Germans. They believed that they were too savage to ever follow the rule of law. Americans, Europeans and yes, even New Zealanders are not attacked by malaria, aids, sleeping sickness, paracitic worms, and ebola fever to the degree that Africans are.

In England, in the 19th century, many people gave the exact same arguement that you are giving when talking about the Irish potato famine. Many English said the famine was caused by the ignorance and backwardness of the Irish and the best thing to do is let them just die.

It may be that the Africans and the Irish were backward but this is due to environment. By helping these people we enhance our own humanity. You desperately need to educate yourself. Read "The Mismeasure of Man" by Stephen Jay Gould and I guarantee that you will see your fellow humans in a less harsh light.

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PeterTatchell

Comment No. 276884

November 1 0:19

GBR

NaturalLaw, you are a genius. Please develop these ideas into a comedy movie script, starring Sacha Baron-Cohen (yes, even the casting needs to be a Zionist conspiracy too!). It will be a blcockbuster.

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FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 276926

November 1 1:43

USA

Dr. Jazz,

You say that the people of Zimbabwe don't rise up because they lack weapons and cannot afford to buy them.

Well, Museveni of Uganda fought a war against the Central Government for a number of years and finally won. I don't think he had any money to buy weapons--so how did he get them?

Same for The Lord's Resistance Movement and its muderous campaign in Northern Uganda. Where do they get their arms from?

And from where do the rebel movements in Darfur get their arms?

Given the hostility that Britain and the U.S. display towards the Mugabe government I am sure if there was an embryonic arms struggle in the making the weapons from the West will start flowing in immediately.

The dispossesed white farmers will be too happy to meet secretly with Blair's agents to get funds to hire mercenaries to help do the job.

You say that the people of Zimbabwe prefer voting than fighting. No comment!

I read recently that there are 4 million Zimbabwean expatriates either in Southern Africa. Maybe the report is in deliberately in error--trying to make the point that large numbers of Zimbabweans have fled that country.

There is a propaganda war going on concerning Zimbabwe so one has to employ "caveat lector" about everything one reads about the place.

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attilathehun

Comment No. 277004

November 1 4:13

Well,zotz - I dont know why you chose the name, as in Africa it is a derogatory term for a plurality of black people ;-). However I am allways willing to be re-educated, now where did I hear that again, OH I think it was Stalin. Anyway I happen to agree with the point about the Germans and the Irish. Aren't they allways starting some or other religious OR World War. You somewhat shot yourself in the foot using them as examples.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 277160

November 1 9:37

GBR

Flyswatter: Many white farmers have gone off to Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and other African countries at the invitation of the governments there. They cannot start a rebellion, and wouldn't want to. They don't have money either. Nor would Britain or the US support them. They don't have much hostility to Mugabe at all. If they had, they would put pressure on Mbkei, the man who used to promote NEPAD.

What good would it do the farmers to start a rebellion? What would they gain? They wouldn't get their land back. What good would it do Britain? We have no economic interests in Zimbabwe. Never have had. You have swallowed Mugabe's line wholesale.

The people of Zimbabwe ALL want land reform, including many white farmers. They wanted the land to be given to some of the many unemployed graduates from the agricutural colleges. People who could and would farm. Giving land to landless peasants is a disaster. Giving land to people who won't farm, is an even bigger disaster.

The reports of large numbers leaving Zimbabwe are perfectly true. I personally know twelve of them, and if you stand outside Zimbabwe house in the Strand on any Saturday afternoon you will see more. Mbeki tries to send them back.

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DrJazz

Comment No. 277274

November 1 11:02

GBR

attilathehun: Most of the posters here have been to Africa and worked at grass roots level. Most used to live there, or maybe even still do.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer was talking rubbish. One of my Zimbabwean friends was born to a family of peasants in the bush about 40 years ago. He was educated in Zimbabwe and has a degree in Maths. He is a diligent and honest worker who now holds a senior management position in Local Government. He loves Britain, as do most Zimbaweans, even though his father was taken away by the Smith regime on the day he was born.

You will find Shakespeare quoted almost daily in Zimbawean newspapers. A Briton would not feel out of place in Harare or Bulawayo - except for the fact that Zimbabweans rarely use bad language and have impeccable manners.

Even in the bush, people speak good English and behave in a civilised fashion.

