DEAR EDITOR—I have a plea to make. I have noticed that Zimbabweans have become so polarised that the chance of working together in future to rebuild the country could be seriously jeopardized.
There are those who support President Mugabe completely and those who support MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai with just a few not sure where they stand because they have seen flaws in both camps. The differences among us should be ironed out sooner rather than later, otherwise we will never be able to move forward as a country.
We have to accept that it is darkest before dawn and hence we should not despair because things seem to be out of control. We can all make it if we make that little extra effort and build bridges that will help us cross to the other side and offer an olive branch to those who do not necessarily view the world the way we do.
I have noticed that we have become name-callers and often hail insults at each other but to no avail. If we boast that we are one of those countries with a high literacy rate, why are we not translating that high level of literacy to build each other and our nation.
I see an increased level of hate language in cyberspace where a lot of people are finding solace from the everyday problems they witness in the Diaspora. Those who control those spaces have been irresponsible in allowing some very divisive literature and words to filter through mocking leaders and the electorate alike. I
A lot of the hate speeches and the many divisive statements that we hear daily find home in these internet spaces. I wonder if one day we will ever be able to sit down with our adversaries and chart the way forward. Name calling and hailing insults at those that sound different to us, or look different, will not help.
I hope each Zimbabwean today will sit down and think seriously about the contribution they are making to the Motherland, in whatever form or shape. We should not let our country rot and laugh at those who have worked hard to get us where we are. Our fight for freedom should continue. Fighting for freedom and justice does not end with an event. It is a continous process and simply installing a new leader, is not the solution to our problems. It could be a start; but a start to what? It has to be a start to a good life. But also, it has to be a continuation of our aspirations as a nation.
We need leadership that carries on with the noble project started by those who died for Zimbabwe, but also able to embrace some of the changes we are now witnessing in this globalising world. We can still continue with the struggle without altercation and hate speech. We should weed out those individuals amongst us who are retrogressive and wish to take us back to the Dark Ages.
But above all, we should be tolerant-tolerant of differences in opinion and the way we view life. Those who choose to support Zanu PF should be given that right and the same applies to those who support the MDC or any other party for that matter.
I hope that one day we will be able to sit and live comfortably and reflect on the troubles we faced as a nation and acknowledge that sometimes conflict is imprortant to remind us of how privileged we are as a people: Black, White, Colored, or any other race or creed.
Decay, Mexico • n/a Subject: who wants a GNU? SIGN UP FOR IT! Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:36:54 • SO, MT HAS REFUSED TO CONSIDER A GNU AS PROPOSED BY THE AU?
HE THEREFORE WILL HAVE MORE BLOOD ON HIS HANDS AND I GUESSC THIS PROVES THAT AS LONG AS IT IS NOT HIS OWN HE DUZNT CARE?
HE SAYS ITS NOT WOT DA PEEPLE WANT!
HE HAZNT EVEN ASKED ME AND IT IS DEFINITELY WOT I WANT.
IZIT WOT U WANT? LETS ASK THE EDITOR TO START ANOTHWER VOTE LIKE HE DID ON SIMBA MAKONA IN FEBRUARY.
I GUESS MORGAN IS BEING PAID BY THE HOUR ON THE HOUR INTO HIS SWISS BANK ACCOUNT NOW SO HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE. HE HAS TO DELIVER ZIMBABWE INTO THE HANDS OF HIS BENEFACTORS. AFTER ALL HE HAS TO FINANCE HIS FAMILY OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY EH?
WHY ELSE DUZNT MT WANT A GNU?
Omugabe • Dziva@sanandresano.com Subject: Look Inward & Look East for Self-development, Zim Patriots! Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:20:17 • 'Accepting differences' without qualification is mindless.
What if the differences are WRONG?
What if those differences are destructive for the individual and for the society as a whole?
A stone may just 'accept differences'.
However, humans DO NOT have that 'luxury'; because to accept a wrong brings suffering.
Humans need to accept that which is RIGHT, that which is simultaneously life-supporting for the individual and for the society.
Do Zimbabweans of different mindset need to work together for the individual good and simultaneously for the collective good? Yes!
That has always been the teaching of the wise and virtuous Magnanimous Mugabe and other Zim Patriots.
That is why EVERY ethnic group in Zimbabwe has been promoted and has the freedom to shine.
And that is why they are ALWAYS encourage to work within One Zimbabwe!
So the charge to Zimbabweans has always been to be legitimately different; but always in the context of one Zimbabwe.
In this regard, Zimbabwe is worthy leader that ALL Africa's multi-ethnic countries can emulate.
Only, Zimbabwe, has been subjected to devilish Divide and Dominate from racist invaders and their other gang members back home!
And unfortunately, some lost African traitors chose to side with the historical enemies of ALL Zimbabweans, including traitors!
The above is the only reason that SOME Zimbabweans appear so divisive. They are servants/slaves to those who would Divide and Dominate Africans in order to plunder African resources.
Zvinaiye Mutandiro • zvinaiye@gmail.com Subject: n/a Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:07:23 • Well written Sihle, some very valid points. A lot of cyber politics has its foundations in ignorance and it is very sad. We still need to speak with a universal voice regardless of our political differences.
martin takawira • takawira@hotmail.co.uk Subject: Accept our diffirence Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:16:02 • Enough and well said Sihle.The only thing I would like to add is that this opinion is printed and laminated to A10 size, copies sent to mugabe and all his cronies(i admit am doing the name calling ).these are the people failing to do all what you are saying.They have refused us democracy well before the begining of time , never mind mdc.As a result and you would know this to every action there is a reaction.
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