INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION TODAY (ITRT)

2011-11-06T18:58:00.000+02:00

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

2011-10-30T19:33:00.004+02:00

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

2011-10-30T04:50:00.002+02:00

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.

2011-10-15T07:37:00.006+02:00

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

2011-09-28T05:09:00.002+02:00

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

2011-09-19T22:04:00.005+02:00

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

2011-09-04T19:49:00.002+02:00

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

2011-08-30T18:56:00.010+02:00

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

2011-08-29T20:37:00.005+02:00

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

2011-08-22T20:35:00.009+02:00

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

...
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!

2011-08-15T20:57:00.003+02:00

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

2011-08-01T14:22:00.007+02:00

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

2011-07-24T18:56:00.009+02:00

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

2011-07-18T18:18:00.006+02:00

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

2011-07-10T16:36:00.003+02:00

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

2011-07-03T19:33:00.005+02:00

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

2011-06-26T18:32:00.003+02:00

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

2011-06-19T21:10:00.010+02:00

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

2011-06-12T21:07:00.004+02:00

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.

2011-06-05T20:24:00.006+02:00

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’

2011-05-29T18:39:00.004+02:00

‘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

2011-05-24T19:01:00.002+02:00

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

2011-05-15T18:42:00.003+02:00

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

2011-05-09T18:10:00.005+02:00

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

2011-04-19T05:20:00.003+02:00

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

2011-04-10T18:41:00.004+02:00

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

2011-04-03T20:27:00.002+02:00

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

2011-03-29T06:56:00.004+02:00

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

2011-03-21T19:49:00.003+02:00

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

2011-03-15T05:21:00.003+02:00

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

2011-03-06T17:48:00.008+02:00

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

2011-02-27T05:25:00.005+02:00

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.

2011-02-23T20:56:00.009+02:00

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

Pilgrimage

2010-10-08T13:01:00.002+02:00

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge’s Pilgrimage to Australia: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8 vs 28.

Background
1.1 Towards the end of 2005, together with other concerned pastors we formed the Christian alliance as a radical response to what we considered a volatile fluid and repressive political environment. This was soon after the destruction of homes and trading stalls which had been built without local bylaws’ compliance and yet affected upwards of 700 000 people. The crisis was such that the UN had to send in a special envoy to assess the situation.

It was our conviction that the formal ecumenical organisations representing the Mainline and Pentecostal denominations (Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Catholic Bishops Conference and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe respectively) were compromised and not responsive enough to the demands of the situation in confronting the national authorities. The government response to our organisation was more than we had bargained for.

Jim and Jan Rumery visited me within this background, at a moment in time when I was under surveillance as an undesirable and “rebellious” element. I was then bishop of Harare West District of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Any visit by unfamiliar faces, especially whites was sufficient to arouse suspicion to the authorities. When they phoned on 22 August 2006 while on their way to the airport they asked if they could visit me because they had enough time before their plane took off. We arranged to meet at my home at their own risk I told them. They did come and friendship emerged instantly.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8 vs 28)

1.2 Four years down the line, Jim and Jan, then members of the Illawara Uniting Church in Buli, were to arrange that I pay a visit to Australia. It was not an easy task but Jim and Jan soldiered on until the trip was made possible. Now residents of Adelaide for 22 months they go to Westbourne Uniting Church. Mission secretary then, Jim successfully marketed my human rights activism to not only his church, but to the Adelaide Pilgrim Uniting Church(where they had eventually moved to) and eventually the Church in Sydney at West Epping Uniting Church.

The Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide bought the idea of sponsoring my trip to Australia even if no one knew me except for the word of the Rumerys. Together with the Northen Illawara Uniting Church they not only pledged to co-sponsor but pledged to make my trip a success through putting together their resources. They all saw some synergy between what I was doing and their own experiences in Australia and elsewhere and envisaged sharing experiences would be mutually beneficial. They also felt it worth their while sharing the sentiments and worldview of an angry and tormented bishop.

1.3 My struggle in the fight for democracy has not been confined to the four corners of Zimbabwe. God has been more than faithful to me. The sacrifices that I have made in the quest to emancipate my fellow countrymen have in some cases taken me to places distant. This has seen me travel to 25 countries, 12 in Africa and the remainder elsewhere across the world. The gratification to me has not been out of mere travel but having the opportunity to tell the Zimbabwean story to the world in the process seeking ways of dealing with our crisis and inspiring the world to take charge of their destiny. I believe the fight for true democracy and equality for humanity is not unique to Zimbabwe but is a global reality. Of all the journeying that I have had to undertake, I would want to share about my two months visit to Australia which I have christened the Australian pilgrimage. This pilgrimage also provided an opportunity for reminiscing and introspection in as much as it gave an opportunity for individual growth through such interactions.

2.0 My pilgrimage to Australia was between May and July 2010.
Jim Rumery and Bruce Burton (in the absence of any live kangaroo souvenir for a highly expectant African priest coming to kangaroo country for the first time), welcomed me at Sydney airport on 20th May 2010.

2.1 Just before the touch-down of the giant Qantas plane, I had declared my herbal tea on the forms provided. The customs authorities demanded to see my tea as I was checking out. The official at the customs confiscated my tea because it was not commercially packed. I tried to plead with her that that was my mainstay but she refused to budge. To my dismay, I had to watch the three perks I had of my cherished tea thrown into the bin. My own version of back to the roots herbal medicine, this I used in place of any other pharmaceutical medicines.
In a lighter moment as I shared my predicament with my hosts as we travelled the 65 plus kilometres to Wollongong along the South East coast, I was comforted by promises of plenty herbal teas sold in the shops. Upon arrival at Bruce and Bev’ s home which was going to be my home for the next 12 days I was greeted with a bush of one of my three teas. Bruce and Bev have always grown Lavendah as part of their garden flowers. “Look here is my tea the custom official threw into the bin.” The Lord who has always promised to provide with our daily needs had proved that he was a God of his word. For me this was a sign of good things to come.
2.2 My first assignment the following day was being on air with Nick Rhineberger of the Christian Radio Station 94.1Fm. Nick was fascinated when I said that missionaries were brought by Christ to Africa and not vice versa. Christ had been to Africa before and had always been there. When he was born Herod wanted to kill him and God directed Joseph and Mary to take Christ to Africa for safe keeping. It was not until after the death of Herod that God again appeared to Jesus’ parents to take him back because the enemy was dead. I did get several comments after the interview from individuals who listened to the interview that day. The people I met later felt it was refreshing to hear the other side of the story of Christ.

2.3 During the day Sharon Bird, (the local Federal Member of the Australian Parliament), welcomed me heartily to Australia in her office in down town Wollongong. She presented me with an Australian Flag as a sign of good will, a first in all my travels to receive a flag of a nation I was visiting. Sharon invited me to feel welcome and free to express my opinions without any fetters. She expressed her best wishes for Zimbabwe and was confident that my country with the full support of Australian government would come out of its doldrums. I responded by saluting Australia for taking the initiative to support the Zimbabwe Government of National Unity GNU when other Western countries were taking their time.

The bible speaks of a prophet as having no honour in his hometown. While I value the true friends that I have made in Zimbabwe, it is equally true that I have made many enemies because of my stance against oppression. I however continue to draw inspiration from the fact that evil thrives when the good men remain silent. It was thus gratifying for me when Kiama Independent, an Australian publication ran a story on my visit on Wednesday 26th May, 2010, which is appended to this Report as Attachment 1.

2.3.1 Reality Check: Some reflections on the media and Journalism
While I was obviously elated to have received such positive coverage from a supposedly ‘alien’ media in Australia, that rare experience from a Zimbabwean of my position conjured memories of a partisan state media back home. A media that paddles falsehoods, spews hate language day in day out and does little to reprimand the wrongs that the government of the day commits against its people. It is common to read negative and damaging stories especially if they involve perceived enemies of ZANU (PF). The answers that came to mind left me with a bleeding heart. Where did we go wrong as a nation? It is very interesting to note that the article recognised President Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai as the “two leaders” of Zimbabwe when the state media back home somehow negates that reality. What does that say of our Journalists? All they do is pander to the whims of the ZANU PF hardliners. We had also nurtured a rabid opposition press whose penchant for negative reporting and turning rumour into news on anything Government now entailed all level headed citizens now having to draw on their mathematical genius to get to the truth, viz; (Government owned media reports + Independent owned media reports)/2 = Something close to the truth

2.3.2 My faith and optimism however gave me a renewed belief that despite the negatives, all hope was not lost for Zimbabwe. God in his time will save our situation but we are the wheels of the positive change that we want to see and must play a part in making that dream a reality. My coming to Australia is a morale booster. The Media Monitoring Project in Zimbabwe (MMPZ) in 2008 produced a document titled “The Language of Hate, Inflammatory, Intimidating and Abusive comments of Zimbabwe’s 2008 elections.” The book documented the main sources of inflammatory, offensive and intimidating language that characterised Zimbabwe’s 2008 election. It provided a clear documentary evidence of the origins and messengers of “hate speech” that has so much traumatised and divided Zimbabwean Society today. This anomaly was not only consistent with the 2008 elections but has for a long time been a cancer that has slowly destroyed the fabric of our society. What peace can we dream of with such a media? It is certainly a form of political oppression for the long suffering Zimbabweans. How refreshing the thought of a country where there is freedom of the press.

2.3.3 Media reform was earmarked as one of the key deliverables of the Government of National Unity upon consummation of the Global Political Agreement. It is however disheartening that very little has been done to ascertain media reforms to date save for a mere licensing of some publications and the appointment of a malfunctioning Media Commission whose credibility is questionable. The media must realise that it has a duty to inform and issues of balance are a necessity in practise.

A good example of how the media can foster oppression is an excerpt from the Sunday Mail of 15 June 2008 which quoted President Mugabe as having said the following words: “ZANU PF fought for you, for our rights, land and a bright future. This legacy should not simply be vanquished by the stroke of a pen at the ballot just because I am not getting basic goods...Otherwise a simple X would have taken the country back to 1890. The Third Chimurenga can’t just die because of an X. All those who died in the struggle will turn in the graves”. What the state media was insinuating with such remarks is beyond me. What legacy was there to protect when we had an economy in doldrums and the entire nation languishing in poverty save for a corrupt and powerful few? Was the state media implying that voting for a candidate of your choice is a futile effort in Zimbabwe? My stay in Australia made me see the ousting of one prime minister by another within a very short space of time without any hustles. Such is the democracy in this continent of Australia.

3.0 The Australian Experience:
They say when chance and opportunity meet, success has got no option but to manifest. I can safely say, my pilgrim to Australia was one of the most successful and educative missions in my entire life. It is never too late to learn and I am more than certain that the knowledge that I gained in Australia will come in handy at this prime stage of my life and I am positive that the assertion that with age comes wisdom will equally apply in my life. The opportunity was nothing short of the Lord’s doing. Those who compiled my itinerary were to a large extent the architects of this experience and exposure, and a run through my diary and engagements for the rest of my stay reflects a commonwealth through interface. The opportunity to share my experiences with fellow Christians in Australia was as if it had been prearranged in heaven and the Lord had certainly gone before me.

3.1 Wollongong
In Wollongong where I spent my first 12 days, I stayed with Bruce and Bev Burton. Just the feeling of touching down and acclimatising during those first few days was refreshing. Coming from a land locked country, spending twelve days on the coast was more than a bonus to me. What even with a comely and loving couple as your hosts? While in Wollongong, I had the opportunity to visit the Illawara Presbytery of the Uniting Church, which stretches along the coast for a distance of about 85 kms. I had an opportunity to visit Berry Men’s Shed. This encounter with men of varying ages sharing their skills was just amazing. That was an eye opening experience for me and I will forever be grateful to God for that rare opportunity. I also spoke to the Presbytery and thanked them for initially supporting and blessing the efforts of Northern Illawara Uniting Church congregation which meets in Bulli. The presbytery promised to continue to support our work in Zimbabwe.

3.1.1 The major highlights of my stay in Wollongong was the chance to preach to the Northern Illawara Uniting Church and other congregations in town and the lead article about my experiences that was published in the Kiama Independent of May 26. The article captured my experiences in Zimbabwe and how my travel to Australia was going to benefit the Zimbabwean cause and other humanitarian experiences that I was carrying out in Zimbabwe with the Institute of Theological Reflection Today (ITRT) and Zimbabwe Christian Alliance.

3.1.2 A visit to Symbio Wilde Life sanctuary during the week made my stay in Wollongong complete. What, with the opportunity to see and touch Kangaroo for the first time. The other animals I had a close shave with were the likes of the kookaburra, koala, the red kangaroo and many others. Even my communication back home changed tone. It was like now I have seen a live Kangaroo so what is more to see? Little did I know that I was just in the little corner of a vast and gigantic continent full of flora and fauna.

Acknowledging service to the needy: Northern Illawara Uniting Church
It was in Wollongong that I also had time to thank the Northern Illawara Uniting Church which has been supporting the ITRT projects in Zimbabwe like the fish project, food packs distribution to Chivero and encouraging them to continue supporting us. In particular Bruce and Bev Burton, The Chairperson of the Church Council Ron Perry and Nerrida Miller, the leader of the congregation, to name a few. As a Christian leader, I have realised that true Christianity is not just about giving a message of hope and advocating for justice. The church needs to find practical ways of dealing with issues if it is to remain relevant. What good is there in preaching about the life hereafter to a hungry and oppressed person? This has prompted me to run some projects that help disadvantaged communities back home and the Northern Illawara Uniting Church has been one of the most supportive groups to this cause. This project has made me realise that sometimes it only takes initiative to help others and God then raises people to fulfil that dream.

The bible speaks about how over five thousand were fed simply because there was some two fish and five loaves of bread. It only took that small effort in availing little and visibly inadequate food for the multitudes to be fed, with God’s love complimenting this effort with its creative powers by multiplying the initial . I firmly believe in God’s law of multiplication and I have a strong conviction that these communities sustaining projects will grow by the day and will help reintegrate Zimbabweans into their communities and empower them. The majority of the beneficiaries are actually victims of the 2008 Presidential election re-run violence and the economic decline that was being presided over by the Mugabe regime. Widows and other disadvantaged people have been incorporated in the process.

The tension and power politics within the country is such that those foreigners who engage in humanitarian assistance might find themselves on the receiving end political gibberish and insults. It is more like the case of a father who after realising that he has no means of providing for his family takes insult at every well-wisher’s effort to assist for fear of being exposed. Good men cannot fail to intervene on behalf of fellow man for such diatribe. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, was the good Samaritan seen in any good anyhow? It is therefore not folly that Christ chooses the hated and despised to represent good and relief in this story.

3.2 Sydney
3.2.1 In Sydney, the United Theological College, my own home college’s name sake provided a homely peer contact interface as I moved from Wollongong. Given my passion for learning and idea exchange, I had a memorable experience sharing with Faculty and ministerial students at the United Theological College which is a part of the Charles Sturt University. Sharing my experiences with the students and Faculty gave them a better understanding of the person that I am, my personal experiences at the same time giving them a challenge to awaken to their social responsibilities as they carry out their ministerial duties. It is true that ministry today calls for more than just preaching the gospel. One needs to be in touch with the realities affecting their flock otherwise ministry becomes irrelevant. I found the College programs to be very rich in equipping those training for ministry. No wonder before I left UTC a consignment of books and tutorials were to be posted to Zimbabwe by Rev Amelia Koh-Butler, the Director of Education for Life Ministry ahead of my return at the expense of the College. Thanks to the principal Dr Clive Pearson for extending such a big heart. Also to Katalina Tahaafe-Williams who arranged my itinerary in Sydney.

3.2.2 In between sessions at UTC I had opportunity to visit chaplaincies at both New South Wales University and Sydney University, where Andrew Johnson and John Hirt are Uniting Church of Australia chaplains at these universities respectively. Theirs is a daunting task for they work in situations which are predominantly secular. Their presence created an oasis of hope. I was moved to share with groups of students who were on fire with sharing the Gospel to each other. It is not exaggerating to say that the Uniting Church of Australia is wise to keep on the candle lighting the corridors of higher learning institutions across the continent. I was to witness the results of the work of many university chaplains across the nation when I attended later the School of Discipleship in Canberra. Scores of university students attended a four day workshop which was full of life and I could not help but reflect on the work the chaplains were doing.

3.2.3 Over the years, I have developed the acumen to preach basing on my personal experiences. To me, preaching starts at a personal level and I often take time to apply the word to my life before I emphasize on reaching my audience. It is out of ignorance that one makes an effort to deal with personal issues and rivalry from the pulpit. The gospel must prepare an individual for salvation not just condemn them to hell. It must give people a new hope for salvation. While in Sydney, I preached to the West Epping Uniting Church congregation (three services) which has one of the biggest congregations that also includes a number of officers of the Uniting World including its Chief Executive Officer Dr Kerry Enright. My sincere thanks to the ministers and folk of West Epping.

3.2.4 I was also fortunate enough to visit the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge which are some of Australia’s most treasured tourist attractions. The usual dull weather this time of the year suddenly changed to a bright day creating a rare opportunity to sample the beautiful spots of this grand city. Sydney by night was a marvellous sight coming from Harare where electricity comes in drips and droves. I could not help but thank God for such a wonderful opportunity to sample abundance and freedom. To crown it all I had opportunity to meet and also to be invited for lunch by Sarah White the founder of Lent Event which has grown so big and works closely with the Uniting World in supporting various initiatives across Australia and the world.

3.2.5 Sydney - Home away from Home
While I heartily salute my Australian hosts for a warm welcome and exquisite hosting during my stay, I was rather touched and exhilarated when I met two groups of Zimbabweans resident in Australia. Having the opportunity to meet your fellow countrymen in such a faraway place gave me a sense of home away from home. The union and memories shared were fulfilling. We all had our theories and understanding of the situation back home but what joined us was the fact that we were all proud Zimbabweans with a shared vision for positive change in our motherland.

3.2.5.1 The first group particularly interested me in that they wanted me to preach to them but already had the scripture that they wanted me to preach from. When I arrived at their meeting place having chosen a text they instead gave me a passage to preach from, Mathew 13, which talks about the parable of the sower. The leader announced that he was inspired to choose that text for me. While this is not a very common arrangement, I didn’t read much into this as I summoned heavenly wisdom and inspiration to guide. I just prayed to God that he gives me the word of impartation and that he ministers to the very needs of his people. It was a miracle to have the congregation thanking me for a God given message and all I could do is glorify him. God had given me the word in season and through it revived his people and myself.

3.2.5.2 The second group was made of members of the United Methodist Church. I however noticed that the majority of these people are actually former members of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe back home. While I have no problems with people fellowshipping in any congregation as long as it is uplifting to their souls, I felt that my church, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe had an open challenge to continue shepherding its flock even when they leave for overseas.

3.2.5.3 I also discovered that these Zimbabweans who are largely economic refugees have very little time to rest and are having to cope with hard work as some actually have two jobs or more. This will be out of a desire to cushion themselves from financial woes. I couldn’t help but count Zimbabwe’s losses as some of these people are qualified, experienced and dedicated people who are contributing to the success of another country’s economy. Not that Australia or any other country that has opened to these Zimbabwean economic refugees doesn’t deserve this benefit. The Zimbabwean government created this monster of brain drain through its failed policies and it must find ways of dealing with it. There is no need for blame shifting.

I salute the Australian government for their immigration laws that allow for spouses to benefit once a partner is offered employment. Family members like in-laws and parents are allowed to visit for a period not exceeding three months and of those in employment, they can be made Australian citizens after a period of three years. Most of the Zimbabwe communities in Australia are very safe with regards to family ties. Such rights are however a mere pipe dream back home where fellow Africans from countries like Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to name a few are still considered as aliens after having spent decades in Zimbabwe and positively contributing to the gross domestic product. How do you label someone who has been resident for 30 years alien? The thought of such a complete disregard of people’s God given rights irked me.

