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Your shouts on Henry Olonga
Our columnist has stirred an angry debate by suggesting Henry Olonga is an opportunist and political novice not entitled to comment on the political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Writing on New Zimbabwe.com, he said: "Olonga wouldn't know oppression if it stared him in the eye. The British press love him because he is "the ideal black man" - the son of a doctor, plays cricket, sings opera music, and hangs more with the white people than his own folk. What the British media chooses to ignore is the fact that Olonga's form had dipped considerably and he was on the verge of being dropped. To him his exile is just a means to an end. Zimbabwe cricket misses the Flower brothers more than it misses Olonga and thats a fact."
Below are some of your comments, and if you wish to join the debate, send e-mails to ozzie@newzimbabwe.com
Editor - What's the betting "Ozzie" is Ozias Bvute?!
Trudy Stevenson
(e-mail withheld)
Editor - Henry olonga
is a Zimbabwean and any true zimbabwean will speak out when they have
the chance, leave him alone!
Spear
hcbrakspear@chewvalleyschool.co.uk
Editor - Olonga
is a true son of Zimbabwe. He knows what he is saying. People like him
are very few in Zimbabwe. He stands for the truth. Those who say he
should keep quiet are fools and they do not know much about Zimbabwe.
Martin Wakatama
MarkinWakatama@aol.com
Editor- This is interesting and very typical of us Zimbabweans .We are
so
jeolus about anyone of us being successful. The fact that the said columnist
decided to remain anonymous says it all. He accuses Olonga for not being
able to stand up for the oppressed but the columnist can not even stand
up for himself, matey !!!. He is so shit scared to come out and say
his name how could we ever think he could stand up for the oppressed.
| "You don't need any academic qualification to have a political opinion. What bothers you about white or black friends he hangs around with?" |
| MEMORY CHIKOMO |
Yes Olonga did stand
up for the oppressed and its not as if he ran out of Zimbabwe immediately
the shit hit the fan.He was still in Zimbabwe well after the incident
.That does not make him a coward. To start going on about him being
a son of a doctor and playing cricket, ideal black man is pathetic and
has got the whole marks of envy. It's such a poor throw back.Its not
his fault that his dad is a doctor and he played cricket at that high
level.
Lastly to suggest that he should direct all interview to political analyst
is just a joke.What do you want him to do/say. If any of us were in
that situation we would all do the same.The interviews I have heard
Olonga has always expressed that this was his view and at not one point
has he said the people of Zimbabwe want this or that. What would be
good would be to get this columnist's name and Olonga to get a chance
to fight back that would present some interesting reading. We might
learn a lot more about this columist.One thing I know I would not want
this man if I was in the trenches because INGWARA.
Martin Takawira
Martin.Takawira@leedsth.nhs.uk
Editor
- Those who say Henry Olonga should not speak on Zimbabwean issues as
he is from Kenya are no different from Robert Mugabe who stripped Judith
Todd, Sir Garfield Todd and thousands of Zimbabweans with Malawian parents
of their voting rights. Henry is a Zimbabwean and his form is not an
issue here. If people are not happy with his performance when explaining
issues about Zimbabwe then I would rather he is given help rather than
demonised. Every Zimbabwean is aware of gross human rights abuses some
of it legislated. Every Zimbabwean knows about the Border Gezi factories
that are producing torture experts. Every Zimbabwean knows fully well
that the third Chimurenga was driven by pure Greed rather than a desire
to help ordinary Zimbabweans. This is common knowledge and I do not
see any problem when another Zimbabwean, whether by birth or naturalisation,
white, Korekore, Zezuru, Xhosa, Sotho, Ndebele, Numbya says it as it
is.
Joseph Dlodlo
josephd@vut.ac.za
Editor - I totally agree that Olonga is an opportunist. He shuns Black
people and I believe he regrets being born black. Of course Zimbabwe
has had its own problems but a real sports person should not mingle
in such things. Henry took things too far and I think Zimbabwe is better
off without him. He should comment about Kenya his home country. Why
wasn’t he staying there in the first place?
