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- Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Culture / Heritage / Lifestyles
- Published: 03/27/2012
AN AFRICAN JOURNAL - THE QUESTION OF LAND.
Born 1934, F, from Cape Town, South AfricaAfrican history is full of wonderful classical stories of famous people. They were the explorers, adventurers and characters that opened up the darkest Continent to the world. They walked and trekked with their faithful black stretcher bearers the length and breadth of Africa. If it were not for those faithful bearers who looked after them, many would have died of bouts of malaria, black water fever, starvation and exhaustion. The men were carried on stretches for miles and days when sickness overtook them. Those faithful servants knew exactly where to take them to the safe villagers who were capable of nursing them back to health.
The explorers sent off reports and journals and letters of the wondrous sights and beauty of Africa and the vast open seemingly uninhabited spaces and available land.
This new world held immense possibilities for another age that was still to come, almost a futuristic story for the man from Europe who burned with desire to start a different life in a new land with more space, as even then Europe was too narrow and crowded for a certain type who wanted to stretch his arms and feel less restricted by society.
More importantly there were minerals, gold, copper and many other commodities that the Arab and Portuguese traders had been dealing with African populations long before the Europeans had ever stepped ashore. Buying and exchanging of goods up and down the coast and in some cases far inland was already in full swing and running along smoothly.
The word got around as the explorers began to talk and publish stories about their expeditions into the African interior, whilst on leave back home in England, solely to raise funds for more trips to Africa. They spent their time relating to London audiences the wondrous sights unfolding before their eyes, describing the potential that was on offer. And so Africa beckoned and glittered like a crown of jewels waiting to be plucked.
Before long, a new breed of settler arrived, enticed by the seemingly endless expanse of land. They had heard of places comparable to the Garden of Eden, where Cecil John Rhodes was busy exploring parts of Africa. He was responsible for the opening up of the minerals, diamonds and gold mines. Rhodes organized and made available easy access to the trade routes and literally masterminded the white settlement of Rhodesia. Rhodes had a close friend, David Livingstone, synonymous with the discovery of the falls, ”the water that thunders”, which he named after Queen Victoria out of respect for her. Livingstone opened up the road to Northern Rhodesia even beyond and further into Africa.
There were black people living all around, in small villagers, planting and growing patches of crops around their huts. They were friendly and welcomed most of the new settlers on arrival as they did a kind of domesticated trade with them, and everyone were quite happy with this arrangement. So with a good atmosphere, colonization began in earnest. The settlers came in and simply claimed the land, as there was really no one to agree or sign any documents or a hand shake honoring a gentleman’s agreement, a “European custom”, so chats with the chiefs in their kraals (huts) were quite informal, sitting on old boxes or whatever was handy. The meetings were verbal and amicably conducted and somehow spoken in a strange language only understood by both parties.
Settlers adapted to a rural way of life as landowners, farmers, administrators and the all-sorts arrived somewhere down the list to this new paradise which had lots of jobs on offer. In the beginning, the missionaries came to do their bit and preach the word. They were mostly from Scotland and England as they were encouraged by Rhodes and Livingstone to open up mission stations. After a time, other denominations entered into the fray as they also felt the need to convert the black people to Christianity. The Bible became the known word of God, and even to this day black Christians practice a pure and simple form of the message, based according to the writings in the scriptures as the only truth. Perhaps this was one of the really good things to emerge out of Africa.
Ideal weather conditions, mild seasons, Indian summers, blue skies, predictable rainy seasons and seeds that grew without too much coaching from the planters gave Africa fame and fortune. From this rich fertile virgin soil farmers developed a variety of crops and lush green fields started to appear. Zambia, Malawi and Uganda were well known as a green belt and had the reputation “anything you plant just grows”. Indigenous goats always seemed to be visible in all villages, as they proved to be a very hardy breed. Cattle could be seen grazing on the sweet lush grasses, to be joined later on by the usual farm yard animals. The farmers worked hard and reaped the benefits and gains which they took in their stride.
Africa just had to develop into a white man’s favor and pace. Cecil John Rhodes, together with the other English explorers, were determined that parts of Africa would be colonized by Great Britain. British colonial rule was fair and just and a benign system was put into place for all the race groups, but of course more so appropriately for the white man.
The missionaries played an absolutely vital role in the development and welfare and education of the African races and did wonders in helping a people to progress and advance rapidly to western standards, over too short a period, but it was not necessarily the right way, although at the time there was no other alternative. A new life and a religious western piety was adopted and put into practice. Learning a new kind of knowledge and language was then thrust on them, which must have been confusing as English became the norm. They did learn to speak other languages depending on the nationality of the missionary stationed in their area.
The new God who entered into their lives had to be completely obeyed as he had sent his only son to die for the good of the people, thereby taking the place of their beloved and trusted ancestors who had to play a less important role as this kind of sacrifice was unheard of in Africa. It took away generations of tradition and culture and reverence for the elders, as African families learnt to be respectful from babies. This upheaval must have been very hard to assimilate, and unfortunately the black people were left behind and became the underdogs, through no fault of their own.