3.2.6 The United Theological College (UTC) again hosted me and again afforded me the treasured opportunity to tell the Zimbabwean story as it is. Interacting with these brothers and sisters, prompted my continued reflection on our challenges as Zimbabweans, the crying need for a lasting solution. At UTC, I was given a guest house for my accommodation and would go for lunch and dinner at a member of the Faculty’s house for the duration of my stay. A very African arrangement, I found this very humane and made me not feel home-sick. I equally cherished my stay and the knowledge that I gained from my interactions and presentations to the UTC family. While I may not claim to be righteous, I could help but revisit the piece of scriptures that remarks that the steps of a righteous man are authored by God. It was very clear to me that my every step in Australia was indeed authored and guided by God. He was with me every step of the way.

3.2.7 The icing on the cake came as Dr Clive Pearson invited me to be on the Editorial Committee of Cross-Culture, a Journal of Theology and Ministerial Practice. This bi-annual journal is presently published by United Theological College. It is a peer reviewed journal. Cross cultural theology is at the heart of the journal articles. This is necessary because of the Diaspora nature of our communities where individuals and groups of people have migrated at different times and find themselves interacting in new theological settings. This brings out a mosaic theological pattern that is understood through open discourses as covered in the journal series. I would be bringing the African flavour to the editorial committee. I promise to contribute articles soon to this esteemed journal.

3.7.8 But the teacher of the Law wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10: 29)

An encounter with Dr Kerry Enright, the Executive Secretary of the UnitingWorld of the Uniting Church of Australia, (based in Sydney) seemed to present another Good Samaritan scenario, which somehow entrenched my faith and heightened my quest to fight for positive change in Zimbabwe. It was gratifying to have a Christian brother from a place that distant not only empathising but sharing in my experiences and concurring with me on the need to fight oppression. While some Christian leaders in Zimbabwe have chosen to give a blind eye to the crisis of governance or joined the oppressor through showering them with unwarranted praises, it was indeed uplifting to have a Christian leader with the interests of God’s people at heart. Christian leaders just like the political authorities need to understand that they are just but stewards who have a higher office to answer to in heaven. I also had the privilege to meet the Moderator, the Rev Niall Reid, of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT at Church Headquarters in Sydney.

3.3 Adelaide
It was dejavu, as I rejoined Jim and Jan Rumery, who had since moved to Adelaide for 2 months by then, and were now attending Westbourne Uniting Church. I stayed for a whole month with the Rumerys.

May I express my deep appreciation to the ministers of the Pilgrim Uniting Church, Rev Dr Tony Eldridge and Rev Sandy Boyce. Sandy Boyce took on the task of arranging my itinerary in Australia. Further to the Chairperson of the Pilgrim Uniting Church Council, Dr Marelle Harisun and many other members of the Congregation who provided considerable support during my time in Adelaide.

3.3.1 My second day in Adelaide I was given the privilege to be at a reflection centre, Nunyara, where I spent a whole day on my own, reflecting on my life and getting perspective. It is a thing called for especially where durable peace and stability prevails to spend some reflection time on your own. It somehow refreshes your mind and allows you to reflect on your past and plan for the future. Unfortunately, this is a dream for Zimbabweans who have to worry about their next meal and next dollar every minute of the day. The most painful reality is that all this worrying and trouble is not a natural development but a clear result of human greed and insensitiveness.

It was at the reflection centre that I met Matt Curnow who had also come for the same experience. Matt is a Uniting Church minister responsible for rural ministry in South Australia. He had also come for a quiet time and the conversations we had led to the Riverland and Murray Mallee familiarization trip which I embarked on fifteen days later with him. I have also had some rural ministry experience with my church in Zimbabwe and this has given me a better understanding of all the dynamics of such a ministry. I have also developed better appreciation of working with rural folks and understanding their needs. Being offered an opportunity to visit rural ministry even in Australia was thus pulsating.

3.3.2 Rejuvenated and reinvigorated after the reflection centre interval, I then headed to the Uniting College of Leadership and Theology where I had the opportunity to lecture to Aboriginal students and other ministerial students. Rev Dr Richard Wallace, Coordinator, National Leadership Program of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress hosted me assisted by Ian Dempster. I am sure many people the world over know about the history of the Aborigine people in Australia, the challenges they have endured and the pain that they have undergone. Sharing with such people and especially coming from a Zimbabwe where the government of the day has reduced the ordinary people to beggars in their motherland was indeed a gratifying undertaking. You would realise gentle reader that the pain that the Aborigine people have endured over decades is very much akin to the suffering that the ordinary Zimbabweans have had to contend with from the colonial era to the post independence era in which the former liberator has fast become the oppressor.

3.3.3 After the lectures to the Aborigine students and Ministerial students, I also managed to speak to the Synod for South Australia which has Adelaide as its capital. Those with prior knowledge of how main line churches like the Methodist Church operate would understand the importance of a synod in as far as strengthening ministry work is concerned. It is a very important meeting where key decisions on the way forward with ministry work are made and necessary changes in policy, ideology and leadership are made but all in a very democratic and consultative manner.

The Synod had a session on ‘Fresh Expressions’ a new wave of expressing people’s faith outside the normal church structures which started in UK. A UK based cleric led the sessions and a lot of debate ensued. We learn from each so I realised as I reflected on the matter. What I heard as new developments and having started in UK has been and is an everyday phenomenon in Africa. The so-called established or historical churches are now far outnumbered by ‘new expression’ emerging congregations which are growing so big across the continent of Africa. While Australia can learn from UK it can also turn its eyes closer to Africa to learn how churches are emerging and growing everyday in Africa.

3.3.4 After the South Australia Synod, I also had the opportunity to preach to specific congregations in that community. I had opportunity to preach to the largest congregation of Sudanese people based in Adelaide of over 300 members. This congregation is based at Maughan Uniting Church. The Rev Leillie McLaughlin hosted me at this church. My sermons touched many souls and in all this, I didn’t forget to call on the prayers and support of these fellow brothers and sisters for other African nations, including my native Zimbabwe. I also preached to nationals of Liberia and Sierra Leone who are shepherded by local Uniting Church congregations. I also visited the town of Gawler and had an interesting meeting with church members of Gawler Uniting Church during the week. See Attachment II
I believe in the power of prayer to change things and in as much as I am a pragmatist, I still feel change feeds from God’s intervention. I also addressed pertinent issues like ‘Conflict in Society – the Role of the Church’ and ‘Politics and Power Struggle – What a price justice.’ All these sessions which were held at Pilgrim Uniting Church plus one at Synod were ably moderated by Dr Marelle Harisun. She is also a member of the Christian Council of Australia.

3.3.5 Pligrim Uniting Church Guest Preacher
I was also a guest preacher at the Pilgrim Uniting Church for the month of June where I would preach two to three times a Sunday and also give speeches and lectures during the week. The organisers of these services, lectures and speech presentations did well to advertise them and more often than not, I would speak to a very encouraging audience. I also made many friends while speaking at the Synod. Pilgrim Church is special in the sense that it actually underwrote my trip to Australia. I must admit I was baffled by the leadership of Tony Eldridge and Sandy Boyce, especially their faith in engaging someone they had never seen to be a guest preacher for the whole month at their church, itself a challenge to me. Such faith and trust is rare to come by these days especially when you are coming from a different culture and background.

3.3.6.1 While in Adelaide, I also had time to visit Jennie Hackett’s farm. Jennie is a member of Pilgrim Uniting Church. I actually spent a whole day feeding cattle at the farm. Being the farmer that I am back home, I could not ask for more. For a moment, it felt like I was back at my farm in Zimbabwe. Feeding the cattle at a farm just outside Adelaide and gelling with the smell of cow dung gave me a great feeling and some creeping nostalgia. After the farm experience, I also had an appointment with the Moderator of the South Australia Synod Rev Rod Dyson and his officers for more than two hours. We also had an opportunity to exchange notes on Ministry work after which I had another chance for sightseeing. Without knowing another week was over.

3.3.6.2 Radio and other forms of advertisement sensitised a lot of Zimbabweans to my presence, which prompted a number of meetings and engagements. Forward in Faith Ministries, better known as Zimbabwe Assemblies of God in Africa (Forward in Faith) in native Zimbabwe also hosted me and gave me an opportunity to preach to their congregation. I was also invited by the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Australia and out of that congregation, 12 were actually Methodist Church In Zimbabwe members who had to join UMC because they had no other alternative in Australia.

3.3.7 I did present a public lecture at Flinders University. This was organised through the help of Rev Geoff Boyce the Uniting Church chaplain at the university. I spoke on the ‘Church and Political Change in Zimbabwe.’ I shared with the group the struggle of a divided church. One section of the church tried to play it safe with the government by not raising pertinent issues. Those who decided to speak on behalf of the people were victimised. I personally became a victim and was victimized both by the government and my church. It was only after the formation of the Government of National Unity that my church admitted me back to full appointment. When the situation was tough my church asked me to go on forced unpaid sabbatical. For two years I was doing my own thing. Now I am back because there is peace. What an irony! Is it not the role of the church to struggle with the oppressed?

3.3.8 Encounter with Indigenous Leaders and forgiving as life giving
3.3.8.1 My first encounter with the indigenous leaders was at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Adelaide. It did not take time before we were sharing similar stories. Richard Wallace introduced me to his group which I shared with my experience as an African from a country that was once colonized. I also meet the Congress - Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. I shared with them my story of hate for Mugabe which had deteriorated to the point of me switching off the television each time he appeared on television. I had been arrested five times without any charge. This was done just to break my resolve. For some time I tried to defend my position until one day I just decided to forgive him. After I had done that I felt relieved. I felt the burden I was carrying lifted. I felt like growing wings. The scripture that says “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11 vs 28ff) became very vivid to me.

Aboriginal people like my people back home are in danger of carrying heavy burdens of unforgiving for the rest of their lives. The greatest danger is to pass on hatred. The time we fail to forgive we load it upon ourselves and we only do great disservice to ourselves. Those whom we say wronged us may not even be thinking about it or troubling themselves. It is true however that they do carry guilt in their lives but sometimes they do not realize it. It is only when the guilt and the hurting people open up to each other that true reconciliation is achieved. Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister, did well to ask for forgiveness a few years ago but a lot has to be done to make that faith step produce results.

3.3.8.2 Since I arrived in Australia many people here expected me to bring a message of hatred for Mugabe but were disappointed because I showed a spirit of forgiveness. This was shown in many a forum that I addressed in which I shared my story of forgiveness. In a number of instances individuals would bolt out of the sessions lamenting that all along they had been praying for Mugabe to die. I told them the story of the Pharaohs the great African leaders who enslaved the Israelites for over 400 years. When God sent Moses to liberate them God at one time hardened Pharaoh’s heart. I am sure every Israelite would have wished Pharaoh dead but God did not answer that prayer. A number of Zimbabweans would have wished Mugabe dead but God did not respond positively to such a prayer, instead He hardened his heart. God does that for a purpose. If Pharaoh was not as wicked perhaps the Church Fathers would have found it very difficult to include the story of the bondage of Israel in the Old Testament. Perhaps God is hardening Mugabe’s heart for a purpose, who knows?

A few weeks before I came to Australia I had opportunity to attend the Zimbabwe Prime Minister’s wife’s memorial service at a Methodist Church in Harare. I was late for the service. When I arrived the service was already on. My wife and I were ushered into the Church right in front where there was space left for the Church was full. And whom did I sit close to? I sat just a spitting distance between me and Mugabe. Had this happened before I had forgiven him I could have turned down the offer to sit in front. But because it came when I had forgiven him I was so happy to be very close to the man I had forgiven a couple of months earlier. When he was asked to speak to the congregation I could not help but marvel at the youthfulness of Mugabe. He had just celebrated his 86 birthday. But looking at him he was just like 56.

Thus, those people we may pray that God takes them away, at times He rewards with good health. For His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. And all this is done for a purpose. It is not for us to wish anyone dead or bad. What we can only do best is to forgive and we are the winners. I am not in any way saying we should condone even the bad things our leaders do. The law must take its course for justice to be done. Rather, just that no one harbour ill for anyone. Let not the sun go down before you have forgiven the one who has wronged you. When we are angry and unforgiving we are open to be used even by any force. We tend to drink too much because we are depressed by something which we have not corrected. We turn to drugs because we are hurting. We turn to crime because we are not at peace with ourselves. Aborigines like Africans may defend their position of hurting always because of what has happened to them in the past. This has to come to an end if they are to progress. I am not in any way saying we should pretend that all is well. But that we should be open to each other and demand that we confess to each other.

The cross that we carry is to live together while we have forgiven each other for the past wrongs. We do not have to forget. Forgetting is not a virtue. Even Christ did not command us to forget the events that lead to the cross. Instead he commanded us to remember when he said at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Since the death of Christ on the cross we remember the event like it happened recently. Living a victorious life is to live with people who have wronged you and you have forgiven them. This is my message to all the peoples of this world who have been wronged and to those who have also wronged others. We may not have been involved personally but our ancestors may have done it on our behalf. We cannot run away from the actions of our ancestors. “..For I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.”(Exodus 20 vs 5b-6). If we do not correct them now they will haunt us and the future generations until they try to make peace with each other. As we read this let us commit ourselves to working for true peace that comes through opening up to each other and deal with the past squarely.

3.3.8.3 The message above was taken heartily by my audience. We promised to share the message across to everyone who was prepared to listen to our story. Our wish was if we could have more opportunities to share such deep understanding of life. I promised in faith that I was going to come back with my dear wife, Maybe and share more insights on the subject of forgiving and living a victorious life both as Australians and Africans. This has to begin somewhere and I was convinced it would catch on across the continent of Australia and the world over.

3.3.8.4 The words of the NSW Congress Chairperson Dianne Torrens are very instructive, “As an Indigenous leader I often tell my people that progress will come, to draw on your faith in God and believe that you can do it. When you find yourself broken, in a ditch and with no strength, you need God’s faith to know that he will turn the situation around.” (From ‘Message Stick’ the magazine of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Autumn/2010, pg 9). From the same source one lady Indigenous Ministry and Theology student demonstrates that change is possible “I was hooked on alcohol for two years. The addiction was killing me, my kids and my family and even though I knew I was often drunk I would call out to the Lord for help to get me out of the situation. Alcohol had a really stronghold on me. Initially it was fun but it soon took control of my life but that was until the Lord turned my life around.” (Pg15)

3.4 Riverland and Murray Mallee Tour
The journey took us to Bermera, Waikerie and Berri where we put up for the night. Then Pinnaroo and Lameroo, all Uniting Church congregations. Matt Curnow, Rural Mission Planner Uniting Church SA Presbytery and Synod of South Australia took me there. At each place we had reflection meetings. We discussed the problems that these congregations faced because of the absence of resident minister. My experience from the Institute of Theological Reflection Today helped me to bring out relevant issues affecting these congregations. They agreed that they were lacking pastoral care from a minister. They also needed constant supervision. New members did not trust them. Some prospective members left before they settled because they were expecting the presence of a minister. The advantages they picked on were that they were now caring for each other like they never did before. They had the freedom to do those things they had always wanted to do but could not do because of the minister. This made them a very close knit family a thing which could not happen when they were cushioned by the constant presence of the minister. They learnt to conduct funerals and to give communion. They saved money because they did not have a minister to pay. They could use the funds they had for caring for those in need. By the end of the trip we had clocked just over 900 km. At least I had an opportunity to see Australia’s outback.

Before I left Adelaide Pilgrim Church I was invited to a farewell party where I was given gifts including an album with most of the photos I took and I was taken during my stay in Australia. It was indeed a pleasant surprise which I will cherish for a very long time. May the good Lord continue to bless the people of Adelaide Pilgrim Church.

3.5 Canberra
3.5.1 I stayed in Canberra for a period of seven days. The first three days were with John and Jill Robertson. While Canberra had its fare share of experiences for me with regards to my ministry and humanitarian work, I also enjoyed the scenic sights of the Parliament and the Embassy for the Aboriginal people, a protest embassy which is in the form of a tent built in front of the old parliament. That the Aboriginal people’s embassy is built in front of parliament and is in the form of a tent appears to stem from their dismay at the disregard of their rights and their painful experiences in the past. That for me is an indication of a people in desperate need of healing and healing of memories as is the case in Zimbabwe. It appears the Aborigines still harbour so much hurt and pain and a lot needs to be done for their healing.

3.5.2 I also liked the Canberra tour that I had with Dan and Maureen Etherington, including the coffee. The talk I gave at the Kippax Uniting Church under the theme, “The Church’s role in the future of Zimbabwe”, hosted by Dan was thrilling. A reunion with Pam Pelling once a missionary to Zimbabwe several years ago, who is now 90, was a pleasant surprise. She became my English mentor when we stayed in Harare at UTC together. She had heard of my visit and surprised me by coming to the meeting.

3.5.3 While politicians have developed a knack of sidelining churches and sometimes threatening them whenever they speak to national issues, the fact is that Christians have a role to play. The Uniting Church in Australia’s Statement on Human Rights highlights that human beings are created in the image of God who is three persons in open, joyful interaction. The Uniting Church thus believes that every person is precious and entitled to live with dignity because they are God’s children, and that each person’s life and rights need to be protected or the human community (and its reflection of God) and all people are dismissed. They have some encouraging contributions to the national human rights discourse.

The Uniting Church believes that in Jesus Christ we discern that which is truly human and that Christians are called to love their neighbour as they love themselves and extend that love to enemies. It is therefore the love of God in Christ Jesus which must motivate us to live out this calling by working for peace with justice in our church, our communities and the world. The recognition of human rights for the Uniting Church is an affirmation of the dignity of all people and essential for achieving peace with justice. Our leaders must see Christ in every person and they won’t go wrong. Egotism is exactly what is ruining service to humanity as leaders care more about self-enrichment than satisfying the needs of those they lead.

3.5.4 After having enjoyed the Canberra sights, I was afforded the opportunity to meet the Uniting Care team, which is a service arm of the Church and deals with issues like justice and health needs of the people among others. Just the realisation that the Uniting Church has a high regard for the rights of the people gave me better inspiration to continue fighting for justice in Zimbabwe. For Zimbabweans however, a lot more needs to be done because the situation at hand goes in tune with the old age reality that rights should not be asked for but demanded. They are not freely given but are taken. We have to fight against more ruthless forces in the form of a government that has far outlived its time span and is only ruling by force and coercion.

3.5.5 At the Uniting Care, I also had lunch with the outgoing Director Lin Hatfieds Dodds who is also vying for Senatorship. It was encouraging for me to have a Christian leader vying for a national post.

3.5.6 Also in Canberra, I had chance to relate with Rev Dr James Haire, (previously President of the Uniting Church in Australia), from the Centre for Christianity and Culture. The name Centre for Christianity and Culture somehow took me aback. Lest some argue that our advocacy for democratic space in Zimbabwe is informed by the white man’s Christian faith, a closer look at the Zimbabwean culture clearly reflects that respect for humanity and people’s rights has always been a demand that every form of leadership has had to respect. Whichever way you look at it, respect of the people’s human and God given rights is a necessary reality. It befuddles the mind why our current crop of leadership has chosen to ignore people’s rights. They are so preoccupied with power retention that they have very little if any regard for people’s rights.