Sharon Tapfuma
stapfuma@economics.uz.ac.zw
Editor
- Newzimbabwe is the best and you know what
makes people tick and draws peoples' attention. The Olonga piece is
a good one! I agree with your
columnist 100 percent! Is it Victor Olonga who wrote it? It seems like
it. This rather dunce honkie-lover KENYAN called Henry Olonga should
shut up and stop talking about Zimbabwe. The guy knows nothing about
anything. He was lucky to be drafted into the team back then due to
affirmative action. And all those journalists in Europe will do anything
just to get a 'bad' story on Zim and of course, misinformed KENYANS
like Olonga will do anything to stay in the limelight so they just find
each other and stories are 'produced'. What expert is Olonga? Whose
expert on what subject? But do informed people take Olonga seriously?
I seriously doubt that.
He is now an asylum
seeker who has to 'sing' to the white's tune for his stay in the white-man's
land. I guess that has always been his dream. Someone should write a
story detailing all his cricket underachievements and people can deduce
for themselves for what the KENYAN stands for. Why doesn't he cry foul
over the Sudanese or whoever is in East Africa, after all they are his
RELATIVES!
Queen
queen1nzinga@yahoo.com
Editor - Just read some chap placing judgement on Henry...personally I think it's a simple case of sour grapes. I myself also went to Plumtree with Henry, no this is not my claim to fame.
Those that really
know him well from back in the day, will no doubtably say he is entitled
to make those comments about the political situation back home, because
let's face it, he is one of those people that can give you an educated
opinion on almost anything. Besides who are the right people to make
political comments on Zimbabwe? We are all zimbabweans, that is our
motherland who then gets to choose the people qualified enough to make
those comments? What has Henry said that is false? come on now a majority
of Zimbabweans side with Henry anyway (No poll was conducted), otherwise
you would be back home sweating it out with your beloved Mugabe. Furthermore
you go on to attack him personally, about him hanging around with white
folks, what a shame chap, cant blame him for that, I wouldnt want to
hang around black people who had your mentality & let's face it
there are alot out there.
Let's remain postive, the goal for most Zimbabweans is to get rid of
the present regime and if we have someone spreading the word like Henry,
soon enough someone will do something about it.
P.S we all know Victor is a thug
Fels
dbxfeli@lycos.co.uk
Editor - Please
leave Henry alone. For god's sake who are you (this columnist) to analyse
other people giving their own opinion about issues in their chosen country
or any country for that matter.
You don't need any academic qualification to have a political opinion.
What bothers you about white or black friends he hangs around with?
I dont normally participate in such kind of debates but I am agitated
by NZ editor who sees it fit to publish such cheap issues. Pse Mr Editor
we dont expect to see such articles in this publication.
Memory Chikomo
MemoryC@POTCH.KYNOCH.co.za
Editor - I have no problems with your way of thinking, I have always
thought and said so too, but you come first because youhave it in print.
Olonga should shut up.
Samaita1st
Samaita1st@aol.com
Editor
- Olonga is just a confused idiot,he must leave all to Zimbabweans whether
Zanu PF or MDC supporters it's all up to us, why is he so interested
in Zimbabwe issues when he is from Kenya. There are lots of things to
be put in place in Kenya and Zimbabwe is better than where he comes
from.
from muff ray
Kodu
kodujinrin@hotmail.com
| "Marrying this 34 year old at such short notice seems well calculated and timed however, it will certainly get him the Australian Residency he may crave" |
| FARAI, NEW ZEALAND |
Editor
- Thank you for bringing this up. Thank you very Anonymous for shining
the light in the dark. It is funny that I predicted Olonga's intentions
of wearing the black arband before it happened. I argued about his sencerity
with friends when he decided to wear the arm band. I knew he was an
opportunist seeking for an excuse to leave the country. I was right,
the next thing we heard was, Olonga was seeking asylum in the UK. The
man got what he wanted. I hate it so much when people so biased views
on Zimbabwe for the sake of just pleasing their masters. I hate Olonga
as much as I hate the Herald and the British Media. Their reporting
is so biased and twisted to suit their own political ends.
Tiger Kush
tigerkush@yahoo.com
Editor
- True , Henry was an "Uncle Tom" the black cricket players
of today will attest to that. When he was at his peak , he fraternised
with the the white players with any
supportive regard for fellow young up coming black players , but when
his form dipped , he joined Takashinga Club and tried to use the race
card when he felt in danger of losing his place in the 1st eleven. It
is however unfair of some people to question his Zimbabwean roots when
we embraced them with pride as he was the 1st black player to break
into the national Cricket team and even today his brother is highly
regarded as one of the best rugby players Zimbabwe has ever produced.
