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.

—–

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

——

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.

——

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

——

I want to make sure to have a new president.

——

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

——

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

——

Voting for change

——

TINONAMATA MWARI

——

VOTE FOR THE RIGHT CHOICE

——

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

——

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

——

Presidential elections

——

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

——

I will work very hard

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

My x is the right change

——

A change shall come by  putting words into action

——

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

——

Pray for good health and we will pull through

——

Make everyone to vote to make change

——

I will pray for the nation especially the Leadership

——

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

——

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

——

MY RESOLUTION I QUIT SMOKING TO AVOID T B AND POLUTION

——

Change is also my 1st resolution among others.

——

Change 2011 ndizvo chaizvo

——

No to elections pamberi neiclusive gvt lets attract investment

——

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

——

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.

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

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!!!.

——

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

——

My presence is the best resolution for change

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

To spread the massage about change to my friends and neighbours

——

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

——

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

——

I am going to make my voice heard through voting

——

Change must begin  with you.

——

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

——

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

——

I am going to preach Jesus to the nation of Zimbabwe

——

Wil vote for MDC T

——

Nothing much waiting 4 the election time.

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

Voting 4 change if ere ‘re elections

——

Is to see a real change in  our  Country .

——

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

——

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

——

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.

——

Work hard.

——

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

——

Only if rains come Manhanga oibva todya tosiyana nepolics

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

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

——

by praying our lord jesus christ

——

Iam going to vote wisely.

——

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.

——

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

Activist, social commentator and writer Rejoice Ngwenya took some time in December to spread the holiday spirit with the children of Rekai Tangwena (Nyanga) and Manhinga Village (Rusape) orphanages. Thanks to donations of treats, toys, clothes and groceries and support from Kubatana, MMPZ, and a number of individuals, Rejoice was able to share some Christmas joy with these children.

A big pom pom to Rejoice for taking time to help these children.  For 2011, Rejoice is planning a cross-country project called “They Will Know It’s Christmas,” designed specifically for these children.

Below are some photographs from his trip.

Plant a tree in a pot hole.

1) It makes pot holes easier to spot
2) It improves the environment
3) You might finally get the city council’s attention

Happy New Year!

What is your resolution about how you’ll get involved in making change happen in 2011?

Comment back, or email info[at] kubatana [dot] net