Confessions: The only way forward
The Standard, Sunday, 06 November 2011

Human beings by nature want to live well. I am meeting people who want to enjoy their lives. The majority who share with me want to shed their past by making corrections; what Christians would call making confessions. Many people are being haunted by their past. Zimbabwe has one of the largest numbers of people who have everything to confess about. Our political leaders of late are on record telling us that those who kill or beat in the name of the party have themselves to blame. This message and events of the past weeks show that much has to be done to help people be at peace. Midlands Governor Jason Machaya has owned up and paid for the murder crime committed by his son.

There are so many people who cannot enjoy a pleasant sleep for a day. Whenever we put our heads to the pillow we are haunted by what we did; during the struggle, Gukurahundi, fast-track land reform mayhem, Murambatsvina, Operation “this” and “that” and lately the presidential run-up of 2008. I am told some people cannot even sleep in their own homes. Some are spending their nights in drinking joints till morning. The safest place to sleep is at work during the day. At least the nightmares are not as bad. Indeed this is not a laughing matter!

I am also told that those that are on some farms have no peace at all. They are haunted left, right and centre. At a church meeting in Manicaland some occupiers of land volunteered to go back to their homes because their nights in the farm house were hell. They would hear plates and pots being worked on during the night. Some have tried traditional remedies by consulting experts but with little success. Those who are bold have gone to their pastors and confessed what they did to the previous owners of the farms. Confession must be followed by reparation in most cases. It is not enough just to hide in churches.

Now that we are preparing for elections next year, should we then prepare people to beat others knowing the consequences? The nation must put its act together and honestly ask everyone to treat people as human beings with dignity. No one owns anyone; be it party or leader of any party. People should not be forced to toe a particular line, thinking or voting style. Forcing people to do what they do not want is just as good as destroying their resolve. You are as bad as a rapist.

While rapists may claim to enjoy the act, those being raped experience hell. Can our leaders for once learn to respect people and treat them with honour and the dignity they deserve? The sad thing though, is that our leaders never take an active part in either beating, killing or forcing people to join queues where people are drilled as to which party to vote for. People do not like that kind of treatment. It is dehumanising to say the least.

We pray for and love our leaders. Can they also respect us by not forcing us to vote for them?

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Marriage: We have to make it work
The Standard, Sunday, 30 October 2011 13:56

On October 25 my wife and I celebrated 30 years of marriage. When someone remarked that we had been in love for 30 years my response was that we had been in love even before we got married officially. We are aware that there are many couples that have even celebrated 60 years of marriage in this country and abroad. While this is not something to write home about, there is every reason to celebrate. We celebrate because it was not an easy journey as some might think. The good thing, though, was that when we celebrated, we had forgotten the bumpy parts of the road.

There is often the wrong notion that marriage is all bliss. Bringing two people together is not a joke. It is a serious matter that has to be considered carefully before commitment. The expectation is that it should last for life. The vows that we take explain it all, “till death do us part”. Those who are watching from afar might have wrong assumptions about what is going on inside. In Shona we have a saying, “chakafukidza dzimba matenga”. There is no easy translation but what I can say is that the Shona believe that the struggles in family life are naturally protected. The home is supposed to be an environment that makes things seem as if they are always okay.

The goings-on in a home should be known by those who are in it. Those who are outside should know by being told and not by assumption for they are often wrong. When, as a nation, we celebrated 31 years of independence, we were aware that we had passed through so many difficulties. The good thing was that we overcame those difficulties. The fact that one has survived a struggle means that one has triumphed. The same applies to marriage. It is all about surviving the huddles. When celebrating, you celebrate the package that has both the good and the bad.

Life, and indeed marriage, is all about learning how to manage each other. Friction is the order of the day but that has to be managed. Once that is done then there will be every reason to celebrate. I believe that nothing comes easily. Love in marriage has to be worked for. One singer sang “rudo imoto runotokuchidzirwa”. We have to make it work. Fire keeps burning just because someone stokes it. Let us all try not to give up. We all go through the rough and tumble of life. It is no easy journey. We can all make it as long as we know that it is not all rosy as some want us to believe. At the end of the day it is really worth our while.

God bless.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Does being 60 not count any more?

The Standard, Sunday, 23 October 2011 11:59
My wife and I are fast approaching 60 and our worries seem to be multiplying by each day. Can someone clarify whether attaining 60 is still treated as being a senior citizen? We took a relative who is 70 to the passport office and we were shocked to be told that he had to join the queue at night. When we mentioned that he was a senior citizen no one was interested to listen. From 60 and above we are no longer competing for jobs with anyone. We acquire passports to visit children and grandchildren abroad and that should not make us have sleepless nights.

When we arrived at Makombe building (passport office) by 4am we saw what appeared to be an endless queue and were instructed to follow it to the end. We joined the line just by Samora Machel Avenue. We were told that the line had started building up at 4pm the previous day. We had to leave our relative in the queue and our worries never ceased. Should we treat each other this way?

Putting aside the case of the old, is there no other system which can be used to issue passports in a way which respects the ordinary citizens of this nation? Those who are well-connected, I am told, do not face such humiliating experiences. I know there are passport offices in other towns and the situation there may be better.

Those who come to Harare have to go there. My relative does not live very far from Harare. Many have their relatives in the capital and going to these small towns may not be the best option for them.

What are the benefits of attaining 60 years of age? Will it be asking for too much for the ministry concerned to set aside one official at each passport office to cater for the old? This officer may serve the young ones if there are no old people who want passports.We do not lose anything by respecting the elderly. We actually lose much by not respecting them. Christians know this from the scriptures, that when we honour our parents/elders we also get more years to live. Is it that because we no longer respect elders so we are dying young? — Food for thought!

In other parts of the world, once one has attained 60, there are so many benefits that come with age. It is like the nation is congratulating one for attaining such an age.

Many concessions are given even in shops, transport and other amenities that are essential. Should Zimbabwe remain hostile to its senior citizens or we repent and do the right thing? We can do it.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge, Harare.

Instant things: The evil among us

The Standard, Sunday, 10 October 2011

While most Zimbabweans welcome the easy availability of places of worship much seems to be at stake as confusing teachings abound. One priest remarked that many a preacher today have taken the Cross from Christ and are offering something that is

contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Who said Christianity is problem-free gospel? Our pastors are telling us that when we join them we will be rich, diseases will disappear; suffering is no more and whatever we want we will get.

This is just as good as taking the cross from Christ. Christ says whoever wants to follow him must take up the cross. When Paul faced a terrible illness, he prayed and fasted for the ailment to go. The answer from God was, “My grace is sufficient”.

Many a Christian is disappointed for life because they are lured to our churches for healing and do not understand why when that does not happen. God sustains us even in our infirmities. I am not in any way saying God does not heal us.

We live in an age of quick-fixes. We are used to instant coffee, instant pudding, instant love, instant healing, and instant riches, quick-quick and so forth. The church has been caught up in this as well. This is our enemy, the evil among us and the cancer of this generation.

Many a home today has hordes of pieces of cloths which are for different purposes. We are told when you have headache just wet the cloth and put it on your head and the pain disappears.

When you want a certain type of car just take the cloth and wipe it and you will get a similar car. How different is this from voodoo religion? Are we really happy to get things such simple?

Yet the scriptures are very clear; we will eat out of our sweat. We have to toil for our food. It is commonly known that what comes easily also goes just as easily. We all need riches but we have to work for them and not just to wish for them. As preachers, let us teach our people to be workaholics. We need to create a work ethic for which Zimbabweans are known across the world.

To a greater extent missionary education and Christianity taught us to love work. This is what we, as modern day preachers, should concentrate on. There is no need to deceive each other as we try to win more members to our side.

Let us preach a gospel that makes people become resourceful so they gain things by honest means and hard work.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Heroes cut across professions
The Standard, Saturday, 24 September 2011 15:23

Two weeks ago I went with my wife to pay our condolences to the Evangelist Chiweshe family in Concession. I had never met him before in my life. I had also never heard him preach. But what I heard about him during his lifetime and at the time he died compelled me to just be with his family. It was a week and some days after his burial. He was an icon in his home area. Somebody we met there who knew me introduced me as tezvara (brother-in-law), to the widow, who is of the same totem as me.

The man who introduced me said about the late Chiweshe: “Pastor, the man who died here was a man of his word. He preached what he practised.”

These words touched me. Here was an ordinary Christian who had observed Evangelist Chiweshe preaching and doing what he preached. The question in my mind was, do I/we as preachers preach what we do or do we just say, do not worry about my deeds; just listen to the word and obey it?

The nation was voluntarily in mourning the week Evangelist Chiweshe died. Messages that came from locals and from across the world were just a clear testimony that here was a great preacher who had helped save many individuals’ lives.

Both the print and electronic media covered the death and burial in detail. I realised that heroes cut across professions. Chiweshe was a hero par excellence. The mentor of many had gone.

Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) has produced men and women who have been great preachers. Though I am not of the AFM church, I was converted at a crusade in Highfield in the early 70s where another legendary AFM pastor, Evangelist Kupara, preached. I could not resist his message for it was full of grace and conviction. He was another preacher who preached what he practised.