In turn the selfish colonist enjoyed a more relaxed life style, becoming accustomed to African idyllic summers “what cannot be done to day can wait until tomorrow or next week, or sometime.” The new work force were the black people, who earned almost starvation wages. A code existed among the house wives who had servants to feed their staff.
Progress and education as well as farming methods and industry continued to thrive for the black man but in turn they began to resent the situation that the whites were still the only benefactors and still the boss over them. Feeling resentful, they reckoned most of the glory should start coming their way as Africa was their country, and how would the white man like it if they went and took their Queen and country away from them. After all they had never given the white man permission to invade their land like this. Education therefore became a priority and very important. Starting to get into the general mainstream of what life was all about, they rather liked this new western way of doing things. Goals were set and put into action as their determination grew to take back what rightfully belonged to them in the first instant.
And so when the winds of change started blowing through Africa at such gale force speed, it caught the colonials somewhat unexpectedly and they could not comprehend what was happening and how serious the situation was. Africans were intent on wresting and claiming their land back at such a rate, they became very warlike, and crime rose against the colonists. No one could be trusted, especially faithful servants and friends as they were suddenly foes of the whites. Terrorist wars erupted and Africa was a hot bed of trouble and coups. Tribalism became apparent as they turned against each other for supremacy and were quite ruthless in trying to take down the opposition and any power they might have had to fight back. Genocide was committed openly with the blink of an eyelid.
All the well laid down plans were discarded and scattered in the winds of change, as independence arrived and flourished at dreadful cost.
The ceremonies attended by the British Royals in white official navy uniforms became commonplace and indicative of the colonial flags going down the pole and national flags going up at the many rather ghastly independence celebrations.
At the same time the African leaders could not tolerate or appreciate that the Colonials had been good masters and left a rich endowment and legacy and a practical infrastructure which would enable them to follow on without too many problems to run their countries after independence was granted.
Looking back now one can see that Africa should have been allowed to develop at her own pace with no force or foreign power to rob them of their own history or to tell them what to do, like lecturing children at the same time stamping a name on them called “boy” – Cook boy, garden boy, house boy, thereby causing a great loss of dignity. The same name we called our pet dog, - heel boy, down boy, sit boy, stay boy, - good boy Rover. Independence gave back names a christening of respect.
Most of the early African states at the time of independence were orientated to eastern politics, who took advantage of the situation by causing as much trouble and hate against the Western World. The communistic countries whose agenda was to brainwash Africa with political solicitations of supreme power and not economics with their famous brand of propaganda, caught an innocent and naive Africa unaware of this new kind of worldly ploy. Economics were set aside and completely overlooked. We had to listen to many anti west speeches favoring eastern ideologies. Instead of concentrating on development and building constructively to add to improvements from what the colonials had left, which should have been high on the list was entirely ignored.
The West did not handle the situation very well and seemed weak under such an onslaught of criticism. They capitulated by giving out unconditional loans and aid which was hoped to appease the new brand of leaders who had the east backing their hard line stance.
Some of the African leaders had acquired insatiable appetites for wealth and western riches, which they could not get from the eastern bloc who only dished out contracts and projects which had stringent terms attached. African leaders did start to realize that the west was not such a bad partner to have on board.
And out of this confusion some faint ray of sunshine and hope started to emerge. Not all was lost as it appeared that the newly elected Heads of State, were invited to Buckingham Palace to visit the Queen and sup with her, and to crown it all with great pride had knighthoods and titles bestowed on them. The British Government fell over backwards to accommodate this new trend toward reconciliation, as Africa was in awe of the pomp and ceremony and pageantry of the royals. The Queen certainly earned her keep as she was and still is admired and respected throughout Africa.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
I was woken up this morning to the news on the radio that the Financial Minister Tendai Biti has had to go to the South African Limpopo Border Post to tell the Zimbabwean Custom Officials to stop harassing and charging visitor’s tax on their clothing and footwear. Apparently tourists and visitors arriving at the main airport in Harare are experiencing the same tax charges and treatment.
After reading the article in the City Press on Sunday 26thFeb, on how Zanu are handling the prospecting fees regarding the Mining industry, and indigenization program. The Mining Industry and Commercial Businesses have come under fire with the new laws of indigenization which will force companies to hand over on a silver platter exorbitant fees and give more than 51% of shares to the government. It will be interesting to see how the new Zimbabwean Minister of Youth and Development will fare internationally. He is known as a bit of a hard line bully boy in his own country and has apparently got SA’s acknowledgement and agreement to Zimbabwe’s appropriation of the Zimplats share dispute. As the situation develops the Minister of Youth and Development might just find himself on the receiving end of a loss in acquiring the shares as he made such impossible demands regarding fees. I cannot imagine how top class and experienced negotiators, the best engineers in mining companies knowingly acceded to demands made from the Minister Savior Kasukuswere. There are a couple of countries ready to welcome investments from SA. There are favorable reports of good Platinum Mines in Mozambique right next door to SA who will make a more mature deal. Maybe the cherry on top of the cake, so to speak.
