Remembering Zimbabwe's Election Violence: The Brutality of 27 June 2008

By Lloyd Takawira 

'27 June ... Va Mugabe Mu Office ... 100% total empowerment' is the mantra that some shed tears upon+ hearing 

June 27, 2008, marks a dark chapter in Zimbabwe's history, marred by violence, bloodshed, and political oppression. The brutal rerun of the election served to remind the world of the lengths to which Zanu-PF would go to maintain its hold on power. 

On 27 June 2008, Zimbabwe experienced a bloody and controversial day that will forever stain its history. Following a stalemate in the February elections, in which the late democratic icon Dr Morgan Tsvangirayi had defeated former  President Robert Mugabe who then went on to orchestrate a solo rerun, leading to widespread violence and atrocities. The horrifying events of days leading to the rerun, shed light on the brutalities inflicted upon the citizens and the subsequent formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU). It is essential to reflect upon this dark chapter that revealed the depths of political brutality and the impact it had on Zimbabwe's political terrain even today.

The Violent Election Day:

As June 27, 2008, dawned upon Zimbabwe, fear, intimidation and violence against opposition supporters became the order of the day. Opposition supporters and activists were targeted, with many brutally assaulted or murdered for their political beliefs. Homes and businesses affiliated with the opposition were torched, instilling fear in the hearts of those brave enough to dissent against the oppressive leadership of Robert Mugabe.

Riot police, allegedly taking orders from Zanu-PF, further fueled the chaos by ruthlessly attacking opposition gatherings and rallies. The streets of Zimbabwe became battlegrounds, tearing families and communities apart, and causing deep physical and emotional wounds that still haunt survivors today.

To the international community 

As we remember this day, the international community SADC & AU must be reminded that  extreme violence unleashed during the June 27 elections garnered international attention and condemnation should never be allowed again. The world stood witness to the horrors inflicted upon innocent Zimbabweans who dared to challenge Mugabe's regime. 

The Evil of Zanu-PF:

It is important to acknowledge the role of Zanu-PF in perpetrating these acts of violence during the 2008 elections. The ruling party, which had maintained its grip on power since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, resorted to brutality and intimidation to protect its position.

Political analyst Malcolm Ziki had this to say

 'Even today, Zanu-PF's tactics are driven by an unrelenting desire to maintain control, even at the expense of the lives and human rights of its own citizens. Through various means, including state-sponsored violence, corruption, and suppression of free speech, Zanu-PF aimed to silence dissent and solidify its power. The events of 27 June 2008 serve as a stark reminder of the depths of their evil and the devastating consequences inflicted upon the people of Zimbabwe.

As we remember this tragic day, it is crucial to acknowledge the resilience of the Zimbabwean people who endured unimaginable hardships and violence. By shedding light on the events of 27 June 2008, we honor their struggles, reaffirm our commitment to justice, and strive for a future where democracy and human rights prevail over tyranny and violence.

Dear Politician !!!

By Lloyd Takawira
I write this letter , with so much sorrow and resentment to your flauntings . While you jostle theatrically to  have pictures taken with us and leave in your SUVs and  flamboyant vhuzis (cars) , have you thought of our predicaments.

While you leave for your state of the art flash houses in the posh low density suburbs , have you thought of our families who are struggling to put a simple meal on the table.

Deep down in the rural areas , as you leave in your posh cars , the dust from the graveled roads smoking us ,  some will be traveling over ten kilometers to and from school . Have you thought of us.

That year you visited our rural area you promised to build us a clinic alas it's been ages that promise hasn't been fulfilled yet you're here once again asking our parents to vote for you. To do what MR POLITICIAN . What evil is that .

Do you know that , the last time you visited us , Mai Jane died on her way to Chimukutu clinic which is over 20 kilometers from her village , Marutande . You never care for our basic needs because you think you're clever.

Can you imagine Mr Politician , that the same parents you're asking to vote for you , some of them were retrenched and never got a single pen owing to your actions .

Can you imagine that Mr Politician that our parents are going through serious challenges. Some of the challenges has left us destitutes . Sending us to school is nolonger an easy task , while you're kids are going overseas to learn.

Mr Politician can you self introspect!!!

Dear Politician l encourage you to read , "The cry of a child"
by  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Yes Elizabeth never minced here words in her poem. She wrote a very piercing piece that l would want you to read , maybe you can change your mentality.