3.5.7 School of Discipleship
During my last days (4 days) in Canberra, I went to the School of Discipleship with university students from across Australia, at Greenhills where they had a conference and crusade. The School ran from the 9th to the 12th of July 2010 and I shared a room with Doug Hewitt and I also had the opportunity to speak about my experiences back home with most of these meetings actually oversubscribed. I also had the rare opportunity to meet and share briefly with the Uniting Church President, the Rev Alistair Macrae who also visited the School of Discipleship. Attachment 3 details the expectations and perceptions per the event programme.

It is my sincere hope that my experiences and the interaction that I had at the School of Discipleship will help inspire fellow Christian leaders to desist from preaching the gospel of the cross without looking at the practical realities facing their members. Ministry certainly calls for more than just preaching. I believe that the whole undertaking somehow strengthened the Zimbabwean Christian and indeed national community with Australia and more positive interaction and partnerships will come out of it. I am convinced that Australia now has an understanding of the Zimbabwean crisis from a Christian leader’s perspective as compared to that of a politician.

3.5.8 A take on Diplomacy
The world today has become a global village and diplomatic relations have taken a centre stage in the way nations relate. It was thus after the successful School of Disciples experience that I then took time to visit the Zimbabwean Embassy to Australia in Canberra.

I just felt enthralled by the idea of better understanding how the embassy operates and the roles they are playing towards nation building. The Zimbabwean ambassador Jacqueline Zwambila was very happy to see me and had time to give me a tour of the place and introduce me to her team at the same time allowing me to share my beliefs and vision for the great nation that we share, Zimbabwe.

No one person can claim to be more Zimbabwean than the other and we have all contributed positively in our small ways to nation building. It is only suicide for one to continue holding on to power regardless of the realities on the ground simply because they feel they had some positive contributions in the past. Even cup winning football coaches get fired when the results are no longer coming. In one of the mother languages in Zimbabwe; Shona we say “matakadya kare haanyaradzi mwana” meaning you cannot comfort a hungry and crying child by retelling stories of the goodies of yesteryears. You need to deal with her present state of hunger if you are to win her affection. Our leaders must awaken to this reality.

4.0 Some parting remarks: Service to Humanity
4.1 My pilgrim to Australia gave me better insights on what leadership and people centred service is all about. The School of Discipleship in Australia asserts that if we idolise wealth, we create poverty; if we idolise success, we create the less fortunate; if we idolise power, we create powerlessness; if we idolise anger and hate, we devalue healing and transformation; if we idolise violence, we devalue life; if we live non-violently, we herald God’s peaceable reign; if we live as radical disciples, we subvert the dominion paradigm and if we live for what Jesus lives for, we resist the paralysing official consensus and we change the world.

4.2 Ours is to make an informed choice and make sure that we leave a legacy that we are going to be proud of even when we lie in our graves. Whoever said durable peace, national healing/progress born out of dignity in humanity is a pipedream? My personal experiences in the fight for democracy in Zimbabwe have shown that it is never too late to make amends. Our political leaders need to respect the human dignity of its people and see to it that they throw away the pretence and selfishness for servitude and empathy.

4.3 Our political leaders simply need to awaken to the reality that leadership is more about service to the people than useless grandstanding and giving some useless speeches about sovereignty and how they liberated the country. Yes they liberated the country and then what? While we all celebrated independence in Zimbabwe, the present reality is there is no democratic space in Zimbabwe and people are a hungry and hurting lot. The people’s human dignity has been eroded to say the least.

4.4 When human dignity or a person’s rights are tempered with, either by way of deliberate power retention machinations especially in undemocratic nations or in cases of unplanned conflict, there is need for redress as a complete disregard of that anomaly is a sure recipe for disaster. A disregard of that sense of human dignity and stability disturbs world order hence need for programmes like national healing and healing of memories in conflict areas. Closer to home, countries like Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa to name a few have successfully carried out these corrective interventions. Such noble realisations have in some instances helped to entrench durable peace. The same is now happening in our country and every self respecting Zimbabwean, the principals included must see the opportunities and new hope that national healing can bring to our nation.
4.5 One Barbra Deutschman, an Australian Christian author writes that when someone has hurt or slighted us, we feel a natural sense of indignation. We know that they have violated our sense of who we are. This response is consistent with our natural knowledge of ourselves as people made in the image of God, worthy of dignity and respect. It is equally true that we all have individual egos and pride and any disregard of our beliefs and values even minus a violent unleashing of terror is hurting. The unfortunate thing under such circumstances is that not many perpetrators of hurt and violence are ready to say sorry or make the slightest attempt at correcting their wrongs. This has had catastrophic results and implications in world affairs and the sooner we wake up to that the better.

Attachment I
One Man’s plea (Published 26th May, 20101, Kiama Independent, Australia)
By Danielle Cetiniski (decentiski@kiamaindependent.co.au)

Few are brave enough to stand up to a brutal regime, but Zimbabwe’s Reverend Dr Bishop Kadenge is one of them.
The democracy advocate visited Kiama Uniting Church yesterday to share his people’s plight with Kiama residents and to form a stronger connection with Australia.
“I am here to promote friendship and together see what we can do about the situation back home,” he said.
According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website, Zimbabwe is extremely unstable: demonstrations can turn violent, bribes are sometimes taken by police, cholera and HIV are common and water and electricity can be cut off for weeks on end.
US dollars are now the currency in Zimbabwe because hyperinflation meant just one litre of fuel could cost hundreds of thousands in the country’s native currency, according to SW Radio Africa.
“The Zimbabwean dollar is dead,” Bishop Kadenge said.
“People might exchange a bucket of maize for a chicken – they’re surviving without a dollar in their hands.
“It’s the very basics of trade.”
Bishop Kadenge has been politically vocal against Robert Mugabe’s party, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), especially during the 2008 election against the Movement for Democratic Change, led by Morgan Tsvangirai.
Results were withheld for four weeks until the two leaders decided to share power.
“There were expectations that after the election, things would improve,” the Bishop said.
“They did improve but not as we hoped – it was just a marriage of convenience and our expectations were dashed.”
A Methodist, Bishop Kadenge also founded the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, attacking the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for not speaking up against the people’s suffering at Mugabe’s hands.
But Bishop Kadenge’s open condemnation of the regime has come at a price: during his life, he has been arrested, imprisoned, and interrogated by the police five times without trial.
His high profile at home and abroad has saved him from worse punishment, but he said his faith has been his comfort. “Being a Christian means being in touch with things,” he said.
“I got in fully knowing the dangers I faced – it’s only human to be afraid...but I’m not alone in my struggle.”
Bishop Kadenge will be in the Illawaras until Sunday, May 30.

Attachment II
We are still rejoicing in your visit to Gawler. Thank you so much for your candour, openness and faith.
Chris [my wife] & I would like to participate in one of your courses as ‘outsiders’ [audit, isn’t it?]. Could you send some information about what programmes are accessible as AUDIT topics for us to peruse?
We are continuing to meet, hoping to focus on exploring ‘Contemporary Faith Issues’ and even wondered if we used one of your programmes to ‘explore contemporary issues’.
We continue to pray for you and your ministry in the Alliance – and for the future of your wonderful country.
Grace and Peace,
John Richardson

Attachment III
Storytelling of faith from Zimbabwe: Bishop Kadenge
In 2005 a group 0f like-minded clergy and lay people from various denominations in Zimbabwe formed Christian Alliance. It came into being because of the extraordinarily difficult social and political situation in their country. They felt the Christian community was very quiet while the ordinary people’s democratic space was shrinking by the day. Christian Alliance offered to speak on behalf of the silent majority against the social ills of the time, and Bishop Kadenge was chosen as its Convenor. In mid 2009, he resumed full ministry in the church as a lecturer at the theological college. He was invited to pioneer a subject, Religion and Current Social Issues (RCSI), to share his experiences with Christian Alliance, and the imperative for the church to engage with contemporary social issues.

This elective is an opportunity to hear some of Bishop Kadenge’s reflections on his experiences.

Bishop Levee Kadenge joined ministry in 1978, undertaking theological study in his home country of Zimbabwe as well as in South Africa and the UK. He completed his doctorate in 1998. Ministry placements have included rural congregations in Zimbabwe and a chaplain in Methodist high schools. He lectured at the United Theological College for seven years, also serving as chaplain and Vice Principal during that time.

Bishop Kadenge is widely travelled, and is involved in leadership in many organisations including the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled, Zimbabwe Advocacy office based in Geneva, and Zimbabwe Ecumenical network based in Brussels. He is the founder and Director of the Institute of Theological Reflection today.

The Futility Of Fighting Terror With Terror!

2010-06-28T09:42:00.006+02:00

Both Traditional (primal-primary) and World religions have compassion at the heart of their faiths. Compassion is the art of loving and caring.

The world powers which dominate the affairs and power struggles of this global village go as far as wanting to enforce peace using force. This does not work. Peace brought in by use of any other means except love is very temporal.

World faiths (sleeping giants) will one day waken to a world without its inhabitants who subscribe to the former simply because they are not challenging the powers that be that their way of making peace is futile.

Rape has sired kids but the act has never been and will never be love. Yet the act of love should be the proper channel of bringing children into this world. Love also produces everlasting peace.

If world faiths/religions are warning world powers about the futility of trying to bring peace and harmony in the world by using force then well and good. If they are not then both the existing faiths and their followers will be extinct.

The creator God will come up with a new world and a new order. Is it not time for the world powers and the faiths/religions of this world consult each other on the way forward. The two arms of authority may have the solution together. It can be done. The two should not leave the other without counsel.

They are all in it. The people they serve or who serve them as it were are in a dilemma. By working together they might save the only world given us as a gift from the common creator of this world. They are put there for each other and not to be against each other. Those with ears let them hear. God bless.

Food for thought!
Can someone whisper in the ears of our esteemed World leaders that they cannot fight terror with terror and win? Have they not learnt from Vietnam war? If they want to know how to end terrorism can they ask? Each so called terrorist they kill they create 10 more. You can do your mathematics as they continue on this disastrous path. Since they started this game terrorists have actually increased.

Speaking over deafening silence

2010-06-19T08:12:00.001+02:00

Caryn Rogers

“As a minister, I thought the Church here had a crucial role to play - we had to speak on behalf of the majority of the people. There were so many people oppressed by the situation of the government but the Church as an entity was so quiet.” Rev Dr Levee Kadenge

In 2005 the Mugabe-led government in Zimbabwe had stopped aid provision and were destroying people’s homes and properties. Churches were providing aid as they were able – a ‘privilege’ they were allowed as long as they didn’t speak out against the government’s cruel oppression.

The Zimbabwean Methodist Church knew all too well that Mugabe needed to be opposed but they believed if they couldn’t feed the poor, they weren’t functioning as the church should.

As the church remained voiceless, some like-minded Christian leaders banded together to form a Christian Alliance - Rev Dr Levee Kadenge was amongst those leaders.

“I was arrested five times – for nothing,” Levee recalls. “It was all an attempt to eliminate my resolve to go on in this struggle.

“It was like each arrest gave us a new lease of life though. We hadn’t done anything wrong – we were just speaking on behalf of the suffering people.

“Relatives and people around us felt very sorry for us because of what was happening to us but these ‘bad things’ empowered us though to go forward and do the right thing.”

Levee was in and out of the police station, “like a yoyo,” before spending 21 days in hiding to avoid prison time. It was not unusual for those who spoke against the Government to be picked up, taken to jail and never heard from again.

“The government was comfortable with a quiet church. But now that our organisation was vocal, the persecution was expected.

Expected from the government, yes, but surprising from the Church they were speaking on behalf of.

“I guess from the Church’s point of view we were stealing their thunder, almost taking their space in the public sphere. But... they were quiet!

“At some point we amicably parted ways with the church; I was still a minister, a bishop within, but I was stood aside from the Methodist church to fulfil this prophetic role.”

In August last year, though, the Church appointed him as senior lecturer at United Theological College [Zimbabwe] – it had been two years and eight months since Levee had parted company with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.

Communiqué from Zimbabwe Church Leaders

2010-06-09T12:05:00.001+02:00

We, the members of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Zimbabwe Christian Alliance and Christian Agencies in consultation with our Civic Society partners namely Ecumenical Support Services, Zimbabwe National Pastors Conference, Zimbabwe Peace Project(ZPP), Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network, Crisis Coalition, NANGO, Zimbabwe Peace Project and the Lutheran Development Services met in Harare on the 17th of May, 2010 to deliberate on the progress made by the Inclusive Government.
Consistent with the prophetic and pastoral mandate of the Church, we echo the words of Christ in John 10 v 10 which say “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly”. It is therefore our prayer and demand that the Inclusive government must create a conducive environment to ensure that all citizens of Zimbabwe enjoy life in its abundance and fullness.

We acknowledge the progress made so far to implement parts of the Global Political Agreement that has led to partial stabilisation of the economy. We also acknowledge the attempts made by the SADC mediation teams to ensure that there is full implementation of the GPA.

However, we note with concern, that the GPA has not been fully implemented. We draw the immediate attention of the three principals to the following urgent concerns of the people of Zimbabwe:
• Deepening and widening poverty
• Food is not accessible to the majority of Zimbabweans due to lack of income.
• High unemployment rate of over 90% and failure to create new jobs
• The discouragement of investment
• The discouragement of humanitarian assistance by some political authorities
• Continued problems within the education sector, increasing illiteracy with over 60% drop out rate due to high costs
• Slow recovery within the health sector
• Poor service delivery eroding the people’s confidence in public institutions
• The political violence and intimidation which had been contained, to a certain extent, by the coming in of the Inclusive Government now resurfacing especially in Mashonaland Central, Masvingo and Manicaland through structures created in the run up to the 2008 Presidential elections
• Curtailment of freedom of worship e.g. the burning down of churches (Masvingo, Macheke and Muzarabani) and disruption of services
• The 7 months delay in the constitution making process and apparent lack of commitment and transparency in the selection of the outreach teams, the rapporteurs and the development of the talking points
• Failure of the Organ for National Healing and Integration to function effectively in a tension ridden country
• Violence against human rights defenders
• The marginalisation of Zimbabwean citizens and the monopolisation of the processes by the three political parties e.g. participation in the constitution and national healing processes.

Noting that all human beings are created equal before God, we therefore call upon the three principals
• to apply political will to ensure the full implementation of the GPA
• to respect the God given rights, security and dignity of persons.
• to dismantle all structures that perpetuate political violence
• to reform the security sector as a critical component of creating a peaceful transition
• to create the relevant mechanisms to enable the independent commissions to function effectively
• to ensure that the current Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is Zimbabwe based and readily available.
• We demand free and fair elections by end of 2011 under the following minimum conditions:
(i) church and civic society monitoring
(ii) International and regional supervision
(iii) A new and clean voter’s roll
(iv) A new ZEC Secretariat with an adequate budget allocation
(v) A conducive environment for a free media, voter education and transparency
(vi) The creation of a Constitutional and Electoral court
We also call upon SADC to
• critically review the causes of the lack of progress and take decisive action on the deficits of the GPA
• immediately deploy church, regional and international election observers.
Taking note of the lack of progress to the GPA, we reiterate our call for elections by end of 2011. The GPA is a transitional mechanism for the democratisation of Zimbabwe, which we will not allow to be permanent. We therefore demand that the SADC Summit in August 2010 ensure that the elections are conducted in 2011.
We therefore call upon the SADC Heads of State Summit in Windhoek Namibia in August 2010 to prioritise addressing these concerns from the people of Zimbabwe.
We continue to pray to the Almighty God and encourage the Christian community and the people of Zimbabwe to actively participate in bringing about good governance, healing, reconciliation, peace and prosperity to our country.

Jesus Christ brought Missionaries to Africa and not vice vesa

2010-05-26T03:46:00.003+02:00

Nicky Rhineberger ABC Radio SWA (Australia) announcer recently wanted to know if Africans were grateful of Christ who missionaries brought to Africa. My immediate response was, "who said missionaries brought Christ to Africa?" Christ was the one who brought missionaries to Africa and not vice vesa. How could a missionary put Christ in a brief case or a suit case for that matter and travel all the way from Southermpton in England or wherever and spend several months with Christ locked up there, only to be produced at the end of the trip to be shared with Africans? Impossible!!

Christ was in Africa before missionary came. At the birth of Christ when Herod wanted to kill Jesus word from God advised Jesus' parents Joseph and Mary to go with Jesus Christ to people who had kind hearts and these were in Africa. Christ was taken to Africa and was there until had Herod died.

Many years later Joseph and Mary had not heard about the death of Herod, so God again advised the couple to take back Jesus to nazareth because Herod had died. It was actually after a couple of years when the Africans herded cattle with Jesus in the beautiful landscapes of the African continent. In the middle East they wanted to kill Jesus Christ but in Africa he was welcome and protected. So why this farce about Christ being brought to Africa by so called well meaning people? While Africans are so grateful for what missionaries did for them this must not be mistaken for them bringing Christ. They were used by God to make the revelation of Christ who was already there and working among them/Africans.

The Church started early in North Africa at the same time it spread in the Middle East. North Africa by this time was a Roman Empire. Our African ancestors in the form of Augustin, Origen, Tertullian, Ambrose etc all with Roman names because of Roman occupation became the Fathers of Christian faith. The church in Africa grew so fast that every congregation across north Africa had a bishop. At one time there were more than 500 bishops in that region. Bishop Ambrose was actually installed prematurely. After his installation they discovered that he was not yet baptised. The elders had to rush him to a river by night to baptise him. That is Africa at worship. It was only after Islamic invasion after 800AD that Arabs invaded North Africa and decimated the black community in north Africa and destroyed the African church there. The church in Egypt and the Coptic church in Ethiopia have stood the test of time. The notion that Christianity is a white man religion is a myth which should be put in the dustbin of history.

This is what one Journalist sent me recently!!

2010-04-28T10:47:00.001+02:00

Rev Dr Levee Kadenge the man: Through the eye of a Journalist:

In my short yet eventful life, I have met but a few rare species of humankind the likes of Rev Dr Bishop Levee Kadenge. Not only is the man a witty and likeable character, he is one with a way with people and his passion and dedication to the struggles of fellow humans particularly in bringing truth and justice is second to none. True to the old age assertion that when the right man keeps silent, the whole world perishes, Dr kadenge has lived up to his calling and his life is a hallmark of a Christian leaders’ struggles for democracy. He is man with no ordinary ideas for an ideal Zimbabwe that is home to all. Through Bishop Kadenge’s ideals and quest for a better Zimbabwe one can easily grasp the fact that an idea whose time is yet to come is stronger than armies. He is a man vindicated and indeed yet to be vindicated by time.

Through this introduction, I won’t give you an account of Dr Kadenge’s upbringing or history but just an appraisal of the man that he is, what he stands for and his vision for an empowered and critical Christian mass that looks at issues than people. Bishop Kadenge has proved through his actions that unlike politicians of today, he doesn’t believe in using people to build a great work but rather using your works to build a great people. Ngugi waThiongo says, “Since man to man has been unjust, who can I trust?,” this poser conjures in me memories of a Zimbabwe on fire particularly at the height of the political violence; the June 2008 Presidential election violence. All hope was lost and most victims sought refuge in churches in urban Zimbabwe. It is during such times that the need for man of Dr Kadenge’s caliber is evident; champions of true democracy. Yes, the church provided the shelter but did they voice their concern amidst such evil?