The diamond mines in Zimbabwe has been taken over by the Military, and profits will be used for the elections. Assuredly investors will think twice about mining ventures there. China does not have unlimited funds to throw Zimbabwe’s way and has to draw a line. I think Zimbabwe expects China to foot the bill irrespective of what deals have been made.
Bob has now accomplished what he set out to achieve – an African kingdom where he controls everything. The problem within Africa is that there are still many cultures mired in the hunter and gatherer stage of evolution especially when it involves politics and methods of farming the land. Bob is shrewd enough to realize this, as he knows his history and is able to manipulate and take advantage to trick the masses. He works on their superstitious nature to keep them down and underdeveloped. He does not want the intelligentsia around, as they hold a much bigger threat to him than any of the white farmers ever did. In any case black educated Zimbabweans live and work all over the world, and are quite happy to stay where they are.
Morgan Tsvangira the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe when Bob allows him to be is the modern day Job in the Old Testament Biblical story, where Job’s love and obedience and faith in God remained constant throughout his ordeals and trials. Morgan has had to endure the terrible things and torture Bob has imposed on him over the years and the many times spent in jail on trumped up charges. I am absolutely convinced that one day Morgan will be recognized in the same context as Ghandi and Madiba, he will rule Zimbabwe as God’s ambassador on earth. He has suffered for his people. The MDC carry the cross of freedom.
Zimbabweans have lost the will to fight. The Government neglects their health such as Aids, TB, and malnutrition is rife, and when ZANU want to punish the people food is held back to an already hungry population who do not get enough to eat. Worst of all fear is being kept alive by ZANU through unimaginably cruel tactics. The mass of the illiterate populace does not know how to cope with worldly emotional torture which is played on them.The youth “named the green bombers” caused such havoc at one stage, still go on the rampage when it suits their seniors to rile them on, face a dismal future.
Once upon a time there was a rich and fertile land known as Rhodesia later re named Zimbabwe, which was taken over by the prince of darkness and has become the country of sorrow. Sadly there is no easy solution to make it better, as long as the evil genius with the iron fist is still alive.
Bob in the early days of his snatch and grab land policy was considered quite a hero here and almost venerated to sainthood status, when the white farmers were being trounced unmercifully. The South Africans thoroughly approved of what he was doing, as they are still trying to come to terms with apartheid and what it did to them. The two countries cannot be compared to each other, as Rhodesia was under British Colonial Rule, and SA under a harsher apartheid government and Dutch Roman law.
South Africa does have many hiccups, but we have good leaders who are capable of sorting out problems and we must not forget that our constitution is based on Christian beliefs and doctrine. The newspapers keep the public well informed. Freedom is a wonderful concept, especially when put into practice.
The irony is that Zimbabwean refugees are not really popular here and the general feeling in the townships where Xenophobia rears its ugly head every now and again, because it is felt that the foreigners should return to fight and work harder to liberate their own country.
An experiment was conducted here in SA. Farms were given to a good many blacks who desperately wanted and. It was a miserable failure, as cattle actually died of starvation and thirst, crops were not planted. All the new applicants did was to sit around under the trees smoking weed and drinking home– made beer. It is so much easier to destroy than have to work hard and make a living. I believe there is a different approach to the land policy. Everyone wants to acquire a piece of land. It is inherent in humans to want ownership of something solid under their feet.
Zimbabwe used to supply maize to Zambia. But the tables turned the other way round when the sacked white farmers immigrated to Zambia and were given land to start farming projects which were so successful they turned Zambia into a grain exporter country and transformed the whole of the Agricultural farming policy of land reform to a great success story. I believe Zimbabwe had to buy maize from Zambia at one stage. Rather a case of Murphy’s Law. Mozambique opened up their country and invited some ex Rhodesian farmers to settle there. Countries as far as Nigeria are benefitting from the dedication of those farmers who are helping to build their agricultural economies.
Although Judith Todd did not like the white Rhodesian as she estranged herself from them and became very involved in helping the black people. She did pay Ian Smith a compliment in her book, quote :“Ian Smith loved his country, which was why he gave way rather than see it destroyed. Mugabe has destroyed his country rather than give way”.
There is a disturbing exodus of SA farmers leaving for greener pastures and security, as they have come under threats that their farms will be taken away from them without compensation.
Twenty-six countries in Africa have already invited SA farmers to set up farming operations in their countries. South Africans have offers to start farming projects as far away as Eastern Europe, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.
Israel, the land that God gave to Moses in trust for his people. What is it about this strip of land that other nations have coveted and gone to war for and still today make meaningless threats to obliterate Israel off the face of the earth?