Marrying this 34 year old at such short notice seems well calculated
and timed however, it will certainly get him the Australian Residency
he may crave. And hence he does not have to worry about his future.
One wonders what happened to his long time Zimbabwean girlfriend, I
guese he wasn't looking
RAI 4LIFE
New Zealand
farai.makumbe@nz.teletech.com
Editor - Well done
mate! A further analysis of this Olonga fellow really makes the point
for Zanu PF. An average cricketer whose main claim to fame is being
an uncle Tom. The question to Olonga and his kind is very simple, do
they honestly believe Blair and cohorts truely have the best interest
of Zimbos at heart. Tantrums over a few cricket matches but complete
silence on the 200 odd companies doing business with Zim. Duplicity
is thick in the air!
Kuda
Kudakwashe181260@aol.com
Editor
- It's you and your tribal website who are running an anti Olonga campaign.
You are cray nuts up there. You don't see anything good in anybody not
from Matabeleland, so button in up and leave with it!
M. Musonza
MMusonza@aol.com
Editor
- Nhai Vakomana, do these people get paid to ridicule
Zimbabwe? Or do they risk getting deported if they dont do that? For
Olonga, we all know he is a failed all-rounder and is best advised to
concentrate his energies on something he just might be able to handle,
maybe providing simple commentary on cricket... with a bit of luck,
he just might make it there! As for politics and Zimbabwe, Henry please
vhara muromo wako! Varungu vambokudzingi munyika mavo ukanyarara! What
of Georgina Godwin's interview on Sky? Vakomana , how can one say children
cant even have access to an eversharp pen in Zimbabwe?
Lets not be our own worst enemies!!! Ndapedza hangu!
Carpet Wezhira
cwezhira@yahoo.co.uk
Editor
- Henry is really one of those little boys who do not know nor care
much about the Black people in Zim. I think the best for him is to be
ignored and let to satisfy the needs of the few who will believe what
he says.
Henry went to Plumtree High, spent years pupping around the white teachers
within his school, ask him who his black teachers were, I will be shocked
if he remembers, mastered the Mrs Westwood smile which is more of a
grin and literaly knows nothing about Zim or its people. at school all
the guys would occasionally wander into the village, not Henry, he will
be hanging around with the white male teachers trying his best to be
one of them. I think I understand his marriage to the lady he most probably
met a month ago, the boy is lost.
He has a right to earn money the way he can and I suppose saying a few
things should not harm anyone especially seeing they are coming from
HENRY! Theats just his mind!
Blub G
Blub890@aol.com
Editor - I am surprised
to hear that Henry olonga should zip up his mouth, why? Is it just because
he is a mere cricket player? Was he not leaving in Zimbabwe? Does it
mean you are not allowed to talk if you do not hold any top position?
So this means for a mere citizen like me is not allowed to air grievances
or say out what I know to be happening in the country. The people who
know best, are the poor people who are not allowed to talk, its a pity.
Lets face it here, we are the people whose rights we are denied, we
of the lower class for that matter and yet we are denied access to the
public media, even to show our views. We are subject to silent suffering
all days long. Does it mean beinbg acricket player, you do not know
whats happening in your own country? His behaviour was only an indicator
of whats was supposed to be investigated. Even in colleges or schools,
students demonstrate or abscond lectures because of unrectified grievances,
the only solution will be to look into the cause and find a solution.
Putting a person to exile is meaningless. Olonga had every right as
a Zimbabwean to air his views and grievances because he was a citizen
of Zimbabwe.
Ashley
(Potential Human Rights Activist)
ashley_kulimanya@yahoo.co.uk
How about giving
us a list of those people you think should be allowed to speak up for
us. Then we can diligently refer to it whenever someone speaks up just
to see if they have the correct designated right to speak up from you.
You are so right. How dare Henry Olonga use his democratic right to
speak up. Who the hell do the british press think they are asking someone
like Henry Olonga, who had the balls to stand up for his beliefs, to
give commentary. Yeah born in Kenya too. You tell em! Oh, and by the
way, I hope I make your list but then you might leave me off on the
basis that I am not as zenophobic as you and i think that anyone, whoever
they are, should be allowed to speak up for and about Zimbabwe, even
COSATU or Bishop Tutu.
