More of your shouts on Henry Olonga

More of your shouts on Henry Olonga

OLONGA

• Olonga sould just zip his loud mouth

• Your shouts on Olonga (page 1)

• Olonga: 'Why I wore that black armband'

• Olonga weds in Australia

• 13 players quit

• Three selectors dropped

• Streak is right

• Player revolt looms

• Streak axed as Zim skipper

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."

Editor - That Henry Olonga is a Zimbabwean with Kenyan roots, that he might have grabbed and cuddled opportunism when chance permitted it, is neither here nor there. His crime, for which I'd never forgive him, is that he played a white man, Andy Flower's boxing glove, condom, if you like. By Olonga's admission in the Guardian newspaper, it's Andy flower who noticed Sikhala's torture and was disgusted by it. It's Andy flower who was appalled that this should happen in a democratic country and by the fact that "it (the Sikhala torture story) only made the inside story of a national paper". Andy flower, a Zimbabwean like Olonga, thought "someone" needed to take a stand. Then he (Flower) said: “I think that person is you (Henry Olonga).” Folks, I can't think of a better way to play someone's condom.
Obert Madondo
ronrich22@yahoo.ca

Editor - I remember I used to despise Olonga because of his coconutness. Mwana aida kutamba nevarungu iyeye. He was a stranger to black people and even his flatmate along Josiah Chinamano Avenue was white. His company was white. Well, don't get me wrong here, he has a right to befriend anyone and everybody he feels like. However, I have a problem when he tries to speak on behalf of an average Zimbabwean, who he was stranger to, even during his heydays as a cricketer and Zimbabwe. He has no qualification to speak on behald of any Zimbabwean, especially blacks because he was not familiar with even one. I interviewed him several times back in Zimbabwe and to me he was more alien than a white man could ever be. My stepfather is white and we have our own misunderstandings but with Henry Olonga, it boggles the kind where he was coming from, yet he today wants to stand up for the average Zimbabwean. I would understand him if he was to say that he sympathises with the 4500 white commercial farmers who lost their farms but it is more of an insult if he ever tries to stand up for the ordinary Zimbabwean. Even Victor Olonga who grew up with him does not understand where he is coming from. If your family fails to understand you, who are we to try and understand where you are coming from? Whether he is Kenyan or whatever nationality is not the point - the real point is the genocide his mouth is spewing. He should juss shut up! and shut the hell up!
Peter Moyo
Peter.Moyo@etv.co.za

Editor - It is disturbing to hear Zimbabweans degrading each other in the media as it happens with Olonga's case. Politics is not rocket science, you dont need an intellectual to discuss political issues, each one of us is at liberty to express his own opinion.Secondly the notion that Olonga hangs around with whites is racist on the part of the writer and nothing else.The writer is in UK why didn't he go to Mozambique or some other poor African country to show solidarity with fellow blacks.
Olonga this a democratic world do what suits you congratution on wedding guard it.
Masilu Marupi
New Zealand
masilumarupi@yahoo.co.uk

Editor - The comments attacking Henry Olonga are a sad and dangerous reflection on our country today. People are intolerant of other people. Henry, as a person and a Zimbabwean, is perfectly entitled to air his views on any subject under the sun, including Zimbabwean politics. Other people are also entitled to disagree with him if they think so but they can not attack him for holding his views. How sick to attack him for having a father who is a doctor and having gone to a nice school.! Whom he decides to socialize with, marry, etc. are his business and nobody's else. I think Zimbabwe will be a much better place if people can just accept other people regardless of their upbringing, race, profession, tribe, opinions etc.
TK
ThomasK@renaissance.co.zw

Editor - Makorokoto, Amhlophe, Congratulations to Olonga! At age 27 he succeeded in convincing a matured auntie at age 34 to marry him. Way to go mate, you needed a bit of maturity in your life to make up for your own immaturity. Once more Amhlophe, Makorokoto, Congratulations. Enjoy Australia but beware they do not confuse you for an Aborigine.
First Citizen
firstcitizen_x@yahoo.com.sg

Editor - Born in Kenya to a Kenyan father, a Zambian mother then a Zimbabwean by citizenship?? This sums it up for a man who is really suffering to find his roots. He is so lucky that at least he managed to play for Zimbabwe. Henry Olonga is not qualified to give a political commentary on Zimbabwe.if things being equal I would like to advise this boy to leave Zimbabwe and its problems alone. Rather concentrate his efforts to his fellow Masai tribe. If it was "STAY" in the UK that he ever needed, now that he's got that why try something else? Our cricket will always be there, Zimbabwe will forever be there and it does not need you. Leave politics alone. Cricket does not need your politics. All sports do not need politics, and if you want to join politics even the British they don't need you in their politics after all.
Rodger Peters
rodgerp70@yahoo.com