In case you have never come across her poem .
She said:
" Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers,
 Ere the sorrow comes with years ?
They are leaning their young heads against their mothers, —
  And that cannot stop their tears.

The young lambs are bleating in the meadows ;
 The young birds are chirping in the nest ;
The young fawns are playing with the shadows ;
 The young flowers are blowing toward the west—
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
They are weeping bitterly !
They are weeping in the playtime of the others,  In the country of the free."

Yes Mr Politician , l rest my case with a clarion call for you to desist from abusing us for selfie pictures . Address our plight Mr Politician.

Yours truly
The Child ( Zimbabwe)

Regime Change A Sole Privilege For Zimbabweans

Neighboring South Africa's governing party , the ANC concluded it's controversial elective congress in which cornered President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa won a controversial second term .

However, to the chagrin of most Zimbabweans has been the newly elected ANC secretary general Mr Fikile Mbalule statement that , as ANC, Fikile Mbalula said the party does not subscribe "to the idea of regime change in Zimbabwe ".

Mbalula said the ANC would intensify assisting neighbouring Zimbabwe to recover from decades of economic downturn and massive brain drain.

“We must be very much concerned about what is happening in Zimbabwe, and what role we need to play. We do not subscribe to the idea of regime change in Zimbabwe. We need to campaign very hard to get things right, because Zimbabweans are coming to our country in their numbers."

 The world over , the privilege of  effecting regime change in an county  #Zimbabwe in particular is the sole  privilege people in that nation. 

In that case no nation must push for or against regime change in an nation as that would tantamount to interference to the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.

 In this case , #Zimbabweans not any foreigner have the prerogative to effect regime change. 

Zimbabwe  being a sovereign nation and  not an appendage of  of South Africa means that . "We as Zimbabweans in our diversity return the right to effect or refuse regime change based on our preferences.

The statement by Mr Mbalula is tantamount to interference and against the best practice of non interference in other countries internal affairs. 

Is Regime Change bad 

Since the birth of multi party democracy around the world , regimes have been changed with new ones coming on board. The case Zambia , the case of Malawi speaks volumes to regime change. 

Regime Change being a privilege of citizens , means that it can't be stopped by a foreigner. 

Over the years it has proved that changing regimes is healthier as political parties who do not work to transform the lives of people whom they are governing are changed. Those that' are brought can also be changed if they don't fulfil their promises . 

For Mr Mbalula to allege that they do not subscribe to regime change in Zimbabwe is very much wrong on many fronts . 

Lloyd Takawira is a villager from  Buhera 

Dear Politician !!!

By Lloyd Takawira
I write this letter , with so much sorrow and resentment to your flauntings . While you jostle theatrically to  have pictures taken with us and leave in your SUVs and  flamboyant vhuzis (cars) , have you thought of our predicaments.

While you leave for your state of the art flash houses in the posh low density suburbs , have you thought of our families who are struggling to put a simple meal on the table.

Deep down in the rural areas , as you leave in your posh cars , the dust from the graveled roads smoking us ,  some will be traveling over ten kilometers to and from school . Have you thought of us.

That year you visited our rural area you promised to build us a clinic alas it's been ages that promise hasn't been fulfilled yet you're here once again asking our parents to vote for you. To do what MR POLITICIAN . What evil is that .

Do you know that , the last time you visited us , Mai Jane died on her way to Chimukutu clinic which is over 20 kilometers from her village , Marutande . You never care for our basic needs because you think you're clever.

Can you imagine Mr Politician , that the same parents you're asking to vote for you , some of them were retrenched and never got a single pen owing to your actions .

Can you imagine that Mr Politician that our parents are going through serious challenges. Some of the challenges has left us destitutes . Sending us to school is nolonger an easy task , while you're kids are going overseas to learn.

Mr Politician can you self introspect!!!

Dear Politician l encourage you to read , "The cry of a child"
by  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Yes Elizabeth never minced here words in her poem. She wrote a very piercing piece that l would want you to read , maybe you can change your mentality.

In case you have never come across her poem .
She said:
" Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers,
 Ere the sorrow comes with years ?
They are leaning their young heads against their mothers, —
  And that cannot stop their tears.

The young lambs are bleating in the meadows ;
 The young birds are chirping in the nest ;
The young fawns are playing with the shadows ;
 The young flowers are blowing toward the west—
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
They are weeping bitterly !
They are weeping in the playtime of the others,  In the country of the free."