Archeologists unearthed hybrid emmer wheat at Jericho which dates back to 8000 yrs BC thus making it the oldest agricultural site in the world.
Jerusalem has always been the center of Jewish worship and Government.
The last revolt that took place in 133 AD which the Roman Army put down so harshly the Israelites were once again sent into forced exile. It took nearly 2000 yrs of wandering in the wilderness before they could reclaim their land again. In all that time Israel lay desolate and barren.
However, in the interim there was a continuous flow of movement and action, as mini wars and skirmishes with the Arabs, the Muslims and the Crusaders erupted from time to time.
Under the Ottoman Empire, Turkish rule was peaceful and lasted for 400 years. Jews from Spain were invited to come back, fleeing from the horror of the Catholic Inquisition. Slowly a steady very low key trickle began. At first restrictions were imposed, but once immigration got going the tap started to overflow and could not be turned off.
By 1920 Jews started making their presence felt. Turkish farmers started selling their farms and orange groves off to Jewish buyers who had the money to purchase and trade, so both the sellers and buyers made amicable arrangements to complete sales without any problems.
Jews were not allowed to own land in Europe or where they tried to settle, being a stateless people; they were vulnerable and therefore prone to being persecuted by the Christians.
After the horror of the Holocaust, the determination was to go back and fight for their land,against all odds. Israel was reborn and an agrarian revolution began with the planting and reforestation of the desert taking place, followed by an Agricultural program the world has not seen in the intensity of a people to succeed.
The desert is in bloom again; a miracle of green fertile land worked with love and endeavor, to grow and heal the land and its people. It is the most amazing story of a desert country coming back to life.
50 YEARS ON.
If I use my imagination like Alice did and look in the mirror, what would I see 50 years on? is really just round the corner.
Man is resourceful and has learnt how to cope with the aftermath of a mini nuclear war, climate changes, floods, drought, pollution and other disasters. At last we realized that the world had to be changed in order for mankind to survive.
Agriculture has undergone a new system whereby Governments and the United Nations cooperate to ensure a “pantry fund” to feed populations who genuinely cannot cope with natural catastrophes. Parts of the earth have been contaminated by radiation so a new plan had to be devised or face starvation on a huge scale never experienced.
Land with less radiation is farmed and run by chosen conservationists and expert officials in their field of livestock. Hybrid crops GMO”s in particular are used and cultivated proving sturdier and not prone to disease. Forestry, fisheries and agriculture are grown under special tents. Fish is off the menu as the sea is too dangerous and polluted.There are still small scale farmers but on lease to the government and they have to produce.
Trade Unions do not encourage strikes anymore but work in with their Governments to help run job opportunities and find suitable work for their labor force. Everyone has a duty to perform.
There are less people around. No one suffers from obesity as there are no luxuries so man is fit and healthy in spite of the war. Sports are compulsory and taken very seriously. Everyone has to play at least one sport. Education is first and foremost, and training programs on space travel has been introduced into the school curriculum.
New science, medical and medicine discoveries and stem cell research are at an advanced stage of evolution including a new type of material from Mars used in bionic limb transplants. It is difficult to see the difference between a real limb or a bionic one. Thanks to Japan.
Plastic surgery died a natural death, when humans learnt how to shed their old skins like a snake and grow a new wrinkle free skin.
Light malleable soft metal which does not rust, is used for clothes and is worn by everyone as a fashionable statement but it also serves a purpose of an efficient commodity that just has to be wiped clean with a cloth.
New airports are designed to suit the small elegant planes and space crafts. Planes now take off on an upward slide and a downward slide for landings. Planes and slides are controlled by magnetic devices.
Only one car is allowed per family. The motorized transport system is efficiently and conveniently run to all suburbs, as well as high speed electric trains that take an instant to get to the next station. Airports and car bays have become green and fertile parks once again.
Great efforts were made to save the wild life, and Zoos in every country has a compliment of stock and breeding programs on go and successfully implemented. The most popular place to visit is the zoo especially the nurseries.
The sea has been quarantined and no shipping is allowed, only sail boats. For the sake of human survival the sea has to heal.
Olympic Games have turned to the old Greek traditionof only athletic participation, as hordes of sports entries grew so enormous, fewer and fewer countries were able to go. World competitions are held for each category of a sporting event.The performing arts, of gifted and talented people have taken art to its perfection. Classical music is played in all the space ships, as it is linked to the universe and travelling amongst the stars and the planets listening to the great composers keeps astronauts relaxed and happy.
Street lamps are lit by fission. Oil is used to make building blocks for construction and building houses as they are unbreakable and can withstand all types of weather conditions.
Since the birth of man, the need to roam is inbred, and new exploration is well under way to search for new frontiers and worlds to conquer in outer space. Man has always been curious and will go one step further to satisfy himself, to see what is over the horizon.
