When it comes to straight talking Zimbabweans don’t have to look much further than the Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Mandi Chimene, who welcomed Mugabe to Mutare for a Zanu PF Youth Rally.
‘Some of you think I have taken weed’, she said. ‘Do I look like someone who took weed today?’ Mugabe said nothing. You could say he sat stoned-faced. Vice President Mnangagwa however, who was sitting next to him, must have had difficulty suppressing a smile.
Chimene, speaking as it were from on high, urged Mugabe to end the divisions in the party over the presidential succession. ‘We end up seeing crocodile smiles because of the divisions,’ she snorted.
Chimene proceeded to demonstrate that she was in full possession of her senses by accusing ministers in the province of looting large tracts of land, among other things. She went on: ‘If it means going down with you, we will fall together Comrade President’.
Mugabe, who is quite capable of falling down by himself, made no response to this offer. But he would hardly have been reassured by Chimene’s undertaking the previous week to Zanu PF Youth leaders preparing for the rally. She promised them they would have no trouble with police road blocks. ‘You said some vehicles do not have wheels, but I will make sure you will not be harassed.’
Who needs wheels when you have mbanje power.
Other points
- Plans are progressing for the peacewalk to raise funds for the Zimbabwe Peace Actors’ Platform (ZimPAP). A group of about 40 will be walking 15 miles from Ilford (leaving at 8.30 am) to the Vigil (arriving at 2 pm) on 1st July. They will be asking for sponsorship from their churches, work places, families and friends. For sponsorship forms contact Daizy Fabian, 07708653640, [email protected] and she will post or email a sponsorship form to you. ZimPAP aims to train 100,000 civilian peacekeepers to overcome fear and intimidation during next year’s elections. To donate to the peace walk please access: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/zimvigil-co-ordinator.
- The Vigil wishes Netsayi Makarichi a speedy recovery. She was in considerable pain after injuring her knee while dancing energetically. We called for an ambulance and the ambulance service, because they were extremely busy, provided a taxi to take her to St Thomas’s hospital over the river. She eventually left the hospital on crutches. Thanks to Fungayi Mabhunu, Cephas Maswoswa and Mduduzi Ndlovu who accompanied her and made sure she got safely home.
- Thanks to those who arrived early to help set up: Zodwa Bhebhe, Isabell Gwatidzo, Josephine Jombe, Etines Kapiya, Jonathan Kariwo, Fungayi Mabhunu, Phillip Mahlahla, Alice Majola, Chido Makawa, Heather Makawa, Roseline Mukucha, Alfredy Mukuvare, Esther Munyira, Fungisai Mupandira, Sally Mutseyami, Casper Nyamakura, Jennipher Sabe and Sharon Zimuto. Thanks to Roseline, Catherine Musa and Josephine for looking after the front table, to Esther, Zodwa, Alice Mujola and Isaac Chawasarira for handing out flyers and selling wristbands and to Alfredy, Phillip, Casper, Jonathan and Sharon for putting up the banners. Thanks to Nyarai Masvosva for cooking sadza and stew to fundraise for ZimPAP and to Nontokozo Ncube and Margaret Munenge for serving the food. Thanks to Deborah Harry and Mercy Bayipayi for selling maputi (popcorn) to raise funds for ZimPAP. Thanks also to Nyarai and Phillip for providing extra photos.
For latest Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website. The facebook page for our sister organisation Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) (https://www.facebook.com/ROHR-Zimbabwe-Restoration-of-Human-Rights-301811392835) has been hijacked by destructive elements from a group calling itself ZHRO. Please be advised that any postings on this page are not posted by ROHR.
FOR THE RECORD: 54 signed the register.