Editor - While I do not always agree with Henry Olonga, he should be able to say what he wants to say, because "democracy is being prepared to listen to than you do not want to hear" - someone once said. Surely we can not expect 15 milion pple to agree on everything.
Murenga Tinashe Mushayavanhu
tinayeshe@hotmail.com

Editor - I can safely say Olonga is not worth two minites of talk -- especially
when it comes to Politics. The young man should keep his mouth shut.
Golden Gadzirayi Nyambuya
fskggn@puknet.puk.ac.za

Editor - I find the article on Henry Olonga in bad taste, not least because the person who is writing it seeks to hide behind anonymity to haul insults at Olonga. Your writer says Olonga is not qualified to give political commentary on Zimbabwe. Why not? Olonga has lived in Zimbabwe, played cricket in Zimbabwe for the Zimbabwe national team and spent the better part of his life in Zimbabwe. So why shouldn't he comment on Zimbabwe? Olonga in my knowledge has not said he is some kind of spokesperson for the suffering and oppressed in Zimbabwe.
He has only taken a personal stand against the injustices that are daily visited on the Zimbabweans. It is not his fault that the British Press seek him for comment. Would you rather he say: 'I have no comment because I am from Kenya.' Your writer takes the process of evidence gathering to new levels. What is his evidence that Olonga will not stand up for the oppressed? The evidence is that: "I know the guy from back at school and he is not the kind of guy who will or would stand up for the oppressed." How very revealing!
Exactly who qualifies to give political commentary on Zimbabwe? I do not believe there any special qualifications. It is a matter of personal choice. It is about who you are as an individual, what you believe in. You as an individual make the choice and the prerogative of choice carries with it the obligation of responsibilty. This misguided belief that there are people who are qualified to speak on Zimbabwe is as dangerous as it is unproductive. It is on this misguided belief that people like Robert Mugabe can stand up before the world and say: "Blair, you keep your Britain and I will keep my Zimbabwe." My ZIMBABWE???
It is on this misguided thinking that people will proclaim without shame that they have a right to rule forever because they liberated Zimbabwe. No, No,NO. Zimbabwe is no one's personal property. Let Olonga give his commentary, give your own too. Let Chinotimba, Chiyangwa, Jonathan Moyo, Morgan Tsvangirai, Desmond Tutu, Thabo Mbeki, Gaddafi, Lucia Matibenga, Geoff Nyarota, Pikirayi Deketeke etc give their commentaries too. No one has a monopoly on Zimbabwe. Olonga speaks for himself on the basis of the stand he has taken and I salute his bravery. You on the other hand are hiding behind anoynmity and crying foul at not being represented.
Percy F. Makombe
pfm4@leicester.ac.uk

Editor - All you grown men and women who are hating on Henry should just be ashamed. What exactly is irking you...that he married a white woman or that he is a doctor's son....? We definitely all know that Victor is a THUG and most probably is the anonymous columnist. Anyone can and will speak up for Zimbabwe....and the dude who is on about triabilism....please get a LIFE. Editor I am dissappointed that u would even be publishing this.
PS All of you who are making noise are not even in Zimbabwe....and no prizes for guessing why not so just ZIP IT!!!
Fikile
(e-mail withheld)

"We are Zimbabwean we do not need Kenyans, naturalised or tamed to tell us what is good or bad for us. We have our own brains for that"

WILLIAM MBABO

Editor - Being a Plumtree High School boy i know him for being an opportunist.he has laways been lost... he knows nothing about Zimbabwe.. ask him about olympics ask him if he knows Willard Kumalo Moses Chunga, Paul Matavire,Sysytem Tazvida he can not answer and he will stnad up and want to represent us!! He will help us claim assylum but he is not telling the truth please advise him!!these are the type of people you have let our ethics down and let our nations and our education down!!! i watched reporting on Africa cup on Naytions on BBC lucky enough all the jourmalist on the panel had no clue about Zimbabwe..
Talents Goto
talentsgoto@yahoo.co.uk