“So why did the cow jump over the moon? To see what was on the other side silly.”
AN AFRICAN JOURNAL - THE QUESTION OF LAND.(Laura Weber)
African history is full of wonderful classical stories of famous people. They were the explorers, adventurers and characters that opened up the darkest Continent to the world. They walked and trekked with their faithful black stretcher bearers the length and breadth of Africa. If it were not for those faithful bearers who looked after them, many would have died of bouts of malaria, black water fever, starvation and exhaustion. The men were carried on stretches for miles and days when sickness overtook them. Those faithful servants knew exactly where to take them to the safe villagers who were capable of nursing them back to health.
The explorers sent off reports and journals and letters of the wondrous sights and beauty of Africa and the vast open seemingly uninhabited spaces and available land.
This new world held immense possibilities for another age that was still to come, almost a futuristic story for the man from Europe who burned with desire to start a different life in a new land with more space, as even then Europe was too narrow and crowded for a certain type who wanted to stretch his arms and feel less restricted by society.
More importantly there were minerals, gold, copper and many other commodities that the Arab and Portuguese traders had been dealing with African populations long before the Europeans had ever stepped ashore. Buying and exchanging of goods up and down the coast and in some cases far inland was already in full swing and running along smoothly.
The word got around as the explorers began to talk and publish stories about their expeditions into the African interior, whilst on leave back home in England, solely to raise funds for more trips to Africa. They spent their time relating to London audiences the wondrous sights unfolding before their eyes, describing the potential that was on offer. And so Africa beckoned and glittered like a crown of jewels waiting to be plucked.
Before long, a new breed of settler arrived, enticed by the seemingly endless expanse of land. They had heard of places comparable to the Garden of Eden, where Cecil John Rhodes was busy exploring parts of Africa. He was responsible for the opening up of the minerals, diamonds and gold mines. Rhodes organized and made available easy access to the trade routes and literally masterminded the white settlement of Rhodesia. Rhodes had a close friend, David Livingstone, synonymous with the discovery of the falls, ”the water that thunders”, which he named after Queen Victoria out of respect for her. Livingstone opened up the road to Northern Rhodesia even beyond and further into Africa.
There were black people living all around, in small villagers, planting and growing patches of crops around their huts. They were friendly and welcomed most of the new settlers on arrival as they did a kind of domesticated trade with them, and everyone were quite happy with this arrangement. So with a good atmosphere, colonization began in earnest. The settlers came in and simply claimed the land, as there was really no one to agree or sign any documents or a hand shake honoring a gentleman’s agreement, a “European custom”, so chats with the chiefs in their kraals (huts) were quite informal, sitting on old boxes or whatever was handy. The meetings were verbal and amicably conducted and somehow spoken in a strange language only understood by both parties.
Settlers adapted to a rural way of life as landowners, farmers, administrators and the all-sorts arrived somewhere down the list to this new paradise which had lots of jobs on offer. In the beginning, the missionaries came to do their bit and preach the word. They were mostly from Scotland and England as they were encouraged by Rhodes and Livingstone to open up mission stations. After a time, other denominations entered into the fray as they also felt the need to convert the black people to Christianity. The Bible became the known word of God, and even to this day black Christians practice a pure and simple form of the message, based according to the writings in the scriptures as the only truth. Perhaps this was one of the really good things to emerge out of Africa.
Ideal weather conditions, mild seasons, Indian summers, blue skies, predictable rainy seasons and seeds that grew without too much coaching from the planters gave Africa fame and fortune. From this rich fertile virgin soil farmers developed a variety of crops and lush green fields started to appear. Zambia, Malawi and Uganda were well known as a green belt and had the reputation “anything you plant just grows”. Indigenous goats always seemed to be visible in all villages, as they proved to be a very hardy breed. Cattle could be seen grazing on the sweet lush grasses, to be joined later on by the usual farm yard animals. The farmers worked hard and reaped the benefits and gains which they took in their stride.
Africa just had to develop into a white man’s favor and pace. Cecil John Rhodes, together with the other English explorers, were determined that parts of Africa would be colonized by Great Britain. British colonial rule was fair and just and a benign system was put into place for all the race groups, but of course more so appropriately for the white man.
The missionaries played an absolutely vital role in the development and welfare and education of the African races and did wonders in helping a people to progress and advance rapidly to western standards, over too short a period, but it was not necessarily the right way, although at the time there was no other alternative. A new life and a religious western piety was adopted and put into practice. Learning a new kind of knowledge and language was then thrust on them, which must have been confusing as English became the norm. They did learn to speak other languages depending on the nationality of the missionary stationed in their area.
The new God who entered into their lives had to be completely obeyed as he had sent his only son to die for the good of the people, thereby taking the place of their beloved and trusted ancestors who had to play a less important role as this kind of sacrifice was unheard of in Africa. It took away generations of tradition and culture and reverence for the elders, as African families learnt to be respectful from babies. This upheaval must have been very hard to assimilate, and unfortunately the black people were left behind and became the underdogs, through no fault of their own.
