tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27250535092915796392024-02-18T23:09:35.263-08:00Reflections of an Afrikan YouthThe World as seen through the eyes of an Afrikan Youth.......Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-53022118830243073812012-05-15T14:29:00.000-07:002012-05-15T14:29:22.103-07:00Football, Manchester United and other beautiful things.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIHv6trVGMLfpGyEWx42EBRLN7v8X6S-CmTRVtwDT4apsvXT9Vxw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIHv6trVGMLfpGyEWx42EBRLN7v8X6S-CmTRVtwDT4apsvXT9Vxw" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proudly United.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So the Barclays Premier League came to an end on Sunday, once again proving to the world why it is the best league in the world and why soccer is the world's most beautiful game.<br />
<br />
The pain caused by Manchester United's failure to win the league title was made worse by the fact that it was Manchester City who won it, and also because the league was lost- and won- in less than ninety seconds.<br />
<br />
The last five minutes of the Manchester City v QPR match were the greatest minutes of football I've watched since the miracle of Istanbul. The feeling, just like that of being drunk, cannot be described to, or understood by, one who has never experienced it.<br />
<br />
In a space of two minutes, Manchester City fans went from the depths of sadness to the heights of unbelievable joy and we, United supporters, slumped in our seats and watched the title fly to the blue side of Manchester.<br />
<br />
But I realised that though winning is great, it is not everything. The joy and excitement is in playing, playing with pride and losing with honour in winning with our teams and losing with them.<br />
<br />
Not to be fair-weather fans or summer soldiers who desert when the going gets tough.<br />
<br />
The celebrations, the disappointments, the pain, the exhilaration, the joy and the inexplicable emotions that come from watching the game- that is the beauty of football.<br />
<br />
Simply put, it is "Jogo Bonito", as the Brazilians say- THE BEAUTIFUL GAME!<br />
<br />
I am an African Youth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR79Vg1jBV6pU-DOQbZlSlJCR1NpEjPT_siPb9jFceUgETA_yIfug" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR79Vg1jBV6pU-DOQbZlSlJCR1NpEjPT_siPb9jFceUgETA_yIfug" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when we lose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-71534364448631543212012-05-15T13:21:00.000-07:002012-05-15T13:21:01.605-07:00Of Prophet TB Joshua, prophecies and associated dramas.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some time ago in one of my posts, <a href="http://tawandamoyo.blogspot.com/2012/04/days-of-our-lives.html" target="_blank">The days of our Lives</a>, I referred to a prophecy made by a Nigerian prophet concerning the death of an African leader.Two days later, the then president of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika left us to join the ancestors, leaving those who believe in TB Joshua delirious and those who don't shaken to the bone.<br />
<br />
Some were quick to point out that old people die all the time and it is hardly prophetic to say one of the old guys will kick the bucket sometime. Others were more outspoken and accused TB Joshua of being part of a conspiracy to murder Bingu wa Mutharika. The majority believed that "the man of God" had, indeed, seen the death in his visions.<br />
<br />
After the initial excitement and the celebrations in Malawi died down- wa Mutharika was not well loved, and his demise sparked jubilation- I forgot about the Prophet and prophecies, that is, until last week when he made another prophecy about the UEFA champions league final (<a href="http://tawandamoyo.blogspot.com/2012/05/tb-joshua-says-chelsea-needs-more.html" target="_blank">Chelsea need more prayers than Bayern</a>). As if that was not enough, we heard that the Prime Minister had invited TB Joshua to come preside over a "National Day of Prayer" on the 25th of May.<br />
<br />
The news was received with mixed feelings, with other "men of God" here rushing to brand TB Joshua an agent of the devil and others coming to his defence. Politicians have also jumped into the fray, after all, TB Joshua is linked to one of the political parties here. The rest of us don't care either way, and I for one would be happy to see all these "men of God" square of and prove their truthfulness.<br />
<br />
It seems most of the politicians are afraid the prophet would make an especially dooming prediction of their political careers or lives. The Prophet often sees death in his visions and who knows, he might see one when he comes here. There are also reports from one camp that the Prophet wants to use the platform to "anoint" the Prime Minister as the next President of Zimbabwe.<br />
<br />
I find that ridiculous because we are going to vote for our next leader, unless, of course, there are some who are afraid of elections.<br />
<br />
Temitope Balogun Joshua is a very controversial man and it seems like he can't keep from the headlines. After reportedly prophesying the death of Michael Jackson, Zambia's AFCON triumph and Bingu wa Mutharika's demise, he went further and foretold some deaths in Argentina and Germany and also "saw" Chelsea's match in his visions.<br />
<br />
I don't set much store by prophets and their prophecies but I think TB Joshua should visit some of Europe's best betting houses and make himself some money from the Chelsea-Bayern Munich match.<br />
<br />
That, at least, will be legitimate- we've heard so much about how he came to be a millionaire.<br />
