Nkosana Moyo was right

President of APAZimbabwe

During 2018 elections, Dr Nkosana Moyo refused to do party regalia. I was one of the many who came forward and frowned upon this manner of campaigning. As it were, vana vembwa havasvinuri musi mumwe.

Recently, I have been talking against the power of our political parties over MPs. Voters cannot recall MPs or Councillors. Only parties can do that. I think there is everything wrong with that. You vote someone into Parly and someone else tells him how to represent you?

It means political parties are effectively using voters to get into Parly, representatives who will only do party business. For 5 years, voters and their needs are completely ignored. We spend those 5 years living with our mistakes, who will be living large.

I am eager to see how this can be changed. It was also part of my campaign message in 2018. In my efforts, understanding my limitations, I approached a few people to help think of a way to action this idea. One such is former Judge and @zundezim President @BenParadza.

After agreeing with me, Justice Paradza then threw me a curve ball. He said “Another thing that is bad with our democracy is PARTY STRUCTURES… AND REGALIA…. AND SLOGANS.” Immediately I was reminded of Dr Nkosana Moyo.

Party structures are a relic of the Communist era. It was and possibly still is a Soviet Russia and China method of spying on and controlling people in their homes. Remember Robert Mugabe and our lib war stalwarts received training from Communist East. It was the rave then.

Regalia and slogans follow in the same league. People are not just divided by ideas but by mantras and outlook. Suddenly green tshirts mean something else in a combi. Or the police will do a number on you, if you are wearing red in First street on an unfortunate day.

These are the things that are wrong with us and our democracy. We have a democracy in paper not in action. To make it worse, the main opposition and ruling party are heads and tails on the same coin.

It may have been 10 years too early but bravo to Nkosana. He may not have seen things from my angle nor Justice Paradza’s but he definitely was on the right path. A new Zimbabwe requires new ideas and ways of doing things. Same old same old is same old even when done by new party.

IT IS TIME

I was never in doubt of my ability to deliver for Southerton Constituency as an Independent Member of Parliament. I knew then as I know now, that my ideas on community regeneration would blossom without the chains of party politics.

I am not in doubt of the call that was made by the former Mayor of the City of Harare, Ben Manyenyeni, to put aside political parties for at least two decades. This would allow us to rebuild our democracy and institutions in a peaceful, focused and united environment.

We all however know that Zimbabwe is not ready for Independent Candidates. We also know that Zimbabweans cannot understand politics outside of political parties. Besides, it is easier to wait for Jesus than it is to convince Zanu PF and MDC to voluntarily disband for two decades.

The most viable option to anyone not vested in the two current big parties is to form or be in a third party. Indeed, we have hundreds of political parties in existence on paper in Zimbabwe. Most are centred around their leaders with very little focus on the people.

There is political space for a truly democratic, people oriented party that will champion the interests of citizens of Zimbabwe. The challenge lies in the founding and operationalisation of the entity. It must allow every interested party to be heard and to participate.

If I have said something you agree with, please share this post.

It is time.

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
Community Development Activist

You are your saviour

Zimbabweans celebrate the coup against Mugabe

In the years leading up to 1980, the majority of black Rhodesians believed that freedom and prosperity would be delivered by nationalist parties. That dream, four decades later, remains a dream deferred.

In the early 2000s, most black and white Zimbabweans believed that real freedom and prosperity were at hand. Years of post colonial era subjugation, oppression and impoverishment at the hands of Zanu PF, would be ended by the MDC. Alas, that dream, two decades later, remains a deferred dream.

We have waited for the elections. Dreamt of some knight being appointed to a critical government post. Wildly celebrated military baes. Placed hope in the international community, in regional bodies like SADC and in neghbours like Botswana. At each and every turn, the dream has been deferred.

There is one person we have not tried, YOU. You can change your community. If a blade of grass grows in a desert, the desert remains a desert. When many grasses cover the desert, the desert is no more. You and I, and him and her, can make sure our are dreams are no longer deferred.

Let’s start with small things. Only share informative posts on Social Media. Drive carefully and respect the rules of the road. Find time to meet with neighbours and participate in local meetings and initiatives. Vote for ideas not people nor parties. Hold leaders accountable. Do not litter. My friend, we can no longer defer our dreams.

My next article will debate the small steps to real freedom and prosperity. In the meantime, please share this small article to friends and family. Let’s start acting for our dreams.

