The Zimbabwe police claim that they dispense their duties in a non-partisan manner but events on the ground prove them otherwise. It is even more surprising that one of the “half” Ministers of Home Affairs, representing the political party that is at the receiving end of this partisan way of conducting business by the police, can claim that the police are now non-partisan. Recent events fly straight in the face of Minister Makone’s reckless utterances as it is clear even to a blind man that the police are applying the law selectively. In a normal political environment, the Minister should withdraw her statements or even resign from the post, but the proud and greedy crop of politicians we entrust with our lives and beloved country will never do that.

From a statement by the Youth Forum

Three Zimbabwean writers – Emmanuel Sigauke, Tinashe Mushakavanhu and Christopher Mlalazi – discuss the state of Zimbabwean literature, writing from the Diaspora, what is African literature among other literary issues. In this candid roundtable discussion, they question the direct nature of literature and its suitability in chronicling moments of unique political and social significance. In a country like Zimbabwe, which exists to the West as a flurry of news reports and political upheavals, literature attains an importance that it rarely enjoys in Britain or America: it becomes a necessary thing, essential to the survival of the self. A sobering set of first-hand accounts accompanied by revealing anecdotes about writing and reading experiences influenced by the three writers’ collusion with many cultures and worlds in their different journeys.

More from Sentinel Literary Quarterly

From Business-ethics.com:

When the Egyptian government created a partial communications blackout on Thursday, shutting Internet and cell-phone service, it asked for the cooperation of foreign mobile phone companies. UK-based Vodafone complied, saying it had no choice but to cut service.

In a statement issued Saturday, Vodafone said the Egyptian government would have been able to shut the network itself anyway, all within the bounds of Egyptian law. Mobinil, another major provider, which is owned in part by France Telecom, also complied.

Did they have any choice?

Read more

You can’t be apolitical. It will come and get you. It’s not that you shouldn’t be neutral. It’s that you won’t be able to stay neutral.
- Christopher Hitchens

From Bulawayo Agenda:

A leading academic and analyst, Dr Lawton Hikwa, said journalists need to be sufficiently resourced so as to avoid being used by politicians. Hikwa said for journalists to be sincere, fair and unbiased in their reporting they do not have to ask for favors, especially from politicians who he described as manipulative. Most journalists in Zimbabwe are not adequately resourced by their media houses. This has led to them being bailed out by politicians, who in turn demand that they do not report against them

Black History Month is the month set aside to honor the past achievements and on-going contributions of African-Americans and people of African descent.  The theme for this year is African-Americans and the Civil War.   The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section invites you to celebrate Black History Month through video screenings of a selection of videos from the 19th Century through the civil rights to present day.  The screenings will be followed by a 30 minute Q&A facilitated by Assistant Public Affairs Officer, Andrew Posner.  Tea & Coffee will be served.

Thursday, February 3
Film: Fredrick Douglass Biography
Time: 1500 hrs
Venue: PAS Auditorium, 7th Floor Goldbridge,
Eastgate Mall, 3rd Street & R, Mugabe Way

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Synopsis
As a young man, he experienced the brutality of slavery first and as an outspoken leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of the most powerful voices in America. This inspiring biography chronicles Douglass’ remarkable life: from his childhood in slavery to his crucial work on behalf of former slaves following the civil war.

Thursday, February 10
Film: Sound Track for a Revolution
Time: 1500 hrs
Venue: PAS Auditorium, 7th Floor Goldbridge,
Eastgate Mall, 3rd Street & R, Mugabe Way

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Synopsis: Tells the story of America’s civil rights movement through the freedom songs that protesters sang as they fought for justice and equality- with performances by John Legend, Wyclef Jean and others.
www.soundtrackforarevolution.com

Thursday, February 17
Film Neshoba
Time 1500 hrs
Venue: PAS Auditorium, 7th Floor Goldbridge,
Eastgate Mall, 3rd Street & R, Mugabe Way

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Synopsis: The story of a Mississippi town still divided about the meaning of justice 40 years
after the murders of three civil rights workers, the film explores whether healing and
reconciliation are possible and demonstrates how Americans move beyond scars of the past.
www.neshobafilm.com

Thursday, February 24
Film: Trouble The Water
Time: 1500 hrs
Venue: PAS Auditorium, 7th Floor Goldbridge,
Eastgate Mall, 3rd Street & R, Mugabe Way

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Synopsis: A young African American couple survive the flooding of New Orleans, failed levees, bungling bureaucrats and their own less than perfect past and manage to endure through love, hope and courage.
www.troublethewaterfilm.com