<br />
I am an African Youth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSl9lAG9TpD9xsDAPulB5LyCYL_6shBkZsQM5OBcwWz4snzGx1n" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSl9lAG9TpD9xsDAPulB5LyCYL_6shBkZsQM5OBcwWz4snzGx1n" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TB Joshua- Can't stay out of the headlines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-54770451607846797872012-05-10T13:34:00.001-07:002012-05-15T12:21:06.766-07:00Memories: My Father<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Two months ago, on the 8th of March, marked nine years since my father passed away. I did not remember then, only remembering today because of other sad circumstances which I've found myself in this past week.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I realised with a shock that the memory of his physical appearance is fading, it's getting farther and farther away, retreating to the far corners of my mind. It is like last night's dream- hovering on the edge of memory but difficult to recall or grasp. The memory itself seems like a memory of a memory, or, as Robert Jordan would say, 'escaping and spread like dust on the wind', never to be regained. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course I remember that he was very tall and imposing, I remember the after school chats, my obviously boring daily accounts of what would have happened at school- which he patiently and lovingly listened to, the jokes and the walks. I remember too, the deep voice, and the sense of power and immortality dad projected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More clear are the memories of feelings, the love and the sense of security I got when he was around. The sacrifices he made to make our lives more comfortable, the loving smile and the stern warnings. At least now I am certain that these will never go away and for that I'm grateful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are obviously some positives to be gained from my forgetfulness, the pain is no longer as sharp as it used to be. The passage of time eroded memories and pain alike and now I can look back on those dim memories without shedding too many tears.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the realisation that I'm forgetting made me sad, and I imagined what I'd remember, say, in forty years- nothing. Would it seem like he never existed? At this rate, sad as it may see, that is a possibility.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wish I could remember more, I wish I could remember everything, but sadly, the memories have, over the years, slipped from my mind. I was almost twelve when he died and that, coupled with the fact that I have been quite busy- and perhaps subconsciously trying to forget- makes it even harder to remember.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I opened my eyes and saw the world differently. I decided to clutch those faint memories and make sure that they never grow fainter. I decided to fan the flame of those dim memories, to make them burn forever in my heart and mind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will try to become the man he wanted me to be.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I will not forget the anniversary of his death again, nor will I ever forget his birthday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will not forget any more of what I remember now. I will gather more about him, things I once knew and even those I never did.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will retrace the footsteps of my life and renew the memories, go back to the places dad walked, the people dad loved, the people dad talked to and other people with whom he shared his life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Most importantly I will spend more time with my family, more time with my mother, my brothers and sisters, my uncles, aunts and friends; so that when, one day, they depart from this earth, I will have rich and numerous great memories of their lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will appreciate the living because I have realised that they can become the dead without warning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I will make sure that the memory of my father never dims.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you do the same to the people in your life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-43269457095262914752012-05-07T12:03:00.001-07:002012-05-07T12:30:07.299-07:00TB Joshua says Chelsea "need more prayers than Bayern" in the Champions League final<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The man of God, prophet TB Joshua, has said Chelsea need more prayers than Bayern Munich if they are to win their first European cup on the 19th of May. The UEFA champions league final, which incidentally is to be played in Bayern Munich's home pitch, the Alliance Arena, will be Chelsea's second appearance in the finals of the competition after their 2008 loss against Manchester United.<br />
<br />
The prophet told his congregation yesterday that God showed him the first half of the match, a first half which the man of God said was not good for Chelsea. He said, " From what I've seen so far, Chelsea need more players than Bayern", which no doubt left some members of his church wishing they supported other teams.<br />
<br />
According to Samuel K Obour, the man of God added that he saw a tall black man delivering a fine cross which was then scored by a bald-headed man. Since David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo (who may be considered black) are on suspension and won't play in the final, it leaves Jerome Boateng to deliver the cross and Arjen Robben to convert it.<br />
