HARARE – The on-going second diamond conference presents a huge opportunity for Zimbabwe to harness international experience and grow its economy. We must take seriously experiences from diamond and mineral experts drawn from various countries such as South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Belgium who have managed to harness the gems for the benefit of…
HARARE – Frankly, I’d have preferred to hold forth on the terrible events in Burkina Faso, where the long-time dictator suddenly found himself out of favour with the people. For many of us true Africanists, this sort of stupidity ought to have been shelved a long time — the first time a leader stayed in…
HARARE – Last week when I looked into my crystal ball and asked what on earth was going on in Zanu PF, my ball said that the most likely outcome of the cat fight was nothing. Robert Mugabe would be appointed President for life (hopefully that is not too far into the future) and keeping…
HARARE – “Numb. Speechless. Sad,” tweeted one Nelson Chamisa loyalist minutes after national executive results came in from the City Sports Centre. The results made clear that Chamisa’s meteoric political run had abruptly come to an end at a time when he was focused on chances of becoming the first youthful MDC secretary-general. No one…
HARARE – In the past, I have reduced the explanatory framework of President Mugabe’s political survival to two dominant components of patronage: fear and reverence. In these past few weeks, these two dynamics have played out, revealing the workings of Zanu PF patronage system. I use here the examples of Shuvai Mahofa, Karikoga Kaseke, Joice…
HARARE – Instead of being exciting times for the politics of Zimbabwe — what is obtaining in both the MDC and Zanu PF — leaves ordinary people with so many questions as to what the future holds for this country. While Zimbabwe does not start or end with either of the two parties, they, however,…
HARARE – The honours keep knocking on the door for Zimbabwean music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi — and they are deserved. Tuku, as he is affectionately known, is responsible for something remarkable in both a Zimbabwean and world context — the rejuvenation of traditional music that was thought to have been lost forever. Tuku has received…
EDITOR — The prevailing water shortages in most of Harare’s high density suburbs including Glen View and Budiriro high density suburbs should be addressed as a matter of urgency. It is clear that the Harare City Council is neglecting to provide adequate and safe domestic water to residents, a constitutional right. Areas where water supply…
HARARE – It was only a matter of time. Sooner rather than later, he would have had to make the decision — whether to remain on the balcony or to join his wife on the dance floor. It is now clear, from events of the last few days, that President Mugabe is now firmly on…
HARARE – For a number of Africans, the day their countries achieved freedom turned into one long nightmare. For others, it turned into paradise. They made obscene fortunes — left, right and centre. Most died of diseases related to obesity. Still for others, freedom meant being shackled into poverty…for an eternity. Yet there were those…
