Liberation was Hijacked

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Written by: TENDAI RUBEN MBOFANA

Published: 12 November 2024

Last Updated: 12 November 2024

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The greatest tragedy to Zimbabwe was the hijacking of its liberation struggle

Yesterday, I received a heart-wrenching message from a former combatant of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, now residing in South Africa. His words, laced with pain and disillusionment, will forever resonate with me. In his message, he recounted the harrowing experiences he and his fellow freedom fighters endured during the war, a period marked by immense trauma and sacrifice. Yet, despite the bloodshed, the suffering, and the unyielding hope for a better future, the independence that came in 1980 did not deliver the freedom or the prosperity he and so many others had envisioned.

Instead, it brought an economic and political system that seemed to intensify their hardships. For millions of Zimbabweans, including this former combatant, the post-independence era only marked a deepening of poverty and despair, culminating in his decision to leave the country in search of a better life abroad. In his final words, he asked a question that brought tears to my eyes: “Why did we go to war, and why did thousands lose their lives?”

His message struck at the heart of Zimbabwe’s greatest tragedy—one that has yet to be adequately addressed in our national discourse.  Another painful reminder of this betrayal comes from the account of a different war veteran whose life I am currently documenting in a book. His story, which spans from his early years before the war, through his experiences during the liberation struggle, and into the harsh realities of post-independence Zimbabwe, paints the same tragic picture. Like many others, he joined the fight with hopes of a new, just society—one where the fruits of independence would be shared by all.

Yet, upon returning to Zimbabwe after the war, he found himself trapped in a system that prioritized the enrichment of a small political elite while the vast majority, including veterans like himself, were left to struggle. His dreams, like those of so many others, were crushed by the very government he helped to bring to power, leaving him with a deep sense of betrayal. He, too, ended up leaving the country he fought for in search of a better life.

The liberation struggle was hijacked by those who were supposed to lead the country towards a more just and equitable society.

Instead of empowering the masses, the independence movement was usurped by a small, self-interested elite whose primary goal was not freedom for all, but power and control over the nation’s wealth. This elite, driven by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire for social transformation, has systematically enriched themselves at the expense of the very people who fought to secure the country’s freedom. The liberation struggle, which should have been about the collective liberation of all Zimbabweans, has instead become a bitter reminder of the betrayal of the ideals it was meant to represent.

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Ghost of Zimbabwean Gold

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Written by: John Burke and Several Twitter Posts

Published: 10 April 2024

Last Updated: 17 November 2024

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What is ZiG? According to the new 'clown' {oops, Governor} of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe [RBZ] it, {Zimbabwe Gold - and other Reserves(?) in "support"} has been shoe-horned into Zimbabwe to replace the previous failed currency and currencies "initiatives". The Previous iteration was launched in an equally exciting fanfare at a claimed exchange rate of 1Zim$ to 1 USD, yes One-to-One!  On the black market recently, it was trading around 40-45,000 Zim$ to 1USD and in supermarkets at 25,000:1. So an utter failure with the added {bonus} for Zanu PF looters/plunders/thieves that it has stolen the USD wealth of the Nation in exchange for literally worthless 'paper'.

Whilst Bloomberg has reported "success" and commentaries welcomed it {??? how}

Others have cried "Scam" or worse; see below

5th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""ZIM's latest financial gamble: ANOTHER "currency" backed by gold tokens, scheduled to be launched late this week. The tokens aren't convertible into gold or gold coins. It looks like another ZIM financial scam. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Gov. John Mushayavanhu = CLUELESS, CROOK, OR BOTH?""

9th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency – the ZiG – the 6th in TEN YEARS. The ZiG is supposed to be backed by gold. BUT WHERE’S THE GOLD? Where there’s a ZiG, there’s a ZAG.""

10th April 2024: Dr Walter Mzembi {Ex Zimbabwe Minister} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG exemptions for some sectors are an indictment . Its a cousin currency of the Bond , RTGS as long as it can't buy fuel . Secondly the decision to exempt fuel sector reeks of conflict of interest, where the elite want to save their businesses from collapse but are prepared out of their own decisions to see everything else in Commerce collapse.
Why did you launch this currency then if you didn't have your act together?""

9th April 2024: ZBC News Online {Regime captured News Channel} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG currency will not be weakened by any form of manipulation," says RBZ governor, as illegal forex traders "spend days basking in the sun...""

