Frustrated and looking for Something I could do to express my outrage, I shaved my head in solidarity with Munyaradzi Gwisai of the International Socialist Organisation (Zimbabwe) and the 44 others who have been charged with treason for discussing recent events in Tunisia and Egypt.

Watch the video here and share your solidarity – email info [at] kubatana [dot] net

My colleague who was arrested on Saturday has still not been released, nor have any of the other 45 detainees including Munyaradzi Gwisai and Hopewell Gumbo. Seven of them were meant to appear in court today and were expected to be charged as organisers of the Saturday meeting – the remainder, including my colleague, thought they would be going home today. Instead, no one appeared in court, and it sounds like police are applying for a warrant for further detention.

I am angered enough by the fact of these 46 people festering in police cells for four nights for no good reason. I’m even more angered by reports that some have been tortured in police custody. Gwisai, for example, reportedly needs help to walk, he has been so badly beaten.

I’m further angered by the reason why these 46 are in custody: They were having a discussion about recent events in North Africa. They watched a video of news clips – the same news clips anyone with satellite television or YouTube access could have watched for themselves.

Some people argue this is a positive development – like look, the regime is scared enough to take this meeting seriously. Others find a silver lining, in that this prolonged detention has sparked email petitions and Facebook pages and news headline and barroom discussions that would otherwise not have happened – like if the regime hadn’t made such a big deal by arresting these people, the meeting would have come and gone and barely made a ripple. Now? There are waves.

But me? I’m just angry. I’m angry and I want them out now.

I’m angry because it’s events like this that put paid to the big lie which is the GPA. It’s not an inclusive government; it’s a regime in Fat Face’s clothing.

I’m angry at myself – for naively thinking that these 46 wouldn’t be arrested when the police appeared at the meeting, and then for thinking that they would be released on Monday, and then for thinking that they would be released on Tuesday. And I’m angry with myself for allowing myself to become so inured to this regime that the fact of the police at the meeting seems normal.

And I’m angry for not having any idea about where to take this anger – for having no idea of a constructive outlet for it. What can I do for my colleague and these 45 other individuals? Who can I appeal to with any hope of success? I feel like the people who might listen don’t have any power. And the people who have power would never listen.

After Mubarak’s resignation was announced on Friday, we sent out this text message to our subscribers:

Kubatana! People power brings down 30 year dictatorship in Egypt. Mubarak has resigned. Cairo is celebrating.

Below are some of the replies – which give a sense of how similar many Zimbabweans view the two countries’ situations to be:

• There were 10 dictators hanging on the wall & if 2 dictators should accidentally fall there’ll be 8 dictators hanging on the wall and if 1 dictator should accidentally fall there’ll be 7 ….And so on!
• Happy, hapy, hapy new Egypt!! Mubarak is gone. Unitd, ple cn do it. Who’s nxt? Free Africa’s cmng
• Thank God! hope the same wl happen in Zim!
• SO THAT MUST TAKE PLACE IN MOST STATES WITH SAME RULERS.THANK YOU.
  WE LIKE THAT
• Yhus good and it proves that people power is heavier than indvidual power
• Ko isiwo todii?
• Lets pray Zimbabwens can do the same.
• Where next?
• Aluta continua!
• SAME SHOULD HAPPEN MAP OUT STRATEGY
• Congratulations
• MAKOROKOTO EGYPT. THE PEOPLE  HAS GOT POWER, THE POWER IS WITHIN THE PEOPLE… secrifice and determination breed success.
• Go egypt go
• People’s power counts. The emancipation in Egypt is for us all. God is for us all.
• We are also celebrating.
• Thanks for the news.African dictators should go
• I saw it coming! A lesson 4 other leaders.
• Great!This shld b a new beginning 4 Egyptians and there shld b zero tolerance 2 US/Israeli interference in the next political dispensation
• Thanx dictorship must end in zimba
• Lets be vigilant and celebrate
• The voice of the pple is the voice of God. Long live Egypt. Long live Zim
• IN EVERY WAR THERE HAS TO BE BLOODSHED  THE INNOCENT OR THE GUILTY ! BUT THE INNOCENT WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL, BY  GOD’S GRACE. FORWARD WITH REFORMATION AND REVOLUTION. CHANGE WE WANT AND IT WILL BE.
• Strong will, courage and determination is all it takes to change the world.
• Thats something to smile about.hope the same will happen in zw
• What a relief. Surely where there is a will there is a way. In the name of the almighty GOD let us wait for the next one in line to follow suit.
• Praise God Next Is . . .
• We Zimbabweans should follow what has been done in Egypt.

