Gearing up for a tough 2009 in Zimboland
The New year is upon us and, six months after the presidential elections, we still have no government. Everyone, Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai, the South Africans, the Tanzanians (I did say everyone) says the same thing: a government in Zimbabwe is needed as a matter of urgency.
All of the above, except Mugabe, believe that the best government would be a GNU. Mugabe alone seems to be going the route of wanting a government all by himself. People fail to understand that, according to Mugabe, the MDC victory in March is not legitimate. He has told members of his party countless times that the MDC vote was “extracted” under duress from the people of Zimbabwe because of “sanctions” imposed on the country. Read more
Vosvika muAmerica mazuva ano
Filed under: Books & literature, In Shona, Short Stories
Mbeu yevanhu vosvika muno yati siyanei neyedu patakasvika. Isu taivinga chikoro, kana kuzotora twumakosi twekutiwanisa mabasa ane musoro, toshanda kwemakore, tichironga kuzodzokera kumusha takagukuchira upfumi. As ava vouya ava, huwi-i, mabasa chaiwo.
Pane mukomana akasvika mwedzi wapfuura. Hameno kwazvakanhongana nemukadzi weChirungu anenge ane dzakadambuka dzose. Mungadai mavaona nhasi pavasvika pano kuzopemberera Zimbabwean Independence Day nesu, chikara chichizvidhonza haikona, hanzi ndine wangu, isu tikati, “Tamuona!” Ndamutarisa mukomana uyu ndikanzwa misodzi yoda kudonha. Nhai shiye zvayo, mwana akakurira kuruzevha, kunozvuviwa nechembere zvayo. Anga ashayei kumusha? Chero mumaruzevha zvamuzere vasikana vanogona kutsvoda wani. Read more
ለደት-The Rastafarian Christmas
Filed under: Inspire & motivate, News you won't find elsewhere, Religion, Spirituality for such a time, Topical issues
The following articel was originally published in the 24th December 2006 edition of The Sunday Mirror, Harare. The video depicts an Ethiopian hymn celebrating the Birth of Christ.
በተሳብ ቂዱስ The Blessed Virgin Maryam and Her Son
Lidät – the Rastafarian Christmas
Christmas as the saying goes, means different things to different people.
Even so, being the only Rastafarian in my wide circle of friends and family, my way of marking this occasion remains something of an enigma. I get many cards, and presents, but I never return the gesture. I also decline to attend Christmas parties. Then, in the first week of January, those of my people that are online get e-cards with the Amharic Greeting, Inkwan lalidätu baal badahna adarrasaw (lit. “Congratulations, to the Birth of Him the feast in safety He has brought you”)
And so, it emerges that Rastafarians do celebrate the Birth of Christmas, except that it’s not called Christmas and it’s not celebrated on the 25th of December. It is called Lidät, an Amharic word meaning “Birthday”. Because the Amharic language has its own alphabet, you will sometimes find this spelt as Ledet or Lidet as there is no standard transliteration in Western letters.
Already, it is clear from the name that the origin of this custom is Ethiopia, the spiritual home of Rastafari. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian Churches in the world, has been celebrating the Birth of Christ on the 7th of January long before European Christendom even came up with its own version of Christmas. In the light of the on-going controversy about the exact date, let me hasten to mention that the Orthodox Church does not claim that this was the day Jesus was born. Rather, the Feast was instituted by the Three Kings who arrived in Bethlehem on this day and paid homage to the Infant Christ.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him,” Gospel of Matthew 2:1-2.
Further testament of the particular importance of Lidät is found in a prophecy of the visit if these Three Kings, dating from the time of the Patriarch Adam, who was given their gifts as a consolation after his expulsion from Eden.
“After these things God said to Adam, You asked Me for something from the garden, to be comforted therewith, and I have given you these three tokens as a consolation to you; that you trust in Me and in My covenant with you. For I will come and save you; and kings shall bring me when in the flesh, gold, incense and myrrh; gold as a token of My kingdom; incense as a token of My divinity; and myrrh as a token of My suffering and of My death. But, O Adam, put these by you in the cave; the gold that it may shed light over you by night; the incense, that you smell its sweet savour; and the myrrh, to comfort you in your sorrow,” I Adam and Eve 31: 1-3.
Tradition has it that Balthasar, one of the Three Kings, was from Ethiopia, and is often depicted as a Black man even in the West.
The Visit of the Three Kings in European Art.
In Ethiopia, Lidät is celebrated with a special service at church. The more devout will fast on the gahad (“Christmas Eve”), and the even more devout for 40 days prior. At home, a big feast is prepared. No tree, no snow, no mistletoe. The main decoration depicts the Manger scene, where the Three Kings pay homage to the Infant. Tradition has it that Balthasar, the Ethiopian King, brought the frankincense. And, only children get presents. On this day, children play a hockey-like game called Genna, from where we get the alternative name of the Feast.
