International Day Against Drug Abuse – Reflection – by Renee Brenda Langa

26^th June 2024

Today, the 26^th of June, is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking so, designated by the United Nations way back on the 7th of December 1987.

As a grieving member of the Zimbabwean community, my heart aches deeply over the devastation caused by drug abuse.  Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's leadership has not only fallen short in tackling this crisis effectively but seems hell-bent on perpetuating it for political and financial gain.

Political gain in the sense that a disoriented youth has neither time nor focus to challenge the government's
shortcomings. A youth who is constantly under the spell of drugs becomes insensitive to the hardships caused by our corrupt and irresponsible government led by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Constantly dazed, the youth become submissive to authoritative rule and indifferent to the politics of the country.

Financial gain in the sense that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tentacles have spread into the illicit drug “industry”, acting as a supplier through his proxies, including family members and well-known individuals in the armed forces. He benefits directly from the suffering of our youths.

We mourn as grandparents who have lost our beloved grandchildren, as parents who have lost our beloved children, as children who have lost our beloved parents, as siblings who have lost beloved brothers and sisters and as friends who have lost dear friends to drug addiction and all its perils. Our cries echo not just in our native language but in the collective pain of a nation betrayed by the political elite’s greed and lack of decisive action. We plead for justice, for support, and for our leaders to hear our voices and take bold steps to heal our communities from this scourge of drug abuse.

In Zimbabwe, mothers who have lost their children to drug abuse often express profound grief and devastation. For example, many are heartbroken by the loss of promising futures for their children, who once showed great potential. They speak of the deep emotional and psychological scars left by these tragedies, feeling a mix of guilt, anger, and helplessness. One Zimbabwean mother shared how drug abuse turned her once hardworking and well-behaved child into someone unrecognisable, obsessed with finding their next fix.

The community, too, struggles with the betrayal from familiar faces who deal in these lethal substances. Reports have surfaced implicating  Sean Mnangagwa, the son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in drug-related activities, including the distribution of crystal methamphetamine (mutoriro) in Zimbabwe. These allegations are especially troubling given the widespread impact of drug abuse on the community, particularly among the youth. The involvement of high-profile individuals in drug trafficking adds a layer of complexity and frustration for those affected by the epidemic.

It is particularly frustrating and painful when those in power or their relatives or connections are contributing to the problem with impunity.

But then again, what do you expect from a president who is willing to unleash an army upon defenceless citizens with instructions to shoot to kill?

About the author
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmail.com OR renee.langa@rohr-zimbabwe.org

WORLD REFUGEE DAY – THE ZIMBABWEAN PERSPECTIVE – by Renee Brenda Langa

20th June 2024

World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations in 2001, serves to raise awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide. It commemorates their resilience and courage in the face of adversity while promoting empathy and understanding among global communities.

For Zimbabweans, World Refugee Day holds particular significance as many have been forced to flee their homes due to economic hardships, political unrest, and human rights abuses. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking safety and opportunities abroad, highlighting the need for international solidarity and support in addressing these complex issues.

Like Robert Mugabe before him, Emmerson Mnangagwa's tyrannical leadership in Zimbabwe has caused undue suffering to citizens and compelled many citizens to seek refuge abroad. Under ZANU-PF leadership, the country has faced state-sponsored human rights abuses (murders, enforced disappearances, abductions, torture, incarceration, persecution etc.).

The human rights violations consequently affect vulnerable groups like the elderly, children and the girl child. These issues underscore a broader climate of insecurity and fear, prompting Zimbabweans to leave their homeland in search of safety and stability elsewhere.

Moreover, Zimbabwe currently grapples with a severe drought, exacerbating food insecurity and prompting Mnangagwa's administration to seek international aid despite the country's rich agricultural potential and mineral resources. This reliance on external assistance highlights a failure to harness Zimbabwe's capabilities for self-sufficiency and development effectively.

Any nation's leadership must prioritise taking good care of its citizens. This involves ensuring basic rights and freedoms and providing opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare. Effective governance should prioritise the well-being of all Zimbabweans, fostering an environment where every citizen feels secure, valued, and empowered to contribute to the nation's progress.

Sadly, Emmerson Mnangagwa focuses on retaining power at all costs, thereby piling misery on Zimbabwe’s citizens.

As we commemorate World Refugee Day today, Thursday, 20^th June 2024, we spare a thought for all who have been forced to flee Zimbabwe and those who remain under the grip of Mnangagwa’s tyrannical and corrupt rule.

About the author
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmail.com OR renee.langa@rohr-zimbabwe.org

I NEED MY MOTHER!! – By Renee Brenda Langa

4^th June 2024

As we commemorate the United Nations’ International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression today, the 4th of June, we are reminded of the profound contradictions in Zimbabwe, often affectionately referred to as the motherland. This nation, under the governance of ZANU-PF led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, is supposed to nurture and protect its children. Yet, the reality is starkly different, with many children suffering from exploitation and neglect. Their silent cry echoes as they endure these hardships: "I need my mother." This plea highlights the deep yearning for safety and care in a country that should be a sanctuary but often fails its youngest citizens.