Rev Kadenge mirrors the life of a man underestimated from day one but always destined for greater heights. To borrow from former UN Secretary General Mr Koffi Annan, the future of humanity is endangered by humanity itself. In view of this terrifying yet true reality; the question is who can we trust to provide the checks and balances in governance issues particularly in the third world countries. While the first world have somewhat liberalized their governance systems in such a manner that former and current British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Gordon Brown can be openly grilled for their flawed policies and the same is true for America’s Mr. George Bush(Jnr or Snr) or Australia’s John Howard; can this happen in third world countries like Zimbabwe or Uganda where “national interests” are made to outweigh the people’s rights to challenge the status quo. This is regardless of the national value of the so called “national interests”. Such hair-raising realities call for man of an upright stature that can be entrusted with fighting for people’s rights or at least mobilize for that. As we all know this protection of national yet personal interests is mere power games aimed at self-preservation. There is little if any thought spared for the nation or its ordinary citizens.

However; what I have seen in Dr Kadenge is an epitome of sacrifice and dedication to a worthy cause. Bishop Kadenge is a man who doesn’t sacrifice principle for expedience and if Zimbabwe and the whole world could emulate such jealousy safeguarding or principle and self-belief albeit upright and not self-serving, the world would be a better place. A respected theologian, human rights activist, people person and academic par excellence, this man of God has defied all odds, death threats included in his defense of what he believes is a worthy undertaking.

As you delve deeper into this book, you will come to terms with a crying voice calling on not only Zimbabwe but the whole world to stand firm in defense of people’s God given rights for the world to be a better place. This effort is not about drawing the reader’s attention to the writer but to the contents and the subject matter. As Dr Kadenge advances in age, he is increasing becoming a calabash of ideas, denhe roruzivo in Shona and that his peace and justice struggle is not a reserve to a certain corner of the world makes this piece of art and even more interesting experience. All said and done, fact is Zimbabweans and the world at large cannot pretend that they are living in a better place.

SORRY FRIENDS

2010-02-28T06:18:00.002+02:00

It has been long since we have posted anything new on our blog. From this week we will try to update you with new postings. We are back with a bang. Just keep glued to this blog and you will not regret it.

The Church Speaks

2009-11-07T07:33:00.000+02:00

ZIMBABWE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

PASTORAL LETTER TO THE NATION

We members of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) meeting at Kentucky Airport hotel during the National Executive meeting on the 27^th of October 2009 acknowledged the promising positive national developments that we participated in at various levels following the signing of the Global political Agreement (GPA) and the setting up of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The positive developments include the initiation of such important processes as economic reform, national healing and reconciliation and constitutional reform. We however, noted with great concern that these processes have been grossly affected by the following:

It is now just over a year since the signing of the GPA and eight months since the GNU came into being. Yet there is no full compliance with the terms of the GPA as a number of significant issues are still unresolved. Among these we note the delay in the appointment of provincial governors and one deputy minister of agriculture.
The disengagement by the MDC-T over issues of non-compliance.
The apparent lack of political will in resolving the political impasse in Zimbabwe which has created a lot of anxiety among the people.
The delays, uncertainty and lack of transparency in constitutional reform and national healing processes.
The continued biased reporting by sections of the media has further rendered the GPA very fragile.
The general uncertainty that has grabbed the whole nation has eroded investor confidence in our beautiful country.
Poor remuneration of both public and private sector employees.
The difficulties people face in raising school fees and exam fees. The continued subsidising of teachers' salaries by parents who are already overburdened by economic hardships.
The continued deterioration of the health services.
Continued exploitation of the unemployed and rural poor who have to barter their possessions in the desperate search for the limited foreign currency
Continued land invasions and acts of violence and intimidation in parts of the country some of which have resulted in internal displacements.
Political elements determined to derail the nation building process.
Continued manipulation and closure of democratic space and selective application of the law using such draconian legislation as POSA and AIPPA.

The people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long due to problems that can be resolved amicably. They are looking to the leaders to be more magnanimous and conscientious of their plight each time they meet to deliberate on the future of our nation.

We therefore call upon:

· the principals to the GPA to fully commit themselves to addressing expeditiously outstanding issues of the GPA.

· the principals and their political parties to respect the lives of Zimbabweans and put their selfish interests aside and build the once beautiful land of Zimbabwe.

· the MDC-T to revisit its decision of withdrawal from the Cabinet and Council of Ministers and ascertain whether such decision shall enhance the well-being of Zimbabweans.

· ZANU – PF to respect the terms of the GPA and fully commit themselves to addressing outstanding issues.

· those perpetuating division and polarization to stop all beatings, false accusations, torture, intimidation and any threats and redirect such energy towards nation building.

· the government to repeal repressive laws and create more democratic space for people as a necessary condition for genuine constitutional reform, and true national healing and reconciliation.

· SADC, as guarantor of the GPA, to ensure that the principals from the three political parties comply with the terms of the agreement.

· all Christians and all people of good will in Zimbabwe, SADC, Africa and the whole world to continue to teach and preach the message of hope and peace, and pray with and for us that God may give us guidance, wisdom and courage as we labour to resolve the political, economic, leadership and moral crisis bedevilling Zimbabwe.

We urge:

· the regional and international community to accompany us in the process of nation building

· all faithfuls that hope is not lost, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is with us as we journey in our political wilderness. Let us remain resolute and prayerful knowing that the just shall live by faith and the wicked will not escape God's wrath. (Romans 1v17)

We commit ourselves to:

· Facilitate dialogue as we build our nation.

· Our readiness to engage with all stakeholders for the common good of all Zimbabweans.

· Facilitate peace building, national healing and reconciliation. This includes speaking and preaching against violence in all its forms without fear or favour.

· Continued building the spirit of tolerance through the ‘Love thy neighbour’, principle.

We continue as your shepherds to pray and seek God's guidance as we together fight against evil forces that seek to derail our nation building knowing that good shall prevail over evil.

We remain in God's presence

ZCC Heads of Member Churches

Let's not dwell on Trivialities

2009-10-12T07:48:00.000+02:00

Press Communiqué

The Debate Over President Mugabe's Visit to Switzerland

09 October 2009

During the course of this week, the Zimbabwe Advocacy Office in Geneva (ZAO), has received several media requests to comment on the controversy surrounding the invitation of President Robert Mugabe to attend the ITU TELECOMMS Summit in Switzerland, particularly in the wake of the scandal involving the now-terminated business dealings between Nestlé's Zimbabwe subsidiary and the Mugabe family.

We therefore issue this statement to express our views on the matter. The ZAO accepts the position of the International Telecommunications Union regarding UN protocol under which all Heads of States and Governments are invited to the global body's events regardless of

their human rights record. Even though President Mugabe and about 213 other members of his party are under restrictive travel, financial and arms trade measures imposed by the Swiss Federal Government and the EU, the people of Zimbabwe themselves are not under any international sanctions. We therefore take no issue with the ITU or Swiss government allowing President Mugabe to travel to Switzerland.

However we deplore any attempts by government leaders to abuse United Nations and other multilateral platforms as avenues for political grandstanding and evading international restrictive measures. Whilst President Mugabe predictably used this opportunity to rail against Western 'sanctions' and independent media in Zimbabwe, long-suffering Zimbabwean families would derive no economic benefit whatsoever from this latest international presidential trip.

It is more critical to point out that the policies and mismanagement of national wealth by members of the ZANU PF-led government have directly led to the economic collapse in the country which is being further jeopardised by ZANU PF's reluctance to implement the 2008 Global Political Agreement in earnest. There are only 2.8 telephone lines for every 100 Zimbabweans and only 1.1 internet hosts for every 1'000 Zimbabweans. On top of this the government continues to monopolise the airwaves, maintaining laws and structures that inhibit the freedom of independent Zimbabwean media organisations and entrepreneurs to practice their trade at home and broadcast to the nation.

Recently President Mugabe's party demonstrated its lack of commitment to genuine democratic reforms when irregularly appointing 8 retired military personnel and other loyalists to various media commissions and boards contrary to the spirit of the Global Political Agreement. The continued use of hateful and intolerant language in public discourse and the use of 'war' language by the chief of the Zimbabwe National Army in relation to Zimbabwean internet media organisations broadcasting from abroad are also major causes for concern.

Following almost a decade of tensions, the Government of Zimbabwe now has a clear opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the guiding principles of the United Nations and being accepted back among the community of nations through constructive engagement and practical measures. Since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has not allowed even a single visit of UN Human Rights Independent Experts despite a litany of requests stretching as far back as 2000. Allowing these assessment visits to take place and perhaps offer technical support will be a welcome step in demonstrating Zimbabwe's commitment to working with the UN and international community towards genuine peace and reform.

The ZAO therefore calls upon the media and international community not to be distracted by futile

debates on whether or not President Mugabe and other repressive leaders should attend UN events or not, but focus on engaging and challenging them with facts and evidence of the widespread suffering being caused by their anti-democratic rule.

bout Us

The Zimbabwe Advocacy Office is an independent organisation established as a joint collaboration of the Foundation for Partnership and Development in Africa (FEPA), the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and Swiss-based Zimbabwean human rights defenders. ZAO is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

DOES GOD ENDORSE PARTICULAR RULERS OR SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT?

2009-08-31T08:20:00.003+02:00

So many Christians are confused as to whether God endorses particular rulers or systems of government. Whatever views one holds on this matter are bound to influence one’s attitudes and decisions on such issues as governance, voting, constitution writing or advocacy for democracy and justice.

At the height of colonial oppression we often heard that working towards regime change was evil. “Why?” I asked a Christian leader whose views seemed to be influenced by the fact that he was a beneficiary of the political status quo. The quick answer I got was from Romans 13:1-2: “Everyone must submit himself to the government authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves”

The same verses could easily have been quoted by those Christians who benefited from and supported the corrupt and oppressive regimes of Hitler, Idi Amin or Mobutu. When those regimes were toppled, beneficiaries of the new regimes would quote the same verses in support of the new system as is happening in Zimbabwe today. If all systems of government and individual rulers have been instituted by God one would wonder if there is any point in even voting - unless the voting is always in support of the status quo.

This makes it obvious that Christians need biblical teaching which goes beyond the “proof text” method where one just quotes Bible verses to support preconceived ideas. Does God indeed endorse particular rulers or systems of government?

The Old Testament story focuses on a Jewish community whose system of government was a theocracy or “rule by God”. When this community settled in Palestine God appointed for them judges, and later on kings. God himself deposed those kings who either deviated from his commandments by worshipping false gods, or by oppressing the people over whom they ruled. God even punished this community by allowing foreign powers like the Assyrians and Babylonians to colonize them for varying periods of time as a means of restoring them to the laws he had agreed with them as his people.

At the time of the coming of Jesus Christ the same Jewish community had endured a long period of Greek colonialism, and was now under Roman colonialism. Up to that time the concept of “kingdom” had included not only geographic, territorial space, but also the particular nation over whom a king ruled. Jesus brought about a transformation of the whole concept of kingdom. By “kingdom of God” Jesus meant, among other things, “God’s governance” not over a particular geographical space or a particular nation but over all those in different nations who voluntarily subjected themselves to God’s will. Those who earnestly prayed, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” were to be part of the kingdom of God. In other words Jesus brought an end to the old concept of “theocracy” whereby God ruled over a particular people in a particular geographical space. That is why Jesus also often talked about the ”kingdom of heaven”. He said, “My kingdom is not of this earth” (John 18:36)

What this means, therefore, is that there is no longer any particular political system of government that comes from God. Different nations can choose their own types of political systems, and their own rulers. They may indeed, in their sovereignty, choose one party state systems, multi-party democracy, “kingdom” systems or even communism. None of these can claim to be the “biblical” system of government. And none of them can claim perfection.

There are, however, certain values that remain unchanging in God’s scheme of things. The values include love, justice, peace, truth, honesty, generosity, morality, unity-in-diversity, respect for human life and dignity, human freedoms, respect for other persons, good governance, rule of law, participation, equality of human beings, the promotion of the family, service, accountability and excellence. All these values find support in the Scriptures of both Old and New testaments. The fact that these values are endorsed even by those who are not Christians is an indication of their universality. God requires such values even in those who do not identify themselves as Christians. He rewards those who abide by these values and punishes those who do not.

Each nation must then choose leaders and a system of government that can best ensure the promotion of those values so that God’s blessings can rest on the nation. Zimbabwe and the majority of other nations have chosen the democratic system of government. It is not a perfect system; but we have judged it better than other systems in terms of promoting the values articulated above. Having done that it becomes necessary that we honestly adhere to democratic principles and ensure the promotion of the godly values within our chosen system of government.

Because we live in a democracy, and not a theocracy, it is, therefore, false to say that any party, or any set of rulers are given to us by God. No. We choose these people ourselves. And if any party or any politicians cease to uphold God’s unchanging values we, as Christians, must pray them, and vote them, out of government.

So, how does Romans 13 apply to this conclusion? One needs to continue reading up to verse 7 in order to understand that Paul was talking about governing authorities that uphold God’s values and standards. Those kinds of authorities “hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong”. They are “God’s servants to do you good” and to “bring punishment on the wrong-doer”. The fact that such governing authorities at that time included colonial rulers did not seem to matter to Paul. What was more important to Paul was that they upheld God’s standard of good governance.

By implication, when the governing authorities cease to do right there is no obligation to submit to them. What if the governing authorities start to be a terror to those who do right and reward those who do wrong? What if they become corrupt, oppressive and violate other unchanging values of God? Do we fold our arms and wait for God to deal with them? No. This is no longer a theocracy. The obligation is on us. As Christians we must actively pray that they either shape up or ship out. We must utilize every opportunity to vote them out of power and vote in those whose values are closest to kingdom values. What we want is for God’s will to be done on earth even as it is done in heaven.

Some may conclude that I am advocating for all Christians to “meddle” in party politics. How often have we heard that Christians are to pray and preach the gospel and to leave politics to politicians, and economics to economists?

Indeed “party politics” is not part of the official business of ministers of the Gospel, who were called by God to be “shepherds of the sheep.” With regard to party politics they must remain neutral and non-aligned. Our churches and colleges are home to people of different political persuasions and racial groups. But because God’s values permeate every sphere of life, they must be God’s agents of righteousness in all spheres including politics, economics, education and health. They must remain engaged in both prayer and advocacy without fear or favour. Without such engagement they cease to be the conscience of the nation. The fact that a minister we may be a beneficiary of the status quo must not silence his or her prophetic voice as is happening with some of our brethren.

Individual Christians, however, as responsible citizens, may participate in political parties of their choice guided by biblical values and their conscience. The Bible says that Christians are the salt of the earth. For salt to give flavour it must be mixed with the food. In the same way, for Christians to influence society they must be fully engaged in that society.
================================
(Rev Dr Roy Musasiwa is principal of Domboshawa Theological College. He may be contacted on email rmusasiwa@gmail.com)

2009-08-12T15:15:00.002+02:00

Press Releases

United Church General Council Meets in Kelowna August 9–15

Other languages:

Français

Friday, July 31, 2009

Toronto: Canada’s largest Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada, is holding its 40th General Council in Kelowna, British Columbia, August 9–15, 2009. The meetings will take place on the campus of the University of British Columbia—Okanagan. Delegates are being housed in student residences, and the gymnasium will serve as the main meeting space.

On Sunday, August 9, the opening day of General Council, a public worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. A large number of additional visitors from local United Churches are expected to attend this worship service.

The General Council is a national gathering of close to 400 delegates called commissioners. Commissioners are selected by the church’s 13 regional Conferences and represent an equal number of lay and ordered men and women. In addition, more than 300 guests, observers, youth, children, staff, and volunteers will be present for the week-long gathering.

The General Council meets every three years to elect a new Moderator and to approve new church policies. The last meeting of the General Council took place in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in August 2006.

A total of 173 proposals for action are coming before the 40th General Council. While many of these proposals deal with matters that are primarily of interest only to the United Church, many also address more general issues of concern:

the environment
peace in the Middle East
presumed consent for organ donation
Employment Insurance emergency measures
protection of agricultural land and local food security
Canada–Colombia free-trade agreement
return of Omar Khadr to Canada
support for refugees coming to Canada
emergency landing lights for Bella Bella Hospital

Reports coming before the 40th General Council include one that deals with the nature and meaning of ministry leadership, and a background paper on the state of the church. The latter, while not an action item itself, is intended to help inform all of the decisions being made by commissioners at this General Council.

In addition, time will be spent discussing a report dealing with a vision for revitalizing French ministries in The United Church of Canada, and a report evaluating the three-year Emerging Spirit/WonderCafe initiative. This initiative, which was approved at the last General Council, focused on establishing and nurturing the relationship of the United Church with Canadians between the ages of 30 and 45 who are not part of any organized faith group.

As always the election of the new Moderator will likely draw considerable media interest, particularly in the communities where the nominees live. Thus far there are six nominees for Moderator: three from Ontario (Brantford, Braeside in the Ottawa Valley area, and Toronto), two from Manitoba (Winnipeg and Oxford House), and one from British Columbia (Hazelton). The election of the new Moderator is scheduled for Friday, August 14, followed by the installation service on the evening of August 15.

Throughout General Council, a complete news and information service will be available to reporters both on-site and off. Most information, including the daily agenda and documentation related to the 40th General Council, is being posted online at http://gc40.united-church.ca. You will also find a link to this website from The United Church of Canada’s homepage at www.united-church.ca.

In addition to daily news reports from a team of writers covering events as they happen, there will also be video clips posted on YouTube and live streaming of most proceedings of General Council will be carried on the 40th General Council website. An accompanying website, http://cg40.eglise-unie.ca, is dedicated to French-language coverage of the 40th General Council.

Reporters are invited to register to receive regular updates of 40th General Council news at http://gc40.united-church.ca/site/subscribe.

As well as our regular news reports, for the first time ever General Council coverage will include the use of social media vehicles such as Flickr, Twitter, WonderCafe discussion threads and popular blogging services.

For further information, please contact:

Mary-Frances Denis
Program Coordinator, Media and Public Relations
The United Church of Canada
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office until August 5, 2009)
Tel: 416-400-7273 (cell/voice mail August 5–18, 2009)
Tel: 250-807-9451 (August 7-16, 2009) Please note this phone does not have voice mail.
E-mail: Mary-Frances Denis

External Pages

(Note: The United Church of Canada is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window)

Top

Last updated:: 2009/07/31
Created:: 2009/07/31

Supported by donations to the Mission and Service Fund.
Copyright © 2009 The United Church of Canada/L'Église Unie du Canada.
Some rights reserved.
© 2009 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca. Any copy must include this notice.

2009-07-06T07:01:00.013+02:00

BOOK REVIEW

Book Title:
The John Wesley Code: Finding a Faith that Matters, 211 pages, 2008

Author: Dr James Stuart

Publisher: Philip Garside Publications LTD, New Zealand.

Review by Dr L. Kadenge

I have read several books written about John Wesley (JW) but this one has captivated my imagination to the extend that I could not put it down. Most of the things known about JW are in this book. The uniqueness of this book is in the fact that James Stuart looks at JW’s special and unique contribution to the eighteenth century revival which gave birth to Methodism. Wesley’s major contribution was his praxis. He earned his achievements. His experience was his teacher.

Though the past was very important to JW he did not let it obscure his goal of organizing his movement. The important thing which he did that became his anchor was what I am calling Literature Review (L.R.). Any worthwhile thesis has to have a substantial L.R. Wesley excelled in this sphere. He was widely read. He read most of the works that mattered to his spiritual growth and was able though, to keep his head above the influences from what he read. He read like someone who knew what he wanted. Once something was not in line with his focus he discarded it. The good thing though, was that he knew what he did not want to follow. That which was in line with his goal he perfected. This is why he could relate with the Moravians and even adopt some of their spiritual practices but broke with them when it came to issues that stifled his progress and his goal. That which struck a code in him he kept for future reference.

JW was not satisfied with little faith. He indeed was a giant. He expected much and he got much. His followers had to practice their faith. Indeed he kept on the heels of his preachers from whom he demanded the best.