It is easy to see why this version of Christmas appeals to the Rastafarian, quite apart from the fact that it signifies a return to an original, African Judaeo-Christian tradition. Lidät is there in the Bible! It is not corrupted by the materialism, debauchery and the occult overtones of the Western Christmas. In fact, when we look upon the rest of society taking part in Christmas, we see what goes on as proof of what has become an established teaching of the various Rastafarian movements- that the world is ruled by a Luciferian political and economic Order, and that what is now commonly called “Christianity” (derisively called the “Ghost-spell”) is a tool to control the masses, and deny them their heritage.
One has only to look at the millions of human beings slaving in Asian sweat-shops for less than a dollar a day- generating US$32b- so that the European child can have the latest MP3 player to see that this Christmas does not convey goodwill to all Mankind. This child is told that the gift came from Santa Claus, whose address is always given as the North Pole, and was made by his elves. To celebrate Christmas on Western terms is therefore to condone, sustain, even, such a system. This is why I won’t attend the Christmas parties.
In Zimbabwe, celebration of this Christmas by African people is no more than active cooperation in this same global political system’s continuing operation to suck wealth from this country, for the benefit of other people. And what do we get out of it- no money for school fees in January!
Many have asked me why I have continued to observe Lidät, despite the scorn and condemnation that is often poured on me even by friends and family and despite the fact that I am often alone. But, I know the nature of that which I have embraced, and also of that which I have rejected. So, there can be no question that I can be detracted, especially not by people who do not have a clue what Christmas is really about.
O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off, Nahum 1:15.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:2.
As I said, Christmas means different things to different people. For some, it is about spending US dollars, the loot of deals in the parallel economy, on the latest gadgets and trinkets. For some, the urge to spend all the bonus on booze and women will once again prove irresistible.
But for the Rastafarian, it is a time to not only celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour in the manner prescribed by tradition, but to reflect on this event in the context of the original prophecy as told to our father Adam, and the expectations of the time of the manifestation of God not only as Priest but King, which the Emperor Haile Selassie has fulfilled. Next year in September, according to the Ethiopian calendar, begins the new Millenium. Just as we use A.D. to denote dates in the Western calendar, they are called Amet Meherit ( the year of Mercy).
So, this year is the 1999th Year of Mercy. This, to the Rastafarian, says that despite all the disasters that have befallen Mankind, there is still purpose and beauty in life because of the Mercy that our Creator has shown us. Could a more precious gift be asked for?
ማልካም ባአል ሁሉ (Malkam Baal hulu -Happy Holiday to you all!)
Ethiopian hymn celebrating the Birth of Christ
Jestina Mukoko Still Missing
Kubatana.net- Zimbabwean human rights activist Jestina Mukoko was abducted from her home in Norton, outside Harare, around 5am on Wednesday 3 December.
Reports indicate that a group of at least 12 men in two unmarked vehicles came to her house. She was taken by force still barefoot and in her pyjamas. More than 24 hours later, there is still no sign of Mukoko, nor any indication of her whereabouts or who might have abducted her.
Amnesty International issued an alert yesterday, demanding that Zimbabwean authorities guarantee Mukoko’s safety. Mukoko is the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), a local human rights organisation that monitors and documents human rights violations.
Phone the Norton Police station and demand that they investigate Jestina’s disappearance: +263 (0)62 2120. Be persistent! It can be hard to get through.
Civic leaders arrested in Zimbabwe
SWRadio Africa-
Wellington Chibebe (Secretary General) and Lovemore Matombo (President) have managed to hand the ZCTU petition to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor.
Soon after handing it over, Chibebe proceeded to address workers but was arrested while in the process of addressing the workers. He was arrested together with 9 other people including Tonderai Nyahunzvi, Canwell Muchadya, Hillarious Ruyi, Cde Tarumbira and Joseph Chuma.
Another 10 in Harare were heavily assaulted by the police. These included Getrude Hambira (General Agricultural and Plantation Workers’ Union - General Secretary), Angeline Chitambo (Zimbabwe Energy Workers’ Union - President), Tecla Masamba (Communications and Allied Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe), Martha Kajama (National Engineering Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe) and Mirriam Katumba (Vice Chair Women’s Advisory Council).
Meanwhile, Japhet Moyo (ZCTU Deputy Secretary General) Ben Madzimure (The Worker Editor), Fungayi Kanyongo (The Worker Intern), Raymond Majongwe (Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe - General Secretary), James Gumbi (Zimbabwe Rural District Council Workers’ Union - General Secretary), Osward Madziwa (PTUZ) were also arrested in Harare.
In Gweru more than 25 people have been arrested. Amongst those arrested are the ZCTU Central Regional chair Charles Chikozho, Isaac Thebethebe (Central region secretary), Moses Mhaka and Wilbert Muringani (both PTUZ) and Benard Sibanda.
In Zvishavane town 6 people were arrested while at Barclays Bank. The six are Elinas Gumbo, Ndodana Sithole, Nicholas Zengeya, Isaac Matsikidze, Sarudzai Chimwanda, and David Moyo. They are being held at Zvishavane police station.