<br />
During the same service the man of God said contrary to what has been reported by the media he did not predict a Chelsea win.<br />
<br />
This is not the first time the prophet has predicted football results- he reportedly predicted Zambia's miraculous win in this year's Africa Cup of Nations. He also prophesies about other things, most notably death, and from previous outcomes I think those who are betting on Chelsea to win should reconsider- or at least pray, and pray hard.<br />
<br />
But critics and football pundits have pointed out that it is quite obvious that Chelsea wil need more than luck to win against Bayern. After turning around an away loss against Napoli, a miraculous win against Barcelona in England and an even more miraculous draw against the Catalans in their own backyard, Chelsea's luck cannot last forever.<br />
<br />
In my opinion it doesn't take a prophet to say Chelsea will find it an uphill task against a Bayern team that eliminated Real Madrid and which will have the privilege of playing at home in a turf they know so well. Additionally, Chelsea have four players out of the fixture because of suspension, including captain John Terry and Ramires.<br />
<br />
TB Joshua or not, Chelsea fans should start praying really hard, the man of God has just reiterated the need.<br />
<br />
Prophecies aside Chelsea need those prayers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmHUGsn4eTLrh3Hx5c9DJM2cssNQV8NPOEH7DfX1Q2nMZ4zcYz7A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmHUGsn4eTLrh3Hx5c9DJM2cssNQV8NPOEH7DfX1Q2nMZ4zcYz7A" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TB Joshua says God showed him Chelsea having a difficult first half.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-61497744577626184122012-04-13T14:19:00.001-07:002012-04-15T10:32:36.181-07:00To be a responsible student and citizen.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">What happens at the University of Zimbabwe is a reflection of how the broader society works. The s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">enseless restrictions, gratuitous suspensions and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">general lack of freedom can be likened to the repressive </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">AIPPA and POSA, to the unjust trials and detentions of human rights activists. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Running away from these truths won't change anything, the system will follow you and oppress you wherever you may be. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">I've often heard, and seen, people saying they have no interest in politics. Fine, but how do you hope to be a good lawyer in a country with total disregard of the law? Or to be a Political Scientist in a country that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">does not entertain other views? How then do we </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">hope to work in a country whose politicians have made sure there are no jobs? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Politics will take an interest in your life whether you choose it or not. It is gross irresponsibility to ignore </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">the things which affect your life. As intellects, Christians and future workers we should condemn evil wherever we see it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Commenting the good and condemning the bad, without fear or favour, that is revolutionary honesty. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Telling the truth as we see it, with impartiality, to be the voice of the voiceless, that is to be responsible citizens. </span>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">To be the voice of the voiceless and fight evil at all levels, that is to be a responsible student.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">We might not speak because we are not affected, but when we become the victims no one will be left to speak on our behalf.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-35200239519186963162012-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:002012-04-13T14:05:39.105-07:00Because I am African<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmWuBqG3iHgapOb3wZeewEN5BCBm4H-005V8hydsIxHkpnhGi8VA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmWuBqG3iHgapOb3wZeewEN5BCBm4H-005V8hydsIxHkpnhGi8VA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am an Afrikan because the beauty is without equal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Friday I attended a debate, and there a very interesting
and somewhat offending motion was raised. Because it was a debate, and the
views raised there are not necessarily the views of the people who presented
them, I kept my peace. But I still feel I have to clarify a few issues and
dispel some myths which have become embedded in African minds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The motion was: “African cultures were primitive and
contributed nothing to civilisation”. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I gathered is that people are under the (wrong)
impression that civilisation and all things modern are western. That African
cultures were – and still are- uncivilised is not only false, it also borders
on the ridiculous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realised that people don’t know what was started,
developed and perfected in Egypt, that people don’t realise that there were
places of higher learning in Timbuktu as early as the 13<sup>th</sup> century.