Yes Mr Politician , l rest my case with a clarion call for you to desist from abusing us for selfie pictures . Address our plight Mr Politician.

Yours truly
The Child ( Zimbabwe)

TODAY IN HISTORY: Zimbabweans Remember 27 June 2008

By Lloyd Takawira 

With a " 100% total empowerment" campaign matra and a 27 June VaMugabe muoffice !!! 

Recounts of some of the horror memories of victims of the bloodbath that preceded what was a solo run by the late nongenarian Zanu PF party leader Robert Mugabe are mournful 

 "27 June !!! VaMugabe mu office!!! . Pamberi nehondo !!! Pasi nevatengesi " thunders the late Major Svoswe .

As the major sat down , then  rose , the feared Godfrey Nyikadzino he started to sing , with thunderous voice he sang : " Hondo here , hee hondo makunakuna hwiza hondo dzataigocha ... hee hee hondo " and the whole crowd bursts into singing and dancing . 

Young girls ululating while the youthies who had suddenly became comrades grinding the soil as dust gushes to skies . 

For the new converts , it's a wish for the soil to thaw you .

Holding a sjambok  , rose Patson Nyadza" Yasvika nguva yevaya vakadzoka mugwara rechimurenga , ngavamboita slogan tione" thundered Patson who had suddenly became a war veteran . 

By that time , a defeaning sound characterize the gathering . 

A gun shot breaks the silence as women mainly the elderly breaks into ululations presumably to cheer up Major Svoswe who was firing into the air . 

On election , day the Youths resembling the famous , " Imbumbule youths " who run amok under the doctorship of the late Burundi Pierre Nkuruziza ran through the communities singing war like songs 

With a disputed  and inconclusive election of March 29 2008 , it meant  an electoral  rerun was on the cards . However the harrowing and heinous events leading up to the June 27 presidential rerun brings vivid sad memories of a bad chapter to our country .

The late , Robert Mugabe who had lost the first round of election to  opposition MDC candidate the late Morgan Tsvangirai had set his eyes on returning the Presidency at whatever cost . 

Morgan Tsvangirayi  pulled out of the race  due to violence targeted against his supporters by state security agents , and Zanu PF party youths .

Each year on the 27th of June, Zimbabweans always remember the day and the memories are not rosy in any way as they are littered with sad pictures of tortured people as Mugabe sought to reverse the March presidential election result in which he was defeated by Tsvangirai.

 Mugabe would go on to claim victory and got sworn in before flying out to an African Union summit where he was told to sit down with Tsvangirai in what culminated in a government of national unit.

Even though, Mugabe negotiated with Tsvangirai and Mutambara, Zimbabweans still remember the events leading to 27 June as thousands of people were displaced, hundreds dead as soldiers and secret service agents were deployed across the country to reverse Mugabe’s electoral defeat.

As the world is still commemorating International day Against tourture and inhumane treatment , Zimbabweans have horror memories to recount.

tllyoyd@gmail.com 

Ongoing Demolitions. An Ethical Test Failure for Zim Local Government

 

By Lloyd Takawira 

Watching hopelessly as their source of livelihoods are being destroyed ,  one could not resist to drop some tears . Urbanites have endured endless torrid times from authorities who should be protecting them . However, for many Zimbabwean urbanites its suffer continue.

With an economy that was run down by decades of mismanagement, many Zimbabweans have been pushed to the informal economy as they try to ace a living from vending.

Local government, in a democratic state, is expected to be responsive to the needs of the people.  Since the local government is the primary delivery arm of a democratic state, it should provide effective and efficient local government service to the people, however for Zimbabwe, the case has been different. Personal self-interest have been subordinate to the public good in all circumstances.

The recent demolitions have exposed the rot in our local government system if not national. It must be noted that, high ethical values affect the performance of every organization. The question now is do we have ethical leaders both elected and appointed in Zimbabwe at every level of leadership. Do they even know the ethical values that they must uphold as public servants? The components (ethics and values) shape an individual’s character, as well as that of their organization (Omisore & Adeleke, 2015). However not for elites in Zimbabwe.

One is made to ask. Do these people have a reputation, do they even care for the next person, do they know that the  success of governance depends upon the conduct of themselves as public functionaries and what the public perceive about their conducts. I wonder what Mr Tafadzwa Muguti is thinking seeing so many people crying while their livelihoods have be destroyed.

