ON September 11 2008 when the news filtered in that Zanu PF and the two MDC formations had finally reached a settlement, many were gripped with joy and renewed hope. Only a few people like myself remained sceptical whilst the rest publicly hailed the agreement as a turning point in Zimbabwean politics. Today, more than a month after the signing ceremony are we better or worse off?When I look back at our history I come to the conclusion that we are our own worst enemies. This is because we are driven by selfish politicians who have no heart for the country and are vigorously pursuing their own agendas. In 1980 I vividly remember the wild celebrations that erupted on Independence day as they ran down the streets towards Zimbabwe Grounds and witnessed people being assaulted for having been members of Bishop Abel Muzorewa’s UANC party which had ruled the then Zimbabwe-Rhodesia for six months. Years later —— faced with imminent defeat in the 2000 parliamentary elections —— politicians instigated the invasion of commercial farms which resulted in the disruption and subsequent paralysing of production all in the name of addressing historical imbalances. A genuine land redistribution need was hijacked to further the interests of politicians. Instead of having agricultural activities squatter camps mushroomed on the former commercial farms which have now brought famine to a once prosperous nation. Operation Murambatsvina displaced thousands of urban dwellers leaving many homeless, but where are the benefits. Instead we have been rewarded with cholera outbreaks in the capital city’s suburbs as a result of raw sewage flowing all over the residential areas and mountains of uncollected rubbish on the streets. When “income and pricing” commissioners descended on the business community in an apparent attempt to enforce the ill-fated price controls, scores of people rushed to shop at reduced prices. Sadly no one can still access those goods with supermarkets’ glaringly empty shelves. As if this was not enough “Baccosi” came into play. The word is now like a national anthem in the streets as voices of vendors selling recharge cards shrill. Instead of addressing the root cause of the problem it brought temporary relief coupled with disastrous consequences. It seems we continue to accept the theories of a failed regime. We simply are unable to say enough is enough.
Farai J Nerera,   Harare.