I realised that people don’t appreciate African efforts towards the advancement
of science, mathematics and the other arts. I came to the sad realisation, made
more painful by the applauding that came after the points raised by those who
were for the motion, that we Africans have, over the years, forgotten what we
have accomplished and that through deliberate and sometimes unintentional
‘misinformation’ we have come to consider our cultures as uncivilised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What of the concept of Ubuntu?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst global civilisation is a result of thousands of years
of collective efforts from various cultures and individuals, the role played by
Africa and African cultures is significant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
It is not my intention, or the intention of this article, to
say that Africa contributed the most to global civilisation; rather I hope to
enlighten my brothers and sisters, to make them more appreciative and proud of
their history, culture and what they are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone should be proud of their roots and beginnings, for
those beginnings make us what we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had to say this because, like Thabo Mbeki said, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“I am an African; I
owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the
rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing
seasons that define the face of our native land”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I am an African, and I consider it a geographical
blessing to be born here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I am African, not because my skin is black, but
because I believe in Ubuntu, in the togetherness of mankind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am an African- a proud one too- because I feel most at
home here, because I find the beauty of Africa’s sunsets, it’s flora and fauna,
it’s people and its environment without equal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am an African because I find profound the ancient wisdom
of its people; because here, more than anywhere else, people treat each other
like family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am an African not only because I am proud of my motherland
and all that we have achieved but also because I am not ashamed of our
failures, nor do I deny our shortcomings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am an African because that is who I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-25543325741768364332012-04-04T14:39:00.000-07:002012-04-12T06:57:04.605-07:00The days of our livesIt's been an eventful week, and with the way things are going, it certainly promises to be eventful through the next week and beyond. But by eventful I don't mean wonderful or that I enjoyed it, in fact, if truth be told, this past week has been horrible and by the look of things it might get worse.<br />
<br />
<br />
We had University elections on Thursday and instead of coming first ( which we normally do) we were second. The counting proceeded slowly and that, coupled with allegations of the administration interfering with the process, made some people feel they had to break a few windows and doors to express their discontent and funnily we were the suspects. That was ridiculous because we were counting the votes when the stone throwing began and we, just like the Dean and others, had to run for dear life and seek shelter in a toilet. So, a few broken windows, meaningless allegations and several people fainting later the winner was announced and we thought we had had the weeks biggest news.<br />
<br />
Then came the shocker- on Friday morning some friends of mine were summoned by the Dean of Students concerning a newsletter that had been printed and distributed on the day of the election. The newsletter claimed, among other things, that a meeting had taken place between the Vice Chancellor and my friends to discuss "Key reforms". An agreement had supposedly been reached and the "reforms" would be implemented starting the following Monday. There was even a picture of my comrades with the Vice Chancellor just under the headline.<br />
<br />
The Vice Chancellor was- and I presume he still is- furious and wanted the head of the writer(s) of the "damaging and defamatory" material. What he failed to understand is that in their excitement my friends uploaded the pictures on Facebook, not knowing that someone would use them to further their own ends. Needless to say, the Vice Chancellor found them guilty of tarnishing his 'good' name and several other offences and suspended them.. Part of the suspension letter read:<br />
<br />
<i>The deception caused defamation of the Vice Chancellor's character by potraying him as engaging in discussions with ZINASU which <b>is currently considered a notorious student pressure group.</b></i><br />
<br />
Why the VC felt that the biggest, most respected and oldest students' movement in the country is a 'notorious student pressure group' remains a mystery.<i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
Now, to spiritual matters. Prophet Makandiwa has joined TB Joshua in prophesying deaths. Makandiwa
has promised a death on Friday morning, a death, he says, that will
plunge Zimbabwe into chaos.TB Joshua's prophecy was rather wide and ambiguous, he said the death of an African leader is imminent and urged people to pray for their leaders.<br />
<br />
This latest development makes Friday a day to look forward to, not because I expect any death, but because it will serve as proof to the truthfulness of these prophets. If no one of importance dies on Friday then I expect some churches to be abandoned by their followers but if someone really dies then these prophets will double their congregations and, presumably, earnings.<br />
<br />
But if it is indeed true, I'm worried about the turmoil and chaos that will follow.<br />
<br />
I don't set much store by prophets and their prophecies but sometimes it is prudent to listen- or at least wait.<br />
<br />
And I feel sorry for whoever is going to die, if anyone, and I hope the ancestors judge them fairly.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, those who might be targeted by such prophecies should mend their relations with the Almighty without delay!<br />
<br />
Such are the days of our lives- Like sand in an hourglass.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-33898280901338023502012-03-25T05:02:00.000-07:002012-03-25T05:02:36.480-07:00Vincere CaritateThe unexpected death of a friend, unjust detention of some comrades and then, yesterday, my own brief detention made this past week one to remember.<br />
<br />
So because I was sad, angry and frustrated with the people and systems around me, I remembered my blog and thought I should write something here.<br />
<br />
The death was a poignant reminder of another life lost, a Catholic nun from my high school days, who, among other things, introduced me to the Latin phrase, 'Vincere Caritate'.<br />
<br />