The bottom line is that your commentary on http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/olonga2.11957.html
sounds rather Zanu PFish and quite frankly, damned arrogant, to say
the least!
Canaan Banana
(E-mail Withheld)
Editor - I am sorry to be on Olonga's side on this occasion. It is my understanding that if we believe in democracy lets leave everyone make his screams so that we are kept with some checks and balances in our conduct at times.Yes Olonga does not know much realy but as for his ordeal i feel he has something to tell us. Most of these people who oppose other people's opinions in most cases they have never been in for a big high jump in their lives. We didn't see what Olonga saw so we can not castigate his opinions at this occasion. Being judgemental is wrong if you want to have more people reading this paper.
Morallity is of
paramount importance and i agree with him on that aspect. If anyone
does not agree with this i think people have gone in hell. If we hail
any wrong from a wrong-doer they might think we like all their wrongs
you see so at this occasion anything which comes from the criticised
side is flawed that Zim politics at the moment so don't condone wrongs
OK!!! If politics is affecting our cricket then why shouldn't they voice
(Olonga), let him say his mind out because his career has been put to
jeorpady by some cronies and greedy political thugs you see.
So guys think carefully before you ask for the public to criticise some
sensible people who can differentiate between wrong and right.
Disgruntled Reader
Grant-mwanawevhu
grantmuganda2001@yahoo.com
Editor - I am running
a very successful business operation here back homeland this operation
is nothing other than a banking concern. Zimbabwe has had a fair share
of trials and tribulations in the year under review, and as an economy
we have suffered probably the worst banking crises ever witnessed, primarily
because systemic failures and other complementary contagion effects
symptomatic in a hyperinflationary envrinoment.
The democratisation of state machinery, including government expenditures
on agrarian transformation challenges, has met muted resistance to those
who regard change as an ill-condition of progress.Our society had or
has been entrenched by a very few mediocrities bend on dipping the gains
of our independence into a morass of materialism.Other economies have
experienced self same tests,notably the Asian Tigers, but they today
lead the command chain in terms of global output. Global statistics
seemingly suggest that the global economy continues to encounter energy
crises constraints,the US airways need to maintain the oil price to
not more than USD 31.00, if their operations are just to breakeven,
but prevailing prices in the market are sitting at USD 51.00 per cubic
barrel.
| "Olonga seems think that by going to Australia and marrying a white woman aged 34 he has made a self discovery of democracy" |
| ANONYMOUS, HARARE |
This simple demonstration illustrates the benign nature of uncontrollable global economic events events,which are not necessarily peculiar to Zimbabwe.The overheating of an economy does not only happen to African goverments,but also happens in every case of international capital funding and trade.The West and other powerful nations are just but wolves in sheeps skin.Just like the biblical territorial aggressions,they even today have simply perfected the art of reverse capitalism into a simply loosened democratic seeking cacoon,aimed to divisive infirtration of such loose minds of Henry Olonga.
The armband that
he seems to glorify as the death of democracy, which democracy is he
talking about, and which model does he paragon the democracy? Does he
seem to suggest that by going to Australia and marrying a white woman
aged 34 he has made a self discovery of democracy? It is regrettable
that Olonga has not had a chance to acclamatise with the political history
of Zimbabwe,yet again even if he is Kenyan, he deserves the same element
of shame because all African countries suffered servitude and hence
share the same historical imbalances. I am sure Olonga made a living
in Zimbabwe by playing cricket. He made enough money to go and have
two weddings with one in Austrilia, wouldnt be surprised if Howard was
a guest at his wedding...Henry Olonga turned Aussie! All the same, it
is not too late for the Young man to refocus and start from where he
left. History is going to judge him, or his offspring as a way of retribution.
Your country is your country and it would be taboo to be driven into
callous indifference simply because your paymaster from the West tells
you to do so. Yes you could be promised an elitist life style wherever
you are, but a people without a history is nothing but nothingness.
We have a lot of Zimbabweans in Diaspora across the world, but 95% of
them have recently been very supportive of the Homelink project in order
to bring to black our economy. At least they are playing a critical
role, not just demonising our country. I do hope and pray that you get
a chance to read my message to you. At a time our country needs every
citizen for national survival, what have you Henry Olonga done now that
your wedding gala is over? Food for thought!
GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY, ZIMBABWE.
(Name and e-mail withheld)
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