As for breeding like rabbits, you are way out of touch. Until the recent economic collapse in Zimbabwe, making it impossible to import contraceptives, the birth rate was falling to western levels.

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sheeptaco

Comment No. 277535

November 1 13:24

CHE

Thank you Peter Tatchell for your integrity and for your visible and very public help given to the wonderful but weary, and dispirited Zimbabweans.

If Mbeki hasn't come to the call for help from ordinary Zimbabweans could it be because South Africa's soiled Zuma, hoping to be president one day, is waiting in the wings to be mugabe's new best friend. This appears to be the wishes of the ignorant SA masses who think appropriating land is the answer to their economic poverty. It is not.

The first 25 years of mugabe's ruinous rule proves Mr. Ian Smiths point when he said - and I probably quote it incorrectly - "Never in a thousand years will there be black government in Rhodesia." If a country that has 1000% inflation and total decline after only 25 years of power, is called black government then we should find another description for the words.

Mr. Smith called upon Zimbabweans to fight for their country exactly so that it would not fall into the hands of mental retards. I would suggest that in all likelihood he never had any intention of leaving Zimbabwe because of the sacrifices these men made. He stays with those that died. This is what is known as having honour and integrity. This is what a decent man does. Qualities unknown to his critics.

I salute him and all black Zimbabweans who have endured this infantile and thuggish regime. I note with sadness that many bloggers here cannot spell or write a proper sentence in english, so mugabe's regime has not only starved and oppressed his people - he hasn't educated them either. No doubt mugabe's well fed children are enjoying the privileges of white western education at these people's expense.

I feel very sad for some of the bloggers here, but they have to know one thing and that is what mugabe learned himself, you have to be knowledgeable, coherent and united BEFORE you become angry, in that way you can plan the future, calmly and intelligently. In that way only can you be rid of this demagogue.

If black Zimbabweans had loathed Ian Smith to the degree that liberal opinion wished they had, he would by now have been killed. The fact that he is still alive is testimony to the respect black Zimbabweans actually had and have for this, by now, very old man.

One last observation. It may seem not so but many millions of people around the world wish Zimbabwean people nothing but good. Zimbabweans have proved to be an extremely decent people. Despite provocation, they have not gone on the rampage behaving in a barbaric fashion. In all its decline, and after all it has gone through Zimbabweans may well be the most adult, the most intelligent and the most dignified people in Africa.

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FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 277655

November 1 14:32

USA

To Attilathehun

I just don't know why you should embarras yourself re your cognitive abilities by citing Schweitzer. The man obviously had some severe personal problems--maybe even psycho-pathological. Why choose to live in the same environment with people whom you think little of? Just stay away!

Hitler lived in the same German environment as the Jews and others whom he claimed to know. But his claims about such people expressed in his various writings was just hilariously--and tragically-- wrong. Ditto for Schweitzer.

On the one hand Schweitzer claims that Africans love authority yet on the other hand he argues that one must not yield to their attempts to be treated as equals. If Africans were naturally inclined to bow down to authority then how do you explain the numerous rebellions and anti-colonial wars? You just are totally ignorant of African history--relying instead on European mental misfits like Schweitzer for your opinions.

Example: I don't know of anybody--myself included--who sees any African head of state as a "father" or "mother". If Africans were of that bent then why do African HOS often arrest and imprison journalists whom they claim write "disrespectful" things about them. People respect African HOS only if they have the people's interests at heart and act accordingly.

On the other hand, one must find the European respect--except the French and their Revolution--for their 1000 year-lasting feudal monarchies just odd for a people who claim to like democracy. Why this continuing craven respect for people who descend from idle jousters and cruel beheaders?

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Berchmans

Comment No. 277832

November 1 16:08

GBR

NaturalLaw
10.22

## If the Guardian isn't for blaming Americans and Israeli Jews for this sort of thing ##

Different..an original and unexpected way to promote Israel..on a Zimbabwe article.

I see you have carefully said # Israeli Jews # thereby leaving any criticism open to charges of antisemitism.

Jewish people deserve better than either Israel.. or your weary support.

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Yoshky

Comment No. 277928

November 1 16:49

GBR

'NaturalLaw
10.22
## If the Guardian isn't for blaming Americans and Israeli Jews for this sort of thing ##
Different..an original and unexpected way to promote Israel..on a Zimbabwe article.
I see you have carefully said # Israeli Jews # thereby leaving any criticism open to charges of antisemitism.
Jewish people deserve better than either Israel.. or your weary support.