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
Community Development Activist

Audit all disaster donations

A bridge swept away by floods

In the midst of this year’s particularly dry season in Zimbabwe, Cyclone Idai landed in Mozambique and severely affected Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, in particular Chimanimani area. Thousands of people were left homeless and hundreds of lives lost.

Outside of the Tokwe-Mukosi dam disaster, which in a way was self-inflicted as people were not moved earlier from the new dam catchment area, Zimbabwe has mostly experienced disasters in the transport sector. Idai was the second notable cyclone to hit our borders.

Notably, it was not the last in the same season; Cyclone Kenneth did not reach us but wrecked havoc very close by in Mozambique. It is therefore logical to state that we have not seen the worst of these cyclones. With changing weather patterns, we are likely to see more and stronger cyclones landing in Zimbabwe.

After Cyclone Idai landed in Chimanimani, there was a huge outpouring of support from Zimbabweans, both at home and from the diaspora. The nation rallied around the disaster with individuals, civic and corporate organisations giving generously. Donations were made through various individuals, churches, civic organisations and government ministries.

All those who donated only had one intention in their actions; provide relief to fellow countryfolk in a time of great need. Sadly, rumours have been circulating indicating that donated goods and funds were and are being looted or distributed along political lines. This is indeed very heart breaking.

Our budding democracy needs this opportunity to grow stronger. Our listening President, who is the President of all citizens of Zimbabwe, must order the Auditor General’s office to audit all donations and systems that came into play during this disaster. Every donated cent and banana must be accounted for.

The report must be immediately made public so that the nation learns for the future. Systems to handle future disasters must be put in place and guidelines made public. Creation of a disaster fund is of utmost importance. Earmarking independent response organisations will quickly mobilise resources in future.

An audit of Cyclone Idai disaster will also assure citizens that their money and goods were put to good and intended use and thus motivate them to help more in future. Distribution of relief and disaster assistance donations along political lines should be a thing of the past. The international community should rest assured that all their help will be used as intended and accounted for.

The Auditor-general must not focus only on government ministries but everyone who played a part in receiving donations for and behalf of Cyclone Idai survivors. Irregularities must be highlighted and if need be, prosecuted. Political parties who politicised donations they did not collect must be cautioned and penalties put in place for the future.

As for all those who donated, it is your right to enquire as to how your donation was used. Asking for clarity on donations is not being disrespectful. It actually makes our democracy stronger, by holding those who step up to lead accountable. Every dollar is precious and must be utilised correctly.

Cyclone Idai was a frightening experience that rocked our usually safe lives and took countless lives. Let us honour those lives by taking precious lessons from this episode. More of these cyclones are heading our way in future, let us be better prepared in every manner possible.

MY VISION OF A ZIMBABWE

I am a man possessed

I have a vision but it is not a vision. I have a dream but it is not a dream. This thing that I have is real and I can almost touch it. I can smell it, as I sit in a combi, four by four, going into town. I feel it when I walk about the city, seeing broken pavements, potholes and drain covers. I see it when I look at vendors lined up on Robert Mugabe road in the city. I have a vision but it is not a vision. I have a dream but it is not a dream.

There is a greatness of Zimbabwe that lives within me. Well manicured neighbourhoods where people live with enough water and electricity countrywide. A good public transport system that runs on time and is used by the rich and poor indiscriminately. Politicians that spend the day in office, seeking to make the life of every citizen a joy and comfortable. A job for everyone who wants to work and a living wage for every worker.

I have felt the throb of this country in my heart. A police unit that administers justice and protects all citizens equally. A justice system that follows only the letter of the law. A thriving manufacturing sector that feeds the nation with no need for excessive imports. A people who participate in democratic processes, not for themselves, but for their neighbours. Neighbours not protected by walls but by love for one another, self and Zimbabwe.

Everyday, I wake up and my heart is filled with longing for this Utopia. My curse is that, I do not think it is Utopia. I know that this is possible and I am one of the many vehicles through which this Zimbabwe will come to pass. Even if I wanted to, I cannot stop myself. I am violently and totally possessed by this vision that is not a vision, this dream that is not a dream, so much so that everyday I keep looking for the key.

I want it. I need it. Even if I must die looking, I cannot stop.

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
A citizen and community development activist.