Nowadays I have observed many a preacher who say concentrate on what I say and not what I do. My wealth is none of your business. What you can do is to contribute to my wealth and let me enjoy it on your behalf.

This is a far cry from what our Lord Jesus Christ taught us. We are first and foremost servants who should serve others. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as a sign of what we should be doing as we attempt to follow him.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

She got what she had not bargained for

The Standard, Sunday 18 September 2011

Last year I spent two months in Australia. My experiences there varied from meetings and preaching in different places. My highlights were spending some time with Aboriginal people who were kind and welcoming.

One experience is worth sharing. I met this young Australian who had been to Africa. She had all the praise for her lifetime trip to motherland-Africa. I used to explain to people there that if they had not been to Africa, it meant they had not been home. Africa is the cradle of humanity and all and sundry must pay a pilgrimage home, at least once in lifetime.

She spent three weeks in rural Uganda and her experience was out of this world. She slept on the floor in huts and it was fun to her. At one place she shared a sleeping bag with a local girl. They did not sleep that night because they were talking and laughing the whole night. This was to be her experience in most of the places she visited.

After three weeks she was shocked to discover that on her last day, there was a party in her honour. The food was basic but well cooked. She no longer remembers how many chickens she ate. The practice was that at each village she visited they had to chase a chicken and a few hours later they would be enjoying the road-runners of Africa.

One pertinent issue she raised was the preparations the simple rural folk made for her send off. She was given a number of live chickens to carry to town for onward consumption. Neighbours brought eggs for her to take to town. She could not refuse the offer.

The people actually organized that someone would accompany her to town with the heavy parcels. She had brought nothing to this community except her love. In return she got what she had not bargained for. Such was the love of the people she had visited for the first time.

To her surprise, when she got to town she had an opposite experience. Instead of the well to do people she was staying with showering her with goodies she was given list after list of things to buy and send back for the up and coming youngsters of Kampala. They would ask for laptops, iPods, etc. Some even asked for plasma TV sets.

The question she wanted me to answer was, why such behaviour on the part of those who have, yet those who did not have gave much?

The answer I gave her was that those in rural areas loved themselves and those in towns hated themselves. Am I right to suggest that those who love themselves give and those who hate themselves ask for gifts?

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

A new generation, but something is amiss...

The Standard, Sunday, 4 September 2011

When I started school 50 years ago, I had the best of education that was available. We sat on the floor and often outside. We wrote on the sand and it was fun. Teachers were just out of this world. They were simple but exemplary in their conduct. Everyone in the village looked up to the teacher for guidance. Above all, children were in safe hands.

Story telling was part of learning. Late comers were not tolerated even though some came from long distances. Along the way we marked places which would help us determine whether we were late or on time. One would stand at a certain point and measure your shadow with the stick or some other item or fixed mark which would be indicators of time.

From this point we would then either run faster or just take it easy depending on whether we were late or on time judging which side of the mark the shadow would be. We learnt these coping tactics from our predecessors.

Today times have changed. I need not bore you with what we all know. Children are going to school younger, at the age of five or six. The schools are nearby in most places. Time is no longer measured by shadows, etc.

Though things have changed for the better, there seems to be much amiss these days. Some would even say tables have been turned upside down. We are catching up with modern times and our children are exposed to so much that they are overwhelmed.

I had a shock of my life a couple of weeks I go when I went into this supermarket. I had a senior student of mine who is in his late 30s. I asked him to pick three dozen loaves of bread, among other items, for we were going to a funeral. One of the workers in her late teens noticed this guy was picking lots of other things and she came to assist him, which was very kind of her. They put 24 loaves of bread in one trolley. At the point of sale I asked how many loaves were there and was told that they were three dozen loaves. Upon counting them they were only 24.

I asked my student the number of loaves that he had picked and he insisted they were three dozen. I called the young lady who had assisted him and she confirmed that they were three dozen.

Upon asking them both how many loaves were in a dozen they said eight, hence the 24 loaves. My student is no longer a primary or secondary pupil. He is in tertiary training. This lady works in a shop, which deals with quantities.

I concluded that we have a lost generation. Comparing what we went through and what our children and grandchildren are going through, one would expect better comprehension.

My grandson who is soon to turn five can count up to 100, recites all the months of the year, all the days in the week and switches on and off the gadgets in the home, be they simple or sophisticated. This I cannot do myself.

Is it a question of what has gone wrong or right? Times have changed!

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Lest we forget

The Methodist Word, Celebrations Edition, Vol 2, 1891-2011

From 18 to 21 August all roads will lead to Bulawayo where the celebrations are being held. There is every reason to celebrate. So many things have happened since the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe MCZ was established here 120 years ago. Many societies have been planted. Many schools were built. Several circuits and districts are now in place. We started with Area Chairmen, and then graduated to District Chairmen and now the chairpersons are now bishops with the presiding bishop heading the church. The later was called the president. From three area chairmen we now have 12 bishops across the country.

120 years ago Methodists together with colonialists made their historic landing in what became known as Southern Rhodesia. We must not forget that Methodism was part and parcel of this historic development. Colonialists took charge of the affairs of the state while Methodists were responsible for establishing the church and schools all over the country. A church was soon pitched up in Harare and then at Epworth 11 km from the city centre. The church was given a large piece of land as part of the deal to work together in shaping the future of the new country. Several farms across the country were to be given to the church where boarding schools were built.

Cecil John Rhodes was right to work with Methodists. He was aware of the good work done by Methodists to bring sanity to the United Kingdom earlier on when the Anglican establishment had become so state controlled that it was no longer serving the people but the state and the rich. The poor were left to their own whims. Drunkenness and all sorts of vices were the order of the day even in the Church. John Wesley had earlier on in the mid 1700 and later started a movement that changed the face of Christianity in England. John Wesley died in 1791 and a century later Methodism was born in Zimbabwe in 1891. Now 320 years later Methodists in Zimbabwe meet to celebrate the awesome presence of Methodism in this country.

At its inception in UK Methodism was known for its fight against injustice. They fought for prison reform and also for fighting against slavery. William Wilberforce, a Methodist, became a champion in British Parliament fighting to stop slavery. Eventually parliament voted to abolish slavery in 1833. It is not surprising that many a Methodists have been caught in between fighting against injustice across the world.

When British missionaries, Michael Bowen, George Eva, left South Africa in 1890 travelling north they were accompanied by black evangelists, who included, Modumedi Moleli, James Anta, Wellington H. Balesi, Samuel Tutani and Josiah Ramushu to mention a few of those recorded. They landed in Fort Harare in 1891. Evangelists were in the forefront of establishing preaching points at each place they got to. There were also many Zimbabweans who had gone to South Africa to look for work and these accompanied missionaries because they wanted to return home. A number of these came from the Tonga people of the Zambezi Valley and names like Silemba (Chiremba), Solani and Simemeza were settled in Epworth.

Chief Nenguwo a polygamist quickly accepted Methodism in his area and this was followed by the establishment of Nenguwo Mission (now Waddilove Mission) through the tutelage of Rev John White. Waddilove in Mashonaland East and Tegwani Mission in Plumtree became training centres for Methodist work. Teacher training was started at these two centres followed by Kwenda Mission deeper in the heart of the country. A nursing school and an Agricultural College were also established at Waddilove. Soon a school of theology was established there again where evangelists were trained both to teach and to preach.

Those who later offered for ministry were trained at Waddilove. A martyr in the name of Rev Job Mamukwa also came through this institution. He volunteered to go to Binga where he died of malaria in the 50s. Training of ministers moved to Epworth at Epworth Theological College in 1954. This was done to train ministers close to Harare and also in association with the newly opened University of Rhodesia then. Two years later the United Methodists joined Epworth Theological College. To date, in the spirit of ecumenism, eight (8) denominations own the College under a new name, United Theological College (UTC). UTC is run by this consortium of Churches and trains ministers of religion even from other denominations who do not belong to the 8. Lay people from across the denominations are now offered a two year University of Zimbabwe Diploma in Religious Studies (DRS) which is taught at UTC. The graduates teach in Secondary schools and others do social work, etc, after completion. This year UTC has introduced a Bachelors degree, B.TH honours for ministers in training.

Another historic development was the establishment of Methodist Children’s Home in Epworth. It came into being through the sacrificial efforts of Rev Matthew Jacha Rusike in the 60s. He started looking after orphans in his home at Kwenda Mission before he moved to Makwiro circuit. The Home has now established centres throughout the country.

All the training centres died later and what was left were primary schools which then developed to High schools which the church now boasts of. As we celebrate Methodism runs a number of high schools and primary schools. It should be noted that before the 70s most of the education was in the hands of churches in Zimbabwe. The District Councils in the seventies took over most of the church schools across all denominations. Councils had discovered that they had no revenue base so they decided to take over these schools. This indeed was a tragedy in making. Their need for money did not translate to good governance of these schools.

Lest we forget, we should also remember that Methodism has contributed to the struggle for an independent Zimbabwe in a big way. Rev Thompson D. Samkange a Methodist minister became the first president of a nationalist party. Norman E. Thomas writes with passion about Samkange; “Passionately committed to a unity that supersedes divisions of tribe, region, social status, or religious affiliation, Samkange helped to found the Southern Rhodesia Bantu Congress in1938, uniting existing associations in a national political movement. He served as its president from 1943 to 1948. Under his leadership, the congress aspired for mass membership and demanded full democratic rights, which became the hallmarks of later nationalist movements.” Samkange was among the first theological students under John White at Waddilove. Joshua Nkomo who was initially a Methodist Lay Preacher became a vibrant nationalist and then lead ZAPU until his death when he was one of the Vice Presidents. Later Rev Professor Canaan Banana became the first president of Zimbabwe at independence in 1980.