Berchmans, I have looked but cannot find naturalLaw's comment on this thread - are you making things up?

'Different..an original and unexpected way to promote Israel..on a Zimbabwe article.'

Bit rich, considering you didn't wait long to invoke Afghanistan and Iraq!

Meanwhile, back to Zimbabwe - maybe Mugabe could be bribed to leave (it has worked sometimes)

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SanctionMbeki

Comment No. 278092

November 1 18:35

Voshky

I don't think this will work to Mugabe.You see the dictator has committed alot and the day he leaves power he will make sure he won't go the way as Taylor.Unless like what you are saying to give him immunity,but its very tricky.

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solidarity1

Comment No. 278096

November 1 18:37

But its only Mugabe in Zimbabwe its with his whole mafia.So does it mean we have to forgave them all?

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Outlawed

Comment No. 278107

November 1 18:42

Where are the Left Wing for Zimbabweans?Thats a very good point why is the left wing is supporting mugabe?not forgetting it is the only way to get Mugabe out,do you agree?

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Mutanhaurwa

Comment No. 278257

November 1 20:39

GBR

Not only Mbeki and his kitchen cabinet are complicit in human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

I have written about Mandela on my blog:

http://crybelovedzimbabwe.blogspot.com

His Silence Is Deafening.

There is no doubt that Mandela is the greatest living political hero of this century. I will not repeat his feats on this blog for they are well documented. You will also agree that his influence is immense it�s huge. Although he has retired from active politics his influence still carries weight. I cannot overstate his influence but peep this for size after stepping down as president of South Africa he brokered a deal that handed the terrorist responsible for the Lockerbie Air Disaster to the British government for trial and automatically lifted sanctions imposed by the West to Libya. I could again chronicle his achievements to fill this blog it�s important you understand that he as the power even though he is no longer a sitting president of a country to change situations.

It�s his silence on Zimbabwe that is most surprising and deafening. He has campaigned vigorously to stop US and UK's invasion of Iraq. His tireless efforts to fight AIDS not only in SA but world over can not be faulted. However he has not made a single comment on the situation in Zimbabwe. I wonder why really for he is not known for mincing his words? He tells it like it is, I remember very well his when US wanted to curb his relationship with Gaddaffi that he literally to told them jump in the pool. It�s been quoted that he is a man whose is not concerned about upsetting important people. He is more concerned about ordinary people like you and me. So this dismisses the theory that he does not want to upset Mugabe. Who is Mugabe compared to Nelson Mandela? A dictator who lost the respect of not only his fellow citizens but of the whole world over.

I cannot understand why Mandela has not said anything about Zimbabwe to date. Other anti-apartheid heroes like Bishop Desmond Tutu have openly critisised Mugabe calling him a caricature of African leaders. To quote from Mandela's speech at the Rivonia Trial, 20 April 1964:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

. A lot will argue that Mandela has nothing to do with Zimbabwe. I beg to differ, as an elder statesman and a respected world leader he has a duty to speak against the evils being perpetrated by Mugabe's regime. I like many others listened to his speech in 2004 at the 10th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, he mentioned on the illegality of the US led Iraq war but there was not even a single mention or outrage from Saint Mandela about Zimbabwe.

When Thabo Mbeki angered AIDS activists by saying that poverty was the chief cause of HIV, Mandela never commented on the issue. You can draw two conclusions here. Mbeki is trusted by Mandela even his judgment and that Mandela rarely conflicts Mbeki. It was after a round of world condemnation when Mandela addressed the World AIDS Conference he spoke about leaders giving vision and hope to those affected by the disease that Mbeki made a turnaround on his stance on AIDS. It is with this that I implicitly believe that Mbeki might have persuaded Mandela that his quiet diplomacy works. For is not surprising to you that Mbeki and his government choose quiet diplomacy and the world's most respected leader keeps mum about an evil regime that goes against the very beliefs he was prepared to die for?

When Mandela was asked in 2000 by Tony Blair to address the Labour Conference, he stole the show. What I will never forget was part of his speech where he said:

The Greatest question mankind should ask themselves is What did I do to help a fellow human being in times of need?

Its a powerful question, but my question today will be to you Mr Mandela. Have you done all you can to stop Mugabe destroy your beliefs for fellow Africans, that of a free, democratic society where everyone lives in harmony and equal opportunities?