Vincere Caritate roughly translates to 'Conquer with Love' and is the motto of the school where I spent six years of my life.Vincere Caritate is a reminder of Sr Maria De Pace, a Hungarian nun, whose lessons, though never followed, were not forgotten.<br />
<br />
Vincere Caritate is a phrase I had not thought of in more than three
years, but one which I was reminded by circumstances this past week, it
is a phrase that I hope will guide me, and others, through life. So in the middle of my problems during the past week I was reminded to Conquer with Love, to respond to violence and oppression with understanding and reason and to respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment.<br />
<br />
And my dark cloud developed a silver lining, in my anger I found peace and when they expected me to bow down and grovel, I put my head up, stood tall and smiled.<br />
<br />
So, be kind and loving to everyone you meet, because everyone is fighting their own hard battles and may just need that little love, a simple act of kindness, a greeting from a complete stranger, a positive and encouraging conversation or even a smile. Just a little love will change the lives of those around you and the love is usually returned too.<br />
<br />
......<i>For love is not love, until you give it away</i>- to everyone, without discrimination.<br />
<br />
Perhaps then, we'll Conquer, not with violence, force or coercion, but by the power of love.<br />
<br />
So....VINCERE CARITATE!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-72033118919587950062011-11-12T07:52:00.001-08:002011-11-12T10:30:38.978-08:00Are you singing the song of your life?<i>"Spring is past</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQSaNy2daDEsvDssTvBx_hplCOsh-7oI1tVziIg8yvucB9uWU-edg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQSaNy2daDEsvDssTvBx_hplCOsh-7oI1tVziIg8yvucB9uWU-edg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start singing the song of your life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Summer is gone</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>And the winter is here</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>And the song that I meant to sing</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Remains unsung</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>For I've spent my days</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Stringing and unstringing my instrument."</i><br />
<br />
The above is a very sad poem, a poem of a life half lived, a poem of a man who wanted to sing a song but did not do so because he " spent his days stringing and unstringing his instrument"<br />
<br />
After reading this poem today I looked at my life and the opportunities I never took, the time I wasted "stringing and unstringing my instrument."<br />
<br />
The tale is familiar , it is one of procrastination, dissembling, fear, doubts and excuses. In the end the results are obvious, failure and regret. Many are waiting for a sign from heaven- but that sign is you, you are who you have been waiting for.<br />
<br />
At this moment you are the oldest you have ever been, and the youngest you will ever be, so take your chances, be happy, bring happiness to others and live your life. Start today, time and tide wait for no man and you miss all the shots you don't make.<br />
<br />
So today I made a resolution: to be happy, to write the story of my life the way I want , not only to write it but also to hold the pen. I am going to replace my fear with faith, my excuses with hope, I am going to love the people in my life, enjoy all the moments of my life and tell people how I feel about them. Above all to treasure every moment, after all it is said no man crosses the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.<br />
<br />
So today I made a resolution, I will pursue my dreams, no matter what anyone thinks. I will string my instrument and sing the song of my life.<br />
<br />
I hope you do the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-89387429705207634172011-11-10T13:46:00.001-08:002011-11-12T10:29:45.753-08:00Of Malema and The Death of Revolutionary Parties<br />
<div class="Publishwithline">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.google.co.zw/news/tbn/HRXwQmgQ2ZQJ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://news.google.co.zw/news/tbn/HRXwQmgQ2ZQJ" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distraught: Julius Malema</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="Publishwithline">
South
Africa's ANC today suspended its controversial Youth League leader Julius
Malema after he was found guilty of provoking divisions within the ruling party
and bringing the party into disrepute.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The news has been greeted with
mixed feelings, some are happy that Malema is gone, at the same time hoping
that his ideas of nationalising South Africa's mines go with him, whilst others
see his suspension as nothing but a political move by President Zuma to counter
Malema's growing power. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I do not grieve for Malema but
neither do I rejoice- his ideas of nationalisation were not bad but the way he
put them forward left a lot to be desired. On top of that he was frequently
accused of racism, looting, insulting people and all sorts of unbecoming
behaviour for a leader.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead I weep for Africa's youth
and how they are being pulled down every time they try to ascend the ladders of
power. It is very unfortunate that African youths are being deprived of leadership
opportunities- ironically by people who liberated countries when they were
youths!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malema's case is just the latest in
a long history of powerful leaders clipping the wings of those they viewed as
threats. It has happened all over Africa, young people have risen against
oppressive governments and systems only for them to cling to their positions in
the name of defending the revolution.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The likes of Gaddafi, Nkrumah and
others who were "deposed" by the West were also responsible for their
own downfalls. However well one rules, however prosperous a nation is,
leadership needs to be changed for the good of the nation and promotion of democracy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The inability of African
revolutionary parties to accept this naked truth will no doubt prove to be
their undoing. The death of revolutionary parties is inextricably linked to
their reluctance to accept change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-48156621905771548902011-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:002011-11-09T13:33:30.894-08:00In memory of.........ZINASU and Student Activism.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nehandaradio.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo3/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://nehandaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/zinasu250.jpg&w=190&h=115&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://nehandaradio.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo3/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://nehandaradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/zinasu250.jpg&w=190&h=115&zc=1" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZINASU at its peak<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last night on its show, Melting Pot, ZBC interviewed <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001640151014" target="_blank">Pride "Obama" Mkono</a> who claims to be President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU). To say the least I was shocked by his preposterous claims, ZINASU does not have any national leadership and Pride Mkono is just another card carrying member of the Union.<br />