Not in a 1,000 years

When the then Prime Minister of Rhodesia Ian Smith, uttered the words “not in a thousand years,” in 1976, the collective black population took umbrage. It was an offence that travelled across the world. A white man had told black people that they need a thousand years to have dominion over their affairs while exercising democratic norms!

As late as 1890 when Europeans arrived and marched into the hinterland of southern Africa, democracy was an unknown culture to the natives. In fact, the key driver of civilisation, the wheel, was not invented from southern all the way to central Africa. The societies here at that time ranged from Stone to Iron Age with moderate agricultural communities.

The arrival of Arabs and Europeans jump-started our civilisation by thousands of years. There is a huge difference between practising a culture and knowing it. Democracy is not just for leaders but also followers, opposition, civic community and all other citizens. It is a huge leap for a people accustomed to chiefs and absolute rulers.

When Smith said “not in a thousand years,” it should not have be seen as an insult but a challenge. It was too late for us to go back to our chiefs who would rule until they died and then left the button to their sons. It is too early for us to say we understand and can practise democratic norms in our country. It is even worse when we try adapt and change a culture we cannot exercise. Events have shown that we need a force of character to change ourselves.

There are many things we need to become a full democratic state. Most of those things centre on the citizen. His beliefs. Her ideas. His view of fellow men. Her entitlements in her community. Her responsibilities. His understanding of democracy and politics. A lot of work is needed there. (I use “his” and “her” referring to both men and women.)

On a broader scale of the country, I think that our democracy should be forged on three key pillars and all equally important.

We must build a basic self-sustaining economy that is able to feed, transport and entertain our people while providing gainful employment. We must “eat what we kill” to quote former Finance Minister Tendai Biti. It is impossible to shun technological advancements elsewhere in the world. We must therefore have a dynamic program to monitor and follow developments closely. We simply cannot afford to import food. It is literally turning forex into manure.

We need serious long term plans on all aspects of our economy. These plans must not be changed at the whim of any government. Certain aspects can be tweaked but the overall plan must be pursued relentlessly. Personally, I would demand every ministry to craft a 50 year plan and then subject it to the public for further input and amendment. With such plans in our arsenal, our national vision and effort must then be directed to such and focus kept thereon.

The last pillar is accountability. Everyone must be responsible and accountable to their tasks especially at national level. Leaders should never be worshipped but constantly monitored and critiqued with focus only on results. Citizens must be responsible for basic things in their everyday life, like waste management, upkeep of areas they live and work in, reporting infrastructural flaws, paying taxes, etc.

As for public institutions and government, they must be open especially regarding finances. Basic expenditure documents must be available for scrutiny by curious citizen and organisations. We must have a petition culture so that groups of concerned citizens know what they need to do for their concerns to be addressed by public officials and government.

I know the above is not exhaustive and more is needed in our country. In my view, these three attributes are important on a broad scale for us to begin a march towards full democratic norms for Zimbabwe. As we stand, our country is like kids playing that game called “keeping house.” At this rate, we will need more than a thousand years to rule ourselves effectively and progressively.

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
The Citizen

Photo credit goes to Brett Hilton-Barber and Lee R. Berger. Copyright © 2010 Prime Origins.

MUGABE: the bitter-sweet low hanging fruit

Never get involved in a spat between family members or you will have egg all over your face.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Generation40, Team Lacoste and War Veterans in all their different factions, are one big family called Zanu PF. As with every family, differences occur and some members are banished and others rebel but there is blood that ties them. That blood for Zanu PF is the Chimurenga War Military Command Hierarchy.

When General Chiwenga went on television to warn his boss, he was very clear. He was unhappy with things happening in “Our Party.” Johnny-come-latelies (read criminals) had been allowed to take over his beloved Party and this amounted to a criminal act. People that were in the Military Command Hierarchy were being fired from the Party at the instigation of people with no liberation war credentials and this was causing consternation in rank and file. Specifically, the firing of VP ED Mnangagwa had struck a nerve.

This is what caused the general to rebel on his boss and stage a soft coup d’état. General S. Moyo was very clear in his televised address on ZBC TV on the day after the coup. The military was targeting “criminal elements” around President Mugabe. In the eyes of the army, they are not performing a coup but simply putting the house in order and removing “criminals.” This is not a national event but a Party activity that should be of no concern to broader Zimbabweans, the region and world.