There are so many issues that crop with this one. Why does Mbeki insist on his quiet diplomacy even though it has clearly failed? Why should the Western powers give audience to Mbeki as recently as at the G8 meeting to flog NEPAD his ambitious, Marshall Plan inspired revival of Africa when the very principles of NEPAD are being broken by Mugabe and Mbeki's failure to reign him in? Why is the South African government willing to lend Mugabe R1 billion when they know it�s used to oil the very machinery that suppresses the population of Zimbabwe? Why are all African leaders are unwilling to openly criticize Mugabe when they know he is in the wrong? Why has Koffi Annan chose to ignore the suggestions contained Mrs Anna Tabaijuka's Report? Most of all why are you silent on Zimbabwe tata Mandela?

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Goodfairy

Comment No. 278268

November 1 20:50

IRL

Can't answer for the Left Wingers, not being one.

N'law, "It was about the false reality yourself and comrade Goodfairy choose to distort from."

My word! That is a stunning example of hyperilliteracy. Mind, I fail to see why distorting false reality is a problem. is a It is rather a classic oxymoron.

That is, 'false reality' is an oxymoron.

N'law is simply a moron.

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attilathehun

Comment No. 278391

November 1 22:40

Hello flyswatter - the name speaks much of your environment. Well, let me see � Schweitzer - Nobel prize winner. Obviously somebody thought he had something to offer. How many Nobel prizes have you won flyswatter? The point was - he lived there � for a long time. Have you?
�numerous rebellions and anti-colonial wars?� - And what have any of them achieved, other than proving Schweitzer correct.

You obviously don�t know a lot of people (including yourself). Everybody knows that Winnie Mandela was regarded as a �mother of the nation�. I can cite other examples, but most people know enough about Winnie, to know that she is a violent, corrupt criminal. Yet she is still revered by a lot of Africans.
Your quote �Example: I don't know of anybody--myself included--who sees any African head of state as a "father" or "mother". If Africans were of that bent then why do African HOS often arrest and imprison journalists whom they claim write "disrespectful" things about them. People respect African HOS only if they have the people's interests at heart and act accordingly. �
I am obviously �cognitively challenged�, as I am somewhat confused as to what that disjointed rhetoric is trying to elucidate. One thing I can tell you, there are no respected African HOS (heads of state � for the non acronym generation).

As for the rest of your post, it does not refute my point at all � Africa is a cesspit where the law of the jungle prevails � don�t bother with it � other than perhaps NUKE it and see what next crawls out of the primordial ooze.
Hitler??? Now how the devil did he sneak into that discussion? I thought this thread was about doing something about Zimbabwe and the reasons to get involved or not, coupled with the hypocrisy of some former shortsighted pro-mugabe supporters.

Africa should be turned into the universal garbage heap, for nuclear waste and other EU undesirables. God knows � it�s halfway there already. Some commentator questioned my attitude to humanity. I have two words for you � grow up. People live, people die, and they fertilize the ground. That is the nature of life � Do not place undue importance on yours and my place in the big scheme of things. Nobody gets out of life alive. ( Mugabe wont either)

Africans themselves are very quick to tell us to �butt out�. NEPAD, is all about Africans helping themselves the African way. I have yet to see a single benefit to the poor shack dwelling semi-literate creatures of any African initiative. Some commentator quoted�Shakespeare is quoted in daily newspapers�- I fail to see the relevance other than to question. Where is the African Shakespeare, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Aristotle, Henry Ford, Wilbur and Orville, Pasteur? etc etc. After all, these were all descended from a civilization of, to use flyswatters words �idle jousters and cruel beheaders�. It must have been a very fertile environment indeed to produce such talent. Why is it that Africa�s inhospitable environment as another commentator claimed and I quote
�Americans, Europeans and yes, even New Zealanders are not attacked by malaria, aids, sleeping sickness, paracitic worms, and ebola fever to the degree that Africans are.�
produces absolutely nothing of any value ? I hesitate to point out that America, Europe and yes, even New Zealand have all been very inhospitable places in the past.

I will change my attitude to Africa when it proves me wrong.
Surely as the alleged cradle of humanity, it has had sufficient time to prove its worth. To all the ex-Zimbabweans sitting in Britain and wherever, be you white or black, GET OVER IT. Embrace your new homeland, culture and look ahead. The past is done � you can not change it. Your future is a blank page; it�s up to you to write something new, or to write your memoirs on it.