Child marriages are prevalent in Zimbabwe, with many underage girls being married off in religious sects and rural areas. These practices often result in severe physical and psychological harm, including early pregnancies and maternal deaths. The case of Anna Machaya is a tragic example of this, where a 14-year-old girl died during childbirth at a church shrine due to lack of medical care. The same church is patronised by non-other than the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa himself, meaning his tacit approval of the shenanigans of the church.

Widespread poverty has forced many children into child labour to help support their families. This often means missing out on education and enduring harsh working conditions. Reports indicate that children work in sectors like agriculture and mining, where they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

There have been instances where children are drawn into political activities, sometimes coerced into attending rallies or participating in political violence. This involvement exposes them to physical harm and indoctrination, depriving them of a normal childhood.

The ZANU-PF government has often been criticised for failing to prioritise child welfare. Issues like inadequate healthcare, poor educational facilities, and lack of social protection mechanisms highlight this neglect. The government's focus on maintaining political power has sometimes overshadowed the needs of vulnerable populations, including children.

Corruption within the government has diverted resources away from essential services. Funds that could improve healthcare, education, and social services often end up in the pockets of corrupt officials. This mismanagement has dire consequences for children who rely on these services for their development and safety.

The government's track record on human rights has been poor, with numerous reports of state-sponsored violence and repression. As part of the broader community, children suffer the consequences of such an environment, growing up in fear and instability.

The stark contrast between the ideal of Zimbabwe as a nurturing motherland and the harsh reality of child exploitation underlines a significant contradiction. While the country should protect and care for its children, governance failures, economic challenges, and cultural practices have left many children vulnerable. This contradiction calls for urgent action to align Zimbabwe's reality with its ideal, ensuring that all children grow up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Sadly, the Mnangagwa regime has no appetite for addressing this.

About the author
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmail.com OR renee.langa@rohr-zimbabwe.org

 

ZIMBABWE - “THE SECOND REPUBLIC” IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST – By Xoliso Sithole

 27^th May 2024

"The more things change, the more they remain the same". So wrote George Orwell in his famous Animal Farm. Many writers have compared Zimbabwe to that novel, and I found myself thinking about it after reading about the arrest of nine villagers in Watsomba for booing the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Mrs Auxilia Mnangagwa. The actions of the police show how the elite connected to the President can use the country’s security forces for their own needs any time they want. It is also important to note that before she became the First Lady, Mrs Mnangagwa worked for the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and is connected to the security sector in her own right. In fact, the nine were subsequently released on the orders of the First Lady. The fact that the Presidential Spokesman, George Charamba, saw nothing wrong in telling the media that the country’s police take orders from someone who has no official position in government is telling.

The regime of Emmerson D. Mnangagwa likes to spin a narrative of a country moving away from that of his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe. “The Second Republic,” as they call it. However, there are many obvious signs that Mugabe’s 37-year-long tenure still casts a shadow over the country. All the draconian laws enacted by the Mugabe regime to repress dissenting voices are still in force. The National Treasury's subversion to meet the ruling class's expensive tastes continues. Everything they said they were correcting about Mugabe’s regime when they overthrew him in a coup in 1917, Mnangagwa and his cronies are doing.

If the truth is to be told, the Mnangagwa regime is much worse than the Mugabe regime. In what was to become the hallmark of his tenure, Mnangagwa brazenly set the army upon innocent protesters in the first week of August 2018. On this occasion, six peaceful protesters were shot dead by soldiers in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, in broad daylight in the full glare of international media and elections observers. This was a distinct upgrade of Mugabe’s version of tyranny.

Abductions and enforced disappearances of political and human rights activists are now commonplace under the Mnangagwa regime. The following is a catalogue of recent cases of abductions;-

1. On 27 August 2023, Councillor Nelson Mukwenha was abducted from his home at midnight and badly tortured and injected with an unknown substance.

2. On 2 September 2023, Councillor Womberaishe Nhende was abducted, badly tortured and injected with an unknown substance.

3. On 24 October 2023, MP Hon. James Chidhakwa was abducted, badly tortured and injected with an unknown substance.

4. On 1 November 2023, MP Hon. Takudzwa Ngadziore was abducted, tortured and injected with an unknown substance by armed men who were well-identified by names and occupation as state agents.

4. On 11 November 2023, activist pastor Tapfumanei Masaya was abducted, and on 12 November 2023, his brutally tortured body was found on the outskirts of Harare.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67419968

The Mnangagwa regime would like attention drawn away from all this, of course. This is why they churn out reports of phantom economic achievements: highways being built somewhere, factories opened, and deals signed with foreign investors. It all sounds like good news, but the ordinary Zimbabwean still only knows about crumbling infrastructure, rampant inflation, repression and desperation. The ordinary Zimbabwean also knows violence from the security agents, who work not for law and order and public safety but to keep the masses in perpetual fear of their rulers. That a group of villagers in sleepy Watsomba can be rounded up for no crime at all is just the most recent sign of this that I have seen.

For this reason, I cannot sit back and get on with life. I must use my voice to keep the world's attention on Zimbabwe. We, the Zimbabwean masses, have been struggling and suffering under an oppressive regime for far too long. And we will struggle for a longer time until we have real freedom and democracy for all. But when? When all signs point to a Mnangagwa dynasty in the making, which generation will see a better Zimbabwe?

Our work is cut out for us. Although things may seem daunting, I will never give up the struggle.

About the author
Xoliso Sithole is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Fundraiser for the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at xolisosithole@yahoo.com