Can the media stop prostitution?
Filed under: Family, Friendship, Community, Health & Well Being, I was just thinking, Joking around, Opinion, Analysis, Advice, Relationships, Religion, Social Issues, Spirituality for such a time
Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness-Leviticus 19:29
I don’t think it is news to any Zimbabwean that the crisis that has engulfed our nation has seen a rise in prostitution. Yet the media seems to think it should be news. Time and time again, the pages of the few remaining papers will have some account of these women who feel they have no choice but to sell their bodies. We are told how they are afraid of AIDS, but fear the imminent death from hunger even more. Then, of course, the papers find something else to fill their pages with.
Yes, I am coming down on our media! It is deplorable, this morbid fascination with a social evil and the victims of it that makes little effort to illicit at least our sympathy let alone motivate us to want to do something about it. Interviews with a couple of prostitutes, a generous supply of directions for those who don’t know where they can procure the services of these women and how much it will cost and a statement from a pastor nobody has ever heard of only leaves me wondering what the aim in printing such a story was. Read more
Zim vs. Sri Lanka cricket whitewash
Sri Lanka players celebrate the loss of the last Zimbabwe wicket as they wrap up the series. Looking on in despair is Edward Rainsford of Zimbabwe. Harare, 30 November 2008.
One Cause for One Nation- with Leander Kandiero on PowerFM
Filed under: Health & Well Being, How Zimbabwe can be better, News you won't find elsewhere
One Man.One Day. One Station. One Cause for One Nation- with Leander Kandiero on PowerFM
http://zimaidsday.blogspot.com
Log on for all the interviews and emails from Leander Kandiero’s One Man 24-Hour Marathon Broadcast…
For the first time ever in Zimbabwe, and indeed in world history, a 24-hour marathon broadcast on HIV and AIDS!
The brainchild of POWER FM, a musical station wholly owned by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings, the 24-Hour marathon broadcast to be aired on Power FM presents Zimbabweans with an opportunity to reflect, talk about, question as well as map the way forward regarding the country’s responses to HIV and AIDS.
Haiku
teyoupfumi
Ndaiti zvimwe mudyandigere
Muteyo wehupfumi
Nanga kuposha vamwe.
pagomo
pagomo papfigwa
ndararisa murapwi
ndanzwa. Nhau mapopopo. Read more
Nzwiraiwo vamwe
Mandiwana ! Mandibata ! Handityi !
Handizi ndega. Ndiri ‘fandareva.
Ndionerei zvenyu pasi. Muchapagara.
Kwamuri ndiri mbeu yeparuware.
Asi ndipo paino onekwa nevakawanda
Rovai zvenyu. Pondai ! Handirove.
Magaro, tsoka, musana, sikarudzi.
Chirarai hope dzandashaya, dzimai
Pfungwa nezvipo, muumbavha gutsanai
Kundipfuudza kusandigumisa.
onai meso avanhu, ringai maziso avo
Ndiri mwenje mubako. Uchapisa.
Kunzwira vamwe kuti vave vanhu, semi.
Farai Madzimbamuto
Nov 2008.
On The Zimbo Jam- Alick Macheso- Lucky Guitarist or Musical Genius?By Memory Chirere Although many Zimbabwean music lovers are agreed that Alick Macheso is the King of Sungura, the Zimbabwean brand of Rhumba, that is as far as the agreement will go. As Masimba Kuchera admits in an article on the Chesopower website, ‘there have been many schools of thought on the (real) strength of Macheso- some arguing about his skills with the bass guitar, some contending that it is his vocals and others proffering his dancing skills, it is generally agreed that the musician is of immense talent.’ When people agree that you are extremely talented but go on to debate hotly about exactly whether your strength lies in theway you walk or the way you run, then that is a mark of genius. You actually put people in a crisis of naming aspects of a phenomenon.
- A Dance Farewell for Isabel MatolaBy Ruvimbo Hope Masike Here is one of the most beautiful things about Zimbabwe. It is inimitably Zimbabwean. We Zimbabweans love peace, of course, among other things. We love fun, joy and we are naturally celebratory people even when there isn’t much to celebrate about. For instance young children jump around joyously chanting “Ndege! Ndege!” when an aeroplane passes over them. Now when there is something worthy of the celebration, the joy is electric, understandably so, considering how almost everything else around us is seemingly dull and confusing and uninspiringly so. As a result, when Isabel Matola’s Mozambique Dance Festival came by, it turned out to be one of the brightest lights in town, which was a well deserved acclaim.
- Kanda Bongo Man Lands in Harare With One Guitar[Herald] France-based rhumba maestro Kanda Bongo Man had just one guitar when he set out to perform at the Harare International Conference Centre on Wednesday evening, and his day was saved by a local musician who offered him his instruments on the 11th hour to avert what could have turned out to be an international disaster.
- Alick Macheso- Lucky Guitarist or Musical Genius?