From a single department the church now has several departments which range from Treasury, Evangelism, Education, MeDRA, Internal Auditing, Connexional Building, TEE Program, Research and Publications, Youth Work, Health and Social Services and National Chaplaincy to all national education institutions. This is by no means a small achievement. We say, Amhlope! Makoroko! Congratulations!

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Zimbabweans too can be aid donors

The Standard, Sunday, 28 August 2011 10:12

At the mention of the word donor we immediately think of foreign support for our local needs. No wonder there is sometimes ill-feeling towards this support from those who think we can do our own thing. While we very much appreciate and need this cushioning from our external friends, there is something which we have not promoted that was done by our ancestors.

Recently, however, to my total surprise, I came across someone who is doing it. I was also informed that there were many others who were providing similar support which is equivalent to donor funding. My father, the late Francis Kadenge, used to tell me stories about very rich individuals who did a lot for other people in the area I was born. He used to mention two big names in particular: a Mazhindu and a Dodo.

Although these men had several cattle and big cattle pens, this was apparently not enough for them. According to my father, they had far more animals in several villages near and far. They would identify poor people in the communities they could reach out to. They would give these families a heifer each to keep. After a few years they would follow-up on the cattle and leave these couples with a cow or two, depending on the length of time they would have kept the cattle.

Not only did the two men empower locals that way, they also went further. Those who did not have draught-power would be provided with oxen from their own pens which they would let them use for a couple of days. These men would then ask for just a bucket or two of maize after the harvests. In a sense Mazhindu and Dodo were donors par excellence.

I was told they did not wait for people to come to them to ask for help. They actually identified the needy and proffered help. No wonder people loved them and these names have not been forgotten in our community.

Recently, I met one local donor like the two described above and was impressed. He has many cattle but there is no single cow of his in his pen. The cattle at his home are not his. They belong to his worker, who he now treats as his partner. They started working together 11 years ago. The worker now has eight cattle of his own. He was given one heifer 10 years ago and from his lot he gave two cattle to his in-laws, he told me.

The cattle belonging to the owner of the plot are dotted all over in Mhondoro, Chivhu and Macheke areas. It seems he is using the same philosophy of Dodo and Mazhindu. His policy, he told me, was that he would give each family four cattle. The first heifer born there would be for the family looking after his animals.

My advice to those of us who have the means: let us share with those who are in need. Never mind that you are alone doing it in your area. As many of us begin to go out and help, our combined efforts will not be in vain.

What I have discovered is that donors actually benefit more than those they are donating to. They have all the blessings and the good will of the community.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Is Christianity to liberate or enslave?

The Standard, Sunday, 21 August 2011 14:44
I am amazed at how Christians submit to those who lead them. Christ did not load it over his followers, but his message was to liberate them. What I observe today is that members of many churches have become modern slaves. It is like the norm. The question I pose is: “Is Christianity there to liberate or to enslave?”

Listening to how members talk about their leaders, one wonders who they are following — Christ or the church leaders. I am aware that among the majority of these followers, there are many who really do not subscribe to this sheepish following.

I am not in any way saying leaders should not be respected. Respect is the mark of discipline, but it should not be blind following. Christ refused to be elevated to be God. But what we know is that he was God. The humility that was in Christ is what both members and leaders should emulate. We are all servers, we should not only wait to be served. Christ did not come to be served, but to serve. What we see today is that there are little gods being served in one way or another. It has indeed become fashionable.

Yet Christ says about his mandate: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4: 18-19).

The message is clear. Christians should take heed of the poor, the captives, the needy and the oppressed. Though they are many, today’s Christians care more of their leaders than fulfilling the word as prescribed by Jesus.

No wonder there are others who are saying if one wants to be rich, they should form a church. What we should instead be saying is that if one wants to serve, let them form a church. Many church leaders have become very rich, not because of their sweat, but because of the sacrifices made by church members, some of whom have very little for survival. Instead of the church working against oppression, we have become oppressors ourselves.

Some of the demands that we make to our followers are suppressive. Let us learn from Christ who gave freedom to his followers.

Christ became poor so that we could become rich. We as leaders need to become liberated. The oppressor is not a free person. We need to be liberated to liberate others.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Comments (2)Add Comment

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written by brett tollman, August 21, 2011
I know that is very true what you just wrote but I think its too late now coz our masses are already captives.they are under some kind of spell that only God himself can solve. Zcc Mbugo just to name one. Its members are suffering across the country but the bishop and his wives are sitting pretty.

written by saBhuku, August 22, 2011
Dr Rev If Christ refused to be elevated to God,how then do you call him God and how do you know that he was God. Please tell us where you find this. From the verse you have just quoted, it sounds to me that Christ was a messenger sent by God to do God's work and he confirms this in some other verse that what ever he did the power what not his, but God's. Pafunge.

Bernard Chitapike
Rev Dr, I'm happy that u are seeing the same thing I'm seeing. Churches are now business. I saw letter in standard today. May God bless u.

Thanks Rev Dr. Keep on speaking the truth like our hero Paul who went before us, who was a Real soldier of Jesus Christ. Becoz of the love of riches, pastors have failed to lead followers to the promised land.

Chris Mabuto
Old man how are you? I read yo letter in the standard today and was impressed. I only wish u could say it on all radio and tv stations for the benefit of all!

Best Oranges, once the pride of Zimbabwe

The Standard, Sunday 14 August 2011

For a couple of years now I have not tasted a really sweet orange. I have passed through Chegutu on my way to and from Bulawayo on several occasions and have bought tasteless oranges. Those which have a taste are sour and I have not been impressed. I am sure this is the experience of many a traveller. The same has been my experience as I ply the Mazoe-Bindura road. What has become of the pride of Zimbabwe? Yet our relatives in Diaspora always ask those who visit them to bring them Mazoe drink without fail.

At one time I actually asked a vendor to let me peel one before buying a packet. Those who were travelling with me could not continue eating the oranges but throw them away. I feel pity for those who spend day in day out selling these fruits which are no longer oranges. The unsuspecting travellers buy these oranges, only to throw them away on their journey. One may ask: is this how oranges now taste like?

No! A big no! I had a present surprise this time around last week when I travelled to Swereki, 690 km from Harare. Matabeleland South is home to this beautiful but dry land. Just before Swereki, there are estates which produce the best oranges I have ever eaten. I lost count of the oranges I consumed. The following day I had a brief number of “pleasant” stomach shakeup because of the nice tasty oranges I had enjoyed.

Upon asking who was doing this miracle, I was told that most of the guys who left the erstwhile famous Mazoe Orange Estates had migrated to this place. We passed through a highly mechanised plant that was producing juice, which was being exported to Harare to make orange juice. On noticing that we were priests on a mission, workers at the plant showered us with oranges and wished us pleasant and safe journey enjoying real oranges, the pride of Zimbabwe a couple of years ago.

A couple of lessons from this experience are worth pondering upon. It is one thing owning a farm and putting it to best use is another. Orange trees still adorn the many farms along the two highways I have mentioned above but the crops being grown there hardly meet the acceptable standards.

My best advice to the new farm owners is to try other crops other than oranges.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Farm workers, the wretched of our lot

The Standard, 31 July 2011

My work as a pastor takes me to different parts of the country, marrying, burying and attending to several church meetings. I use these visits to talk to all and sundry who are prepared to share with me. Let me share with you on my latest findings on the farming communities. The lot of those who live and work on farms have become the wretched of our country.

One would hope some of the stories one hears are not true. We recently gave a lift to a woman who was carrying a heavy bag. As I shared with her, she went on to tell my wife and I that on the farm they stay they had not been paid for the last three months. We then asked her why she was then carrying a heavy sack full of groceries. She told us that with her husband they did piece-work on an adjacent farm where they were paid some money to survive on.

A short distance along the way we picked up a pregnant woman carrying a baby. As if what we had been told was not enough, she went on to repeat the same story, that her husband had not been paid for the last three months too.

When we asked the reason, they all said the owner just said, “zvinhu zvakaoma”, (things are difficult). But they went on to say the owner of the farm went to South Africa recently and bought himself a new car.

They have been brought up on farms and they agreed that during the olden days they did not get much but at least they were paid their dues on time. The saddest thing is that when they are finally given money the owner does not pay them for the past unpaid months. This has happened on several occasions. Those who complain are fired.
As we continued with the journey we passed through another farm and our two friends had nothing but praises for the owner of this farm. He paid his workers regularly and they agreed that he was a very kind man. They lamented that he was only one among so many in that area.

When we asked them why people continued to stay on farms yet they were not paid, they responded by saying two things. One, they looked for work elsewhere to make ends meet. The second reason was that they just wanted accommodation and a number would just resort to stealing from the farmer. “Because they do not pay us those who are not afraid among us just steal from the farmer and they survive that way,” responded one woman.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

COMMENT
GIVE THE GOOD PASTOR HIS DUE
REGARDLESS of the fact that I am a lamb that is shepherded by the good Dr Rev Levee Kadenge I feel it is time you gave him an article slot in your paper.

