Let us fix our vision on peace

THE recent revelations by Kingsley Mamabolo, head of the Sadc election observer team for Zimbabwe, that the prevailing violence in the country is not conducive for a presidential run-off only serves to confirm the common assertion that Zimbabwe is currently a country at war with its own people.

As the world tries to come to grips with the appalling situation in the country, wise words of black American Baptist minister, campaigner for civil rights and Head of the Southern Conference could not come to mind at a better time. Martin Luther King said, “We must not wage a war.” He further asserts that it is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.

Further reference is made to a fascinating little story from Greek Literature about Ulysses and the Sirens. According to this story, the Sirens were a people who could sing so sweetly that sailors could not resist steering towards their island. Many ships were lured upon the rocks, and men forgot home, duty and honour as they flung themselves into sea to be embraced by arms that drew them down to death.

Ulysses, determined not to be lured by the Sirens, first decided to tie himself tightly to the mast of his boat, and his crew stuffed their ears with wax. But finally he and his crew learned a better way to save themselves. They took on board the beautiful singer Orpheus whose melodies were sweeter than the music of the Sirens. When Orpheus sang, no one bothered listening to the Sirens.

So in the face of all what is happening in Zimbabwe, Zimbabweans should shun violence. We will not build a peaceful and prosperous country by following a negative path. In his quest for peace and justice Martin Luther King advocates the use of non violent means. He declared, “Non violence seeks to secure moral ends by moral means”. Somehow we must transform the current struggle into a positive contest which will harness man’s creative genius for the purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all Zimbabweans.

We must shift the current scenario into a ‘peace race’. Peace is not simply about prevention and absence of conflict. It is also about setting up and maintaining an environment conducive for the development of social, economic and political processes.

With enough faith, will and determination, we can mount a peace offensive which will unlock sealed doors of hope, change, democracy and prosperity.

Edwin T Kamanda
MDC Secretary: Stoke and Crewe Branch