In turn the selfish colonist enjoyed a more relaxed life style, becoming accustomed to African idyllic summers “what cannot be done to day can wait until tomorrow or next week, or sometime.” The new work force were the black people, who earned almost starvation wages. A code existed among the house wives who had servants to feed their staff.
Progress and education as well as farming methods and industry continued to thrive for the black man but in turn they began to resent the situation that the whites were still the only benefactors and still the boss over them. Feeling resentful, they reckoned most of the glory should start coming their way as Africa was their country, and how would the white man like it if they went and took their Queen and country away from them. After all they had never given the white man permission to invade their land like this. Education therefore became a priority and very important. Starting to get into the general mainstream of what life was all about, they rather liked this new western way of doing things. Goals were set and put into action as their determination grew to take back what rightfully belonged to them in the first instant.
And so when the winds of change started blowing through Africa at such gale force speed, it caught the colonials somewhat unexpectedly and they could not comprehend what was happening and how serious the situation was. Africans were intent on wresting and claiming their land back at such a rate, they became very warlike, and crime rose against the colonists. No one could be trusted, especially faithful servants and friends as they were suddenly foes of the whites. Terrorist wars erupted and Africa was a hot bed of trouble and coups. Tribalism became apparent as they turned against each other for supremacy and were quite ruthless in trying to take down the opposition and any power they might have had to fight back. Genocide was committed openly with the blink of an eyelid.
All the well laid down plans were discarded and scattered in the winds of change, as independence arrived and flourished at dreadful cost.
The ceremonies attended by the British Royals in white official navy uniforms became commonplace and indicative of the colonial flags going down the pole and national flags going up at the many rather ghastly independence celebrations.
At the same time the African leaders could not tolerate or appreciate that the Colonials had been good masters and left a rich endowment and legacy and a practical infrastructure which would enable them to follow on without too many problems to run their countries after independence was granted.
Looking back now one can see that Africa should have been allowed to develop at her own pace with no force or foreign power to rob them of their own history or to tell them what to do, like lecturing children at the same time stamping a name on them called “boy” – Cook boy, garden boy, house boy, thereby causing a great loss of dignity. The same name we called our pet dog, - heel boy, down boy, sit boy, stay boy, - good boy Rover. Independence gave back names a christening of respect.
Most of the early African states at the time of independence were orientated to eastern politics, who took advantage of the situation by causing as much trouble and hate against the Western World. The communistic countries whose agenda was to brainwash Africa with political solicitations of supreme power and not economics with their famous brand of propaganda, caught an innocent and naive Africa unaware of this new kind of worldly ploy. Economics were set aside and completely overlooked. We had to listen to many anti west speeches favoring eastern ideologies. Instead of concentrating on development and building constructively to add to improvements from what the colonials had left, which should have been high on the list was entirely ignored.
The West did not handle the situation very well and seemed weak under such an onslaught of criticism. They capitulated by giving out unconditional loans and aid which was hoped to appease the new brand of leaders who had the east backing their hard line stance.
Some of the African leaders had acquired insatiable appetites for wealth and western riches, which they could not get from the eastern bloc who only dished out contracts and projects which had stringent terms attached. African leaders did start to realize that the west was not such a bad partner to have on board.
And out of this confusion some faint ray of sunshine and hope started to emerge. Not all was lost as it appeared that the newly elected Heads of State, were invited to Buckingham Palace to visit the Queen and sup with her, and to crown it all with great pride had knighthoods and titles bestowed on them. The British Government fell over backwards to accommodate this new trend toward reconciliation, as Africa was in awe of the pomp and ceremony and pageantry of the royals. The Queen certainly earned her keep as she was and still is admired and respected throughout Africa.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
I was woken up this morning to the news on the radio that the Financial Minister Tendai Biti has had to go to the South African Limpopo Border Post to tell the Zimbabwean Custom Officials to stop harassing and charging visitor’s tax on their clothing and footwear. Apparently tourists and visitors arriving at the main airport in Harare are experiencing the same tax charges and treatment.
After reading the article in the City Press on Sunday 26thFeb, on how Zanu are handling the prospecting fees regarding the Mining industry, and indigenization program. The Mining Industry and Commercial Businesses have come under fire with the new laws of indigenization which will force companies to hand over on a silver platter exorbitant fees and give more than 51% of shares to the government. It will be interesting to see how the new Zimbabwean Minister of Youth and Development will fare internationally. He is known as a bit of a hard line bully boy in his own country and has apparently got SA’s acknowledgement and agreement to Zimbabwe’s appropriation of the Zimplats share dispute. As the situation develops the Minister of Youth and Development might just find himself on the receiving end of a loss in acquiring the shares as he made such impossible demands regarding fees. I cannot imagine how top class and experienced negotiators, the best engineers in mining companies knowingly acceded to demands made from the Minister Savior Kasukuswere. There are a couple of countries ready to welcome investments from SA. There are favorable reports of good Platinum Mines in Mozambique right next door to SA who will make a more mature deal. Maybe the cherry on top of the cake, so to speak.