Some of our SMS subscribers do – But not all of them! We asked them this very question, and here are a few of their replies:

• Plenty of Egyptian. Would need plenty of camaraderie
• Thanx . As activists, we are monitoring the Egypt crisis. Pro Mubarak are now disturbing the wave of change, If others can change, can we? Yes we can!
• That’s the stuff  im made of , together we can do it
• Yaah full of Egyptian spirit
• Yes Egyptian style acceptable here. I think the real face of Africans has been exposed, need for blacks and muslims to uprise against dictators
• I don’t do it the Egyptian way, I do it through the ballot, It is more civilised.
• It started in Tunisia , now in Egypt, who is next
• Sorry, this naturally not the land of the Pharoahs!
• The Egyptians have shown us we can do the same here if we stand together and speak with one voice even with the threat of live bullets. I’m ready!
• The Egyptian revolution is very interesting and a clear warning to other tyrants that their days are also numbered. Dictators always fall with a bang. God bless Egypt!

As a follow on to our post last week, here are another 150+ responses from our SMS and email subscribers about their resolutions for how they’ll make change in 2011. Vote, pray and advocate continue to be the most popular responses.

• Refuse to be docile, redundant and rigid. This is in anticipation of the best that is yet to come. Get involved in good. I would like to make sure that at my workplace  and in my society there  is lession / no  corruption  at all, to help all those  who are in need  especialy  the less  privilged &  to use the resources we already have effectively and efficiently.
• For change to be successfully  implemented there need to be research done on a particular issue. That is how i would help in change, research. Research on certain problems that are currently affecting the society, especially issues to do with poverty and its relations with prostitution and HIV.
• My New Year resolution is to intensify my campaign to have Belonging made into an animated feature film so the message of tolerance can reach a broader global audience via a film project that should also provide gainful employment to communities that would not normally be granted artistic exposure of the scale envisioned here.
• 2011 will see me burning and shining with the word of God. The Zimbabweans need to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
• Not to be intimidated
• MDC can get a opp 2011
• Pray that we have a new Constitution and if and when elections are held they will be peaceful.
• Elections must took place but SADC must come up with a road map to free & fair
• elections. Peace keepers & local / international observers must be there.
• Change has happened. Now we hope to unlock a few remaining hitches.
• Change can always be achieved if everybody is involved so mass orientation should be stepped up. I want to be involved.
• Will make a change by voting wisely.
• People must unite and speak with one voice.
• Voting wisely.
• Vote for people driven constitution with respect for human rights.
• To be like Strive Masiwa.
• Through talking with other individuals, truly and objectively without any fear I
• think I will make a change in Zimbabwe.
• Will try to work hard to achieve set goals.
• I will support the idea of conducting the constitutional referendum first before the general election.
• To make a better life.
• I will try and convince my colleagues that elections should only be conducted when the environment is conducive for them.
• Come election time, my vote will make the difference Zimbabweans are waiting for.
• I must be the change I wish to see in the world! Should be involved in any act of emancipation, be it fighting for real change, making sure that the people of Zimbabwe get a democratic constitution, mobilising the people to vote if elections are held, etc.
• No political violence. I want peace.
• I just want to teach people to know how to make change.
• I have resolved that I must strive to reduce incompetence from my party by advocating for a full participation at provincial leadership selection.
• 2O11 Choose 2 live 4 the lord 4 there is life in his hands. Find shelter and mercy in him.Turn old wounds into wisdom
• Improving my spiritual territory