What comes out clearly in this book is that for JW Christian life is lived for others. Like Christ who laid down his life for the world, so JW’s parish was the world. JW encouraged Methodists to earn as much as they could, save as much as they could and give as much as they could. He was an example. He devoted much to the work he was doing. He did not have the comfort of staying in one place for long. Itinerancy became his watch word. He traveled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom until his health could not allow.

Discouragements were faced squarely. He fought the waves of discontent with tenacity. He would look for opportunities and move on like things were normal. As his movement grew necessity became the mother of invention. Because the movement was growing preachers were introduced. Leaders of the movement both at home and abroad had to be ordained at some point to carter for the growing work even in he United States of America.

The genius of JW came in handy as he managed successfully his Methodist movement which effectively became a church within a church in his life time. While most structures were in place to establish a separate Church JW died a priest of the Anglican Church. On the other hand the connexion was operating effectively with its conference and leadership in place. The movement nature of Methodism was necessary because it was designed to bring the necessary change or UK would have experienced a catastrophic revolution. JW thwarted that revolution.

The Industrial Revolution in the UK had brought in untold suffering. The enclosure acts which pushed many rural folks into towns brought untold suffering to the new urbanites. JW came in handy to carter for the needs of the dispossessed whom the official Church of England had no concern for. The Methodist movement became the place for all and sundry. Orphanages, clinics and schools for the less privileged were established to carter for the disadvantaged. No sooner had this been done the poor multiplied. JW vowed to meet these challenges. Because of his concern for the down trodden JW came to the aide of William Wilberforce in his fight against slavery. Wilberforce was a Methodist whose fight resonated with JW’s.

Providence was another watch word of JW. Though he was charting new waters he relied heavily on the early Church practices. Jesus’ disciples brought their goods together to share and for JW that was something to emulate according to the prevailing circumstances. JW was not someone to give up easily. He persevered even in the most difficult circumstances. If it meant running away to save his life he did, not in capitulation but for the sake of what was ahead of him. Being banned from preaching in the Church of England did not dissuade him from preaching more. It was like he was given a new lease of life. Out door preaching became normal practice because of necessity.

JW did not want his weaknesses to blur his work. He fell and rose. He did not claim to be perfect but he strove for perfection. His method of leadership may not have been the best but it ushered in a new era. By grace he was saved from infancy to his death.

Indeed James Stuart is right, “Methodists need a new appreciation of Wesley’s vision.” Yes, “Methodism is waning and membership is declining,” in the western world but it can learn from other parts of the world where Methodism is growing in leaps and bounds. The reason for this growth is that according to JW the Church is there for the community. A church which is concentrating on its existence is bound to wound up. A church that will have long life is the one which exists for others. Love God and others and the church will not go wrong. Thanks James.

ZIMBABWE: GOD SAVE THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

2009-06-01T08:58:00.002+02:00

One wonders whether we have already seen or heard the worst coming from our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church. A few days ago listening to the Voice of America news VOA I could not believe that Bishop Nolbert Kunonga who is pitted against the (Anglican) Church of the Province of Central Africa could respond with such venom to a question why his breakaway section of the church was getting less and less members. His response was in Shona "Nhunzi dzinoenda kunenyama yakaora" (Flies are attracted by rotten meat). Should a church leader or former church leader say that non members or potential members of his church were like flies who flocked in their numbers to rotting meat when they had left his church.

My appeal to the larger church of the world is to pray for our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church here in Zimbabwe. Politicians are fuelling the already dire situation in this church. June is the month Anglicans in the Central Africa region which comprises Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe come together in Marondera in Zimbabwe at a place near Bernard Muzeki College, a place believed Bernard Muzeki, one of the earliest black missionaries was killed. Kunonga has already booked the place with the police so that the whole of Anglicanism here in this region will not have access to it. What has the police to do with that function if not supporting one man's cause? God forbid!!!

The Harare Diocese which is at the centre of these problems was being led by Bishop Kunonga until the Central province excommunicated him a year ago for breaking away from the church. The retired bishop of Manicaland Bishop Sebastian Bakare was called to lead the Diocese temporarily while it elected a new bishop. Bakare has seen hell. At one service his communion elements were thrown to the ground by Bishop Kunonga. Recently a new bishop Dr Chad Gandiya has been elected and awaits confirmation. One person in the Diocese is said to have objected to his appointment and the church leadership from the province will be meeting soon in Harare to consider the evidence so that they can make a decision. May God save this great church.

NATIONAL HEALING CONSULTATIVE FORUM _ KARIBA 13-14 MAY 2009

2009-05-19T07:22:00.003+02:00

List of Organisations Represented at the Kariba Consultative Meeting:

Heads of Christian Denominations

Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Zimbabwe Council of Churches

National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO)

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCZ)

Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (ZINASU)

Christian Students Union of Zimbabwe (CSU)

Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA)

Zimbabwe National Pastors’ Conference (ZNPC)

Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC)

Musasa Project

MS-Danish, Zimbabwe

National Association for the Care of the Handicap (NASCOH)

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP)

Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET)

Africa Evangelical Association

NOVASC

Victims Action Committee (VAC)

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

Center for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA)

WASN

Institute of Theological Reflection Today ITRT

NB: This is only a list of organizations represented at the Kariba consultative workshop. A full list of all organizations in the civic society is in Appendix 5.4

Background: the need for National Reconciliation and Healing

Over the years since 1980, civil society organizations and churches in Zimbabwe realizing their biblical and moral mandate have independently carried out peace- building programs in particular geographical areas they chose to work. In the last five or so years, however, some of the organizations have on occasions found it beneficial to collaborate with like-minded sister organizations to carry out certain specific interventions. It was out of this spirit that the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in Zimbabwe (NANGO), the Christian Alliance, the NGO Forum, other civil society organizations and the Heads of Christian Denominations (HOCD) comprising the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) decided to partner each other in the Zimbabwe Church and Civil Society Forum (ZCCSF) to facilitate national reconciliation and healing in a coordinated and harmonized manner.

After the constitution of the Organ for National Reconciliation and Healing in the new all- inclusive Government of Zimbabwe, the forum heartily welcomed this development and made contact with the Organ to explore ways of collaborating and working together.

The forum noted that Article VII of the historic Global Political Agreement (GPA) of September 15, 2008 states in part that the parties agreed to:

“ … give consideration to the setting up of a mechanism to properly advise on what measures might be necessary and practicable to achieve national healing, cohesion and unity in respect of victims of pre and post independence political conflict”

The agreement took cognizance of the fact that there were periods in Zimbabwe’s history that were fraught with conflict and during which acts of political violence were committed, and also the fact that unless the hurt, pain and sense of loss that were occasioned by these conflicts were effectively addressed, Zimbabweans would never experience genuine peace, unity and national cohesion.

Such periods include:

The pre-independence war period

Gukurahundi

Land re-distribution

Operation Murambatsvina

Violence during elections

Others: as will be defined by the communities in specific localities

For national reconciliation and healing to take place effectively, it is necessary that the entire nation participates in a comprehensive, all- inclusive, holistic and clearly defined national process underpinned by strong political will and desire to reconcile and heal the nation.

At the Church and Civil Society Forum workshop held in Kariba over the period 12 – 15 May, 2009, the Forum, from its vantage position of representing various sectors of the Zimbabwean society, resolved to formally engage the Organ for National Reconciliation and Healing in the facilitation and implementation of national reconciliation and healing as envisaged in Article VII of the GPA.

In engaging Government in this process, the Forum took into cognizance the fact that for an effective, sustainable national reconciliation and healing process to take place, it was necessary to engage all stakeholders, including Government.

Guiding Vision, Principles and Values for National Healing and Reconciliation

Vision

We as CCSF envision National Healing and Reconciliation as a home grown inclusive process that will lay the foundations for a peaceful and cohesive Zimbabwean society; where the security of individuals and communities is guaranteed; where the dignity of the individual is respected; where broken relationships are healed; where trust is restored; and where diversity is celebrated.

Guiding Principles for a National Healing and Reconciliation Process

The following are the principles that should guide a national healing and reconciliation process:

Upholds truth and justice while cognizant that justice delayed is more likely to be justice denied

Rebuilds trust, strengthens relationships and enhances equity and social cohesion so as to ensure a healthy and prosperous society/ nation

Is proactive by laying the foundation for sustainable peace

Is all inclusive attending to particular needs and views of social groups like:

Victims

Perpetrators

The poor and disadvantaged

Minority groups

Women

Children

Facilitates holistic healing by providing psycho-social support, trauma healing, and spiritual restoration.

Provides security to both victims and perpetrators so that they can open up without fear of victimisation

Is contextually relevant by being home grown (By Zimbabweans)

Engages all stakeholders realising that the contribution of all Zimbabweans as individuals and social groups is needed.

Allows the views and healing needs the people express to guide the time cut off points and the healing process.

Guarantees the involvement of communities as equal partners through a grass roots oriented approach that considers community peculiarities.

Is committed to introspection and acknowledgement of the role that stakeholders have played in contributing to the undesirable environment

Is facilitated and implemented by people who acknowledge and address their own need for healing.

Respects and upholds the life, dignity and human rights of all citizens

Core Values for CCSF National Healing and Reconciliation

The following are the core values that guide the relationship between members of the CCSF:

Equality

Transparency

Honesty

Integrity

Shared leadership

Mutual respect

Cooperation

Accountability

Humility

Diversity

To treat each other with compassion

Ongoing introspection

Strategic Objectives for a Sustainable National Healing and Reconciliation Process.

The strategic objectives are based on the observation of the fowlling critical factors:

That Zimbabwe is currently going through transitional processes whose positive results will better inform and support the National Healing and Reconciliation process (e.g Constitutional, Institutional, Media, Political Reform processes)

That the resultant framework for National Healing and Reconciliation needs to be informed and guided by consideration of the grassroots’ input, views and desired outcome.

Given such factors, the strategic objectives for a sustainable process are therefore to:

Investigate views that stakeholders particularly the grassroots have regarding what should constitute a national healing and reconciliation process and provide awareness on the current reform processes in Zimbabwe.

Identify the conflict issues and dynamics that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable national healing and reconciliation.

Identify and provide for grassroots situations that require immediate relief interventions.

Built capacity within the grassroots communities for peace building, handling truth recovery and conflict resolution.

Determine the kind of truth recovery approach and justice that Zimbabweans want for sustainable national healing and reconciliation when the environment is more conducive through a generally accepted conclusion of the constitutional reforms that have a bearing on related processes such as media, electoral and political reforms.

Modalities for Implementation

Activities

Structural Activities

The forum will undertake various structural activities as outlined below:

The Kariba document will be presented to the Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation and the engagement of the organ will then be initiated thereof.

Member organisations present at the Kariba Consultative meeting will feedback to their structures on the output of the meeting

The first roll out activity will be the hosting of an all-stakeholder national consultative meeting. This meeting will be mandated to:

Make presentations on the formulation of CCSF to a wider stakeholder base.

Consolidate Healing and Reconciliation as a national process.

Invite more stakeholders into the forum.

Carry out a Peace-building skills audit among stakeholders in order to create database of practitioners.

Intervention Activities

The intervention activities are as ascribed below:

Stage 1: National Sensitization Process

The intervention activities will begin with the national sensitization process which will allow the forum to listen to the people’s concerns, needs and expectations for the national healing and reconciliation process.

Sensitization Process Guidelines:

This process allows for an understanding of the context of the extent of the conflict effects, which will later inform further processes as assessed by the research team of the forum.

The process must firstly encourage open expression of grief & rage triggered by the conflict. This must be within a CONTEXT PROCESS i.e. to be implemented through the cultural and traditional norms and structures of the particular community.

The process can thenspecifically involve the following:

Civic Education on the National Healing and Reconciliation Initiative and its relation to the Global Political Agreement and the Constitutional Reform Process.

Allowing for communities to express their concerns and their desired outcomes from the national healing and reconciliation process.

Recording the concerns and input of the communities for transmission to the research team/department.

Familiarisation with the community members, processes, structures, cultures, history, conflict perspective and other important indicators.

Building relationships with communities.

Stage 2: Mapping

At this stage the sensitization team will then provide information to allow the research team to do the following:

Understand the conflict perspectives in the communities from a practical angle.

Relate the reality on the ground to the national perspective.

Understand the major conflict motivations and their specific context and inter-relations.

Identify immediate key needs for parallel processes that can be followed (e.g. relief work, trauma treatment, trauma counseling, re-integration of displaced, livelihoods programs etc).

Stage 3: Community Capacity Building

Start to build community capacity building programs for communities as informed by stage 1 and stage 2.

The capacity building programs must address the following:

Dismantling Bias and Prejudice

Conflict grows from biases & prejudices regarding culture, ethnicity, gender, religion, political affiliation, nationality, language, handicap, skills, etc.

Developing Skills in Interest-Based Processes

There will be need to develop skills within local communities to implement agreed strategies e.g. group facilitation, public dialogue, strategic planning, collaborative negotiation, mediation etc. Communities will normally respond to being empowered to run their own programs or to being part of the teams running programs.

Capacity Building Design

Capacity building programs must then be designed for each community (ward or cell) taking into account the arising contextual needs. Some generic outline of such programs will highlight the following:

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Emotional Processing Skills (e.g. working through rage and guilt, assuage of grief & loss

Mediation Skills

Counseling Skills

Community Building Skills (Developing interest-based, collaborative leadership and becoming productive, functional communities again)

Conflict Resolution Systems Design Skills (To prevent future disputes and to resolve future disputes before they become intractable)

Stage 4: Institutionalisation

This helps manage or prevent future conflicts within the community without the outbreak of violence, & without outside intervention.

Institutionalisation also involves the creation of “WARD PEACE AUDIT TEAMS” or “CELL PEACE TEAMS” to identify the systematic sources of violent conflicts and potential threats to peace in the community.

Other Parallel Processes

It is important to note that as the linear processes are being pursued as discussed above, there will be need to identify other parallel process that may arise due to the realised needs in the communities.

Re-integration

There could still be persons who were displaced during the conflicts who are still away from their natural communities. Once such needs are realized, reintegration processes must be ensured as parallel processes.

Framework of Re-integration

Reintegration must focus on physical, social, economic and spiritual re-integration of persons back into their natural environments, state of life, mind and heart.

Trauma Healing and Treatment

Some victims of trauma have had no treatment or counseling to-date. It will be important to note such cases and immediately refer them for any such need.

Restitution and Compensation

There may also be immediate cases for the need for restitution and compensation. Where any such cases are clear, it will be important to consider them.

Total Framework and Implementation Design

The total framework and design of the implementation process will be informed by the sensitisation from the various communities. The forum will not be prescriptive but will attain input from the affected communities and will thus develop implementation and frameworks based on context and community needs and requirements.

Lobbying and Advocacy

The forum will establish a lobbying and advocacy wing which will engage with the following processes:

Parliamentary and Legislative processes

Constitutional Reform Process

The Political processes (i.e. the GPA)

Community processes

The Media

National Vision building processes in order to counter the inherent culture of violence and disrespect for the sanctity of human life.

Supporting Structures

National Structure

The forum will operate as a coalition of Church and Civil Society organisations, run by a secretariat of persons seconded from the membership. (Refer to Appendix 5.3)

Grassroots Structure

The forum will ride on the available nationwide network of its membership. It will therefore establish provincial and district structures which will eventually feed into the ward and cell structures. The guideline is to facilitate a bottom-up and victim-centered process, which will ensure contextual relevance in all interventions developed.

Functional Structure

The structure of the forum will comprehensively cover the following:

Administration

Fundraising

Media Liaison

Lobbying, Policy Cordination and Advocacy

Research

Documentation and Publication

Capacity Building and Programs

Resources needed to effect implementation

Personnel trained in peace-building and other requisite areas

Budget

Equipment and facilities

Appendices

Definition of Terms

National Healing – a process of healing the spiritual, emotional and socio-economic damage from dysfunctional conflict, that acknowledges the truth of what happened and upholds justice while implementing peace monitoring and building mechanisms to prevent further such or new counter productive conflict in order to achieve more social cohesion and open the way for socio-economic recovery and progress.

Justice – Establishing factual truth about a case and impartially arriving at a fair resolution that upholds the rule of law and affirms human rights and dignity.

Restorative justice – is a community based way of holding perpetrators accountable for wrongs committed by bringing the victim and the perpetrator to a settlement through establishing and acknowledging the truth, restoring losses so that there wrongs are not repeated and to begin healing of the relationship between the two and that they can build trust to peacefully live together.

Retributive justice – is based on the established law legal means to punish the perpetrator as a corrective and deterrent measure, and a way of making him/her accountable.

Transitional justice – is ensuring justice and fairness in dealing with past offences and crimes in a period of movement from an unwanted post conflict situation to a desired situation that restores normalcy, equity, peace and social cohesion.

Reconciliation – is a process (or the end of such a process) that deals with the past through confession, listening, restitution and forgiveness to restore peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and commitment to building trust between groups or parties that have been at conflict.

Accountability – is to allow the rule of law, an authority or others to assess and determine one’s conformity to a standard through transparency and accepting responsibility over one’s action instead of acting with impunity.

Compensation – is repayment in some form as acknowledgement and redress of injustice perpetrated to somebody in a given society.

Truth telling – is recovering and acknowledging the truth of what happened by allowing for honest verbal disclosure of, and expression of emotions from, the full facts in order to facilitate settlement and healing.

NOTE:

A working group will be set up to work on comprehensive technical as well as theological or sector specific definitions of terms and concepts on the subject of national healing.

Communication Strategy

Father Chiromba (HOCD) will be spearhead all communication on behalf of the Forum.

The role of the media team will be to ensure that any communication from Father Chiromba is broadcast to the intended audience, at the approriate time and in the appropriate manner and form.

National and grassroot structures of the Forum members will also be utilised for communication processes, as cordinated from the Father Chiromba through the Media team.

Other Potential Organizations Under CCSF

Christian Care

Crisis Coalition

General Agriculture & Plantations Union of Zimbabwe

Lawyers for Human Rights

LDS

MAZ

Media Institute of Southern Africa

NCFWC

Peace Builders’ Network of Zimbabwe

Zimbawe Congress of Trade Unions

ZFCM

ZimRights

NFBCZ

Ruwadzano

ZACH

UDACISSA

Council of Chiefs

Business council of Zimbabwe (ZNCC, CZI, EMCOZ, RTG)

Law Society of Zimbabwe

War Veterans Association

Bulawayo Agenda

Combined Harare Residents Association

National Constitutional Assembly

Diaspora

Artists for Democracy

Unthunzini/Mumvuri Association

Funding modalities

The organisations that have been raising funding for the Forum are: HOCD, NANGO and Christian Alliance these have been mandate to continue untill December 2009 when a new funding strategy will be initiatited. Other Individuals organisation will also continue to contribute as needs arise.

ZIMBABWE: A COLONY AGAIN

2009-05-06T11:09:00.005+02:00

It's all over in the Zimbabwe official paper, the Herald " 'good news' visas have been scrapped." Who ever thought we would be annexed with such easiness. Visa requirements have been removed and any Zimbabwean who can afford to pay for the transport can go to South Africa even without a passport. This effectively puts to rest our sovereignty. We are now the tenth province of South Africa. Indeed we have had it tough, the demands made by SA were just too much. The removal is also extreme. It heralds something more than what meets the eye.

In church circles the Methodist Church of Southern Africa MCSA which comprises of SA, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana has always argued that the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe should be part of this larger family. We have argued that we are a country that can stand on its own so there was no need to be part of this larger body. I am sure MCSA has more ammunition than before to convince their Zimbabwean counterpart to benefit from this promised union.