I did not study journalism and neither did he (I think) but from a social perspective I enjoy his flexibility and wide range of subjects, which is not dampened by the fact that he is a man of the cloth.

By Impressed

Africa, home of authentic religion

The standard, Sunday, 24 July 2011

It seems as if everyone is going to church these days. Driving along Harare streets early in the morning on every worship day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) many sisters and brothers are going to churches of different persuasions in many parts of the city. Worship places vary from the most posh to bare ground where, in spite of the cold weather, the numbers do not seem to diminish. This is also the case when it is very hot in summer.

Indeed the centre of Christianity has shifted. It started in the Middle East and then shifted to the West. Now it has found home in the so-called Third World. The people in these parts of the world seem to have accepted Christianity hook, line and sinker. One hopes good will come out of the Christian experience that is sweeping across the continent of Africa and other lands of similar disposition.

But looking across these lands it seems little of good is coming out of the faith that has been accepted in our lands.

The West has moved on. Some in the West would even claim that they now live in a post-Christian era. Individualism has taken over to the extent that the Christian teaching of communality is frowned upon. Religion has become a private/individual affair. The fear is: if the new centre of Christianity just copies the faith they get from yonder lands, we stand the chance of following suit. We will soon drift into individualism and forfeit the opportunity to spread true Christianity, even back to the lands it came from.

Coming to the point I want to share today, Africa has been the place of authentic religion. The primary religion of Africa, which academics want to call African Traditional Religion, has never faltered on its veneration of the creator, God, who is given different names in different communities across the continent. When Christianity came it was like a homecoming.

Yes, there were problems here and there but Africans did not find the teachings of Christianity strange. What was strange was the people who brought the faith, their actions and not the faith itself. After all, Christ was here before missionaries came over. It was indeed Christ who brought missionaries to Africa and other places, not the other way round.

The challenge for Africa is to dig into authentic Christianity which Christ lived while he was in Africa. This is where ubuntu comes in. Christ lived true ubuntu and demonstrated that everyone mattered. Anyone created in the image of God is your relative.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Organ on healing, a waste of time

The Standard, Sunday, 17 July 2011

I am not surprised that the Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration (ONHRI) has not yet come up with a healing formula. Our first meeting organised by the Heads of Christian Denominations (HOCD) held in Kariba about two years ago where the three ministers from the parties in the GNU were supposed to attend just proved that there was no serious commitment on their part by their absence. This however should not let us be discouraged for a lot of work is going on the ground.

Churches at local levels have tried their best to help people to accept the reality of situations they are in. There are so many encouraging stories around the country if only enough space would be given to hear the successful healing sessions that have been carried out. This is a plus on what Zimbabweans can do. The ONHRI is actually a stumbling block. If something is stopping progress then it should be by-passed and life should go on. It however could have been better if the Organ was in the middle of things.

Because life has to go on communities have come up with survival kits across the country. Some of the ideas have been just spontaneous. Some of the perpetrators of violence have actually owned up, confessed and both the traditional route and the faith based systems of making amends have been applied with great success. I only wish if the Organ would organise meetings to hear what people have already done and are doing.

There is also the vital role which some NGOs specialising in these issues have accomplished without the sanction of the Organ. Waiting for the Organ would have been futile. Common sense just demands that as life has to go on neighbours have to make do with local solutions to help people live in a normal way.

One very interesting story is that of the man who had the propensity of grabbing neighbours’ livestock, like chickens, confessing to a church bishop that he was being tormented by a cock crowing in his stomach. The man confessed that he had done all sorts of things to the community and was very sorry. He was worried that no one was prepared to listen to him.

The bishop advised the guy to pay back. A few weeks later the man phoned the bishop to say the cock had stopped crowing because he had paid back what he had taken from his neighbours.

Is it not as simple as ABC? Waiting for the Organ to do what we can for ourselves is a shear waste of time. Communities can only be encouraged to live harmoniously by using local solutions to local problems.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Send children home for safe-keeping

The Standard, Sunday, 10 July 2011
Send children home for safe-keeping

THE tragic death of Yemurai Kanyangarara in South London (UK) recently is beyond human comprehension. How can a helpless young boy of 16 be stabbed to death at a bus stop? What is becoming of this world? Where is it safe to live now? All these questions and more have left me dumb and shocked.

When Jesus Christ was born over two centuries ago King Herod wanted him killed. God visited Joseph and Mary in a dream and instructed them to take the child to Africa for safe keeping. Jesus came to Africa with his parents and stayed amongst us for quite some time and only returned to Nazareth after the death of Herod.

Recently I have been consorting with a number of grand-parents who are looking after grandchildren whose parents are all over the world. One thing has become very clear; children are no longer safe in most parts of the world. Some of the parents overseas are seeing it fit to send their children back home for safe keeping. Although this is not the best way of bringing up children at least it is safer here to some extent.

The next question is, is Africa even safe for children? I have just been reading horrendous stories about young children indulging in all sorts of drugs and other so-called modern behaviours which are mostly copied from these parts of the world where it is not safe to bring up children. This means we are catching up fast with the trends elsewhere. There must be a way of reclaiming our moral values and traditional ways of raising our children.

Some youngsters I spoke to told me that the only way this nostalgic experience can come back is for us the older generation to live by example. The way things are happening especially in this country where the adults seem inclined to get what we want by force will not auger well for our children. They are watching and saying; so this is the way one can get what one wants? Beat-up who ever has it and grab whatever you want. Is this what we want? Where will those in yonder places run to when they are being killed in daylight like the Kanyangarara tragedy?

There is still opportunity for us in Africa to reclaim the old glory which was even recognized by God himself to the extent that he instructed that his Son be hosted by Africans. Yes we have dangerous places in Africa but these have come as a result of past unfair experiences which we have to deal with.

Leaders in Africa must lead by example so that our rightful place as God-fearful people is guaranteed.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Zim can transcend present difficulties

The Standard, Sunday, 3 July 2011

Reading in between lines it seems someone is spoiling for a fight. How can it be that the nation is held to ransom by one or a few people who may not even be at the highest level of our politics? Spin doctors are known all over the world to be just that. They make a lie to be no lie, and vice versa.

No professional people, be they armed forces or police will act just because someone who is known to be a spinner has talked. It would be unwise to be hoodwinked into destroying a nation that is busy working for a new constitution and then conducting free and fair elections in a peaceful manner.

Zimbabweans as we know them will always keep their heads cool. They are not swayed by the machinations of those who just want to be known that they are there. These only want to be seen to be working more than others. They even cause schism among their own. As Zimbabweans, let us appeal to the powers that be that a moratorium be declared for a while. Is it possible to bring all journalists together and sort out their differences on their own? Give us a break.

Judging by the reporting and the cases that are reported in news papers and the denial from those who are accused, this only shows that there is something basically wrong with our journalism at this crucial stage of our history.

This letter is not to sound any alarm but just to confirm the levelheadedness of people called Zimbabweans. We are reading and we are informed in one way or another but we will not give up. We know we have a bright future. What is taking place today is maybe, a preparation of greater things to come. Those of us who come from the faith community believe that everything works for good. We are convinced that even the bad things that happen to someone are lessons of life. Mistakes do not mean the end of the world. Corrections have made us who we are.

We have come through worse situations like Gukurahundi and 2008 debacle. Can those who want to see chaos in this nation be reminded that that is not what the world expects of us. The world is waiting for a peaceful transition from GNU so that other nations may learn. We can do it.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Muzorewa played critical midwife role to Zimbabwe

The Standard, Sunday 26 June 2011.

At 31 Zimbabwe has had a chequered history full of excitement. The late Bishop Abel Muzorewa was the first black Prime Minister who acted as the midwife for Zimbabwe. He played a very vital role by leading a government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia against attendant difficulties of trying to forge a united nation. The double-barrelled name was just for convenience because the former ruling party of Smith could not accept change so fast.

For some of us GNU is another convenient arrangement which should not be taken lightly. We still have antagonistic camps that only came together to usher in the change that people wanted. It has been an insurmountable task, but not in vain. Who thought the two main parties would sit together and govern this beautiful land? It is indeed a daunting task.

On January 29 2003 I wrote a letter to The Herald which was published under the title, Round table talks are the answer. Excerpts of the letter went like this; “This is a letter of appeal to both, His Excellency, president Robert Gabriel Mugabe and MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai to come together as Zimbabweans and find a solution out of this quagmire. As I see it, round table talks are part of the answer or you force the people to determine their future.

“We are where we are because of the mistakes we have all made. The solution can only come when we have put our heads together and take stoke of our situation openly. Now we need men and women who are prepared to climb down from our known positions just to save the situation.

“Let us not fool ourselves by saying the old message that we will maintain our positions of not wanting to talk with the ruling party or the opposition party. These two parties and other stakeholders should be involved in seeking a lasting solution to the problem bedevilling this wonderful nation.

“The nation is suffering and the people are looking to you as leaders to help them out of this mess. Instead what we hear are entrenched positions that are so repugnant and intolerant. That is not good for the people you purport to lead. Both the two leaders can be worth hero status if only they can bury their differences and unite for a purpose.”