• if th election are to be i pray th every zimbo carries one thought ignore fear not th rest and vote for tot (freedom)change
• To impress upon my compatriots they shld believe in themselves, that they can remove tyranny if they try.
• MY RESOLUTION THIS YEAR IS TO GET UNITED AND FIGHT THE ENEMY  WHO HAS BEEN ON THE HOT SEAT FOR TOO LONG THROUGH THE BALLOT.
• i will vote to make a change in 2011 and make a differance
• while l’m an mdc dist official l’m going to vigorously articulate all democratic & electoral reforms for a victorious real change for the lives of the people of zimbabwe!
• MDC. Structures only  needs a little  bit of panel biting. Not complete overhauls – to avoid INFILTRATION.
• think and contribute positively, desist from pointing.  fingers. (my 2011 success plan)
• I ll make change by my vote that is if there s going to be any elections
• My resolution about making a change is that they must amend everything agreed on the Global Political Agreement
• To open a takeaway & boutique as wel as 2 buy a new car.
• In 2011 i wish to link with organisations like ZESN ZPP ZIMRIGHTS etc as a volunteer on the ground.
• I’ll fight hard 4 the downfall of the dictator.
• MY RESOLUTION IS SEE REALY CHANGE ALL OUTSTANDING MUST BE FULSFIED BY MUGABE
• The change will only come when the Oppossition come together. Lets unite, together we can make a change.
• By having a free, fair and international supervised election we can make a big change
• To b a mythbuster 2 thoz who resist change in e society that i live in.turng their fears into figthers 4 change in this year of endless possibilities
• Am going to encourage relatives- school leavers to register and vote. Also am going to add for you to multply.
• I will pray for real change want to c our country on better path of developing and peace
• TWO ARE ENOUGH, A WIFE AND A CAR IN 2011.
• Change wl take tym 2 bear fruit bt m prayng for a new constitution then elections maybe during the last quarter of 2011
• WL PRAY AND FAST FO CHANGE AND ALSO JOIN IN MARCHES CALLED FOR.
• educate others on  importance of real chance 2 our chn ¡ us. l will also actively participate in an event(s) dat bring change.
• Passive will be both effective and SAFE
• My change is to do what people think i cannot do.
• CHINANGWA CHANGU GORE RINO NDECHEKUTI  TIVE NESARUDZO DZAKA SUNUNGUKA NEMUTUNGAMIRI ANOITA ZVODO ZVEVANHU
• I’m going to vote down the dictators at the referendum & also vote them out if elections are harmonised as well as returning Tsvangirai at the helm of MDC in May
• MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO DECLARE THIS YR AS MY READING YR
• RESOLUTION: To campaign vigorously for the exposure of perpetrators of political disturbances.
• If elections ar 2 go aheard acc 2 zanu pf’s plans i’ll vehe mently vote for mdc-t & i’ll mo bilise my work mates so they vote fo change.
• Lets all pray so that God can instil selflessness in dear leader and longevity to Save so he can complete the God set out for him
• I will continue to alert and teach our people about the power they have so that they must be brave so that we should have totaly change as long we get more information on how we could help in making it happen GOKWE
• I will work hard 2 achieve my goals.Will encourage others 2 take part in events that wl bring change.
• I will cause changes by praying & fasting è more in 2011 coz sme of thz demons can only come out by prayer & fasting.
• As the saying goes THE HUMAN MIND IS LIKE AN UMBRELLA IT FUNCTIONS BEST WHEN OPEN I wish to educate people around on the Dire NEED OF CHANGE IN ZIM &VOTE FOR IT
• I WIL VOTE FOR THE RIGHT PERSON WHO WIL CHANGE ZIMBABWE ONCE AND FOR EVER.
• By telling those who ar short sighted that someone who was 10yrs last yr ths yr is 11 lke it or not
• My resolutions on change MDC president Mr M Tsvangirai should not partspat from elections until UN And intenational community chip in Mass action to tacke place
• Advocacy and civic education. an informd nation responds positively to change
• Constitution yu havent finished how we going to change
• Advocacy in partiacipatory governance
• Working honestly & discouraging corruption.
• My resolution about hw I’ll get involved in making change happen in 2011, is to go as usual and put my X to real change party MDC-T.
