I went to get some fuel on my way to the office this morning. The petrol attendent asked me whether I’d voted and I said no. He spent the next 5 minutes telling me passionately why I should go vote and why my vote was important. He didn’t seem particularly worried about the vast rigging that’s been taking place, instead he felt that the will of the people would trump any electoral trickery. He also said that it just wasn’t right that a 90 year old man should be governing Zimbabwe. One of his most uplifting observations was that Zimbabwe belongs to us – its citizens – and not the power toting politicians who have chosen to turn Zimbabwe into their personal playground. Finally I said, so what happens when Mugabe claims victory; what then? He said that a Mugabe victory is just not possible this time.

Our Zimbabwe needs a new vibrant, corrupt-free government which is pro-poor, people centred & respects people’s rights, freedoms & rule of law. And, more importantly uphold the constitution.
- Obvious in Chikomba East

The rumour went out this morning

‘They are about to ‘pick up’ particular ‘target’ people from civil society’

(for many have been speaking publically of their worries of rigging and corruption
and producing evidence  and reports to back their claims)
and Sunday is a good day to make arrests as there is no court open to bring a complaint

And we look, again, at the power that  fear can unleash on our energy
how one ‘reliable source of information’ can lead us away from our centers

years ago we responded to these threats by closing down
moving out of our homes/offices – our places of safety – taking refuge until normal life could resume

Today it feels different
a phone-tree between people is activated
the connections with webs already formed is alerted
we close the gates
(burn the Tamil cleansing smoke in the center of the herb spiral – if that calls to you)

make the tea
and watch the sun spread light into the Sunday garden

Whoa, Zanu PF who cleans up after you then? This morning all along Arcturus Road in Harare East there were gobs of Zanu PF election leaflets strewn on the side of the road. Clearly they’re running out of time to distribute their millions of dollars worth of political advertising before the election, and clearly they are just so damn disgusting, occupying a position of arrogance and disrespect. Already our cities struggle with litter, and Zanu PF wantonly adds to it.

Photographs by Linette Frewin

One of Zimbabwe’s best known singers, Chiwoniso Maraire, has died aged 37. More from the BBC here and you can share your memories of Chi on their page.

On: Monday 5, Tuesday 6, and Wednesday 7 August 2013
For: Boys and girls aged 6 years and above
From: 9am to 1230pm
At: Kifoc at the Kabin, 2 Canterbury Rd, Kensington (close to Kensington shops)
Bring: Comfy gear/shoes. A notebook and a pack snack.
Cost: $50, discount for siblings

We offer a chance for children to learn performance skills that work wonders for their self confidence, concentration and social skills, through the use of creative drama, singing, dancing and photo modeling, all under one roof, to bring out their true potential

All activities are filmed and shown in a safe and welcoming atmosphere

Enrolment has begun so if you wish to register your child/children, please contact Bev on Telephone 04 570869 or 0733 402 696

Email: bmathison [at] mango [dot] zw