Little did I know that five years down the line, in 2008, they would finally take heed and come together and form GNU. Tough though it may be to accept, this is the result of Muzorewa's midwife role to Zimbabwe.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Rev Kadenge spot on; jobs, not handouts

The Standard, Sunday 19, 2011

I thank Rev Dr Levee Kadenge for a well thought out and honest contribution in The Standard of last week. Strive Masiyiwa is, indeed a man of immense business acumen.

The market dominance of Econet should be an inspiration to all young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. No man in our beloved country or abroad, can point a finger at Strive Masiyiwa and accuse him of looting or forcibly acquiring his vast wealth. Econet, as Rev Kadenge pointed out, has and continues to provide hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans with some sort of income in our harsh, dog-eat-dog, economic environment.

As Zimbabweans, let us for one moment imagine the country without Econet Wireless. Masiyiwa has clearly shown the heights to which Zimbabweans can reach through hard work and disciplined foresight.

We are educated, well-mannered, hardworking and peaceful people. A good deed breeds a good deed while evil deed breeds even worse evil. No man or woman in the world should expect praise for ill-gotten wealth. Men who have achieved success through their own intelligence have built vast business empires, sometimes even surpassing their own wildest dreams.

Let us follow good examples and strive to grow our country through honest, hardworking and sinless ways. Do not take what is not yours for this would be stealing. We must realise that our country needs an overhaul and we must do it together, regardless of sex, age, colour or political party preference. We are all Zimbabweans!

President Robert Mugabe and PM Morgan Tsvangirai must realise that Zimbabweans are fed up with their politics and want them to do something to help the millions of people attain better living standards.

Our children are unemployed and people are dying. Our police force is terribly corrupt and the Chinese are milking our motherland Zimbabwe dry – the list is endless.

We don’t want “hand-outs.” Give us jobs and the economic growth we need to keep our people from migrating to the Diaspora where they are treated like second-class citizens

by Enzo Doul Murambi, Mutare.

ECONET SCHOLARSHIPS DESERVED MENTION
Rev Kadenge’s letter titled “Free hand-outs breed dependency culture” (The Standard June 12) needs response.

While I strongly agree with this notion, I was however disappointed with the author’s choice of examples. The author failed to bring out a sound link between the recipients of farm implements and those who have benefited from Econet’s scholarship programme.

Econet and its founder should in fact be commended because most of the beneficiaries are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have excelled in their fields of study.

The author should have used more convincing examples to bring out his noble view.

by Yugo

Free handouts breed dependency culture

The Standard, Sunday, 12 June 2011 14:01

Who said suffering is not necessary to achieve one’s goals? Most Zimbabweans know how Strive Masiyiwa suffered in order to establish Econet. He was not only vilified but was demonised as if he was doing something to destroy the nation. He was involved in providing a service to the people which has even surpassed its orginal set goals. If Masiyiwa had given up we could not be enjoying the wholesome benefits we do today.

As one travels across the country, they will notice the jobs created by selling airtime cards, which is just amazing. Every corner of the road, every shopping centre, wherever people are, young and old vendors are waiting to sell the much needed airtime. In towns’ every street and in several homes there is someone selling the airtime.

Econet has gone further to offer services to the community that can only come through suffering. Young women and men are on several scholarships and others have crossed continents on such schemes and are movers and shakers wherever they go. We are now proud to associate with such innovations. Indeed we are the richer because someone had to suffer first.

It is equally true that those who got their way easily have folded-up and others will follow suit. They say “easy come easy go.” Zimbabweans should be reminded that whatever you get for nothing is a curse. Who has ever made it in life by getting free handouts?

Many a farmer have been given handouts and a number are crying for more each year that comes by. Those who have worked hard and used the resources they have scratched from their hard earned money have made it in life.

Someone shared with me very sad stories about free handouts. There are so many well-placed people who get most of their farm inputs and even farm machinery for free and some of these are lying idle on farms. Some of the guys sell the inputs and sometimes hire out some implements.

One farmer got a combine harvester and mice and rats have eaten most of the tubing. The harvester was only driven to the farm and that was the end of story.

Zimbabweans have an admirable work ethic that is the envy of most nations. If you want to kill that work ethic then hand out free things.

While the intention of the giver is noble, it is the given who then develop an attitude of “we will be given again”. Indeed we need start-ups but we should pay back so that people become responsible. The more we receive handouts, the bleaker our future.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Ubuntu, something we can share with the world.

The Standard, Sunday, 5 June, 2011

Sovereign nations are known for their independence and interdependence. This is why even our nation has links with Non-Aligned Movement, SADC and AU to mention a few. At one time we were members of the Commonwealth. There are benefits and risks we take to be aligned to any friends. With our “Look East” policy we have gained more friends, some of whom we could have never interacted with as we do now.

Your friends bring all sorts of things including their gods. When the West dominated as our friends one would say their God was part and parcel of the friendship package. Now that we are concentrating on the East, the Dragon is also taking its toll on us. We have a bigger choice as to which to follow. While it is very difficult to separate between the gods of our friends and their goodwill, we in Africa should always exercise the sovereignty we have always prided in as an African race.

Africa has never been without God. Yes, during the missionary error Africa was treated as a dark continent. A godless people. But everyone knows that Africa is the cradle of both humanity and civilisation. Perhaps the picture painted by missionaries was for a purpose. Indeed missionaries did us a lot of good. In the process it was realised that a lot more could have been done to acknowledge the humanity of Africa. Our philosophy of Ubuntu/Hunhu is in sinc with the Godly philosophy when God created human beings. This original gift is what we should share with a world that is fast losing direction. We are right when we say “I am because I belong”. Hence I am my brother’s/sister’s keeper. Humanity is sacred.

If God chose Africa to usher in humanity and to endow us with the first civilisation for other nations to copy, no one should be allowed to temper with that reality. History however has taught us that those who wanted to benefit from us did not stop at anything to dehumanise us. But all is not lost. We have to pick up the pieces and reclaim our position among nations/continents. When we see emptiness in the so-called advanced nations as they show their prowess, Africa should in sober fashion put its foot down and demonstrate that life has meaning after all.

We have a lot to offer to the world at this critical stage of the development of humanity and the world where scandals seem to rock even the highest positions of influence. Within African models, be they knowledge systems, business and religion something with human face should come from them.

At the onset of missionary enterprise the former were at pains as to what name we should give to God. A two day missionary Conference was held in Bulawayo in 1927 where about 60 missionaries from various denominations came together for that purpose. There were less than 10 African church workers including ministers present.

The main subject of debate was whether Africans should be allowed to use God or Mwari/Musikavanhu and Nkulunkulu/UMdali even when they pray in vernacular. After two days of intense debate and many presentations of papers for and against the use of God as the only term to use, the issue was put to vote.

The argument from those who wanted the use of the word God was that anything different would remind the Africans of their heathen gods. A secret vote was taken and God lost. An empty world waits for the cradle of humanity to bring sense to a senseless world.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

‘Zimbabweans die and rise again’

‘Zimbabweans die and rise again’
The Standard, Sunday, 29 May 2011 13:00

Zimbabweans never cease to amaze me. Even when they are in dire straits, their faces glow with laughter. Even those whom you have heard to be cruel to their spouses dawn the Zimbabwean humour. This makes it difficult to come up with something that resembles a true Zimbabwean. Yes, it is a mixed bag with those inside displaying contented faces that hide a lot inside.

This humorous gift that we have should never be taken for granted. There are people across the world who yearn for what God had given us. Many of my foreign friends just wonder how we manage to cope like everything is normal. They have to take a closer look to discover the reality of the Zimbabwean society. We have to present a very brave face to survive in our circumstances. This has worked for us and for that we are not easy pushers.

The expectation from those who come from outside is to see very worried faces all over. They see none and that worries them. We should be a complaining lot. To their surprise, the latter is hard to come by.

Even when we complain we do not show that carnal character that characterises some of our neighbours who would go into the streets and destroy everything simply because something has not been done by authorities.

The above picture does not, however tell the whole story. Once they sit down or you pay a visit to their homes they soon open-up to tell their story. Often a very sad one indeed.

I am also baffled by how we cope in such difficult circumstances. We may have a plot, farm or a field and rains do not come but life goes on. There seems to be nothing to stop the Zimbabwean from being what she/he is, at her/his best.

A friend once commented that, “Zimbabweans die and rise again”. She was amazed by the tenacity of a people who work so hard and sometimes for very little but do not show it in public.

Our roads are pot-holed and sometimes dangerously so but we develop expertise in dodging them. We complain in our cars and perhaps authorities take that for compliance.

Even our politicians who used to call us povo have abandoned that term. They now know we are not push-overs. Perhaps this is why they beat or force us to vote for them. No one should take a Zimbo for granted.

It is not surprising to come across a Zimbabwean doing menial work while they are highly qualified. They will not produce their qualifications lest they are not given the lowly-paid jobs.

Many employers abroad only discover for themselves after a chat at a personal level the humility displayed by some of these highly qualified guys. This is only when they learn that they possess good qualifications.