Zimbabweans can now visit SA for 90 days and are given permits to seek work for that period. While Zimbabweans are going to benefit SA is the chief benefactor. We now use their money and in order to get the money SA has lifted the restrictive rules so that many Zimbabweans can cross over and work for that period come back and buy goods from SA. After 90 days they come back and use the money they had earned and then go back again. Our shops are now full of goods coming from SA so we have to have the money to buy them.

The question to ask is will Zimbabwe recover its industry. The good news may not be good news after all. Our recovery will take long to be realised because we are getting already made stuff from SA. The worst scenario would have been America scrapping the visa since we are using its money also. This has not happened. Africa is colonising itself. This maybe our way out. God bless.

CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

2009-05-01T11:52:00.004+02:00

Crime in South Africa: Who is responsible?

It is not a problem for experts on crime to have the answers. I write this article from a layman’s point of view, as someone who has been observing and listening to a few Zimbabwean individuals who have been victims of crime in South Africa for the last ten days I have been in this country. I may be accused of being an arm chair theorist. Nevertheless I will share with you my brief insight into what I have always suspected was also contributing to crime in SA.

While it is believed that South Africa is one of the worst crime ridden nations in the world it is also fair to look at the allegation with some critical introspection. South Africa plays host to many nationals from across Africa and other countries world wide. We will take special interest on nationals from the African continent. The continent is poor and those who migrate to the rich SA include criminals among them. SA’s guests range from genuine migrants to criminals. It is correct to say that SA has benefited from the cream of Africa. It has also suffered from many criminals from across the continent that have settled in this country.

Just imagine the criminals of Africa assembling in SA! They in turn scramble for crime in different parts of this land. Everywhere you go you see Nigerians, Somalians, Congolese and Zimbabweans. I have mentioned these four countries to represent the four regions of Africa, namely West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa. I am convinced that the majority of Zimbabwean criminals left their country and the biggest number must be in SA. SA police force is therefore not only trying to manage its own criminals but criminals from the rest of the continent.

If criminals are dangerous in their own country what about when they have illegally migrated to another country? The local criminals will in many cases be out done by their guests. African diplomats based in SA should be having difficult time here because they should be trying to portray a positive picture about their citizens. Diplomats would be the last to admit that their own people are causing crime here. It is also tricky for the host country to clear itself from its own criminals. This then becomes a yoyo. Diplomats here will point fingers at SA criminals as the perpetrators of crime. SA government cannot put all the blame on foreign criminals. It is indeed a catch 22 situation.

Whether SA wants it or not it has to play the big brother role. While it is the richest country in Africa it is also the most crime ridden. Is it its riches which have attracted the worst of criminals in the continent? It’s very easy to say the same riches have wooed the best of Africa to this country. The old adage that one cannot have his cake and eat it at the same time applies so well to SA. It is indeed a mixed bag. SA is getting both the best and the worst of Africa.

What I have realized is that while it is very easy to blame SA for the crimes committed here we should also do some self introspection as African people. Zimbabweans I managed to speak to about crime in SA indicated that those who steal from them are Zimbabweans criminals. One Mr Ndoro (not his real name) was going back home for a break. As he disembarked from a local taxi he was approached by two Zimbabweans who greeted him cheerfully. They offered to carry his goods for a small fee of ZAR20 to Park Station where buses to Zimbabwe are taken. Just after approaching a corner Ndoro was accosted by these erstwhile helpers. They demanded that he surrendered all he had in his pockets. Ndoro was amazed at how they knew where money was usually kept. They helped themselves to the ZAR800 he had. They then offered him ZAR70 to find his way in town. Ndoro had to go back to Zimbabwe so he looked for his sister in Johannesburg who gave him money just to go home and come back.

Another Zimbabwean James (not his real name) noticed that after welcoming his wife coming from Zimbabwe at Park Station he was followed by a group of Zimbabweans who were speaking fluent Shona language. Before he arrived at the taxi rank they approached him and asked for money to which he responded that he did not have any. With cheek in mouth they asked him why he had wasted their time. “As compensation just give us little money because you have wasted our time following you and then you tell us you do not have money,” bragged one of the criminals. James behaved like a bouncer and told them off. He could afford to do that because James is heavily built and he played a bouncer and got off the hook at that time. He no longer wants to use that bus station because a repeat of that might be fatal.

As a result of these criminal activities a number of Zimbabwean visitors no longer want to disembark at Park Station in Johannesburg. Many now cut their trips and end in Musina, Polokwane or Pretoria. Johannesburg has become so criminal ridden that a lot of Zimbabwean visitors shun to make it all the way there. They are now being deprived of their right to make choices of places to shop from or just to visit.

If this is the experience of Zimbabweans it should also go for other nationals from countries like Mozambique, Malawi and DRC to mention a few. Thieves from their countries would also cause havoc to their nationals at the time of arrival in SA. A number of visitors are coming for the first time and these are easy prey. Our won criminals are causing untold suffering to innocent travelers coming from their own countries. It is indeed a paradox instead of being welcomed with open arms our hopes are shuttered by our won people. It is sad indeed. It is cruel and inhuman but that is our reality.

SA needs to be protected by SADC countries. These countries should own up and agree that they are contributing to the crime rate in this country because of their citizens who are here illegally and depend on criminal activities. While Africa is benefiting from SA riches it should be prepared to share the criminal blame loaded on it. It would be much lighter for SA to deal with its own criminals rather than tackling the bulk coming from the continent. Putting our heads together as Africa we can help SA to fight crime in this country. Africa, help your own to fight crime so that by 2010 the congregating world will enjoy African hospital at its best when they come for the world games. We can do it. God bless.

SOUTH AFRICA; CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2009-04-29T21:11:00.002+02:00

SOUTH AFRICA: CONGRATULATIONS

Who said South Africa is a violent nation? The just ended 22 April South African elections can only be described as free and fair. I am sure all the observer missions and individuals including myself agree that people voted freely. Yes there were few incidents of problems here and there. The loss of one life is something we should not ignore. There is above all need to congratulate South Africans for holding successful elections. Like Ghana South Africa is on its way to demonstrate that African elections can be free and fair and that our politicians accept defeat gracefully. ANC has been given another chance to prove itself and the world is looking forward to delivery of services to the needy millions in South Africa.

Millions of Zimbabweans (3 million plus) who are in South Africa must have marveled at the tranquility that characterized South African elections. The robust electioneering period did not translate into violent elections. That is what it should be in a normal society. Zimbabwe has a lot to learn from its southern neighbor. South Africa has been known to be very violent but the day of elections was characterized by peace. Some of us pray and hope that South Africa abandon the violent route. With the 2010 games so close it is Africa’s and the World’s wish that peace reigns along the shows of this rainbow nation.

Prophets of doom have been proved wrong for once in Africa. When a friend heard that I was coming to South Africa before election results were announced his ‘good’ advice was that I should wait to make my journey until after results have been announce because he feared there was going to be violence. If South Africa, such a violent nation can do it so peacefully, why not relative peace loving nations to the north including our own Zimbabwe a nation of peaceful people? It seems the problem we have in Africa is our violent leaders. We are all hopeful that the last crop of violent African leaders is going to pass and disappear for ever. We are tired of being forced by our leaders to be violent.

The contrast between the worst violent independent elections in South Africa in 1994 and the most peaceful 2009 elections show that South Africans are peaceful people after all. The violent nature of South Africans we have always known them for can be overcome if the new government delivers the services people have been promised. What South Africans need is decent education, provision of jobs and service delivery and this nation can be an example of a rainbow nation where individuals live side by side in harmony. If the above is not attended to violence will continue to escalate in this nation. A sizeable percentage of violent crimes are committed by foreigners and among them Zimbabweans. Once Zimbabwe welcomes back its people (criminals included) and other nations to the north settle to welcome their own South Africa should be left to cleanse itself from this violent tag we have always associated with it.

The whole world anxiously waits to see the cabinet line up of the incoming president Jacob Zuma. While changes are expected from the incoming government they should not be scaring investors and destructive to the already progress South Arica has witnessed under the leadership of Mandela, Mbeki and lately of Montlante. Zuma has to strike the balance between introducing radical changes and keeping the nation together. The example of its northern neighbor should never be emulated.

A once vibrant economy Zimbabwe was reduced to ashes and we have voluntarily turned ourselves to be a colony of America and South Africa. We have always vowed that ‘Zimbabwe would never be a colony again’ but surprise, surprise who has made us a colony again? Our leaders back home have informed us officially that we no longer have a currency and we are now using the US Dollar and the South African Rand for official transactions. This has put to rest the claim that ‘we will never be a colony again.’ We are indeed a colony again. Thanks to our leaders who are always right. History will judge them. God bless.

MOZAMBICANS MAKE A SOLIDARITY VISIT

2009-04-16T10:07:00.011+02:00

THE WISE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE EAST

Twenty, third and fourth year students and three staff from Ricatla Theological College in Maputo heard that there was good news in Zimbabwe and decided to catch the early worm. Like the proverbial wise men from the east they did not waste time by debating weather they come to Zimbabwe or not to celebrate with us our joy after several years of suffering under a very oppressive system. What they did was to ask friends in Zimbabwe to host them on their way across Zimbabwe. Coming during Easter was ideal because Zimbabweans were celebrating freedom at last. Zimbabwe has just established a Government of National Unity GNU. The former rivalry parties have joined to form the GNU. President Robert Mugabe is now working with the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as the Prime Minister. This was unthinkable a few months ago.

Prof. Hette Domburg was the leader of the delegation. Their first stop of call in Zimbabwe was Africa University in Mutare near the Mozambican border. There, the Dean was keen to have some of these students enroll at her university for continuing theological studies. Their second stop was at a sister theological college in Harare, United Theological College. There also they were encouraged to come and further their theological studies.

Their last port of call was on Good Friday in Norton, 45 kilometers from Harare along the Bulawayo road. In Norton they were hosted by our family. Only six were hosted in houses and seventeen of them put up in Katanga Methodist Church building. Members of Katanga Methodist church were away at an Easter Camp 40 kilometers from Norton. The group paid a courtesy visit to their absent hosts at the camp the following day on Saturday.

On Good Friday the group listened to my personal experiences. I shared with them the difficult times I went through in trying to live the Gospel message in troubled times. Because of the misunderstandings and the misrepresentations about my prophetic role I had to come to a mutual agreement with my Church to leave the full time work and was seconded to the Institute of Theological Reflection Today which I founded. The then government was not happy about the position I took to speak on behalf of the suffering masses. My Church on the other hand did not feel comfortable because it alleged government agents were visiting the church leadership asking them to stop me from doing the work I felt called to do. For the sake of peace in the church I left full time ministry two years ago. I continue to work part time in the church and have been blessed indeed.

The session on my experiences generated such a heated debate that we went late into the night students asking very practical and pertinent questions. Some students suggested that such experiences should be shared within the region because we have similar problems in our nations. Theological Reflection sessions are very vital because they bring out real issues which pastors/ministers of religion confront in their daily work.

I also shared with them the traditional Seven Sayings on the Cross. The full text is posted on the Blog. Another heated debate ensued. Sunday morning we traveled to Sandringham Methodist Church (27km) where we partook in the communion service. The Mozambican visitors gave greetings and wished Zimbabweans a prosperous future after suffering for so long.

EASTER MESSAGE

2009-04-09T07:16:00.006+02:00

THE SEVEN SAYINGS OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS

INTRODUCTION

The climax of Jesus Christ’s ministry was the cross in Calvary/Golgotha. The cross presented him with both a challenge and an opportunity to give a last testament to those who adored Him as the Messiah and those who saw in Him a dangerous man. Instead of dying like a criminal, the cross raised Him up above all living beings. Instead of the cross scandalizing Him, Jesus became the glorified Saviour. As Jesus Christ was raised on the cross, He defined the whole history of humanity by what he said and deed, as well as through the events that manifested themselves in this defining moment. In this amazing climax, Jesus uttered seven wonderful sayings which have enhanced the faith of many.

The number seven has a special meaning in the Bible. In seven days God finished the beautiful art of creation (Genesis 2:1), after seven times of marching around the walls of Jericho the strongholds of the city fell (Joshua 6:15-21), there are seven stars in Christ’s right hand (Revelation 1:16), etc. The number seven in appears 52 times in the book of Revelation. Theologians have observed that the use of seven in the Bible is symbolical. Seven symbolically stands for completeness. Herein rests the mystery of the Seven Sayings of Christ! These Seven Sayings are to be understood to imply the completeness of Salvation/ Redemptive history.

It is from this context that Seven Sayings that Jesus Christ uttered on the cross deserve a special study and application, into real life, by every serious Christian. I have, in my own limitations, prayerfully analyzed these seven sayings and commend them to you for spiritual nourishment especially as you reflect over what Christ Has done for you. Through these sayings, you will realize the meaning and depth of the love of Jesus the Christ. I pray that these words will be a campus of faith and a pilgrim’s stuff to your spiritual journey. Read them to be enlightened and trust God to guide you.

THE FIRST SAYING

Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

§ These words were definitely directed to both Jews and Romans who were responsible for this hour.

§ Jesus observed that those who thought they were eliminating Him were actually ignorant and helpless sinners who needed to be helped out of their ignorance.

§ What is clear is the fact that ignorance which masquerades as knowledge is extremely dangerous as it leads to undesired pain and death.

§ But what was the nature of this ignorance? The Jews suffered from judicial ignorance while the Romans suffered from circumstantial ignorance.

§ God sees those who mock Him with eyes of mercy and not vengeance sees their emptiness and reaches to them with love.

§ Such is the nature of Christian forgiveness. Christian forgiveness is the creative love of God. It sees the, would be enemy, as the lost child of God who needs help.

§ What are the lessons for us? Christians need not to seek revenge but to heal, to reconcile, and mend the broken relationship. The wrongs we see in others must be confronted with love and not hatred.

§ When you are angry with those who fail you, let us hear Christ saying: forgive one another as God has forgiven you in Christ (Ephesians 4:32)

§ Remember that you are the person through whom Christ wants to be known in the World – surely you can not live in perpetual anger and sadness.

THE SECOND SAYING

Luke 23:43 “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”

§ Here is a helpless person just some couple of minutes away from death realizing the nature of man that Christ Jesus is.

§ This man could have scoffed at Jesus just like the other robber did, but his was the greatest realization. In the context of death he met a Saviour and he could not help it but shout his faith out: ‘Remember me….’

§ Indeed the robber had heard Jesus’ first saying to those who mocked Him. He saw in Jesus a real man. In Jesus, he did not see a sinner like him but a Saviour hence the proclamation: ‘Remember me’.

§ The robber asked for a small token ‘Remember me’ but Jesus gave him a unique gift, a gate pass to the Kingdom of God.

§ Jesus does not delay salvation to those who ask for His mercies. God’s judgment and justice is never delayed.

§ When Jesus says today He actually expresses the divine summons of the grace of God. This is Kairos moment, an opportune time that can not be missed. You may look at yourself at think that nothing good can come your way, BUT Jesus is interested in you as you are – only if you can turn to Him in faith.

§ Paradise is a promise of eternal satisfaction, it is a moment of divine companionship with the creator, an experience of eternal peace with self and God.

§ What lesson can we learn from this confession and promise? It is never too late to turn to Christ and trust Him. No one is too old or too young for salvation. No one is too dirty or too special to know God.

§ Dear friend; while there is still life in your body, there is hope! If friends have failed you, you still have one more friend to turn to – Jesus the Christ is His Name.

THE THIRD SAYING

John 19:26-27 “Dear mother, here is your son, … here is your mother”

§ This saying is an expression of divine love at work. Such is the love of God for a helpless sinner.

§ As Jesus stood by the cross, He was not alone despite the fact that his male friends had all run away. There were four women of great faith around Him. These were: a) Mary, her mother.

b) Salome, the mother of John and James the sons of Zebedee.

c) Mary Magdalene

d) Mary, the wife of Cleopas.

§ These four, were great women of faith whose companionship with Jesus is given ample space in the scriptures – true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Their love for Jesus was genuine love, not the coward male friends who disappeared as soon as Jesus submitted Himself to His enemies.

§ At the climax of pain, Jesus did not die in self pity. He prayed to see those who loved Him taking care of each other: “your mother, … your son.” Such is the amazing nature of God.

§ Calvary and its calamity did not break Jesus’ bond and fellowship with those that He had shared special moments with. He remembered his homely duties and asked that his disciples learn to live together in true love.

§ What are the lesson for the believers? As you face the challenges of life today, Jesus Christ still cares about you. He wants you to belong to His family, the Church. You need to be in the Church if you want to be at home with Jesus.

THE FOURTH SAYING

Matthew 27:46 “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

§ This is a meditation prayer of Jesus at the climax of His life and ministry. The prayer is based on the Jewish prayer of confidence in God (Psalm 22). The prayer is rhetoric in nature and spiritually laden with hope and faith in God.

§ For Jesus, God’s name was the only closest thing He could think of when all His friends and family finally stood a distance. His disciples had ‘taken cover’. He felt lonely and deserted. But all round Him was the presence of God.

§ In this prayer Jesus expressed His humanity, fully. As he suffered pain, He reminded us that in moments like these we need to trust in God.

§ “My God, My God …” are words of total dependence in God. The phrase expresses a unique relationship between man and God. They are not an empty plea but a faith testament of hope.

§ What lesson do we get here? As you struggle with your existential problems, remember that there is a God who sees and cares! Trust God for a way out and God will not disappoint you.

THE FIFTH SAYING

John 19:28 “I am thirst”.

§ This is one of the most interesting Sayings of Jesus on the cross. The focus is on His needs in the midst of despair. Jesus had addressed all the needs of His disciples and family, he now could attend to His own needs.

§ But what did Jesus really mean in this proclamation? Was it an ordinary thirst or there was something deeper? The scripture follows closely the text found in Psalm 69:21.

§ Whatever the meaning, I thirst is a moving cry coming from one who claimed to provide living water that all who drink of it will never thirst again (John 4:14 & 6:35)

§ Let us remember that in His earthly life we refused Him water (John 4:7-10). Jesus had to go through the dry land in order to prove to us that God really cares. In the hour of need, Jesus was thirst for a new life, a new beginning, a better future, eternity with God.

§ What is the lesson for us? When we hunger after evil things let us be reminded that these are but worthless things that separate us from friends and family. We need to thirst for better things in life; things that unite us and make us a better people, things that freshen our zeal for God and not destruction.

THE SIXTH SAYING

John 19:30 “It is finished!”

§ This is the most exiting proclamation of Jesus on the cross. Go back to the first Saying, behold the order of events and the flow of issues as you move to this saying. The whole history of salvation is wound up! Jesus then declares, ‘tetelestai’ / “It is finished”.

§ You must have in mind the fact that Jesus committed Himself to save humanity, He committed Himself to take up the cross and did not regret the journey to Calvary but walked it all the way to the end – then He declares “It is finished”.

§ Jesus did not die in despair He gave up His life in Victory. He looked at His Ministry and proudly declared; it is done, “It is finished”. “I have achieved my task”

§ On the cross, Christ seemed to be broken and yet He won the biggest victories of all and for all. Finished was the work of salvation.

§ What is our lesson? If Christ died in victory then what? You should not die in bondage and despair you should live a better life in this world which Christ conquered. The doubt, anger and alienation in you heart must cease BUT only if you lay your burden to Him who is Lord over all things.

THE SEVENTH SAYING

Luke 23:46 “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”

§ This is a testament of hope in a world of despair and hopelessness. Jesus was not just dying He submitted Himself to God’s divine care. “Into your hands…” is a commitment utterance, a faith declaration.