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ZOTZ

Comment No. 278561

November 2 2:01

USA

attilathehoney:
It's funny that you criticise other people's names. Were you drunk when you wrote that last comment? Now I understand that you're just making outrageous comments in order to get someone to pay attention to you. You probably aren't even prejudiced. Well, I'm sorry you're mad at the world. Poor little Attila! It's spring were you live isn't it? I hear NZ has some beautiful mountains. Outdoor exercise usually is good for someone in your condition. Join a hiking club or something! Don't sit in front of the computer all day! I know, I sound like your mother. Well, maybe you should listen to her!

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attilathehun

Comment No. 278643

November 2 5:02

No - my mother is quite sensible and quite dead. Present tense as she is one of the "voices", the ones telling me to get a rifle and go looking for "zotz";-). Actually being drunk might not be a bad idea, boring people with nothing to say become more interesting when you're drunk. Why do you perceive equating your name with black people to be a criticism, are you prejudiced? Actually I am not angry about anything; it is this lack of stupid emotion that allows me to assess the excrement known as Africa quite dispassionately. When you get over your PMS you should try it.

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FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 279378

November 2 15:15

USA

To Attilathehun

Your reply had me laughing all day. Your reply just shows that the old adage about words, bones, sticks and stones can often be wrong.

My Cif moniker was deliberately chosen to swat away at useless ideas--such as yours--as one swats away at flies.

The thread of this post is about Mugabe yet as a little down-heap fly you flew in with inanities about some degenerate like Schweitzer. You had to be smacked down.

Now you are wriggling around throwing out nonsense about irrelevant stuff. You chatter on about what Africa has achieved and not achieved. I won't get into that tired dispute on this thread. All I suggest is that you read the Cambridge History of Africa, the UNESCO History of Africa for starters. Note that there are many volumes involved. And there are dozens of historians who have written e xtensively on Africa. Just read their works.

Prepare yourself for years of reading because at least 80% of the history of humanity is the history of Africa. You probably have distant relatives living there. LOL. Anyway, you might begin you readings with the works of Plotinus moving on all the way up to those of Ahmed Baba of Mali. Maybe you read only English, so why not try the English translation of Cheikh Diop's L'Afrique Noire Precoloniale.

And by the way when are you people leaving "New Zealand"--the lease has long been up you know.

[Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]

attilathehun

Comment No. 279792

November 2 19:02

Flyswatter.
You must be African � I need not insult you any further. We all know what attracts flies -. While you drive home in your African car/bus/train/plane/space shuttle to live in your African house/apartment/flat to eat off your African plate with your African implement reflect on that. Relax in front of your African television, read your African newspaper printed on your African printing press. Take a peek at your African wristwatch before you shunt off to your African bed. I am sure you will be dreaming African dreams - they will be as relevant to anything in the modern world or this thread for that matter, as the English translation of Cheikh Diop's L'Afrique Noire Precoloniale.

Can you clarify "you people" for me. I am quite interested to hear some more "pride and prejudice". I would hate to pigeonhole you as a "racist". Reflect on that as you compose another missive on your African computer. I would advise you to take some African medicine for your affliction, but I suspect garlic and beetroot is not as available to you at the moment. Sooo just bumble off to the medicine cabinet -get those dragging knuckles off the floor, and pop another African aspirin for the headache. You might want to try one of the African laxatives you find there as well. Coz we all know what you are full of - (explains the flies)

[Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]

FLYSWATTER

Comment No. 280095

November 3 1:24

USA

To Attilathehun

I just have no idea what the point of your post. If you mean that Africans are not instrumental in advancing modern technology, then you are wrong. Where do think all those African engineers who happen to be in the West work?

Many who are professors run research labs in all aspects of modern engineering. Many also work as members of research teams in mechanical engineering(auto design), computer engineering(software and hardware design), civil engineering(bridge, road and building design), etc, etc. And there are sizable numbers who are professors of mathematics in Western universities. Some even apply for patents in these areas and others.

But you must accept the fact that were it not for the African inventions of writing, mathematics, building in stone, engineering, architecture, dentistry, surgery, etc., human progress would have been delayed for millenia.

So really I don't know what your hilariously splenetic post is try to say.

[Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]

attilathehun

Comment No. 280135

November 3 3:17

NZL

You have no idea - period.

[Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]

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