Can we take this as a sign of weakness or strength? I take it as a point of strength. Humility should be rewarded. For this reason, Zimbabweans will outmatch their colleagues in many a work place across the globe because of that humble tenet that is inherent in many of our folks in the Diaspora.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Call for prayer in times of anxiety

Call for prayer in times of anxiety
The Standard, 22 May, 2011

Every May on 25th Zimbabweans gather together for national day of prayer. We have already seen adverts to that effect and the nation is waiting for the big moment at the City Sports Centre. The three umbrella bodies, the Catholics Bishops’ Conference, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches are inviting all and sundry to pray for the nation. The Intercessors of Zimbabwe have put up an advert to the same effect. We hope they will work together.

Indeed we have much to pray for. There is a lot to thank God for since the last gathering last year. In spite of the hate, anger and uncertainty that comes from the political divide of this nation we have not lost hope as a people who fear God. Such a tumultuous situation like ours is the fertile soil for fervent prayers. Places of worship are full to the brim every worship day. Such is the nature of the people who inhabit this beautiful land called Zimbabwe.

The challenges we face as a nation needed the church to join hands and intercede for the nation. The great leaders of our faith used to do the same. Jesus himself took his disciples aside to pray together. In times of desperation he even went out on his own to seek the face of God. I am certain our church leaders do the same for we see the hand of God leading us even in these uncertain times. When the world was anticipating disaster a few years ago in our nation it was only God’s intervention that calm prevailed.

There is also need to pray for our political leaders not only to think of themselves, their survival in power at the expense of the people. For we know that when elephants fight it is the grass that suffers. The nation is anxious. The call for elections just makes people think of the past. It does not matter whether the elections are this year or in years to come the past experience haunts every Zimbabwean.

There are people thinking of visiting with their relatives abroad during the time of elections, whenever they come. Instead, Zimbabweans should be saying, they will not make any trips during that crucial time. But the violence during elections in the past has left many fearful of what can happen during this period.

Why should we spoil this golden opportunity to redeem ourselves of being so selfish as to think of nothing else but preserving our positions? God forbid!

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Peace is best gift for the Diasporans

Peace is best gift for the Diasporans
The Standard, Sunday, 15 May 2011 14:14

The messages we get about our present and future make little for celebration. This should not stop us as Zimbabweans from continuing to do the good work we are used to wherever we are. Zimbabweans are known all over the world as a resilient people. You travel across the world and you hear of the excellent work our daughters and sons are doing in different professions.

The best gift we can give back to our sons and daughters abroad, is to show that we care for them by living at peace with each other here at home. We can do this by putting our act together. We know they love this country.

This is why, now when you travel, there is always a sizeable number of them coming back to visit with relatives. They do not only bring goodies but also love, which they show by visiting as many of their kith and kin in every part of the country.

The greatest thing they have done is to invite parents and relatives to visit them in the Diaspora. Many mothers and fathers have gone to lands they had never thought of going to. Some of us parents will never forget these experiences. We will go into our graves with stories of our cherished visits abroad.

While all these things are happening outside, it seems here at home daggers are drawn for dominance. Indeed people have to compete for posts etc. But should it be so callous? Those abroad are vilified. Despite the good work they are doing fingers are pointed at them by their hosts for the misdemeanours we engage ourselves in. For them it will be like fire-fighting to try to defend what is indefensible. Using force to gain power is not what one can defend and win.

Let us work hard to make Zimbabweans abroad continue to work in peace. If we have smart elections this year or the next, Zimbabweans will walk tall wherever they will be. What a gift to give to these our representatives, many of whom love this country so much.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Friendship rallies maybe the answer

The Standard, Sunday, 08 May 2011 17:30

It seems we have lots of unfinished business in our nation. Each time issues from the past are raised there is a lot of resistance to deal with them. There is Gukurahundi, Operation Murambatsvina and election violence. These have been landmarks that have left many people bruised in many ways. The way we seem to have dealt with these is to silence people even by using force. This does not work.

Posa has come in handy to control the feelings of people. This approach is even worse because it does not solve anything. Instead the anger of the people is bottled up. We had done well to introduce the Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation. Unfortunately those in charge have also been the subject of harassment.

One of the ministry’s top guys Mzila-Ndlovu was humiliated to the extent of being made to appear in court in leg irons. Treating Father Mkandla in a similar way did not augur well for the nation. Some people have to apologise.

What has gone wrong?

While the idea of the above organ is very noble, it maybe that there is no longer any trust in the whole exercise. Then why did it come about? No one would advise government to disband the organ but to look again at the whole issue from another angle.

The business of healing and reconciliation has to be done by faith-based groups, traditional leaders and those experts who have the know-how. There is nothing wrong with learning from others who have gone through similar processes, like South Africa and others across the globe.

We now seem to be experts of piling-up issues that are very difficult to deal with in the future. Is it not time we learnt to trust those we give tasks so that they are free to exercise their talents and we support them in all their endeavours.

Most of our national events have been turned into partisan platforms where people who think differently are scolded. Funerals have been turned into political rallies.

Would it be out of place or very belated to suggest that we introduce what one would call “friendship rallies”. National galas have been turned into music lover’s pungwes and not many serious people would spend the whole night in such circumstances.

Friendship rallies would be organised by leaders from across the political divide. No political party would be allowed to monopolise them. The leaders of parties would then be invited to come and address these rallies and sell their ideas. This will put to end all the rivalry that has been the order of the day. Our greatest enemy is the antagonistic camps we have created. But we can control them by bringing people together and sharing ideas.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Zimbabweans, let’s not lose hope

Published in The Standard, Sunday, 24 April 2011 13:08

This time of Lent should help instill in us that hope which is unshakeable. Jesus Christ did not avoid going to Jerusalem where he knew he was going to be humiliated and finally killed on the cross. It was going to be an uncomfortable experience but he never looked back. The good thing though about Christ was that he had spent the rest of his life doing good for everyone.

Recently I travelled from Nairobi in the company of two cabinet ministers, one from Zanu PF and the other from MDC-T. Not that we were coming from the same meeting but we just boarded the same plane. They were coming from Ghana and connected their flight to Harare in Nairobi. It was very early in the morning. As we waited at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, I observed that these two guys were so at peace together. They moved around the airport helping each other with their luggage.

I commented to one guy who was waiting for the same plane that if only people knew what was happening. It was like these guys were friends abroad and enemies at home. The discussion ended with us agreeing that when at home they played to the gallery of their supporters. If they were seen to be loving each other then they were said to have sold out. Should it be like this?

Even when we walked to the plane these guys shepherded each other in an amazing way. This is what it should be like at home and away. There is hope for us in Zimbabwe. Christ did not die in vain. Last Sunday Christ entered Jerusalem triumphantly riding on a donkey even though his fate was inevitable. He was king but he humbled himself and won the world. Now he is king of the world.

The majority of the Christian community in Zimbabweshould cling to this hope that all will be well again soon. The talk of elections should not scare us whether they come this year or next year. If we show love to each other, there will be no violence, no beating each other, no forcing people to vote for a particular party.

If you force people to vote for you or your party, you are just as bad as a rapist. Let those who deserve it win, win smartly by showing love. When we have done that we will teach the world a lesson or two. Yes we can do it.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

No forgiveness without restitution

Published in The Standard, Sunday, 10 April 2011 16:30

We have often shared the message that forgiveness is guaranteed. Which means that whatever we do, we will be forgiven. Is this true? The Bible does not support such a position. Jeremiah (14) talks about the Lord refusing to forgive the people because they were not just and promising them drought, famine and sword.

As a people, Zimbabweans stand rebuked for the injustices that have gone on for the last 10 years or so. We have as a nation gone on a spree, disinheriting people, grabbing their lifetime savings, chasing them from their homes and so forth. We have treated this as normal. Isn’t this true?

Those of us who are feeling comfortable feasting and supping at other people’s sweat should feel ashamed. There is no way one can feel really blessed by staying in a house you never contributed to build. A curse hovers around our heads. We have sinned and should seek justice soon.

There is no amount of prayer and pleading for forgiveness which is going to persuade God to forgive us without correcting the mistakes we made. African religion has a strong point on this one. The Shona say kugona ngozi huiripa — meaning one is only freed when they have done a restitution. You have to return what you have grabbed, full stop. Soothing each other by turning to religion for forgiveness will not correct the wrong done.

If one has a credit to settle with a credit shop, one has to settle it. Turning to God so that the credit is settled through forgiveness is fantasy. Give to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar and to the credit shop what belongs to it. Let us not be dismayed when we do not feel satisfied. It is because we have been cruel and greedy.
As a result of our misdemeanours, there is a lot of corruption. We act like we are possessed by a demon that makes other people suffer.

We see this across the political divide. At their rallies they call for the demise of others. Is politics about destroying others or it is about smart competition? Should it be so dirty?

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Hate language consumes its own

First Published in The Standard, Sunday, 03 April 2011 13:58

When I tune in to ZBC radio stations and sometimes to ZTV, I cannot help but hold my breath. Are the authorities running these stations aware that the language being used is often derogatory and abusive? Has our nation sunk so low as to imitate the communists of old?

One communist leader Anatole Lunarcharsky coined this slogan at the height of communism: “We need hate; only then will we win the world.”

Radio Leningrad was then quoted bombarding verbal insults: “The Gospel and the Christian legends must be fought without sympathy and with all possible means,” declared the announcer.