Do these so called shefus of this world know that , as local government leaders they have an indispensable role to play in exacting ethical principles. In our case , the  absence of public minded leaders whose energies are not harnessed to organisational purposes is affecting the  quality of  local government service delivery (Dorasamy, 2010).  We have people who have sworn that as long as they live, there is stealing from the public coffers at whatever cost. We have people whose hearts have hardened to hard rock state because they are at the eating table.

It should be written in bold and caps that, leaders at local government level in Zimbabwe have failed the ethical test. One cannot allocate land for someone to operate , make that person pay for the space , all of a sudden disregard that , comes back to destroy the person livelihood . Even in the face of a court order in the case of Chitungwiza it could not stop demolitions to happen.

The ongoing demolition calls that for this country to self-introspect to say we need leaders who are willing to pass the ethical test and that ethical values have to be upheld by the leadership of local government, who have to create an organizational culture that directs a local government service institution to achieve its purpose.

For now , it’s the residents , civil society organizations and all interested parties that must come together to demand that :

1)Local government employees adopt an approach that can influence others to direct their actions toward the attainment of a clearly understood and well communicated ethical purpose. This shared vision and pursuit of ethical standards therefore, results in ethical behaviour guided by purpose- directed employees at the local government level.

2) Ethically-oriented local government that is not underpinned by a lack of established ethical behaviour because Unethical behaviour has a negative impact on effective and efficient local service delivery.

 Continued pooh pooing in our governance issues through unethical practices will continue to negatively affect the performance of these councils which have become bastardised entities   (Adegoroye, 2010). It is imperative that all local government functionaries upon accepting government employment recognize that they have a special duty to be open, fair and impartial in their dealings with society. (Yahya, 2006).  

For now it’s a clarion call for public servants especially those manning our councils to view ethics as choices requiring them to make decisions enabling them to lead an ethical life within the context of their relationships with others in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Cllrs Yes .Civil Servants & Chiefs No

By Lloyd Takawira 

There is a storm once again inthe land of multiple storms . A week rarely passes without controversy . Should we be called a land of controversy . 

Cdes and friends this time , the gatekeepers. The Cdes of entitlement (the stockholders of this country) (the more patriotic ones than others ) as they allege , are reportedly moving to force senior public sector workers such as senior council management , councillors and chiefs  to the famous Chitepo School of Ideology . Yes Cdes and friends , the one brother Tsenaz refused to attend gore riya ..... Brother Tsenaz said iwo ndiwo wangatonodzidzisa wanhu ikoko . 

Well because we are in the land of controversies . The issue of party state conflation has been a  one burning one . It has always been burning . 

Party state conflation . 

Zvinomboreiko ??? 

Party-State conflation are  acts or  misdeeds against the constitution  by  governing political parties of  "confusing"  the party and government as seperate entities 

The most important word is "confusing" . Here we are talking of intentional confusion . Kutoita souri rema zvako , asi uchitoita , uchitotyora mutemo seusingazive seusina hanya . Here I'm talking of wedu "Musangano wechibhakera" 

So the controversy is ??? 

Should a councillor attend his or her party school of ideology , the answer is an Unequivocal YES 

Should a council CEO , management ,  attend party ideological schools . The answer is a BIG No because  the Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly prohibits civil servants and senior employees of councils from being partisan. 

Should a chief , headman , village head be forced to attend a party school ideology . The answer is Big NO .Because  the law and basic principles of corporate governance require Civil servants  to be impartial, professional and focused  not the pursuit of toxic politics in the execution of their duties.

Party State Conflation of State is  the main reasons why this country has been hamstrung in the doldrums of poor service delivery , selective application of the law , toxic institutions which by operation of the country's supreme laws are supposed to operate independent . 

Over the years we have witnessed chiefs virtually becaming political commissar's of a political party contrary to what the Constitution stipulate . 

Until we have people who believe in the sancrosactness of the law and willing to abide by it's tenants in toto , Zimbabwe is going to continue sliding into the dustibins of shamelessness . 

How do we capture and ingrain our ideology into the hearts of many Zimbabweans ,  the question Zanu PF should be asking itself . Without force marching institutions which must be independent .

The answer is very simple . Be true to the values of liberation struggle . Development not Corruption , Empowerment not looting . Plurality not Conflation and capture . The list goes on on and on . #TheZimbabweWeWant 

#ZimbabweArise 

#ZimbabweFirst