The diamond mines in Zimbabwe has been taken over by the Military, and profits will be used for the elections. Assuredly investors will think twice about mining ventures there. China does not have unlimited funds to throw Zimbabwe’s way and has to draw a line. I think Zimbabwe expects China to foot the bill irrespective of what deals have been made.
Bob has now accomplished what he set out to achieve – an African kingdom where he controls everything. The problem within Africa is that there are still many cultures mired in the hunter and gatherer stage of evolution especially when it involves politics and methods of farming the land. Bob is shrewd enough to realize this, as he knows his history and is able to manipulate and take advantage to trick the masses. He works on their superstitious nature to keep them down and underdeveloped. He does not want the intelligentsia around, as they hold a much bigger threat to him than any of the white farmers ever did. In any case black educated Zimbabweans live and work all over the world, and are quite happy to stay where they are.
Morgan Tsvangira the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe when Bob allows him to be is the modern day Job in the Old Testament Biblical story, where Job’s love and obedience and faith in God remained constant throughout his ordeals and trials. Morgan has had to endure the terrible things and torture Bob has imposed on him over the years and the many times spent in jail on trumped up charges. I am absolutely convinced that one day Morgan will be recognized in the same context as Ghandi and Madiba, he will rule Zimbabwe as God’s ambassador on earth. He has suffered for his people. The MDC carry the cross of freedom.
Zimbabweans have lost the will to fight. The Government neglects their health such as Aids, TB, and malnutrition is rife, and when ZANU want to punish the people food is held back to an already hungry population who do not get enough to eat. Worst of all fear is being kept alive by ZANU through unimaginably cruel tactics. The mass of the illiterate populace does not know how to cope with worldly emotional torture which is played on them.The youth “named the green bombers” caused such havoc at one stage, still go on the rampage when it suits their seniors to rile them on, face a dismal future.
Once upon a time there was a rich and fertile land known as Rhodesia later re named Zimbabwe, which was taken over by the prince of darkness and has become the country of sorrow. Sadly there is no easy solution to make it better, as long as the evil genius with the iron fist is still alive.
Bob in the early days of his snatch and grab land policy was considered quite a hero here and almost venerated to sainthood status, when the white farmers were being trounced unmercifully. The South Africans thoroughly approved of what he was doing, as they are still trying to come to terms with apartheid and what it did to them. The two countries cannot be compared to each other, as Rhodesia was under British Colonial Rule, and SA under a harsher apartheid government and Dutch Roman law.
South Africa does have many hiccups, but we have good leaders who are capable of sorting out problems and we must not forget that our constitution is based on Christian beliefs and doctrine. The newspapers keep the public well informed. Freedom is a wonderful concept, especially when put into practice.
The irony is that Zimbabwean refugees are not really popular here and the general feeling in the townships where Xenophobia rears its ugly head every now and again, because it is felt that the foreigners should return to fight and work harder to liberate their own country.
An experiment was conducted here in SA. Farms were given to a good many blacks who desperately wanted and. It was a miserable failure, as cattle actually died of starvation and thirst, crops were not planted. All the new applicants did was to sit around under the trees smoking weed and drinking home– made beer. It is so much easier to destroy than have to work hard and make a living. I believe there is a different approach to the land policy. Everyone wants to acquire a piece of land. It is inherent in humans to want ownership of something solid under their feet.
Zimbabwe used to supply maize to Zambia. But the tables turned the other way round when the sacked white farmers immigrated to Zambia and were given land to start farming projects which were so successful they turned Zambia into a grain exporter country and transformed the whole of the Agricultural farming policy of land reform to a great success story. I believe Zimbabwe had to buy maize from Zambia at one stage. Rather a case of Murphy’s Law. Mozambique opened up their country and invited some ex Rhodesian farmers to settle there. Countries as far as Nigeria are benefitting from the dedication of those farmers who are helping to build their agricultural economies.
Although Judith Todd did not like the white Rhodesian as she estranged herself from them and became very involved in helping the black people. She did pay Ian Smith a compliment in her book, quote :“Ian Smith loved his country, which was why he gave way rather than see it destroyed. Mugabe has destroyed his country rather than give way”.
There is a disturbing exodus of SA farmers leaving for greener pastures and security, as they have come under threats that their farms will be taken away from them without compensation.
Twenty-six countries in Africa have already invited SA farmers to set up farming operations in their countries. South Africans have offers to start farming projects as far away as Eastern Europe, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.
Israel, the land that God gave to Moses in trust for his people. What is it about this strip of land that other nations have coveted and gone to war for and still today make meaningless threats to obliterate Israel off the face of the earth?