The coup was not clearly thought out or made assumptions that eventually did not come to pass. The assumption that President Mugabe would roll over and play ball obviously did not come to pass. The coup plotters needed him to reinstate former VP Mnangagwa for the plan to work perfectly and events show he did not do that immediately and dragged them into a constitutional crisis. Public sentiment then dragged the generals into a vortex where they have lost the plot.

The military never intended to call for the removal of their commander and in fact have not done so. It was other family members and the public who did that. The march organised by war veterans was a classic case of the plotters losing the plot. Having rebelled against their commander, they could not then prohibit the people from demonstrating against the same commander. The nature of the demonstration also mutated from solidarity with the military to “Mugabe Must Go” and then finally a march to the State Houses in Harare and Bulawayo. The military finally drew a line on unwelcome visits to State Houses by an excitable crowd.

As with any family, the Lacoste faction saw an opportunity to strike and they have been landing blow after blow on a hapless and stricken President Mugabe and his G40 crew who are either on the run, in some kind of prison or generally bemused by the drama. Lacoste hastily convened a meeting that may not have been constitutional according to Zanu PF rules and “recalled the First Secretary and President of Zanu PF, Cde R. G. Mugabe,” with pomp and flair. This was sweet music to the nation.

The people of Zimbabwe wherever they are, and true to character, have focused on the low hanging fruit, the removal of Robert Mugabe from presidency. The people see this as a step forward in their quest for a better future. A lot of people have a bone to grind with him, including white people who still have nightmares from the violent land reform exercise. People are simply not bothered about what happens next and they are reading the situation and not what the generals said.

It is however important to take a peek into the future and see what is most likely to come. Indeed it is difficult to think of the future when you simply want a loaf today but having an idea of what the future may have, is likely to help in planning how to eat the loaf of bread.

The first obvious point is that President Mugabe may not go anywhere. Zanu PF, for all its bravado, knows it is difficult to sell a new name to the rural folk next year. If Mugabe is forced out, Zanu PF’s preferred successor is Mnangagwa. Strategic thinking dictates that he leads an interim administration while he consolidates his hold on the party and he needs to be anointed by Mugabe at congress to have a good hold. Alternatively, Mugabe may prevail and bring in his acerbic wife Grace Mugabe.

The focus on Robert Mugabe by Zimbabweans is a knee-jerk and short-term reactionary thinking that is likely to give life to Zanu PF. Mugabe is one part of a medusa that has dominated our politics for the past 37 years. The real challenge for Zimbabweans is Zanu PF. Zanu PF is abetted by an unfocused opposition lacking strategy and unity but more by a public that does not take time to view the situation and act appropriately. A people always get the leaders they deserve.

Strategic focus dictates that the people and opposition must side with Grace Mugabe and Mugabe himself in this brouhaha. Supporting Mugabe means the electoral time line will not be in doubt. Yes, the opposition will most likely lose in 2018 but if Mugabe leaves the throne to his wife, 2023 will be an even contest. Grace will definitely rub a lot of egos and the military will be forced to do the unthinkable, salute a person who rubbishes their values. She is also most likely to make a further mess of the economy, opening a wider door to the opposition. Most importantly, she will break that Military Command Hierarchy.

Mnangagwa is a formidable opponent for our dithering opposition. The nature of his entry may mean a Transitional Government under his leadership. Tsvangirai has already been making noises for that. While Tsvangirai will be tasked with fixing the economy in another replay of 2008 – 2013, Mnangagwa will be consolidating Zanu PF structures for 2023. It is inevitable that Mnangagwa will win in 2023. After all, he will have his family to help him if the plan goes pear-shape. When faced by an external threat, Zanu PF always regroups and lines its guns on the threat. Most importantly, Zanu PF would have managed transition of power within the party while retaining their Chimurenga code. That in itself will mean Zanu PF being in power for a foreseeable future.

In conclusion, Mugabe may be a bitter-sweet low hanging fruit best left in the tree. The people and the opposition must suffer him a little longer and possibly his wife, to have a different future. Against all odds, he may fall in 2018, considering the chaos in his party. A good game plan in the opposition may see the army standing aside as the prospect of saluting a woman who does not share their values, may be too much a huddle for those proud generals.