<br />
The confusion within the Union goes back several years and its causes are many and varied including handling by politicians and political parties, avarice, corruption and cowardice. That a card carrying member can made president of the Union by two people on the internet is loud and clear testimony of its weakness. In a way I admire Pride's cunningness and opportunism, after all there is always something to be gained from chaos.<br />
<br />
Even more worrying are the reports of thousands of dollars that went missing during a female students summit that was held in Gweru two weeks ago. The female students summit is one which I, and every other true ZINASU member, would want to quickly forget for it was an especially dark hour in this very dark night of student activism. What really took place in Gweru might never be known but from the scores of stories that were floating around I gathered that some individuals wanted to turn the summit into a national congress. They failed and instead appointed and announced a new "national" leadership on Facebook several days later.<br />
<br />
In this age where being Arabic is associated with AK 47s and terrorism, ZINASU is now synonymous with violence, looting, thuggery, disorder and graffiti.Whilst my comrades will excuse graffiti as a way of sending revolutionary messages, there is no excuse whatsoever for any form of internal or external violence and looting. As if their shame was not enough some members ( including the newly elected president) of the Union went on to engage in gratuitous violence at Meikles hotel in full view of local journalists. Whatever little credibility we still had was obviously swept away then.<br />
<br />
What then has happened to the spirit of yesteryear, the spirit of genuine and true student representation? Are there any true and resolute cadres who can rise above the rest, above the rubble of confusion that the Student Movement has become? Some argue that ever since the government stopped giving out loans and grants Universities have become more elitist, admitting mostly the rich and therefore soft, whose only fights in life are the fights for more expensive Christmas presents. Whilst not entirely true, one cannot help wondering whether tertiary institutions are indeed admitting the rich at the expense of the able. It is also a fact that the current crop students is docile and ostensibly 'cool' with the way things are.<br />
<br />
The death of ZINASU is a frightening prospect, even more frightening because it is insidious and being caused by seemingly unconnected and innocuous events. Without a unified and powerful student voice the government and university authorities will trample on our rights without thinking or fear of the consequences. It is especially worrisome considering that they are doing just that today, but then again, ZINASU is at its weakest since its formation. Better to fight with a poor weapon than no weapon at all.<br />
<br />
So is there no option, is the situation incorrigible? Actually there are other Unions, the most notable being ZICOSU which is held in contempt by most students who accuse it of being an appendage of ZANU PF and therefore unable to act against the party and government. Surprisingly very few complain when ZINASU is accused of being an affiliate of the MDC. Then there is ASAZ, Amalgamated Students Association of Zimbabwe which is to be launched this weekend. Putting my trust in it is a bit like counting my chicks before they are hatched, the launch might fail after all. Besides we don't know which political party it is affiliated to yet- it might turn out to be NAG or Mavambo or worse still Mthakawazi! That is what Zimbabwean Students have become, mouthpieces of politicians and their parties.<br />
<br />
The death knell of ZINASU is sounding and the onus is upon us to prevent its death. Obviously the best time for that is several years ago, before these cantankerous and bellicose activists- but the next best time is now. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-26600754910095246882011-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:56:15.290-08:00How Solar Energy Works | Union of Concerned Scientists<div>Afrika must wake up and use this!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-solar-energy-works.html#.TrmJMSimvpA.blogger">How Solar Energy Works | Union of Concerned Scientists</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-13697149549583631512011-11-08T02:17:00.000-08:002011-11-08T02:17:38.711-08:00I let my country down — Malaika - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday PeopleMaybe the real prize is participating, meeting new people and opening to new ideas. In that case winning will just be a bonus.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-11-07-i-let-my-country-down-malaika#.TrkA04FWk2Q.blogger">I let my country down — Malaika - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-32894301455930019092011-10-31T13:37:00.000-07:002011-11-12T10:34:45.338-08:00You are one in a million- no, one in 7 Billion.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK8SHRNC9pcxMcunYyrj3HiUQxGK9yge2okqD686Spehp9onOSa8oj6rX8kZ3QCHaKNTZ4p-G2VxALBQI6rdJzUqqapPN4OyKvmFguuBq7G48vRyDfYZOIdgRFhL_ivDaouEflbteWVo/s1600/download" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK8SHRNC9pcxMcunYyrj3HiUQxGK9yge2okqD686Spehp9onOSa8oj6rX8kZ3QCHaKNTZ4p-G2VxALBQI6rdJzUqqapPN4OyKvmFguuBq7G48vRyDfYZOIdgRFhL_ivDaouEflbteWVo/s1600/download" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To
put things into perspective consider this: The average person should drink 2.5
litres of water every day, according to research. Assuming that everyone on
earth gets that amount then the world’s population would consume about 17.5 billion
litres a day. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today Monday October 31, 2011 is like yesterday in so many ways;
it’s very hot, boring and of course I’m still broke. But there is a difference,
today the world officially welcomed its 7 billionth citizen, one of about 382
000 babies born today. Seven billion is a huge number and a worrying one too considering
the earth is neither getting bigger nor increasing its resources, therefore my
message to the 7<sup>th</sup> billion citizen is: Welcome to this dreadful,
polluted and cruel place we call home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem is not one of space; don’t worry about crowding-
at least not yet, there is space enough for a couple more billions. The main
question is: Will the earth’s resources be able to sustain the population?