• It shud be a gud year ed i want u to secure a job 4 me abroad
• my resolution this yr is to get ones on my first class on my bed ecd degree ie bed means bechoulor of education
• I wish be a better farmer who is non politcal this year
• I wl go to my rural home and educates youths about their rights so that they will not be abused by ZPF
• This year i will promote Democracy and Human Rights
• When others are uniting against ‘sunctions’, lets build the nation by curbing corruption.”it begins wt u”
• We’ven’t heard of any country where pple are foced 2 supot the siting presdent’s party nomater how much intimidation, foce or threat. we ‘ll teach them an unfogetable leson in the balot.
• Ten years have gone I am still sleeping in the open After my having destroyed by hooligance. The party I support, MDCT has done nothing Though   Biti is our finance minister
• To tackle what i failed last yr
• vote for mdc t
• By participating in constitution making, voting in the advantage of regime change n zimbabwe.
• To  organise around the ‘vote no’ campaign ahead of ZPF/MDC constitution which is not a people process.
• Resolutions: To say things as they are without fear or favour, & to do things as they should be done.
• I’l influence others 2 take part in the referendum of the constitution making proces and subsequently vote wisely
• we should unite for good living in zimbabwe.
• my first resolution make a real change in proposed elections of 2011
• I wl make a change happen by take the ryt leader tu the ryt possition
• By giving and mobilising massive support for the brilliant policies of His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zim. Cde. R. G. Mugabe. Happy New YEAR as well. No tears are shed that God does not notice. The Map is clear, even the heart can tell. Constitution marks the change
• I’ll go around picking papers in Chipinge town to make a change happen in 2011.
• Will do positive things which make my nation, family, life & continue to be blessed by the Lord.
• OBVIOUSLY I WANT THE REAL CHANGE I SAY NO TO CORRUPTION VIOLENCE AND RIGGING LETS BUILT THE NEW ZIMBABWE UNITED WE STAND
• PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC PROGRAMES, VOTE IN REFERENDUM & ELECTIONS IF ANY.
• I will fully participate in any coming election & referendum
• Wl vgrsly campgn 4 compltion of pple drvn constitutn as prerqsite 4 free & fair elctns&no fu nding 4 ZBH prpgnd
• I just thnk Gd 4 kpng m up 2 2011.iw kp on pryng sch tht h wl make a change in my life.
• MY RESOLUTION FOR 2011 IS THAT WE WANT FREE AND FAIR ELECTION AND ALSO SAY NO POLITICAL VIOLENCE.
• I’LL STRIVE TO MAKE JESUS KNOWN BY ALL FOR THIS TO BE A BETTER PLACE TO BE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
• Hope wil be tough yr 4 us in Zaka no raining plants are dry.
• I will be happy when we achieve a new Zimbabwe
• Going 2 vote lets hope de iz noGgabgo style if sumone loses lets b afraid b very afraid
• Currently Iam in Beitbrdge. My new year’s resolution is to go back home and join the Chinja team, work hard to make sure all the three constituncies are put and sealed in thew Chinja bag and Zanu is dead and buried.
• WE WILL WIN
• My resolution this year is to stand by and for the people of Zimbabwe through encouraging one another that real change can still be attained despite the set backs encountered last year.
• This yr 2011 i will stand as an MDC T councellor for our ward in preparation for the next election
• Resolutions for making change happen 2011: Will make sure am 100% patriotic and put my trust in MR PRIME MINISTER’s leadership. my friends  at work & within my community must be those focused on making change happen. 2011 slogan “fear less to mek change happen “
• I will get involved in making a change in 2011 by voting for a change and advising eveyone of the need of peaceful and free elections in 2011 .
• Reconcilliation to every one for a better change
• My only solution is to vote for change.
• I wl be involved in distributing something to somebody
• THE ONLY RESOLUTION IS TO CHANGE PRESIDENT  R G  M
• I WILL RESIGN FROM CIVIL SERVICE WAIT FOR THE POLLS AND USE MY VOTE WISELY
• By involved in meetings with all ward, branch and district committees on regular intervals.
• Partcipate in all activities which promotes anti corruption & mis rule