§ In God He existed and from God He came, and now to God He returns at the close of His Ministry. “Into your hands…” is a faithful discharge of authority to the Master. Jesus had finished his task on earth and had no business remaining here.

§ After having been down the valleys and up the mountains, Jesus had to call it a day. He had taught humankind the nature of God and the will of God and now He had to see people grow themselves up in faith.

§ “…I commit my spirit” are words full of confidence. This was Jesus’ final prayer. A prayer of total dependence in God. As He uttered this prayer it would seem , to me, that the whole history of salvation was sealed.

§ What is our lesson? In moments of desperation you can trust God and commit your ways to the one and only living God our Saviour.

GOT INVOLVED AT OWN RISK

2009-04-07T06:50:00.004+02:00

THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY IN ZIMBABWE: RISKY BUSINESS

The following is an interview which I withheld its publication because I was not convinced the intention of the interviewer was genuine at the time. I have now decided that it be published because the assignment I was given to write on Political Participation in Zimbabwe requires that I bring out how those Christian leaders who dared involve in issues that really affected people were misrepresented by the local media. I was one of those who was demonized and given names. Titles like “Churches must be apolitical: Mugabe”(1); “Clergymen arrested, quizzed over ‘new party’ ”(2); “Zimbabwe should apologise to Britain: Kadenge”(3); “Bishop Kadenge singing for his supper”(4); “Bishop accused of using church facilities for political activities”(5); “Kadenge splits Methodist Church”(6), were among many published in local dailies. These headlines were designed to make me and my colleagues in the struggle for democracy to look like partisan politicians and not faithful ministers. To be safe, one had to keep quiet. Those of us who spoke out were made to feel isolated and outcasts. So one had to risk being involved in issues of bread and butter for the society or you left things to fate. I chose to follow the example of Jesus, the Christ – identified with the suffering masses and became the voice of the marginalized.

Interview Questions (02 11 2006)
By Caesar Zvayi
Features and Political Editor
The Herald.

Question: The Reverend Bishop Levee Kadenge, so many things have been written and said about you but our readers may want to know from the horse’s mouth, who really is Levee Kadenge?

Answer: I am a simple child of God who feels called to do His work. I was born in 1953 in Chivhu. I have a very strong rural background. I am a reverend in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. I am also currently the bishop of Harare West District.

I have been a student of religion for more than 27 years. I am privileged to have been educated by the Church which has seen me go through six degrees and several undergraduate and post graduate certificates. I studied theology at the following universities; University of South Africa (UNISA), Bristol University, Aberdeen University, Edinburgh University (non-graduating Student), University of Kwazulu Natal and University of Zimbabwe. I attained a doctorate degree (D.Phil.) at UZ in 1998 and was caped by His Excellency the President R.G. Mugabe. I have studied African Traditional Religion extensively and I am a consultant in that area.

I sit on a number of boards and chair some of them. I am an accomplished peasant/small scale farmer. I am actually a member of the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union ZFU. I major in small grains particularly rapoko (zviyo) and groundnuts. I keep cattle, goats and chickens (free runners). My home and my neighbor’s were recommended for agricultural show in the last agricultural year. My neighbor is a senior professional agriculturalist.

I have been a critical social analyst since 1985. I have written more than 400 published and unpublished articles mainly for the Herald and Sunday Mail particularly for the famous “As I see it” column during the time of Charles Chikerema’s editorship of the later paper until his death in 1998. I actually write on a daily basis. I have “mountains” of unpublished material which are my reflections on social challenges in the context of creating a democratic space.

I say all the above information in humility and appreciation of what God has blessed me with. I take all this as nothing. What I treasure most is my call to do God’s work.

I am married to Maybe and we have 3 children and one grandson. My wife is a nurse by profession. She is working at home full time. My wife is my greatest admirer and supporter like I also do to her.

Question: As religious leader, what is your perspective on the relationship between the Church and State?

Answer: The Church and State are two institutions; one religious and the other secular. They are two arms of authority. They both service the people. In my view they complement each other. The State represents temporary/earthly powers while the Church represents everlasting authority derived from God. While the State derives its authority from people the Church takes its power from God. Good governments are approved by God, but bad governments are a result of mankind’s selfishness.

Question: You are the Convener of the Christian Alliance CA that has taken an adversarial position to the initiative by Heads of Christian Denominations HCOD who resolved to engage rather that confront the Government on the way forward. How do you reconcile that to the religious leader’s role as arbiter in society?

Answer: First there is a spokesperson for CA. Had it not been of the accusations leveled against me I was not going to speak about CA? The views that follow are my own. It is not true that Christian Alliance has taken an adversarial attitude towards HOCD initiative of the New Vision Document NVD. My view is that the NVD is a response to our initiative of bringing Zimbabweans together to discuss the crisis we are faced with. And we are happy that HOCD has come to life and they are doing what they are doing. What is happening is that the NVD has come in handy at a time when several initiatives are needed because the present task and that ahead of us needs many approaches. While the HOCD is working closely with the government the CA is working with the civil society and all other political parties except the ruling party because even after our invitation to it to come and discuss our crisis it did not honour the invitation.

Invitations to all leaders of political parties were sent out for the Save Zimbabwe Convention which was held on 29 July 2006 at the Rainbow Towers grounds. Unfortunately the ruling party did not come. Our idea, as CA, was to bring together all Zimbabwean leaders of political parties, civil society and Church leaders. Though there were so many Christians who came from Zimbabwe Council of Churches ZCC, Zimbabwe Catholics Bishops Conference ZCBC and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe EFZ. These branches were not officially represented in spite of the invitations we sent them. Look, we were really hoping that everyone invited could have come and the outcome of that meeting would have been different from what has transpired. CA is a catalyst movement. We are just there to facilitate for peaceful social change for the good of all. We are a group of men and women of God who feel called by God to help solve the crisis in a peaceful manner through prophetic witness. We are ordinary prophets who speak without fear or favor. Those who think that CA speaks against them have something to hide.

Question: Your Church, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe falls under the purview of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches that was also part to the vision document – the Zimbabwe We Want. How do you reconcile the CA, that many say was formed to oppose the Heads of Christian Denominations initiative, and your membership of the Church which is party to the initiative?

Answer: First CA was not formed to oppose HOCD initiative. We came into being when the Church was so quiet and silent about the crisis in this country. It is only when we came into being that the HOCD came alive and we are happy about that development. Our hope is that one day we will work together. We have been called a ‘fringe’ group by some members of the HOCD and we are happy about that description. The scriptures are very clear, “where two or three are gathered I am there” says the Lord. We are children of the HOCD and one cannot tell his/her parents how to describe their children. Children accept any description given by their parents. We are their products. It is said that Karl Max was a child of the Church and Capitalism. Had they brought him well he was not going to adopt Communism. Had the HOCD been speaking like they are doing now we would not have been born as CA. But now that they have given birth to us they have to kill us like what other parents have done to their children or will have to carry the ‘burden’. They will have to live with us as their product. We respect the HOCD. If we have said untoward things about them we are sorry. This is only a phase and soon we will be working together. That is our prayer. I am sure they also want to work together with us. It is only when we join hands that we will be true shepherds. As it is now, we need to put our house in order.

My membership of ZCC is not negotiable or compromised. All the CA members are either members of ZCC, EFZ or ZCBC. I take the three above denominational groupings as having formed a broad alliance to work out our crisis. If we join the NVD we will be a broader alliance and that will be great. We are ready to join them but the question is, are they prepared to accept us. We maybe prodigal sons and we need to be accepted as such. We will always want to be treated as children who can also think for themselves. The challenge is whether we can be accepted as we are, because what we are doing as CA is part of the Great Commission.

We are not in opposition, competition or parallel to the HOCD. I see ourselves as complementing HOCD initiative. We complement them and they do the same to us. My prayer is that one day or very soon we will be working together. On our part we are ready to work together with them.

Question: Aren’t your activities in the CA dividing the Church along political lines, I am reminded here of one article you wrote in The Sunday Mail on October 4 1998, in which you said “divisions within Christianity allow for the percolation of the satanic movement into the religious arena?

Answer: Caesar, who said we are political or we are politicians? Why can you not accept the way people describe themselves? You are a journalist and that is what you call yourself. We are a Christian organization and this is what we want to be known as. The problem I see is that you say we are not what we say we are. What authority are you using to describe us in the fashion you are doing? We will not be politicians because our call does not allow that. We feel the urge to work in God’s vineyard and nowhere else. We are prepared to denounce injustice, repression and subjugation of ordinary citizens without fear or favour. If it hurts others, tough luck!

On divisions within the Church you are right division cause the devil to come in. As I see it there is no division. It is a question of different initiatives being taken. The HOCD say in their document that there is unity in diversity. Look at what is happening within the three groups of Churches. They have joined together for a purpose but they have not destroyed their independence. They are one on this purpose and I am sure they will be working together in many other areas. That is unity in diversity they have called for. I pray for the day when we will be appreciated and we will be an added partner to the broader ecumenical movement.

Question: Still on divisions in the Church. There are reports that your political activities have seriously divided the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Harare District, amid reports that you are victimizing people believed to be sympathetic to ZANU PF and those opposed to the CA by transferring them to parishes outside your district, your comments on that?

Answer: You continue to talk about my political activities. I am not involved in party politics. If CA was to move to becoming a political party that is the day I will leave it. I am a member of the Zimbabwe National Pastors Conference ZNPC and my well known message to members who are all over the country is “never join party politics. You will actually be reducing yourself by joining a political party. A pastor should be above party politics.” If there are people who you are saying are accusing me that I am dividing the Church because of my participation in politics they should come open if they are Christians. A true Christian should not be anonymous. Hiding one’s identity shows that one is being hypocritical. A Christian should just be open despite the consequences. That is the mark of a Christian. Jesus Christ did not hide his identity, why should we? That is not being Christian.

The question of divisions is news to me. My prayer is that if there is something like that because of me then people should come forward as Christians and just tell me in my eyes and I will act accordingly.

Question: What of reports that you are being used by the MDC to convert amenable Church Leaders to its regime change agenda, they say you are the point man in the party’s attempt to get control of strategic institutions?

Answer: That is not true. I just wonder where you get that information. Like I said before the CA intention was to have all political parties coming together. The 29 July Save Zimbabwe Convention was my first encounter with many of the opposition political leaders. What strategic institutions are you talking about? In my opening remarks at the Save Zimbabwe Convention I said that “we are not here to delegate political power or enter into politics.” Whoever is monitoring my movement and activities must approach me personally and sit down and talk so that he/she is very clear about what we are doing. There is no need to spy on me. I am very harmless and very approachable. I/we have nothing to hide. I am just living my faith. Inspector Mapuranga with other two senior officers from the Law and Order Section, Harare Central Police Station interviewed me in August this year for one and half hours and I thought I had answered all their questions satisfactorily. He however informed me that my activities had been and would be monitored. If those who are monitoring me want to know anything they are very free to approach me personally and not just speculate. Why do they have to avoid me. Let them come in the open. We are all Zimbabwean. No one is more Zimbabwean than me. I am a patriotic citizen.

Question: You convened the Save Zimbabwe convention on July 29, at which opposition parties resolved to unite into a Broad Alliance with a view to fielding one presidential candidate. Aren’t such activities ultra vires provisions of the Deed of the Church Order and Standing Orders of 1997 that debars Church leaders from active politics?

Answer: Yes we convened the Save Zimbabwe Convention on 29 July where we invited all political parties and civil society groups and Churches. It is not true that we formed a broad alliance to choose one leader. We see ourselves as a catalyst organization which only exists to help people to lead themselves. Once our task is over we move on. The Prophetic actions which we take are in line with Biblical principles of peaceful actions and activities. The Standing Orders of the Methodist Church you are quoting do not forbid what I am saying, but what you are saying which I am not doing. When are you going to accept people as what they are say they do and not describe them as you perceive them? I am sure you would not want me to accuse you of what you are not doing. So learn to be professional in your journalism. Stick to your ethics, don’t be partisan.

Question: You have also been accused of preaching anti-Government sermons at Mabelreign Parish where you are based, contrary to Section 3 of the Deed of the Church Order that says “no minister or preacher is to preach party politics from the pulpit,” your comments?

Answer: I am really surprised that you say I preach party politics. When I preach I pray about it and ask God for guidance and what follows is what I would have been inspired to do. No one has ever come to me to complain. On the day in question many people came to me congratulating me for such a challenging sermon. Perhaps those who had come for other reasons other than worship might have not really taken the message as it was. Yes I know there are people who come to church services I conduct to investigate whether I am preaching politics. And surely they have every right to interpret in the way they like and that is their baby. For me I will not stoop so low as to preach party politics. I have never joined a political party in my life. I voted in 1979. I was subsequently forced to buy a political party (ZANU PF) card in 1983 while I was ministering at Ndolwane in Matebeleland when all the villagers were required to buy ruling party cards. I remember traveling 100 kilometers to Plumtree just to go and buy that card.

Question: You recently shocked many when you were quoted saying Zimbabwe should apologize, not the other way round. Can you shed light on such sentiments?

Answer: I did not know that I shocked people when I said Zimbabwe should apologize to Britain. As a Christian apologising is a way of life. I was misrepresented. I am sure the writer was on a mission to tarnish my name. What I did say was that the British should first come and apologise for first taking the land from our ancestors and after that we also should apologise for the way we took back our land. I support land reform in a big way. I did not say we should apologise for taking land but for the way we did it. You do not lose anything by apologising. Actually you gain a lot by doing so. Once you have apologised you are now in charge. If you apologise you disarm your enemy and he/she is now in your hands. Refusing to apologise makes your task difficult. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to apologise and to forgive.

Question: Coming to the National Vision Document, I know you were opposed to the whole initiative, but what are your impressions of the document?

Answer: I have not been opposed to the National Vision Document. We welcome the initiative which has been long overdue. Anyway coming late as it has done does not make it useless. At least the Church is now talking and I am so happy. My prayer is that the Church remains focused and not be detracted from fighting for justice by those who hold a political sword.

Question: How could CA have gone about the process?

Answer: All the things in the NVD are what we already have. We are praying that the sooner Zimbabweans start dialoguing the better for the nation. There is no need to fight unless we want to keep what we do not deserve. You destroy your enemy by loving them and not by fighting them. Once you love an enemy they cease to be one. I would have thought the right approach was to consult people first before presenting the document. That is my opinion which may be disputed by others. In a free society people are entitled to their own opinions. In this country we are forced to think alike – but that is just impossible. Thank you. God bless.

End Notes

1 Karonga, Tinofa, “Churches must be apolitical: Mugabe,” Daily Mirror, 26 June 2006, Harare, page 1.
2 Dongozi, Foster, “Clergymen arrested, quizzed about ‘new party’,” The Standard, 6 August 2006, page 1.
3 Mangwende, Brain, “Zimbabwe should apologise to Britain: Kadenge,” Daily Mirror, 26 September 2006, page 1.
4 Comment (Voice of Mirror), “Bishop Kadenge Singing for his Supper,” Daily Mirror, 27 September 2006, page 10.
5 Zvayi, Caesar, “Bishop accused of using church facilities for political activities,” The Herald, Harare, 30 October 2006, page 2.
6 Harare Bureau, “Kadenge Splits Methodist Church,” Chronicle, Bulawayo, 30 October 2006. page 2.

3448 Words

CHURCH - 10 Years of Struggle

2009-04-04T07:40:00.002+02:00

THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN ZIMBABWE
INTRODUCTION
This essay interrogates the Church’s social responsibility in the struggle for democratic change in Zimbabwe. The motif of this investigation is the Church’s calling and her mission. Theologians are generally agreed that the Church is a manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth. Pete Henriot writes, “A God who is not involved in the lives of the people is no God at all. A Saviour that is not involved in the lives of the people is no Saviour at all. (The Post, Lusaka, 11 December 2007). In the same vein one can argue, a Church that is not involved in the lives of the people that it seeks to serve is no Church at all. From this understanding of the Church, one can conclude that the Church is a transforming and empowering community; it is the continued presence of Jesus the Christ on earth. This implies that the Church cannot afford to be indifferent and isolated in the face of our socio-political and economic challenges. The critical questions that define the Church’s role in search of peace are:
• What is the role of Christianity in the light of our human experiences of pain, hurt and suffering?
• Has the Church been an instrument of grace in a polarised political environment?

Church activism in the context of social disintegration and national polarisation demands a practical social and political engagement with the relevant arms of the state and the relevant political players/ parties toward a socio-political contract which will give birth to peace and democratic space for all and to all. The climax of this moral role learns from divine justice; “I have heard the cry and seen the suffering of my people.” (Exodus 3: 7). This is about reconstruction and transformational theology. Such theology is interested in the promotion of social justice and human development. Such a role has to be informed by Jesus’ declaration: “I came that all may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10: 10), and “My peace I leave with you.” (John 14: 28). The Church’s role is explored using access points that include liberation, reconciliation and reconstruction, vis-à-vis democratic values of the quest for human dignity and participation of all people in decisions that affect the quality and direction of their lives.

Being Church to a nation in crisis
Bosch (1979:20) argues that the Church can either legitimate the status quo or call for its reconstruction and transformation. The first option tends to be a narrow and naïve perception that the Church cannot engage in political matters because it is not a political entity. The second notion employs the Jesus methodology of reaching out to the broken heart, bruised and scandalised persons. It places the Church at the centre of human creativity and healing. This second option reminds us that the Church is a living and loving community, it is in the world to serve human beings as an attempt to make this world a better place to live in.

It is observed that by preaching justice, promoting peace and human welfare; the Church stands above narrow political issues. For Bonhoeffer (1974: 127) the Church exists for others just as Christ exist for the Church. It is from such a context that the late Rev. Professor Canaan Sodindo Banana would argue that the Church must continue being a watchdog of democracy and ensure that no impediments are placed on the path of those wishing to exercise their God-given rights (Banana C.S. (1996: 78).

The Church has, in general, affirmed that the democratization process calls for a creative dialectic of liberation, reconciliation, reconstruction (renewal) and democracy. Liberation, reconciliation and reconstruction are values that are mutually inclusive in the agenda for the attainment of democracy, particularly in the renaissance from colonial oppression and dictatorship. In this context, the Church has shared in Christ’s redemptive healing ministry in the struggle for democratic space in Zimbabwe. This is true because “Christianity is not primarily an idea, creed --- or an ecclesiastical institution, instead it is a way of life that is basically concerned with quality relationships” (Lindgren 1965: 55).

The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe’s role in the promotion of democracy is visible through its Pastoral Letters as issued by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop’s Conference (hereinafter called Z.C.B.C.). In May, 1998, the Z.C.B.C. issued a pastoral letter “Working For The Common Good”, The Bishops observed that the social disintegration had its roots in the growing trends of poverty, the shrinking economy and government’s lack of initiative to attend to these challenges. In particular, the Z.C.B.C. declared; “Our Conviction is that if we are able to dialogue constructively, openly and widely, with a special concern for the vulnerable, we will unite together----- for the common good of Zimbabwe….”(Page 2). In the same letter, it is noted; “an Economic System that brings so few people into the world is seriously flamed” (Page 2). The letter also states that a government that closes space for the ordinary citizens deserves no respect. The Z.C.B.C warned against the weird economic policies that the government was employing and the closure of democratic space saying; “Genuine Dialogues between State and all Sections of Civil society is required” (Page 3). On 17th April 2000, the Z.C.B.C. issued a strong statement condemning political violence. The pastoral letter entitled ‘Easter Message’ reads, in part: “The real problems of this country …cannot be solved by violence... Threatening, insulting and racist language cannot be tolerated. The laws of the country that protect people from abuse and physical assault must be enforced. The courts must be respected.” This statement positioned the Church as the voice of God and the voice of the suffering masses. Sadly, the sentiments expressed in the Easter message were quickly forgotten even by some of the bishops serve for the few who continued to be advocates of social justice amidst the continued violence by those who had the political sword/ weapon in their favour. The clumsy road toward the 2008 March 29 Harmonised Election was discerned through ‘God Hears the Cry of the Oppressed.’ In this pastoral letter, the ZCBC declared that Zimbabwe was in a crisis, both politically and economically. The ZCBC noted the nature of the crisis as being characterised by:
a. A crisis of governance
b. A crisis of moral leadership
c. A spiritual and moral crisis
In their summation of the crisis, the Z.C.B.C. concluded, “No to power through violence, oppression and intimidation! We call upon those who are responsible for the current crisis in our country to repent and listen to the cry of their citizens.” (2007:10).