Already a billion people do not get enough food and water, pollution is on the rise,
global temperatures are increasing and natural resources are dwindling. And the
population of the world is increasing, there will be a billion more by 2024 and
we’ll reach 9 billion in 2045. The result is pretty obvious, with more people
competing for the same resources humanity will become more susceptible to war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some argue that it is not about population increase but
rather about distribution and consumption of the resources. With efficient and
responsible use, they say, the earth’s resources will be able to sustain its
population. Some people need to be more responsible in their use of energy and
less wasteful with their food and water. Billions of Megawatts are wasted
yearly by inefficient light bulbs, unnecessary heating and keeping lights on
during the day. Distribution is also another
problem; the majority of the world’s resources are consumed by about 20% of the
population.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is therefore more important than ever to devise and use
alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The advantage
of these energy sources is twofold, firstly they reduce the strain on our
natural resources and secondly they are cleaner and renewable. The other, less
popular alternative is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is perhaps the only
energy source which can keep up with mankind’s growing demand but it can also
have disastrous consequences. Across the globe there are groups campaigning for
the end of the use of nuclear plants as power sources. The lessons of Hiroshima,
Chernobyl and, more recently, Japan are not easily forgotten.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Population increase is fastest in Africa and very soon there
will be five Africans for every European. The rapid population increase in
Africa is caused by many factors among them traditionalistic views, lack of
contraceptives and religion (the Catholic Church does not allow the use of
contraceptives). Ironically Africa also has most of the world’s hungry, famines
and countless wars. Whilst there are many reasons for the wars and famines it
is obvious that an uncontrolled population increase will have dire consequences.
Our leaders should therefore shift their focus to this very important issue and
put in place measures to decrease the rate at which Africa’s population is
increasing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Population control is not without undesirable effects as
seen in the case of Japan. Japan’s birth rate is critically low, its working
class is too old and the country is now coercing its citizens to have children.
No one would want that to happen to Africa yet the population increase needs to
be controlled. In a continent which has severe food shortages an ever increasing
population is the last thing we need. Part of the solution is political, stable
and strong governments are better equipped and have more time to combat this
menace. But one wonders whether our governments care about such things, they
seem more concerned with increasing the lengths of their motorcades and the
circumferences of their bellies. Not forgetting their favourite hobbies:
Insulting each other, going around the globe and shopping in distant cities
with fancy names.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The future is not as bleak as it seems though; there are
some positives to population increase. A bigger population has more diversity,
the chances of getting another Hitler or Gaddafi increase and also another
Einstein, Zinedine Zidane and other remarkable people who have had impacts,
both negative and positive, on our lives. Also, we get a new generation which
brings with it happiness, new cultures, technological advances (especially
important now that Steve Jobs is dead). And of course an increased population means
you become more unique- Instead of being
one in a million I am now one in 7 billion and so are you……….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2725053509291579639.post-24437427792552935892011-10-30T13:37:00.000-07:002011-11-12T10:32:18.317-08:00Of Gays, Rights, Our Prime Minister and his rather inexpedient statements.......<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAVwaghjDZujI-XqwRwnVc6lHdgTH-4CMMXh_ufHtgD8mS8Hp8VGxJ9j3ESIFE3x6FLBbttgxdQq6zdkxeAE2O007ZzELBB4nlG2zqKHa8YbPpA2vVRYP8eaEwPk400_QC0s-rHU2gg8/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAVwaghjDZujI-XqwRwnVc6lHdgTH-4CMMXh_ufHtgD8mS8Hp8VGxJ9j3ESIFE3x6FLBbttgxdQq6zdkxeAE2O007ZzELBB4nlG2zqKHa8YbPpA2vVRYP8eaEwPk400_QC0s-rHU2gg8/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai: Morality or Rights?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is being attacked left, right and centre over his recent utterances concerning gay rights on a BBC interview. His remarks have started a heated debate amongst the Zimbabwean public with the main question being, “Should the constitution allow same sex marriages?