Archeologists unearthed hybrid emmer wheat at Jericho which dates back to 8000 yrs BC thus making it the oldest agricultural site in the world.
Jerusalem has always been the center of Jewish worship and Government.
The last revolt that took place in 133 AD which the Roman Army put down so harshly the Israelites were once again sent into forced exile. It took nearly 2000 yrs of wandering in the wilderness before they could reclaim their land again. In all that time Israel lay desolate and barren.
However, in the interim there was a continuous flow of movement and action, as mini wars and skirmishes with the Arabs, the Muslims and the Crusaders erupted from time to time.
Under the Ottoman Empire, Turkish rule was peaceful and lasted for 400 years. Jews from Spain were invited to come back, fleeing from the horror of the Catholic Inquisition. Slowly a steady very low key trickle began. At first restrictions were imposed, but once immigration got going the tap started to overflow and could not be turned off.
By 1920 Jews started making their presence felt. Turkish farmers started selling their farms and orange groves off to Jewish buyers who had the money to purchase and trade, so both the sellers and buyers made amicable arrangements to complete sales without any problems.
Jews were not allowed to own land in Europe or where they tried to settle, being a stateless people; they were vulnerable and therefore prone to being persecuted by the Christians.
After the horror of the Holocaust, the determination was to go back and fight for their land,against all odds. Israel was reborn and an agrarian revolution began with the planting and reforestation of the desert taking place, followed by an Agricultural program the world has not seen in the intensity of a people to succeed.
The desert is in bloom again; a miracle of green fertile land worked with love and endeavor, to grow and heal the land and its people. It is the most amazing story of a desert country coming back to life.
50 YEARS ON.
If I use my imagination like Alice did and look in the mirror, what would I see 50 years on? is really just round the corner.
Man is resourceful and has learnt how to cope with the aftermath of a mini nuclear war, climate changes, floods, drought, pollution and other disasters. At last we realized that the world had to be changed in order for mankind to survive.
Agriculture has undergone a new system whereby Governments and the United Nations cooperate to ensure a “pantry fund” to feed populations who genuinely cannot cope with natural catastrophes. Parts of the earth have been contaminated by radiation so a new plan had to be devised or face starvation on a huge scale never experienced.
Land with less radiation is farmed and run by chosen conservationists and expert officials in their field of livestock. Hybrid crops GMO”s in particular are used and cultivated proving sturdier and not prone to disease. Forestry, fisheries and agriculture are grown under special tents. Fish is off the menu as the sea is too dangerous and polluted.There are still small scale farmers but on lease to the government and they have to produce.
Trade Unions do not encourage strikes anymore but work in with their Governments to help run job opportunities and find suitable work for their labor force. Everyone has a duty to perform.
There are less people around. No one suffers from obesity as there are no luxuries so man is fit and healthy in spite of the war. Sports are compulsory and taken very seriously. Everyone has to play at least one sport. Education is first and foremost, and training programs on space travel has been introduced into the school curriculum.
New science, medical and medicine discoveries and stem cell research are at an advanced stage of evolution including a new type of material from Mars used in bionic limb transplants. It is difficult to see the difference between a real limb or a bionic one. Thanks to Japan.
Plastic surgery died a natural death, when humans learnt how to shed their old skins like a snake and grow a new wrinkle free skin.
Light malleable soft metal which does not rust, is used for clothes and is worn by everyone as a fashionable statement but it also serves a purpose of an efficient commodity that just has to be wiped clean with a cloth.
New airports are designed to suit the small elegant planes and space crafts. Planes now take off on an upward slide and a downward slide for landings. Planes and slides are controlled by magnetic devices.
Only one car is allowed per family. The motorized transport system is efficiently and conveniently run to all suburbs, as well as high speed electric trains that take an instant to get to the next station. Airports and car bays have become green and fertile parks once again.
Great efforts were made to save the wild life, and Zoos in every country has a compliment of stock and breeding programs on go and successfully implemented. The most popular place to visit is the zoo especially the nurseries.
The sea has been quarantined and no shipping is allowed, only sail boats. For the sake of human survival the sea has to heal.
Olympic Games have turned to the old Greek traditionof only athletic participation, as hordes of sports entries grew so enormous, fewer and fewer countries were able to go. World competitions are held for each category of a sporting event.The performing arts, of gifted and talented people have taken art to its perfection. Classical music is played in all the space ships, as it is linked to the universe and travelling amongst the stars and the planets listening to the great composers keeps astronauts relaxed and happy.
Street lamps are lit by fission. Oil is used to make building blocks for construction and building houses as they are unbreakable and can withstand all types of weather conditions.
Since the birth of man, the need to roam is inbred, and new exploration is well under way to search for new frontiers and worlds to conquer in outer space. Man has always been curious and will go one step further to satisfy himself, to see what is over the horizon.
“So why did the cow jump over the moon? To see what was on the other side silly.”
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