In his article The Age of Polipreneurship, published by Pambazuka, Dr. D McKinley defines and describes Polipreneurship:

At its most basic level, polipreneurship can be defined as ‘politics as business’. Polipreneurship is not simply about making money from and through politics. It is more about the way in which politics is seen approached and more importantly practiced.

It would be easy enough for ours or any other populace to just point fingers at certain politicians, parties, the ruling party itself and/or government and argue that is simply a matter of having different ones in power (at whatever level) in order for our politics to ‘return to the source’. [But] when we take a critical look at contemporary polipreneurship, we cannot just focus on the politicians, political parties and private business sectors, we also have to look at ourselves.

…We cannot divorce ourselves from the intensifying tide of corruption, the cesspool of nepotism, the inbuilt disdain for organisational transparency, the conscious refusal to embrace personal responsibility, the general demise of human empathy, the constant evading of popular accountability and the never ending litany of false promises, lies and subterfuge. They are all representative of what we as a society, and thus our business and politics have become. And let us not fool ourselves, this is the norm, not the exception.

In our polipreneurship age, the mandarins of capitalist politics and capitalist business have perfected the art of creating a sustained symbiosis between the private and public ‘interest’. They have been able to achieve this because most of those who organisationally and institutionally represent the ‘public interest’ at various levels of governance as well as ever-increasing numbers of ordinary people have personally imbibed and institutionally integrated the ‘traditions, cultures and values’ of their business counterparts. In the process the measurement of what is ‘good for society’ has become almost completely delinked from the historic and popular struggle for a universally conceived but mainly nationally practices, collective human solidarity and benefit.

The challenge is as difficult as it is profound. If we can’t change our politics then we can’t change our societies.

A moving message and wake up call from Trudy Stevenson, one of Zimbabwe’s most impressive political activists:

What do you do when your husband asks: “Where do you live, these days?’ You remember that he has Alzheimer’s Disease, and doesn’t know that he lives there too, as your husband. Sharing an experience from today… so that those of you of the younger generation may start to get a hint of what can happen to your loved ones, as they grow older – unfortunately!  Put your arms around them, hug them tight, and treasure them as your loved ones, come what may!

I don’t know whether to be angry or what. This seeming ambivalence, mixed emotions or whatever, is based on that this is the beginning of a New Year when the general expectation is to start on a fairly positive life experience outlook, what with that very mortal obsession of making “New Year’s resolutions.”

So it was that the South African government decided to have Zimbabweans regularise their stay in what is considered the biggest economy continent. Come on, you cannot fault these poor Zimbabweans who have been forced to make choices they would otherwise not have made all things being fair. I believe I am one of many, many Zimbabweans who stayed on despite all the crap, and this based on personal reasons. However, all my siblings left and the oldest – “a very sweet girl”- left with her family to “settle” in SA. Well, are they settled? You bet not!

Thus it was that she sent back her 15 year-old to “organise” a passport on 12 December 2010. Naturally she sought an emergency passport as she has to return to school, and believe me she has aced all the “tests” the South Africans can offer at her level. So I’m elated that she’s got a future she can never get in Zim. Having paid USD250 for an “emergency passport” which we had been told would be issued after two days; she is still wallowing here – today on the 6th of January! She might as well have applied for the snail-pace passport that we are told takes forever to be issued and saved the USD250 for lunch on her way back to SA! And she is supposed to be in class on the 11th of January 2011.

Ever wondered why so many people have so much bitterness about the so-called founding fathers [and I'm not talking about the Ndebele!]; how they have messed up the lives of innocent millions; how they still claim relevance with clowns like that Matebele Prof exhibiting traits that border on the fatalistic cocking a snook at the intelligence of the very people they claim to represent? Religious fundamentalist would no doubt say these folks are cursed, yet this is African politics where dead consciences abound.

And then we read about the KGVI fire and the statement from the MDC-T Home Affairs clown-princess that there was nothing suspicious about the pyromaniac work, as if we had suspected a link with the rush for passports by Zimbabweans domiciled in South Africa!

We sure have a long way to go.

This morning we asked our email and SMS subscribers “Whats your resolution about how you’ll get involved in making change happen in 2011?”

Of the 70+ responses we’ve received so far, the most popular response from our subscribers is that they would vote (21 said this). This, of course, assumes there will be elections this year – nothing’s been officially announced, but rumours are suggesting an election for mid-year. Prayer is the next most popular response, with 12 subscribers saying they would pray for change this year (some of them are going to pray and vote). Other activities such as advocating for change, sharing information and standing up for human rights round out the list.

Read some of our subscribers responses below:

Indeed 2011 should be a year of tangibles. Let’s all shout AHOY 2011. Its imperative that one should set  smart and radical  targets and have a clear vision for this great year. 2011 is a year of rebels against the world of impossibilities, boundaries and parametres. whatever target, reach it because this year is indeed a great year.