• My Resolution to get a  real change of our count  .
• Aluta continua
• My resolution to bring change in 2011 is praying
• Definately change is one thing i want to see. In 2011 i have resolved to partake in CSOs’/NGOs’ programmes as well as help in education and info dissemination in areas like where i live. In other words, i want to be part of a network of change.
• I’m expecting the illigal sunctions to be removed & the members of the  inclusive govenment not to hate each other & not to create stories on other parties.
• On A Blessed Bright starting New Year I Thought Ndichatanga Kutsvaga Basa Kuti Zviite Bhoo
• I think 2011 is the year of a true change, but we need our constitution first.
• I WILL WORK HARD TO BE MOBILE SO THAT I AM ABLE TO MOVE INTO AREAS WHERE ZANU PF IS STILL PRESENT IN CHIVI SO THAT IT WILL BE HISTORY
• I xpect a change as compared to previous yrs.hop e lord wil guide & get money to achieve basics of life.
• I NEED A COMPLETE CHANGE.
• My new yr resolution is to work harder with communities in awareness campaigns on the impeding referendum and elections.
• I’ll cmpn vgrsly 4 a dmocrtc ppl drvn cnstit
• I will empower my constituency mutasa north by creating development village committees to fight corruption at local level and promote peace and justice through transparent use of newly acquired constituency T35 truck from constituency development fund.
• To change ruling of the oldman and to work hard, to fight for the change.
• MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO MOBILISE EVERY ZIMBABWEAN TO GO AND REGISTER TO VOTE AND KICK THE DICTATOR OUT OF POWER
• Kana ma elections akaveko sezvo herald yaiti hakuna. Akaveko ndichanovhotera bato rezvido zvevanhu inova iyo MDC asi pamaelections ZEC matsotsi tinoda pave nevaongorori vanoita kuty chokwadi chibude
• Deffinatly I will to vote for MDC-T May thing will be more better.
• I wish to see MDCT helpping its supporters whose properties were destroyed by politcal hooligans from 2000
• If ever elections are to be held this year then I am going to campaign for MDC T to make sure ZANU PF gets nothing from the electorate. I want total Change.
• My resolution about making change in 2011 is praying for honest and proactive leadership in the main oppstn party and holding of internationally monitered elec
• My resolution is to convince our youth not to be used by politians in bloody acts.
• My contributions towards elections makes a change ie voting
• YU can make change by sticking to old rules& not bieng greed!
• No doubt change 4 the be realised b4 yr end 2011!
• I want to open a boutique.
• I will make change occur by conscientising the illiterate rural folk about their rights and encouraging them to participate fully  and fearlessly  in elections.
• To hav people driven constitution and then vote
• Lets pressurise gvnment 2 compansate all acc holders affected inflation to be given soft loans!
• I’ve spent 40yrs working but no pension just for food. What new  yr resolution can I do?
• I believe Political change is the basis for every other change hence remain MDC&NCA in thinking &acts to push Mugabe &ZANU PF out off power. I have resolved to encourage all youths to register as voters becoz i believe voter apathy has been the major efffect in achieving democratic change
• I have to make sure the TAKE CHARGE campaign wins in as far as the referendum is concerned. This will pave way for a people driven and democratic constitution.
• I wish to report cases of crime like corruption, injustice & violence etc. I also want to get involved in various movements that bring change to our nation.
• I need new president with people @ heart one who doesnt violet human rights
• I hope 2 vote 4 change if elections come
• My resolution  4 2011 is 2 work  hard acquire wealth.
• Get all those unelected hobbos out of parliament and government, free the army & the courts.
• I’m going to start a project on poultry to make a change in 2011

Uganda has many moral challenges and sex work is just one of them. It is disturbing how politicians expend lots of energy on fighting sex work and homosexuality yet not showing similar stamina against worse evils such as corruption.
- From the article Hard Line On Sex Work Does Not Help published on allafrica.com

The same could be said for Zimbabwe.