If Mnangagwa prevails and ascends to power, there may be a brief period of tranquillity and prosperity until he is challenged. Then he will revert to form and may be worse than his teacher, Mugabe. For those who think Zanu PF and Mnangagwa will change their tunes, the Shona have a saying, “Shiri ine muririro wayo hairegi.” A bird never changes its whistle.

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.
The Citizen (20 November 2017)

Bond Notes Saga

Tissue paper.. oops.. Bond Notes

Dear Reserve Bank Governor John Magudya,

How many bond notes have you released onto the market already? Please be honest with us Governor. When we take the serial numbers on each note we find that they start with 2 letters and end with a 7 digit number. We find that in the AA series there are therefore 20 million bond dollars in 2 dollar bond notes. In the 5 bond dollar notes there are 50 million bond dollars in the AA series.

So far there appear to have been 8 sets of the 2 dollar bond note released – and 4 sets of the 5 dollar bond note released. After the AA series there is the AB series and then the AC series and so on. That makes 160 million dollars of a potential 520 million dollars in the 2 denomination; and 200 million dollars of the potential 1.3 billion dollars in the 5 dollar denomination. Some simple maths leads us as the general public to understand that there are therefore 360 million dollars of a potential of 1.82 billion dollars already released. The fact that the AZ range has been released already leads us to suppose that the missing sets will be released from the RBZ vaults into the system as time goes by.

If our maths is correct, it is clear we have already got nearly double the 200 million that you told us that Afrexim had guaranteed. Have you broken trust Governor?

Unless I have missed something, you have yet to produce the agreement with Afrexim that you were asked by lawyers and others to produce about 9 months ago. It is in the public interest for you do so. Many of us do not believe it exists. Many people believe you lied to the public. Is this the case Governor?

Your undertaking at the launch of the Bond notes was that you would resign if the introduction of the Bond notes failed to resuscitate the economy and stimulate production. Months down the line the US dollar has all but disappeared, bank queues are longer than ever and the despondency of the people increasing by the day. The economy is in dire staits and companies are liquidating. Why have you not kept your word?

You also said that you would set up an independent board to ensure that your printing press didn’t go into overdrive as it did with Governor Gono. The fact that you have yet to set this board up is of great concern. We are very sceptical after all our bank accounts and savings got looted last time. Can we trust you Governor?

I understand that Government has borrowed a few billion dollars from you at the Reserve Bank. If this is correct, where did those few billion come from? I do not understand “phantom money” – created as though with alchemy from out of the air. No doubt you will pass this huge debt onto us, the people, just as Governor Gono did. Where did your billions come from Governor?

I see that GMB is paying 390 dollars a ton for maize. This is the highest maize price in the world. Where has the GMB got such money from to pay for the maize? Across the Limpopo and the Zambezi the maize price is approximately a third of that at 120 USD per ton. I see that maize is being imported. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that opportunists are managing to import maize and nearly tripling their money on each load. Others, if they have hard USD cash, are able to buy maize from the GMB at 120 USD per ton. I wonder if some chefs are buying maize for 120 USD from the GMB, driving their trucks out and then turning their trucks around and selling it for 390 USD back in the GMB? They then convert the 390 back into cash at a (current) 30 percent premium and buy more maize to sell back again?

What is to stop a chef with 3600 dollars of cash buying a 30 ton load of maize from GMB, turning his truck around and then selling that maize back to GMB for 11,700 dollars? He then converts it to cash and it becomes 8,190 dollars. He turns his trucks around and goes back to GMB and buys 68.25 tons of maize. He drives out and when he turns his trucks around again the GMB will buy his maize back from him for 26,617 dollars. He then buys 18,632 of cash and buys 155.26 tons of maize from the GMB. He turns his truck around and then sells this maize back to the GMB for 60,554 dollars. He once again converts it into cash and it becomes 42,388 dollars. This can buy him 352.23 tons of maize from the GMB. He turns his truck around and sells that maize for 137,761 USD to the GMB… and so it goes on till the bubble pops like it did under Governor Gono. The chef has himself produced nothing. He has fed nobody. But he is well on the way to making thirty times his money by turning his truck around and buying and selling maize 5 times from the GMB! Where did GMB get this phantom money Mr Governor?

We would appreciate your response Governor.