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I wish to make 2011 a year of change. Change begins with me. None but myself can change the wrld. Happy 2011 kubatana.

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Many of us Zimbabweans have endured such shoddy service from some particular medical aid provider without any action. I have been a victim and I want to call all those who have been victims to speak in a single voice and make things change.I have tried to engage the provider but with no success, I know there is power in numbers.

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As long as we are alive we will change bad to good.

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I want to make sure to have a new president.

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Will put the best of my ability in all I have to do. Will participate in national issues in which my participation is required.

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hello kubatana. this year i want to do some fantastic work and really make a difference.

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Voting for change

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TINONAMATA MWARI

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VOTE FOR THE RIGHT CHOICE

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Advocate for peace building in preparation for elections thank u same to u

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My resolution for this year is to fight Mr Mugabe out from the office

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Presidential elections

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2010 was a bit challanging year    if the Gvt can improve our living and salaries we feel better.

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I will work very hard

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CHANGE MUST COME NOT NOW BUT YESTERDAY.WE MUST NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY STONE THROWERS BEHIND GLASS HOUSE.IF WE DON’T WORK FOR CHANGE ITS OUR GRAVE WE ARE DIGGING

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Lets teach our people to be as brave as matebele.Even in gukurahundi they never bowed down to support the perpetrators

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To educate ALL ELIGIBLE people to register to vote and that it is their vote that wl speak for the FINAL AND DECISIVE time!

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My x is the right change

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A change shall come by  putting words into action

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CHANGE WILL CERTAINLY COME BY WALKING CLOSE TO GOD & THEREBY TAPE FROM HIS WISDOM

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Pray for good health and we will pull through

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Make everyone to vote to make change

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I will pray for the nation especially the Leadership

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Firstly to continue to pray & i am encouraging young people to get ID’s & register to vote for their future.

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Support the president for another term and be an activist for total indigenisation

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MY RESOLUTION I QUIT SMOKING TO AVOID T B AND POLUTION

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Change is also my 1st resolution among others.

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Change 2011 ndizvo chaizvo

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No to elections pamberi neiclusive gvt lets attract investment

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The same shot we  scored last time is coming back for a total change.

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SAME TO YOU. MY RESOLUTIOM ABOUT BEING INVOLVED IN MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN IN 2011 IS TO PUT MY (X) IN THE RIGHT BOX CAME ELLECTION.

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Lets not allow Mugabe & Zanu to continue with their jingles.

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2011: To aim for success leading to great success (greatness without limits).

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If we go for presidential election this year Mugabe has 2 go.

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2 in courage as many pple as I can 2 go and vote for total CHANGE and make them 2 be strong 4 there rights!!!.

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I will fill happy this year. I need to work as a one part kuti tikunde. this year i want to drive new minsters thank you happy new year

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My presence is the best resolution for change

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I WANT TO THANK YOU KUBATANA 2011 IS TO HARD FEES ARE TOO HIRE

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I will pray 4 the change 2 every one 2 get into change.and tell others obout it.

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If elections do take place my vote will help change.is this wiki-leaks thing true?

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To spread the massage about change to my friends and neighbours

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one option would be to take the initiative from president robert mugabe by boycotting election unless minimal demands are met

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kubatana!  happy  2011  hop wil  b  able 2  make a  beta  zimbabwe  this  yr

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I am going to make my voice heard through voting

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Change must begin  with you.

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MY RESOLUSION IS TO PRAY FOR PEACE AND BETTER SERVICE FROM YOU

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I wl make sure  that i put a hand on anything that need me 2 make a change 2 our nation.

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I am going to preach Jesus to the nation of Zimbabwe

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Wil vote for MDC T

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Nothing much waiting 4 the election time.

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2011 my vote will count it will call for change. Count it will towards a new political order. My vote will speak

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I resolved: to preach against violence     to encourage people to be registered voters  and to stand for just at any given opportunity.

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Change like aging z natural nd inevitable..i wont tek part it wl stil come

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How can i make a change while i am jobless livng in country without a pasport

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Am going to vote for the changing party if there are elections.Prayer is the GREAT CHANGER.

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Voting 4 change if ere ‘re elections

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Is to see a real change in  our  Country .

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Start a child rights club in my community.fund raising for sports equipment&run a children’s talkshow

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PUSH TOWARDS DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES THROUGH PUSHING ON VIOLNCE, ELECTION CONDUCIVE, IMPORTANCE OF ELECTIONS

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Its now 2011, time for the new constitution and violence free election. I resolv 2 campaign for self defence of one’s statutory rights to achieve change.

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Work hard.

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My resolution this year is to have my wedding &pray to the lord

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Only if rains come Manhanga oibva todya tosiyana nepolics

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I’ll start by changing wats inside me then conlude wth wats outside

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Inorder to ensure peaceful change in the year 2011 I want to take part in every event that is beneficial & constructive to the nation including voting

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1.i pray knowing God is th only final answer 4 Zim!  2. I send ur truth msgs 2 people who can influence in uk & us & region as well as advocators here in Zim

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To be active in talking to people who might not know Democracy & how Pres. Tsvangirai is teaching us real Change.