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (hereinafter called ZCC), the country’s largest Ecumenical movement, played its prophetic role during the liberation struggle (1970s) and in the late 1990s when Zimbabwe’s political and economic misfortunes became a glaring reality. The ZCC gave birth to the formation of the National Constitutional Assembly (hereinafter called NCA) in 1998 while working closely with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). Interestingly Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai became the first popular chairman of the NCA. Through this joint initiative between Church and civic society the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was to be born. One can safely say the Church with other civic groups played a midwifery role at the birth of MDC. The idea of forming a political party did not come from the church.

Sadly for ZCC, when the NCA became extremely vocal in its demand for a people driven constitution the Council of Churches chickened out of the whole process. Sadly, the painful years of the struggle for democratic space have seen the Council of Churches taking a back seat hence the emergence of the new prophetic Church bodies that took it upon themselves to advance the struggle for democracy. Since 2000 ZCC has issued out cautious press statements on the prevailing political and economic problems. In 2005 just before the General Election, the Z.C.C. declared that “all citizens were encouraged to exercise their right to vote without fear” But the Council did not condemn those who made others afraid to exercise their democratic right to vote.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (hereinafter called EFZ), a grouping of the Evangelicals and Pentecostal Churches in Zimbabwe has, in general, a negative attitude toward secular concerns. The main thrust of this Christian organisation is “winning of the lost souls.” The E.F.Z. has generally avoided making pastoral statements on the prevailing socio-political economic state of affairs. Their vocal national statements are those that have been issued in collaboration with other Church Bodies.

Christian Alliance is a grouping of those citizens who feel called to stand for peace and justice while fighting against all forms of injustice and violence that tends to demean God’s good creation. Christian Alliance was formed in October 2005 as an initiative of the Churches in Bulawayo. Its mandate is prophetic action. This Christian grouping brings together faithful believers from across all Christian denominations. The thrust of Christian Alliance is that of resisting political decay and violence.

The activities of Christian Alliance include public prayer meetings, which were dealt with under POSA (Public Order and Security Act) since the ZANU PF government feared that such prayer meetings were giving rise to resistance by the masses. This was an attempt by the ZANU PF government to muzzle the Church from exercising its democratic and religious mandate as the voice of God to a broken people.

A Christian Alliance sister organization the Institute of Theological Reflection Today (ITRT) provided a theological platform for discourse/ dialogue on prophetic witness. Its programs increased awareness on the role of the Church in the promotion of democracy, Religion and Governance and those issues that relate to justice. The ITRT has brought about a sense of urgency in praxis theology. It has revitalized the meaning of liberation theology.

The birth of the Save Zimbabwe Convention SZC witnesses to the climax of the Church’s struggle for a democratic Zimbabwe. This movement was launched on the 29th July 2006 as a joint initiative of the Churches, civic society and some political parties as a rallying platform for a democratic Zimbabwe. The initiative was convened and chaired by the Christian Alliance (the Voice of the Church). One can argue that the constituting of the Save Zimbabwe Campaign climaxed the struggle for democracy as it brought together all like minded people and thereby enhanced the struggle for democracy. It was not surprising that ZANU PF boycotted the Convention. The sad thing though was that after the SZC meeting the government security agents terrorised the leadership of CA.

It is necessary to point out the fact that Christian Alliance provided spiritual guidance and space for prayers. Such prayers would ultimately lead to 11th of March 2007 fiasco where innocent citizens, civic society leaders and political leaders were scandalously beaten up by a partisan police force at the instigation of ZANU PF. On this day (11/03/2007), the World became aware of the nature of the brutal dictatorship in Zimbabwe. The president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe was subsequently summoned to Southern Africa Development Community SADC and then to African Union AU to be instructed to negotiate with MDC with the help of Thabo Mbeki the then leader of South Africa.

Lessons for the Church
To be a Church means being defined by the mission of Christ in a hurting world. It involves being active on socio-political matters. This results in a Church that is incarnate in the real world of pain and suffering. Such action results in transformational and reconstruction theology – a theology of liberation and hope. Such a theology is central to the gospel message. A real Church cannot escape being a transforming and liberating agent in the search for peace and democracy. The political crises we face today is a direct challenge to the saving power of the Gospel hence the Church can not afford to remain silent when its membership is being brutalised by those who claim political authority.

Rev Sifiso Mpofu
Bishop Levee Kadenge

National Healing and Reconciliation Summit on cards

2009-04-01T20:09:00.001+02:00

A summit to explore ways of reconciling Zimbabweans divided
by almost a decade of political fighting blamed on President Robert
Mugabe's radical supporters is set for next month, a cabinet minister said last week.

The country was last year plunged into what has been described as the
worst political violence since the end of the Gukurahundi massacres in the
Midlands and Matabeleland after Mugabe lost the first round of the
presidential poll in March.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who garnered more votes during the
first round of the elections, was forced to withdraw from the June 27
run-off poll after Zanu PF militants murdered almost 200 of his Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) supporters.

Thousands others were forced to flee their homes in Zanu PF
strongholds as the 85-year-old leader embarked on a vicious fight back.

But since Zanu PF and the MDC formations formed a unity government
last month, there have been moves to promote national reconciliation in
order to rebuild the country.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister's office, Gorden Moyo said
the cabinet ministers charged with leading the national healing process had
started consultations on the way forward with various stakeholders.

"The Ministers will also hold a summit next month to be attended by
various stakeholders to discuss and prepare a framework for undertaking
national healing and reconciliation.

"The whole process is sensitive and has to be handled with care, that
is why they have to come up with an agreed framework," Moyo said in an
interview.

Zanu PF chairman John Nkomo, MDC vice-president Gibson Sibanda and
Sekai Holland from the Tsvangirai-led MDC are the Ministers of State
responsible for national healing.

"It's part of their mandate to hear the best way forward to lead the
process," Moyo said.

"Once they have a draft framework they will present it to the Council
of Ministers for debate, ratification and approval."

However, Christian Alliance, a grouping of various church
denominations says the church should lead the national healing and
reconciliation process as Zanu PF and the MDC formations lack the moral high
ground to lead the process.

"The process should be led by the church because it is not a political
process," said Christian Alliance national director, Useni Sibanda.

"Political parties are the originators of this conflict and lack the
morality to undertake national healing and reconciliation. They also need to
be reconciled by the church."

He said examples should be drawn from countries such as South Africa
and Rwanda, where independent bodies led the process of achieving
reconciliation and ensuring transitional justice.

Activists have called on the joint transitional government to
implement a clear programme of action on past human rights abuses to avoid a
repeat of rights violations in future.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report released on Thursday said
perpetrators of human rights violations should be prosecuted as part of
reforms to avoid a repeat of the abuses.

Since 2000 Mugabe's old administration attracted international censure
for its poor human rights record which has resulted in sanctions for the
ageing leader's inner circle.

BY NQOBANI NDLOVU

SUMMARY REPORT

2009-03-26T14:29:00.000+02:00

SUMMARY REPORT: THE GPA, INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT & CIVIC SOCIETY: POLITICAL PROCESSES & EXPECTATIONS.

FRIDAY 06TH MARCH 2009

Introduction
This meeting was hosted by the Zimbabwe Institute in conjunction with civic society and Church Organization of which the Institute of Theological Reflection and Liberation Today (ITRT) was a part. The purpose of the meeting was to appraise the Civic and Church Organizations on the nature of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and functions of the Inclusive Government as well as to afford the Civic and Church Organizations the opportunity to be in dialogue with the political processes. The meeting provided space for the Civic and Church organizations to hear first hand information, from the GPA negotiators, on the nature of the GPA and its implications for Zimbabwe. An opportunity to engage the Inclusive Government was also availed so that the Civic and Church organizations are part of the political processes toward National Healing and Values, Constitutional Reform, Human Rights, Media & Security of Persons, Economic Recovery, and attending to Humanitarian Crises.

Summary of events
Advocate Mojanku Gumbi a member of the facilitation team in the process toward the GPA emphasised the important role of the Civic society and Church organizations in the political processes toward peace and political stability and economic recovery. She also noted that the GPA is a product of the Zimbabwean political parties hence the need for the Zimbabwean key players to give it the necessary support. Advocate Gumbi also emphasissed the need for a bi-partisan approach and vigilance on the part of the Civic society in their attempt to critique the GPA and the inclusive government.

Hon. Professor Welshman Ncube (one of the GPA negotiators) gave a detailed process of the Constitutional making process in the light of the GPA. Prof. Ncube also pointed out that the constitution making process will be spearheaded by a parliamentary select committee which will be composed of members from the civic society and Church bodies. Prof. Ncube implored the meeting to give their 100% support to this process since the attempt was to come up with a constitution which was democratic and acceptable to all citizens of the country. This process was expected to last for 19 months.

Dr. Lovemore Madhuku, the chairman of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) argued that what the civic society wants is an independent body which would oversee the whole process and not a parliamentary select committee. He also argued that the NCA would not be part to strategies that promote certain political ideologies which do not follow the democratic values and principles.

Hon. Tendai Biti (one of the GPA negotiators), finance minister, noted that there was great need for all players to be aware of the state of the economy so that there is oneness toward a concerted effort to restore the country back to a normal economy. Hon. Biti noted that the country’s economic collapse is worse that of Europe in 1945 (after World War 2). He observed that Zimbabwe had negative growth rate of -5% by 2005 when the country stopped issuing credible statistics, GDP of -30%, and electricity production is 30% of the normal requirements and to-date the country has removed 25 zeros from its currency since August 2006. Life expectancy has fallen to 34years for women and 37years for men. Hon. Biti identified the need for:
a) Transparency and accountability by all stakeholders.
b) Need for hard work to restore positive growth in the economy
c) International help toward solving the humanitarian crises.
d) Recovery of health and education sectors.
e) Respect of people’s rights and freedom.
f) Need to allow for free media.
g) Respect for the rule of law.
h) Rationale land policy that will make sure that the land is productive.
i) Restoration of international confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy.

An economist, Mr. John Robertson, noted that the Inclusive Government must build international confidence and respect the rule of law for it to get international assistance. Mr. Robertson also emphasized change of mentality by the business community toward capacity building and production orientation. He also reminded the government of the urgent need to deal with redundant staff and the restructuring of the RBZ.

Rev. Dr. Goodwill Shana, president of the Christian Heads of Denominations, noted that the country’s worst enemy was the breakdown of law and order. Dr. Shana further argued that the shortage of essential commodities and services in the public institutions was to be attended to as first priority. Rev. Shana also noted that the number of displaced persons was alarming hence the need for National healing and restoration of the displaced citizens. Currently, Zimbabwe is a dysfunctional society; fear despair and shame engulfs the nation. A collapsed economy does not help matters; people need food, healing and reconciliation for the nation to be healed from this trauma.

Ms. Shari Eppel, a psychologist working with the victims of Zimbabwe crises from 1980 to-date, noted that as long as there was no deliberate thrust to deal with the effects of trauma then every effort to captivate the people of Zimbabwe would achieve little results because people were spiritually wounded and needed healing for them to fully function. Ms. Eppel argued that Zimbabwe was a broken country that needed urgent attention. Ms. Eppel called for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be put in place at the right time, and not during the transition period.

Dr. David Kaulem argued that conditions for National healing must disband the ambiguities of partisan politics. Dr. Kaulem called upon all civic groups to promote the traditional cultural values which are enshrined on the moral values of life, respect, promotion of common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, universal participation and stewardship.

Rev. Dr. Philemon Chikafu argued that National healing was indeed a responsibility of the varied religious institutions. He noted that a National healing ritual has to be deliberately undertaken to deal with such matters of the spiritual man and the private pain. Dr. Chikafu called for the:
a) Creation of peace zones.
b) De-politicization of space.
c) De-politicization of National Institutions.
d) Truth and Reconciliation Commission headed by Religious Institutions.

Ms. Irene Petras, the president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, argued that as long as there was continued violation of the basic rights and freedoms of the people, Zimbabwe would not get any International support. Ms. Petras noted that the spirit of the GPA was being violated by the police through the continued arrest of individuals and civic groups such as Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).she called upon the Inclusive Government to act and walk the talk and spirit of the GPSA.

Mr. Innocent Chagonda and Hon. Prof. Welshman Ncube gave a detailed presentation on the role of the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC). Mr. Chagonda noted that JOMIC’s role is to ensure that the politicians keep to the spirit and letter of the GPSA. It was however noted that JOMIC has no power to compel but simply puts the facts of the GPA before the political parties’ principals. In response, Prof. Lloyd Sachikonye appreciated the spirit of JOMIC but went further to implore the principals of the GPA to make sure that the law enforcement agents adhered to political guidance as it pertains to the spirit of the GPA and Inclusive Government. Prof. Sachikonye also encouraged the civic society to approach the JOMIC for redress on all matters that seek to violate the spirit of the GPA.

Dr. Mark Simpson, of the UNDP, observed that the challenges facing the nation are clear and obvious but require a sincere political commitment by all political players. He noted that it was important for the country to move away from the self-serving interests to a truly economic recovery framework. Dr. Simpson called for balanced programs and serious consultations with all stakeholders.

Conclusion
The dialogue between the Inclusive Government on one hand and Civic and Church organizations on the other is indeed a fruitful effort toward National engagement in search of a democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. It is imperative for our partners to realize that the watch dog role of the civic and Church organizations is critical in the political processes toward building a new Zimbabwe. The demand for a host of empowerment programs toward National healing is a number one priority.

TESTING OF OUR FAITH

2009-03-20T12:51:00.003+02:00

Testing of your faith: Job 1 vs 1-12; 1 Peter 4 vs 12-19

It’s amazing how Christians want good life. They are the first to run away from problems. The best they want is to avoid complicated issues. They yearn for comfortable lives. This is the opposite of a life of faith. People of faith should face challenges of life head on. It is after they have overcome the difficulties of life that they will be welcomed by their maker. Those who accomplish their tasks are the ones that are welcome in the Kingdom. The iron is that we want it easy. We lose before we even enter the race.

Job was an upright man. He had everything in life. He had children who were God fearing. Each time they had their yearly gatherings Job would rededicate them to God and bless them. This is the Job whom God sends the Devil to tempt/test. The scriptures above tell us the routine of the devil. He spends most of his time roaming the world looking for someone to devour. The good Lord sends the Devil to test Job not because he had done wrong but to prove his worthiness for the Kingdom.

Job proved that he was an exemplary father. Seven sons and three daughters he was given loved each other. This is quite an achievement because many a family do not see eye to eye. Brother is against brother and sister against sister. Job’s family was really a good example. We would then expect that this is the family which deserves blessings upon blessings. God himself says this about Job, “There is no-one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”(Job 1 vs. 8) What do we see? The family is visited by a big calamity which leaves the community in disarray. God says to the Devil “…everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” (vs. 12). The Devil had indeed a field day and wrecked havoc by destroying all that Job had.

So what shall we do? If a perfect man is tested like this, what about us? Is it encouraging then to be good? Shall we therefore be like others who are not so good in order to avoid being tested? These and many other questions come into our minds. The scriptures are very clear. Paul says to his audience through Peter “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trail you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4 vs.12-13).

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” (vs.15) This shows us that everyone will one day suffer. The difference is what kind of a person you are at the time of your suffering. If you are a Christian then you should rejoice when you suffer because God is working out something precious in you. This is very difficult to accept because we have often linked Christianity to non-suffering.

When we are committed to our Lord we should always remember that he would not let us down. Testing will come, suffering will come and comfort will also accompany us through the journey of our Christian life. “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (Vs. 19.) Those who are meant for heaven will always be tested, tempted and approved. God promises us that any testing he gives us he knows we can overcome. He is indeed a fair God. When testing comes know that God is very close and is ready to pick you up. What a God we serve!! God bless.

Mrs Susan Tsvangirai's death United the Nation

2009-03-13T15:02:00.004+02:00

Lessons to Learn

The death of Susan Tsvangirai the late wife of the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has provided a lot of lessons for our nation. As soon as the message got round the media houses many conclusions were given as to what caused the accident until we heard from Tsvangirai himself that he was convinced the accident was accidental and that he did not suspect foul play.

The mistake though, was that our local information channels both print and electronic did not help the situation. While the regional and international media outlets had much information and were dishing it out as they thought, our media was saying very little. Some think it was wise to report that way. The danger was that many people have set-light dishes and just wondered what the local information they were getting was restricted by what ethics?

At one time we were told that Tsvangirai had gone to the region for further treatment and that it was a tripartite arrangement. On the other hand it was made very clear by other media sources that Botswana had offered to provide further medical services. There may have been bad blood between the leader of Botswana and Zimbabwe president but in such times like this we expect some of these things to be buried.

Zimbabweans were encouraged by the fact that the president and his wife were said to be the first to visit Tsvangirai in Hospital. That is what it should be. Such behavior helps people to take our leaders seriously and that they care. The visit came before Tsvangirai had declared that it was an accident. Some commented that the visit by the president was a cover-up. Indeed people can say anything anytime. This is why I said in my previous article that the truth that we know is the one which sets us free.

The service which was held at the Methodist Church witnessed not only the president and many government officials but also the Church and regional representatives coming together to mourn Mrs Tsvangirai. Susan the unassuming lady became the uniting factor. The announcement by Tsvangirai that the death of his wife was an accident was the message the nation needed most. What people least expected happened. This means that her death was not in vain.

Mrs Tsvangirai loved her Lord. Many deaths have caused divisions even in families. This death actually united daughters and sons of Zimbabwe across both political denominational divide. May the Good Lord rest her Soul. God Bless!

A Nation in Mourning

2009-03-08T18:13:00.000+02:00

Zimbabwe: A Nation in Mourning

Last Friday March 6, 2009 was a sad day for the emerging nation of Zimbabwe whose National Government of Unity is trying to take shape. The accident which involved the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his wife Susan whose death has sent shock waves across the nation and the international community has left many peoples with many unanswered questions. That as it maybe, accidents; do happen whether we are united or disunited. Let people freely think through the incident and say what they wan to say. With time the truth which is known will make us free. Talking about things which we do not know and come to conclusions is not a health way of doing things. This is the time for the nation to be united, to mourn together and to rise above the wishes of those among us who would want this sad moment to divide us further.

When I visited Mr Tsvangirai at the Avenues clinic yesterday afternoon I had to wait patiently before I was allowed in. Tsvangirai’s words at our moment of encounter were, “Bishop, ndakabvutirwa Mai” (Bishop, my wife was snatched away from me). Indeed death robed/snatched his wife, the mother of his children from him. The nation is the poorer without such a humble personality. A few months ago when I met Mrs Tsvangirai she asked, “Bishop, will this thing ever work?” This was just after the signing of the agreement of September 15, 2008. My reply was that those things which appear cumbersome are those that work out. She had the desire for things to work. She may not have been in the forefront of the struggle but she was always besides her husband in thick and thin. May her soul rest in peace!