Even the silent ants
Trampled upon by giant elephants
Do sing a silent song
They shall surely know
How to shoot
The great foot
Weighing heavily on them

~ Albert Nyathi

It seemed as if the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had given up on the notion that regional leaders and the international community would, or could, help Zimbabwe out of the current crisis. In fact Tendai Biti stated recently that the international community could not be looked to for support.

Then this weekend the MDC pulled out of the election citing a very good reason: the unfair electoral environment, which includes very high levels of state orchestrated violence. But worryingly, the MDC believes that their withdrawal from the election will encourage SADC and regional leaders to put pressure on Mugabe to either step down or negotiate a settlement to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe, however, does not negotiate.

And while the MDC’s withdrawal from the election appears to be supported by much of the electorate, any suggestion of a Government of National Unity (GNU) is met with rejection.

The MDC needs to immediately set down some demands to test the political will of our neighbours and international supporters. Let’s start by asking South Africa to impose full sanctions, both economic and travel, on Zimbabwe sending Mugabe a very clear message that enough is enough.

I believe that our neighbours will continue to lead Tsvangirai by the nose, placating him with suggestions that progress will be made through peace talks.

Peace talks with a dictator whose election posters proclaim that this is the “final battle for total control?”

Reading the book, American Protest Literature, a chapter entitled Poetry Is Not a Luxury, in which the writing of Audre Lorde is examined, got me thinking about a recent poem by John Eppel. Audre Lorde suggested that “the question of social protest and art is inseparable.” Lorde’s work involved “the transformation of silence into language and action,” realising that “if I cannot air this pain and alter it, I will surely die of it.” To her, poetry was not a luxury.

With this in mind I share John Eppel’s evocative poem, Broke-Buttock Blues where he shares the reality of political violence in Zimbabwe.

Broke-Buttock Blues

They beat me with branches wrapped up in barb-wire,
they beat me with branches wrapped up in barb-wire;
my baby she crying, her face is on fire.

They say you are sell-out, you vote Tsvangirai,
they say you are sell-out, you vote Tsvangirai;
my baby, she dying, please God, tell me why?

They beat first my head then my back then my bums,
they beat first my head then my back then my bums;
they laugh and they say is like playing the drums.

I beg them for water, they say go ask Blair,
I beg them for water, they say go ask Blair.
Please, put out the fire in Mucheche’s hair?

My bottom is broken, can not sit or stand,
my bottom is broken, can not sit or stand;
Mucheche can’t breathe with her mouth in the sand.

They burned all our mealies, our chickens, our dog,
they burned all our mealies, our chickens, our dog;
my uncle, they hit him to death with a log.

For hours they beat me, for hours I cry,
for hours they beat me, for hours I cry;
please God, save my baby, do not let her die?

When they leave, like a tortoise I crawl very slow,
when they leave, like a tortoise I crawl very slow;
but my baby stopped crying a long time ago,
mwana wangu stopped crying a long time ago.

A local NGO based in Harare is taking on the subject of Sex. Here’s some information, and a call for participation in their new project.

Have you ever felt so awkward asking your doctor about sex that you found yourself using all sorts of euphemisms and left the poor practitioner confused? Does the mention of the word “sex” make you want to run for cover or sizzle in anticipation? International Video Fair (IVF) will be exploring these and other questions in its Sex In the City documentary and is calling for men and women aged between 22 and 60 years to be participants. Whether you are worldly wise, old, young, religious, non-religious, an activist, not an activist, well known or “ordinary”, come and help unearth what the city of Harare really thinks about sex.

IVF, a non-profit regional organisation that uses mobile cinema and video as tools for social transformation, invites you to take part in stimulating discussions on what people think and do when it comes to sex and sexuality. These hot topics will be explored and recorded in an exciting, innovative way over 3-5 days in a great location in/around Harare. Transport to and from the location will be provided and participants will have to commit to the full 3-5 filming days, inclusive of nights. All meals and accommodation will be provided and a participants’ fee is included. Participants will be required to sign release forms for the documentary film, which will be screened locally and regionally.

IVF operates in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The organisation’s vision is a Southern Africa where communities are able to access and impart to others, information and knowledge that can enhance social transformation. Sex In the City is an IVF project and conducted as part of the Zimbabwe Film Practitioners Joint Programme funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Harare. For more details, telephone IVF on 04-790515 / 797285 or click here for an email address. All applications must be received by Monday 30 June 2008.

From a citizen reporting from Mwenezi, and a reminder to vote out this sort of violent arrogance on 27th June.

. . . . Several campaign posters featuring the President’s image were promptly stuck on Mr Ngorima’s front door and many of the nearby trees. He was threatened with his life should Colonel Hungwe return and find that the posters had either been defaced or removed . . .

On Thursday I spent time with an amazing woman working to expose the brutality of the Mugabe regime. She said to me that she thinks her work doesn’t make a blind bit of difference. It does.

Last night I was with one of my closest comrades who was miserable because we’re not doing enough to draw attention to the continued, unacceptable detention of 14 Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) activists. We aren’t.

On Friday I dropped two increasingly frail Zimbabweans off at the airport. I was tightly embraced and told to be careful in the next few weeks. On the way back into town I encountered a truck load of militant youths in Zanu PF t-shirts chanting and sloganeering. I tried not to feel afraid. I was.

Yesterday I thought I’d Do Some Shopping before the money I had in the bank evaporated care of Mugabe’s record inflation. I trolleyed up and got to the till and the power went. With a shrug I bought the most important item with the small amount of cash I had on me. Anyone for white bread rolls?

Today I tried shopping, again. This time the power held good but paying for my trolley of goods took longer than selecting them. My bank card had to be swiped 20 times to process the payment. That’s a purchase of about US$50. Remain calm I said to myself. I did.