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by praying our lord jesus christ

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Iam going to vote wisely.

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I will educate people especially in the rural areas on how to conquer fear when their human rights are abused and they should stand againest human rights abuse. This is my 2o11 resolution.

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By praying to the Almight God. With God everything is possible in Jesus Might name Amen

Hatcliffe Extension is a bustling shantytown that developed over the years just on the outskirts of Harare. Here, a lot of the victims (read survivors) of 2005′s Operation Murambatsvina are still trying to rebuild their lives. The community has remarkably made a semblance of a decent urban life with well-outlined dust roads and strategically positioned boreholes. A Roman Catholic Church populated by uniformed women and manifested in the form of a neat wooden cabin defiantly stands in a corner. Opposite and across it are a crèche and an enterprising coffin shop. HIV and AIDS related deaths are still rife and a visible reality.

On a recent humanitarian reporting tour in that area, colleagues from the media went around looking for story ideas or took interest in exploring life in this semi-urban-semi-rural area. Personally I was struck by the plainness of the terrain around us, though this was interestingly not an issue of concern to any of the families I interviewed.

Madhuve, who is a social worker in that area proudly explained how the community had depleted the trees gradually and systematically over the years. At that point, we had been touring the modest little house that she managed to erect with the assistance of a local humanitarian assistance organization.

In a country that’s struggling to provide adequate electricity for industry and household use alike – let alone basic services like street lighting, communities find themselves with little alternatives outside cutting down trees in order to cook and keep warm. The elusive US dollar that has practically become the country’s official currency also does little to help.

“At first council had these silly regulations in place, but we went by night and in the wee hours of the morning to cut those trees. How were we supposed to cook for our families?” she said.

Gesturing with her arm widely in the distance, she punctuates boldly: “Takachenesa mese umu vakasarenda, ikozvino tavakugobora midzi yacho (we cleared all the trees until they (council) gave up, now we are even going for the tree roots!”

The few trees still standing are mostly the fruit trees littered across the small compounds of individuals. They survive because they don’t burn well, smoke too much or just do not make good cooking fuel.

Nowadays, Madhuve and the other residents of Hatcliffe Extension dig deep to buy firewood from vendors whom only God knows where they get it. A $3 bundle lasts barely two days for a family the size of Madhuve’s.

Asked whether she or the rest of the community have ever thought of exploring alternative sources of fuel like gas or the paraffin gel stoves, Madhuve gives me a look that silently labels me a crass idiot.

“And cook for how many on that small fire? Besides, can gas and paraffin be taken out of the garbage pit?” she asked. Obviously for her family of 12, it is impossible to cook a 5litre pot of sadza daily using these means.

Even though aware that the planting season has somehow shifted and temperatures somehow hotter than usual, climate change means nothing to Madhuve – not only because in her mother tongue there is no term for it, but also because she could not care less about the environment when trying to keep body and soul together is hard enough for ‘her kind’ in this economy. She was not about to be lectured on the importance of trees as natural carbon sinks, or that stripping the ground would run-off the rains when they did come.

Madhuve’s mindset is reflective of that of a lot of Zimbabweans: neither understanding nor caring about this climate change thing that journalists and other professionals are going on about. With little or no overtly deliberate public education, at the moment the subject evidently occupies the bottom-most rung of the government’s pecking order of priorities. Which begs the question; to what extent can developing countries (not in the category of China) be able to effectively play their part in combating, let alone adapting to this global phenomenon?

While civil society will go all out to train and re-train media professionals, do they stop to consider whether or not key decision and policy makers themselves understand this ‘thing’?

While the ongoing debates about climate change (now currently in Cancun, Mexico) and the need to preserve the environment continue, it has not occurred to a lot of green activists that as long as no practical solutions are being devised for ordinary people in Africa, this will continue to be a losing battle.

On a much lower scale, it takes very little for humanitarian assistance organizations to mainstream the culture of tree planting among the communities they work in, even if it means starting by upholding the previously tokenistic national tree planting day. This year has been unique because there has more noise in the media concerning how many trees have been planted. Some private initiatives have also set huge targets to support national tree planting. Lets keep the momentum.

It feels important that you hear the rest of the story

two days later,
Bevan Mwanza came running up the back path
with his eyes on stalks
and his binoculars bouncing up and down his little 8 year-old frame

‘the babies,
the babies have been eaten
I saw a kestrel come down and catch them
the  parents were crying and following him’

So that, dear friends, is the way of life

The trip from Zaire
the building the nest and laying the eggs
the feeding, and protecting
and cleaning the nest
and a Kestrel (red footed)
comes all the way south from Manchuria or Siberia
and drops out of the sky
to pick up the babies for a small snack.