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The majority of Zimbabweans are against homosexuality, a practice they view as disgusting, western and unchristian. Their argument is simple, homosexuality, they say, is against both Christian teachings and our traditional values. This group (which now calls the Prime Minister ‘MORGAY’), will quickly tell you to read Genesis chapter 19 which tells of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Among the many sins of the citizens of those two cities was homosexuality. I understand this camp; after all I don’t want Zimbabwe to be consumed by “fire and brimstone”, as was the fate of Sodom, Gomorrah and two other cities. Their favourite statement is, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and <i>Steve”.</i> Of course they conveniently forget to mention Luke 6:37 which forbids man from judging man, remembering instead that the Prime Minister should get married. A woman, they claim, would drive all thoughts of gay rights from his head!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The smaller camp wants gays and lesbians to be protected by the constitution, maintaining that human rights also include sexual freedom. They include the Prime Minister, whose impolitic remarks sparked this debate, human right activists, academics and maybe the gays themselves. They argue that some people are not bound by religion or tradition, adding that some cases are biological rather than choice. True democracy and freedom, they say, include freedom of sexual partners. After all, they add, when man sins against God then he will answer to God- just like the Sodomites. Furthermore most people, if not all, commit some form of sin which is not allowed by the bible or tradition. Who then has the authority to determine which moral sin is illegal? Perhaps the government could start by outlawing infidelity, sex before marriage and other forms of immorality. One cannot help feeling that their argument has more weight <i>but </i>lacks in numbers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Biology also plays an important role in a person’s sexuality, some are born that way and we cannot change their genetic wiring. For such people being gay is not something they chose and we should accept them as they are. Should they be punished for a sin they did not commit, for a biological mishap? Additionally homosexuality has very little effect on other members of the society. Anti-gays will tell you that there is a limit on personal liberty, for example, drugs don’t really affect the people around you yet they remain illegal. In such cases, as in many others, the Christians suggest exorcism in addition to prayer and the traditionalists blame the ancestors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The arguments for and against gay marriages are many and varied- ranging from the usual, “It is an unnatural practice” to “who are you to tell anyone who to sleep with?” Traditionalists say homosexuals must produce natural children first, those who support gay rights counter saying love, not the ability to pro-create, is necessary for marriage, otherwise the law would also bar barren men and women from marrying. Human right activists say outlawing homosexuality is discrimination, those who are anti-gay say it is a necessary evil- one which protects our values and morals as Africans and Zimbabweans, adding that gay marriages weaken the definition and respect of the institution of marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Christianity preaches peace and tolerance and also tells Christians not to judge others; Hinduism is silent on homosexuality whereas Islam’s idea of ‘heaven’ includes virgins- perhaps some of them boys. The fact that some Christian churches allow gays also takes some wind out of the anti-gay camp’s sails. Homosexuality is a thorny issue, pitting human rights on one hand, morality and religion on the other. But who defines what is moral, using what basis? What of those whose religions – or lack thereof- allow homosexuality? Should the minority have what the majority says imposed on them? Are we not risking becoming a society which is inimical to diversity? Surely the government has more pressing issues to discuss, policies to formulate, an economy to improve, civil servants to pay and a lot of other things to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So what is the way forward, should the constitution allow same-sex marriages? If we do, what signals will it send to our children and youths, won’t they be confused about gender roles in the society? What will you do if your son comes and says, “Mom and Dad, I’m marrying John, yes, John from next door”? The answer here is a big NO; on this the people of Zimbabwe are united. If the issue is put before the people it might become worse; I think the majority would vote for stiffer sentences like castration, death or life in prison. Ah and like I said, I have no intention of perishing like the inhabitants of Sodom- I have always imagined a peaceful death at the ripe old age of ninety five.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The problem is that the gays themselves are silent on the issue, becoming spectators in a game they should be playing. I don’t blame them, the law is clear and the punishment is harsh, Zimbabwean jails are not known for their hospitality either, but from what I hear homosexuality is rampant there- the gays might enjoy jail time after all……..<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18063512350155481733noreply@blogger.com0