LATEST POSTS
Sam Mtukudzi: Mhodzi Yangu
SAM Mtukudzi’s death in a car crash in a car crash on March 15 plunged a country into mourning. Son of the legendary Oliver MtukudzI, Sam was a recording artist in his own right and was set to launch his … Read more
Mukoko: Over to you Mr Tomana
AN OLD colleague sent me an email on Monday afternoon. “Maionaka Rule of Law yamunoswero chemera anaMagaisa?” (Do you see the Rule of Law that you always ask for?). “Ndiyoka Rule of Law yacho iyi?” (This is the … Read more
Lessons from the village court
I REMEMBER one of the highlights of the week in village life was the Dare – the local customary court session where small local disputes were solved. In our community men and women would gather Pamatombo paHwara. The place … Read more
Competence and the quality of our democracy
“ISN’T it odd”, a friend asked recently, “that of all the jobs in the world, the ones that are the most contentious and perhaps the most influential in society are not subject to the same rigorous selection process that all … Read more
The enduring roots of a politicised military
A THOUGHTFUL reader wrote to me recently. To safeguard his confidence, he shall remain nameless. The content and tone of his message suggested a source of wisdom and experience. He wasn’t prescribing, merely posing points to provoke thought. He … Read more
Beautiful lessons from Ghana
I LOVE Ghana. If I had to choose an African country other than Zimbabwe as my home, it’s fair to say Ghana would have little, if any, competition. Perhaps it’s the fascination of a one-time visitor. Perhaps it is … Read more
Something is not right with MDC
FOR an organisation in which many millions have invested so much hope and faith, the vibes coming from the MDC leadership must surely, be disconcerting. No one can seriously doubt the political capital that the MDC has amassed over … Read more
Constitution will not save us
THE constitution-making season appears to have begun, albeit with squabbles over the notorious Kariba Draft which was concocted by a collection of politicians sometime in 2007. When the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) chairman Lovemore Madhuku protested against entrusting politicians … Read more
Will they ever go back?
Will They Ever Go Back?: The crowd at the Southwark Cathedral for Tsvangirai’s address ONE Saturday morning in the summer of 2003, Farai went to the local barber shop in Coventry. He usually went there for his monthly hair-cut. … Read more
Zimbabwe’s forgotten tribe
MY COUSIN, Bessie, died last week. She was only 37. She had not been very well for a long time. She had been away for a lengthy period. Her husband, our mukuwasha brought her back to the village in her … Read more
Zimbabwe: in the eye of the storm?
THEY say the perfect eye of a tropical storm is often calm, quiet and serene. The sky is clear and everything seems beautiful, a welcome relief after the heavy and violent storm. But at the same time it’s an … Read more
Good governance substitute for devolution
TRADITIONAL Zimbabwean legend has it that when the Haya bird sings, it is because a storm is on its way. It is called the rain bird. It rarely sings, and when it does, elders take notice and prepare for the … Read more
Friends in high places
SOMETIMES I wish I had friends in high places. I wish I had powerful friends. Friends with power over life and death; friends whose word is law; friends who only have to cough and all the creatures of the … Read more
Judiciary must be financially independent
OF THE many lessons Zimbabweans have learnt in the last ten years, one surely must be that the judiciary plays a critical part in determining the quality of good governance in the country and for that reason, an independent … Read more