9th April 2024: ZHRO on Twitter/X in Reply to @ZBCNewsonline: ""On the contrary ZiG is itself “manipulation”, based on empty promises, empty vaults & empty minds. From an illegal regime with a proven history of looting! Of looting Gold, Zimbabwe Gold!

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Member Perspectives 13th Dec 2023

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Written by: Tryness Ncube

Published: 15 December 2023

Last Updated: 22 January 2024

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Zimbabwean activists gathered at the Zimbabwe Embassy around 11:30 am on the 13th December. {Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London} the growing throng of Zimbabweans and their supporters were singing slogans that attracted passers-by. Myself, I decided to go into the Embassy; Upon gaining access to Zimbabwe House I was quickly thrown out by the security staff as I was about to bring down the framed picture of ED MNANGAGWA. However it is perverse that a Zimbabwean National should be thrown out of my own Embassy - thus, as far as the Zanu PF regime are concerned - "I am STATELESS"!

13th December was a very special for Zimbabwean Activists;

• We still demand for the release of Job Wiwa Sikhala;
• All the other political prisoners;
• We demand for the rule of law be adhered to;
• And that SADC to put more pressure on ED Mnangagwa for free and fair, fresh elections.

On the day we had several speakers such as Chief Ndiweni, Duke Maplaka and myself, and others. Firstly at the Zimbabwean Embassy, then outside the South African High Commission, Then opposite 10 Downing Street whilst the Petitioners handed over the written petition to the Office of the Prime Minister. Finally outside the FCDO where John Burke spoke to Robert Ison, the new Zimbabwe {and Botswana} Desk Manager.

Both Chief Ndiweni and Duke Maplanka condemned ZANU PF on different aspects such as abductions, torturing and killing civilians for speaking against the ruling regime.

The Petition was handed  to South Africa High Commission - Chief Ndiweni and Duke Maplanka met up with Maria de Freitas, Political Counsellor - Standing in for the High Commissioner. She was pleased to meet with the delegation, and offered further discussion in the new year.

The Activist group now over 45 strong, proceeded to 10 Dowing Street for the Office of the British Prime Minister, who was also served our written Petition Document {outlining what the Zimbabwean Diaspora were seeking - A copy can be viewed or Downloaded at this LINK}.

Whilst the Petitioners {as vetted by the Downing Street Diplomatic Police Unit} entered the gates to Downing Street to deliver the Petition - The remaining Zimbabweans gathered opposite to sing protest songs and generally protest against the illegal Zanu PF, vote rigging, election fraud and capture of all State Institutions in Zimbabwe. When the Petitioners returned after successfully delivering the Petition {See the ZHRO Flickr Album of the Day - Photos and Videos - Click this LINK} Further speeches were given, including from myself {the photo above was when Chief Ndiweni created the "Upside-Down Flag" protest - to symbolise the chaos in Zimbabwe - in addition my singing and dancing protest was videoed and captured by Thabo Makuyana  - who posted it to Twitter/X and now TikTok - See link Here and content as below: Video Link HERE

""Dec 14, 2023 Tryness Ncube a @ZHRO_Zimbabwe & @CCCDiaspora member and supporter spoke passionately about @advocatemahere adopting the case of a student who was, “butchered, beaten up, in agony,” due to being brutalised by the regime in Zimbabwe She also led some of the singing and dancing on the day. Note most of the flags were upside down on purpose."" With 5,173 Views so far

When the Zimbabwean diaspora group had finished at Downing Street, we then 'popped' round the corner to the Offices of the FCDO. Where our Petition was e-mailed live to Robert Ison the Zimbabwe {and Botswana} Desk Manager.

Our cry was basically that Zimbabweans need the World's help to keep the 'sanctions' against the entire ZANU PF members and for British Government to stop rubbing shoulders with ZANU PF. We have seen several visits by the regime members to the United Kingdom including finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

2023 has been a very difficult year for all the activists and we are looking forward to more demonstrations until we are recognised and heard. Throughout the demonstration I kept my Zimbabwean flag upside down because women and young girls are abused in Zimbabwe and no one has been brought to books. 

I represented ZHRO and CCC.

ZANU PF MUST GO TO SAVE ZIMBABWE