Stars don't struggle to shine

By Mutsa Murenje

My internship in Nairobi has provided me with a rare opportunity to hobnob with very influential people from various fields. On the 16^th of June, 2009 I had the opportunity to meet a Mr. Desmond T. Orjiako, from the African Union, who on hearing that I was a young Zimbabwean told me about his admiration for President Robert Mugabe whom he believes has been ‘very successful’ against the evil machinations of the British.

What the evil machinations are I don’t know. But he went further to say that he is glad that the British failed to destabilize Zimbabwe. Not only that, you can’t believe it! He said, “I hope you have not joined people like Tsvangirai….” Before he even finished I said no I had not joined him. My training has taught me to show respect for the other person’s opinions. I was taught never to say “You’re wrong.” After all, “The one who respects the elderly paves the road towards his own success” (African Proverb).

For the man is 60 years old. Like the Nilotic people of Africa, I have learnt that: “There is more wisdom in listening than in speaking.” I listen more and talk less. I also didn’t want to embarrass Mr. Beauttah who was with me during this encounter with the aforementioned diplomat.

I wish I could lie about the state of affairs in my country but unfortunately I cannot. Earlier in the day, I was discussing with Mr. Beauttah about the progress that our dear Prime Minister, His Excellency, Mr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was making in his tour of Europe and the United States. For we know, as you also know, that President Barack Obama has committed USD73 million in assistance to Zimbabwe.

We were talking about the kind of reception that the PM had in the various countries that he has visited. The elderly Mr. Beauttah told me in no uncertain terms that a leader who is well-received by the international community is the one to support. My support and admiration for the Zimbabwean revered premier is a public secret.

But why is my contribution entitled ‘Stars don’t struggle to shine’? The thing is that it is dedicated to none other than our dear PM, Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai for he is a star indeed. His reception shows just that. For example, the US President Barack Obama expressed his “extraordinary admiration for the courage and the tenacity that the Prime Minister has shown in navigating through some very difficult political times in Zimbabwe.”

We all know that Zimbabwe was once the breadbasket of Africa but now it has become “a basket case”. What boggles the mind however is the fact that the octogenarian tyrant, Robert Mugabe, “…hasn’t acted often times in the best interest of the Zimbabwean people and has been resistant to the kinds of democratic changes that need to take place.” But what has the PM done in such circumstances?

The PM has shown his unwavering commitment to significant concrete improvement in the day-to-day lives of the people of Zimbabwe. This is a plus on his part because he is committed to change and would want to see reforms that ensure that the suffering people of Zimbabwe will be given an opportunity to live their own lives i.e. to govern themselves.

I am worried about the “persistent and serious” human rights violations that Zimbabwe is still suffering. When the country is said to be a “horrendous nightmare” or “hell on earth” then it means something is terribly wrong. This explains why the international community maintains that there should be improvements in the human rights situation in the country, consolidation of democracy and rule of law.

I wish people like Orjiako could see this for themselves. When children as young as 12 years trade their bodies for a packet of biscuits then it means we have failed to run the country. When I cannot access a scholarship fund from the DFID to pursue postgraduate studies because Mugabe withdrew from the Commonwealth then it means that kind of leader has to go. When educated people still find it difficult to find employment then the leadership has to relinquish power.

Even ministers of religion are now finding it extremely difficult to heal broken souls. What then do you think you are doing Mr. President? What explanation is there for the continued closure of the University of Zimbabwe? As long as Mugabe hangs around there, there is no doubt that Zimbabwe will remain hell on earth.

The international community wants to see schools being reopened, a healthcare delivery system that can effectively deal with issues like cholera and HIV/AIDS, and an agricultural system that is able to feed its people. Is this achievable when Mugabe cannot let go the seat of power? Your guess is as good as mine.

In conclusion, I would want to express my profound gratitude to the PM for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the cause of a free, just and democratic Zimbabwe. We are solidly behind you and believe me; I have met a lot of people who speak highly of you. People who tell me that they underwent a period of oppression under dictatorial regimes but who have confessed that ours is a terrible dictatorship.

You are a star and you don’t struggle to shine because you have our interests at heart. The struggle continues unabated! Aluta continua!