Is this the route we desire to take when dealing with people who do not think like us or support our party?

I used to chide those who say history repeats itself. Now I am convinced that some of us only learn after the event. Lots of preparation should go into programmes that are aired on broadcasting services. It is dehumanising to listen to these so-called trained broadcasters scolding everyone else except themselves and their masters.

One may argue and say the time has come for such jibes. And so what! If hate language does the job then there is no need to beat people before and during elections.

There was a time when certain abusive language was not permissible on public radio stations but not anymore. Zimbabweans are known all over the world as the most charming people, but not at home. We have inherited and received one of the best education in Africa and we seem to be busy destroying it all.

Hate language is more dangerous to the one who uses it. One may think they are doing well by freely saying unprintable words (which in this country are now printable) yet those who listen to you can clearly see through all that. Those who are responsible for this degrading situation on our erstwhile good stations should know that everybody is watching, including those who support them. Soon they will be saying, “We also did not like it, what could we have done.”

Bad language and hate language devour their perpetrators. You reap what you plant and plant what you reap. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword, so goes the old adage.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Zimbabweans are not so gullible

Published in The Standard 27 March 2011

Zimbabweans are a religious lot. The varieties of religious practices vary between traditionalists and other religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindi, and Baha’i Faith. There may be other faiths in between. Times of desperation often bring out what people are made of. For me, our religiosity has been our anchor. Our faith makes us who we are.

According to proved records, the majority people claim to be Christians in this country. That as it may, many have learned practices that prove that religions often are comfortable with each other when they are faced with one common enemy. The leadership in this country has become so proud that they think they will be there forever. One hopes the GNU does not think that it will be there forever.

The majority of the religions above have a strong belief that there is someone who is stronger than our leaders. This person has a final say. This is what our dear leaders do not realise. The good thing, though, is that the majority of the people they lead are far ahead. Forcing them or not to go to rallies is not what worries the majority. They are worried about being taken for granted.

No one owns anybody. No party, no leader, be he/she a church leader or not should claim to have people of their own. These are God’s children who may at one point show allegiance to you. These are the ones who matter and not you as a leader. Indeed a culture of forcing people to do what leaders want has emerged but let them be warned. Zimbabweans are not that gullible.

Zimbabweans have suffered for a very long time. As a result of this suffering several thousands if not a couple of millions have like the biblical Israelites traversed the length and breadth of this world. A big chunk of them have taken citizenship abroad. They did this because they were looking for fresh beginnings. A number had established jobs here but could not stand abuse at the hands of the powers that be.

Nothing is going to stop people from gaining their ultimate freedom. Freedom from hunger, being forced to attend rallies, being forced to surrender all in the name of religion and so forth.

Do not force people to demand God to act. This Lent period until Easter is special to many in this country and a lot are praying for this nation.

The Old Testament says that everything has its own time. The greatest travesty is to take people for granted. The Master has the final authority and we can smell it all over.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Let us celebrate the restraint of Zimbabwean population

Published in The Standard 20 March 2011

We live in a world that celebrates disorder, violence and confusion. When there is peace, that is not news.

When you are outside Zimbabwe and you hear nothing, that is good news. No news means good news. This seems to be our reality today for the attention of the world is focused on trouble spots and not on the good that is happening around the globe.

Between March 2008 elections and June 27 2008 run-off elections that pitted Mugabe against Tsvangirai, I was invited to a two-day meeting in Tanzania organised by African sharp minds across the continent on the Zimbabwean situation.

The first day deliberations were concentrated on what Zimbabweans were not doing. I was so frustrated that I decided not to make any contribution.

“Zimbabweans must help us to help them,” was the battle cry. “Kenyans did it and the whole world came and helped them to establish a unity government.”

This was in reference to Kenyans butchering each other in 2007 which led to Kofi Annan being dispatched by the UN to broker peace in that land. More than 2 000 Kenyans lost their lives in a bloody ethnic strife.

The following night I agonised about what to say in the morning. After much soul-searching I prayed that I would be the first to contribute.

My contribution went like this: “Sisters and brothers, we are making the same mistake the world is enticing us to make.

The world over is fast-moving towards rewarding disorder, giving accolades to perverts and celebrating that which destroys life. Africa must not succumb to that. Why can’t we learn and celebrate what Zimbabweans have done?”

“Under much provocation when election results were not announced for over a month, everyone expected Zimbabweans to run amok and kill each other in their thousands. Reason prevailed and such is what we should write home about, ‘celebrating Zimbabweans’ restraint’.”

The tone of the meeting changed from then onwards. I could hear random comments about celebrating Zimbabweans’ restraint at the venue of the conference.

In spite of what is happening north of Africa, Zimbabweans should remain resolute. There is no need to follow other examples. We have our own way.

Remember when the Israelites wanted to be like other nations; God gave in and gave them Saul for a King. Saul made the children of Israel see hell and fire. As Zimbabweans, do we have to be like other nations?

In such times like the present when those who do not want to see the peoples’ wishes carried through and wait for battle, the Zimbabwean majority should restrain themselves and teach the world that peace can come through peaceful means.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Dictators don't know when it's time up

Published in The Standard, 13 March 2011 13:49

With the billions of dollars stashed away in foreign accounts by the erstwhile dictators in the north, one wonders what the situation is like south of the Sahara.
Recently we have heard reports in the local media that one Zimbabwean cabinet minister has properties in every municipality and is amassing more.

When dictators are in power their fortunes seem to be a private affair but as soon as they are out of power it becomes public knowledge. Is this the reason why dictators do not want to relinquish power? It also seems they do not believe that they are dictators until the very day they are forced to run away. It would not be surprising that some of them could even face their deathbeds believing they were right.

Such is the nature of dictatorships. They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Who then can teach our dear leaders when it is enough? Muammar Gaddafi has been in power for over 40 years and he still thinks he has the mandate to rule Libya. Hosni Mubarak was in power for 30 years and wanted to add a few more months until September 2011 to vacate office.

The problem may not lie squarely with dictators. We who are ruled by these autocratic regimes do not aspire to be rulers one day.

Who said only one person is destined to lead? Even those people in the same party should try to bring sense to a dear leader that leadership must change hands. The eventual dictator begins in his/her own party and is allowed to get away with it.

Is it then that dictators are not born but we allow them to flourish? When all is said and done we are all to blame because we tend to tolerate dictatorial tendencies and before we know it, this cancer destroys the freedoms of all in the nation.

Those who benefit are also under dictatorship because they do not have a say in how things are run.

These are the people who would soon say, “What could we have done? We also did not want the system but it was so overwhelming.”

Hangers-on just as guilty as dictators they prop

Hangers-on are the most dangerous because they survive by exaggerating their support for the dictator.

They do so because they want to be seen to be more loyal than everyone else.
The result is that the dictators would never learn their mistakes because of the overzealous support they get from those who were erstwhile-enemies-turnedfriends.

Who then should tell dictators that enough is enough? Should they only be ousted by people power? Surely something has to be done for we all learn from our mistakes.

There should be men and women on the side of a dictator who should dare take the bull by the horns. History has it that those who dared make that mistake got the wrath of it. But they have been remembered even in their graves.

In our land we have the likes of Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, Chaminuka and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo etc who dared challenge the status quo. Some were killed but others survived and to this day they are fondly remembered for declaring that enough was enough. If dictators do not know when it is time up let us tell them. The question is: who will bell the cat?

—Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Spot fines benefiting police force

Published in The Standard 6 March 2011

The recent survey by Mass Public Opinion Institute (Mpoi) on the corruption in the police force has to be attended to without delay. You only have to be a driver to come face to face with the stinking corruption in the police today.

What baffles me most is the pretence of holding those receipt books as if they would be writing down information on charging the offender. In fact what would be happening is a serious negotiation for the alleged offender to pay less to individual officer.

When I was faced with the choice of paying half the fine and not get the receipt, I opted for the payment of the full amount and the officer just could not believe my generosity.

She was even prepared to lower the amount I would to pay as long as it was not going into the state coffers. This is how low our police force has sunk.

Most of the road blocks mounted are money-making ventures for the police force. One wonders whether this is actually the “training” the modern police force is going through.

They almost do the same in terms of how they swindle money from the public.

What is more disturbing is that in some instances, there would be senior officers manning these road blocks watching, as if in approval the corruption going on. No wonder people are saying it is official. But should the ministry responsible just watch as this practice continues unabated?

Is it the work of the police to swindle the offenders? What happened to being charged and going to pay at the police station? The spot fines are only benefiting the corrupt police force. No wonder those yellow sleeves police put on are now called “money-links”.

A couple of months ago one officer looked for a defect on my car and asked me to pay for it. I had very little money on me and for me to be allowed to proceed with my journey the officer asked me to give him that whole amount. Up to now I feel bad even though the money was very little. Are there still police with conscience in our beautiful country or corruption has taken the upper hand?

By Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

RESPONSE FROM ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
ZRP not corrupt: Bvudzijena

The Standard, Monday, 20 March 2011 09:47
The characterisation made by Rev Levee Kadenge about the Zimbabwe Republic Police in his letter to the Editor titled “Spot fines benefitting police force” is very surprising and disturbing, particularly as it comes from somebody we believe is an opinion leader judging from his title of Reverend.