Yours sincerely,

SOURCE: UNKNOWN

Zimboz have no respect for each other

The first time I walked into Didymus Mutasa’s office, he asked me where my rural home was. I was so pissed off, I said I do not have. And the meeting was downhill thereafter. My idea was not important because I did not come from Rusape. This is an attitude exhibited by baboons, who are extremely territorial and clan bound, so much so that they achieve nothing other than progeny in their life on earth.

But this is not my focus today. My focus today is that I am not well. I have a horrible flue that I contracted, going to a meeting in South Africa. Those who know me are fully aware that I am not very keen on SA. The reasons are in another article elsewhere. I went to SA because I believed that the meeting I had arranged, would be good for CitizensZW, the members and indeed the country as whole. 
There was a huge opportunity cost to the trip. First, I had to remove money from a table and pay for bus tickets, food on the road, mobility while in SA, etc. Second, I had to sit in horrible buses for 38 hours return, time that took a great toll on my health. A waitress at Newscafe Sandton stole 400 rand from my wallet, that I had forgotten there. Most importantly, my S2 tablet that allows me to communicate with all members quickly, was broken and I will need 3500 rand to repair it.
So I hear you asking, why had I gone to South Africa. Indeed why? I had scheduled a meeting with a prominent Zimbabwean in SA. All communications done through his team had pointed to a direct meeting. Imagine my anger when he was not at the meeting. I had to meet his team. I swallowed my anger and proceeded with the meeting. Surely, somewhere along the way, I could have been informed that the individual was not available to meet. 
We are very disrespectful to each other as Zimbabweans and it has a great cost to our progress. We have no value for ideas nor effort but simply respect names and associations. I am infuriated by this culture we are borrowing from Zanu PF. We are a people without worth because we do not value each other. Even when we preach valuing the people, we do not practise it. It is a very long road to prosperity and it may not be in our lifetimes. 
I am currently very unwell. Without a voice. Broke. Without my favourite tablet. All for nothing.
Fungai Chiposi, Mr. 

I am a Community Development Activist 

W: +263772867300

Zimbabwe is crap

I have done two trips to SA recently. This makes my total number of trips to SA, three. I personally do not like the place but then maybe I am jealous. The people are not very hospitable and the crime levels are really bad. Johannesburg central is metal city at night and completely frightening. The houses are on little pieces of land, I always feel like am in a matchbox.

 

On the other hand, the infrastructural development is simply amazing. The Midland area is a hive of activity. I counted more than 30 cranes on the skyline. Their roads are simply immaculate. Where do our roads get all the dust? The malls there are things of wonder. I went to lots of malls and was enchanted. And you can go for 40km within a well developed area with residential and industry mix.

 

I also found deplorable downtown areas in Johannesburg. Sewage was flowing in the streets and tap water running unattended. Combi drivers had opened safety points along the water line and were washing their clothes and cars. The stench of poverty was heavy there were I got transport to Eastgate Mall.

 

Be that as it was, Zimbabwe cannot light a candle to SA. I completely understand when South Africans fail to see themselves as Africans, black and white included. Their combi etiquette across the board is superb. I learnt more than 5 different hand signals to communicate destination. The Gautrain is simply a wonder. So what can we learn from SA?

Personally, I learnt that it is foolish to kick out white people from an economy before you have a solid plan. Black Zimbabweans in all their education, have no one single idea of how to make this country prosperous for all. Left alone, we shall first return the country to Stone Age, before beginning to make progress again.

 

As black Africans, we are consumers. We are not builders. Only God can tell us what happened with Great Zimbabwe. We are not manufactures nor farmers. We simply consume. Our aspiration is to be in a functional system and work for consumption. We are most happy consuming for free. Hunting and gathering small game and edible roots, bark and fruit.

 

Are we going to change any time soon? I say no. Can we find the path without help from our white counterparts? Yes but it will take forever. Especially with abusive leadership such as Zanu PF, we are faraway from paradise. Can us, the citizens, increase the pace of reaching average economic prosperity for all? Yes we can but we are such jokers. We joke about our own poverty and anything that impacts our progress.

 

I talked to lots of people who simply want to keep heads down and consume. Grown men ran away from me at the border when I said the CIO and customs officials must not make it hell for us to return to our country. We spent 5 hours by the border just waiting. And it is a culture we know well, how to waste time. Never being productive in the process.

Let’s think seriously about who we are and where are going. Currently, we don’t know who we are and neither where we are going.

 

Fungai Chiposi, Mr.

I am a Community Development Activist