We applaud him for refusing to pay a bribe in the first part of his narrative but would like to indicate that he is an accused person for paying a bribe “a couple of months ago” with the “little money” that he had, as admitted in the last part of his letter.

We do not expect such behaviour from a man of the cloth and I hope he would not like us to address all reverends as corrupt.

The ZRP has been very clear and is on public record that it will deal sternly with members of the organisation who commit crimes, including that of bribery. Some have been discharged from the organisation for accepting bribes.

Such members have been dismissed because somebody somewhere took a stand and the ZRP appropriately responded.

Such members of the public have assisted in ensuring that the organisation cleanses itself instead of glorifying the demise of a national institution such as the ZRP. I hope Rev Kadenge will take a cue from this.

It did not and does not need the Mass Public Opinion Institute for us to respond to issues of corruption. Since the launch of our Service Charter in 1995, and the ZRP being the first organisation to do so, we have pleaded for co-operation with and assistance from members of the public to ensure that we deliver a satisfactory service.

We still stand by the pledge we made and those who wish to help, hopefully, will do so.

Let me also hasten to disabuse Rev Kadenge of the notion that the ZRP is corrupt. The ZRP is not corrupt and about 99% of the force are honest and hardworking civil servants.

W Bvudzijena (Senior Assistant Commissioner)
Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations)

RESPONSE FROM SMS FEEDBACK THOURGH THE STANDARD

March 27
Why does Bvudzijena deny what is obvious?
I write to comment on police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena's response to Reverend Levee Kadenge's letter. Bvudzijena must be from outer space. It's common knowledge that the ZRP is corrupt and rotten through and through. The drivel about 99% of the force being honest is laughable. Can he tell us what the ZRP has done to the ZANU PF thugs who he admitted were equally responsible for the recent poliyical disturbances in Harare? Nothing. It's a shame to be so partisan. by Concerned

March 27
HA ha ha! - ZRP not corrupt? Who does Bvudzijena think he is fooling? - I suppose the ZRP are not that either, going by his stetement. He is wasting his breath and newspaper space. by Justice.

RESPONSE FROM AN ORDINARY READER
Bvudzijena hiding behind a finger on ZRP corruption.
Sunday, 03 April 2011 13:57

When I first read the initial letter from Rev Levee Kadenge, I was pleasantly surprised that finally something was being said in the open about this current scourge of corruption within the ZRP.

However on reading police spokesman Ass Com Wayne Bvudzijena’s response (if one can call it that) in The Standard of March 20, I was left speechless and emotions of anger came over me. Bvudzijena made a total mockery of the serious issue that was raised.

He cannot respond with such blatant impunity and seriously expect to get away with his nonsensical response to an issue that, for a very long time, has overwhelmed the ZRP.
Every Zimbabwean who drives knows fully well the experiences we all go though when stopped at police road blocks. How dare Bvudzijena remark that Rev Kadenge is an “accused person”. If this be the case, then we all are.

I cannot believe that he doesn’t know that when stop-ped at a police road block, the officers in attendance circle around your vehicle like a pack of lions about to pounce on its prey, looking for any excuse to issue a ticket in order to extract a bribe.

Bvudzijena should be asha-med of himself for addressing the nation in such a condescending tone — does he take us all for fools? He needs to take a good look at himself and seriously consider the issues raised in Rev Kadenge’s letter instead of being arrogant and clever for nothing.

Bvudzijena should think before spewing out his asinine drivel to cover up what everyone knows. I think he got the percentage numbers mixed up in his final remark that 99% of the force aren’t corrupt becase they are, and he knows it


“Not fooled”
Quibusd antiunt, Ferrente

Dictators: What goes up must come down

Published in The Standard 27 February 2011

Libya is next in line of “People Power” that is spreading like wildfire across North Africa and the Middle East. No one is going to stop it. Muammar Gaddafi and his son might kill as many Libyans as they can but sooner or later oppression will be defeated.

No amount of force will conquer the wishes of the masses. The conquests of dictators are only temporary. Those enjoying the benefits of dictators should count their days from now on. The rot is coming to an end soon. The people created in God’s image are sick and tired of being oppressed.

God/Allah is liberating his people. The time of reckoning is nigh. Dictators have had their time. The last century has seen its share of dictators and it seems the 21st century is kissing good-bye to dictatorial regimes.

This is the time to shape up or be pushed out. How can these autocratic regimes claim legitimacy when they allow only their voices to be heard both on national television and in public media? Those outlets belong to the people and not to sitting governments. The abuse being inflicted on these vehicles of information will backfire.

What dictators do not realise is that the more they abuse these facilities, the more people see through them.

The misinformation peddled by dictators about religious groups they do not like is being exposed. It is becoming clear now that what we were told about the Muslim Brotherhood was not the whole truth.

This is also true of dictators in non-Muslim countries. Those who still listen to local news broadcasts are bombarded with information against mainline churches while favouring indigenous sects. The reason being that the dictators exploit gullible organisations for their own benefit.

Some dictators even create their own churches to counter the established ones which are dedicated to fighting oppressive regimes.

Traditional leaders are next in line of those who are abused by dictators. Gaddafi appeared on television surrounded by traditional leaders chanting slogans in his support. This is very revealing. And it happens wherever there are dictatorships. The question is why don’t we ever learn?

Youths also constitute an important support base for dictators. They train them to fight their own parents.

The Shona have a saying which goes like; Chinobhururuka chinomhara, which when translated means; what goes up must come down.

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

Dictators must take heed. Pride comes before a fall.

Published in The Standard 20 February 2011

The events of the last few weeks across North Africa in particular have made many revelations to the oppressed of this world. As is often the case dictators never learn. They dig in when they are supposed to dig out and call it quits. The major reason for their long stay is complex in that they have supporters whose only hope is the dictators themselves. The supporters in most cases believe their own lie. Most of them convince themselves that the dictator is doing the good thing. It is no wonder the support is so zealous because the dictator is their lifeline.

The ouster of the Tunisian strong man, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the subsequent humiliating fall of Hosni Mubarak, dubbed the last Pharaoh of Egypt, demonstrate that people power has come to stay. In the olden days Harold Macmillan talked of the ‘winds of change’ cutting across Africa which heralded the ushering in of independence across the continent. Today ‘People Power’ will change the face of politics not only across the Arabic world but among the oppressed of the world.

Dictators are smart in that they create a patronage system that oils itself. Guys who do not deserve positions are put there to be used for the dirty jobs of the dictators. In return there are heavy rewards and status quo is guaranteed. Just try to analyse any dictator and you will find that the above is true. The patronage system works in that those who benefit will fight to remain in the gravy train. They in turn see the oppressed as spoilers and even wish them eliminated.

Dictators claim to be true liberators of the people. Initially the so called liberated people actually believe the dictator. It is only when the dictator’s true colours begin to show that the masses are confused. They are told that what is being done to them is in their interest even when their livelihoods are being destroyed. The dictator will kill his people in the name of suppressing revolt and bringing peace in the nation.

Dictators forge alliances in which their former opponents are swallowed and then forced to celebrate unity. It is only after a while that those forced into alliances begin to see the light. But a lot of ground may well have been lost. A few from the other side are heavily rewarded and turn against their own for the sake of continued supping with the dictator.

Dictators surround themselves with the most elaborate security system. They know they are enemies of the people, hence they go all the way to protect themselves as if they will never die. Because of the false security they have, they can say anything to those oppressed and to the world at large which does not support the dictator. They often use the language ‘never, never, never’ and actually believe it.

Dictators rule for too long. Ten years should be enough but they will make all sorts of adjustments and create loopholes to permit themselves to stay in power. Ruling for 30 years as Mubarak did borders on criminality. The smart ones will always use so called legal channels and means to stay put. Even when they are beaten at polls they refuse to hand over power. They take all the leadership roles. One would be the president and first secretary of the party and so on. This is done to ensure longevity in power. This plus elaborate suppression units of their almost illiterate security system gives confidence to the oppressor. Hence no dictator has an exit plan, at least that which people know of.

Dictators do not give a chance to those perceived as enemies to air their views. The airwaves and the mainline media is monopolised by the dictator’s machinery. What the dictator does not realise is that soon the oppressed will know the truth. I have often heard the so-called unschooled analysing the news they hear across the world in such comments as “these are blue lies.” When asked how they knew, the answer was quite simple, “we know the truth.” The spin doctors want us to believe that what happened to other dictators would never happen to their dear leader. “Our situation is different,” they say confidently.

Lastly dictators know each other across the world. Actually they have a propensity for identifying each other. They invite each other to their respective countries and are show-cased on national televisions in jovial moods like all is well. You can tell that your leader is a dictator by the number of other dictators he/she invites to your country or the visits made to fellow dictators. What baffles me is that even if they see their dictator friends finally falling those remaining never learn. They go on like all is well yet the writing is clear on the wall. Of course they will be busy scheming as to what more oppressive strategies they will come up with so that they remain in power. Such is the futility of their imagination. The end game is nigh.

The Shona have a saying that goes like; Kana kangoma koririsa kave kuda kuparuka, which when loosely translated means; Pride comes before fall.

Let those who have ears hear. God bless.

Rev. Dr. Levee Kadenge
Harare