Editor - I have just read your article about Olonga and laughed. Who is qualified to comment about what is happenining in Zimbabwe? Do you need to have been born in Zimbabwe to notice what is happening? We are living in a global village, so much that anyone has access to what is taking place all over. These stupid and shallow arguments that only Zimbabweans can solve their problems are archic and unsustainable. Did you see how Jonah hired a plane from a British and he wants common man like you and me to believe that everything British is dirty, vakomana. Maybe my grandmother in Chivi might believe that, but obviously not you and me. Back to Olonga, the fact that you do not want to reveal your name shows that you are a coward. Even if invited for an interview with the BBC, chances are you would not go. You are undecided. The fact that you went to school with someone means that that someone can not comment on political issues, zvakatanga rini. Whatever your academic qualifications are, politically, I think you are still in the kindergarten. I need to be corrected but Sekuru Bob where is he from.
Kudzai
kudlai.rangurirai@ntlworld.com

Editor - Mahlabezulu! Ngikhumbula ngesikhathi se apartheid, Mandela’s release was advocated through out the globe; bekungamelanga ube ngu mSouth African to lobby for his release. You only needed to be human. The ideology of Henry being Kenyan and unfit to gospelize on our (Zimbabweans) demise is devoid of good sense and revealing a great deal of stupidity amongst Zim’eans and I now know why Robert still rules and will do so until he dies. Instead of “ukuthi sizigwaze ngowethu”, we can spend this time strategizing and propounding a ideas on how to end the tyrannical rule in our country.
Sukani bo!!
Morris Ndlovu
MORNDL@SAFECO.com

Editor - For sure l view Olonga as a silly puppet used by British people to comment bad about the president in Zimbwabwe if you listen carefully to his speech about Mugabe you conclude he is an empty vessel making noise.
Norah Khumalo
norahkhumalo@hotmail.com

Editor - Yes there are people with a better grasp of zimbabwean politics than olonga he should enjoy his refugee status in peace and leave Zimbabwe alone.
Great Makunde
mg219@greenwich.ac.uk

Editor - We are Zimbabwean we do not need Kenyans, naturalised or tamed to tell us what is good or bad for us. We have our own brains for that. Olonga's views should be redirected to Kenyan problems, e.g. support his president in his campaign for eradication of landmines or to think of compliments to his very new White wife. When he was naturalised or accepted as a Zimbabwea it did not mean we had a shortage of brains or opinions. However, thank you Olonga for playing for Zimbabwe when you did, we were very proud of you but leave Zimbabwe to us Zimbos. Now you can safely take up your Australian citzenship but watch your mouth down there.
William Mbabo
widzzo@hotmail.com

Editor - I find it strange that of all the "papers", New Zimbabwe should have a
columnist that is writing to tell Olonga to shut his mouth. Aren't you guys for
human rights for all, democracy for Zimbabwe, freedom of speech, blah blah
blahz??? I m not supporting Henry, let me make that clear from the start. I
just query THE HYPOCRISY OF YOUR DEMOCRACY!!.Olonga has as much right to air his 2cents as you have political insight (Go figure). So what he's a whitee with a failed musical & sporting career. You're where you are because something failed in your life too and it wasn't democracy in your country. He's anti
Mugabe, just like you. I bet you, writing this article on him was just as
opportunist as his wearing the black arm band. I didnt hear you ask that when he was hitting runs for Zimbabweans when he is from Kenya. The guy probably has been in Zim longer than he's been in Kenya, (unless of cause you went to school in Kenya, seeing as you "know him from school days"). You are the same people that run to U.K. & U.S. asking them to help Zimbabwe, why cant a Kenyan help?
Once again, its the hypocrisy of your democracy that I don't like. Don't smile
Olonga, I dont like you either. Take consolation though, that my dislike
doesn't stem from your lil armband stance. It comes from way before, in the "school days". Biggup to Victor! Highlanders 4 lyfe.
Arnold Tshuma
mbuso@videotron.ca

Editor - I do not see anything wrong with Henry airing his views. As an individual he is entitled to say what he wants when he wants. However, Henry is an "Uncle Tom" and as much as we are against Mugabe, it's the fact that an "Uncle Tom" is the one whose views are at the forefront that's troubling to most people. It's just like Muzorewa being at the forefront of criticising Bob now. Of course he deserves his views, but to be at the forefront...aiwa! Henry identifies more with white people than blacks and he can not speak for us. Just because we are suffering does not mean we should have every Tom, Dick and Hurry as a spokesperson either. That's whats wrong here.

"It's just like Muzorewa being at the forefront of criticising Bob now. Of course he deserves his views, but to be at the forefront...aiwa!"

NYATSIMBA MUTOTA

This guy was in the middle of an effort to resist introduction of blacks into the team and he never acted. I remember when Guy Whittal quit the national team and ironically it was Henry Olonga who was supposed to come in as the 12th man. Henry did not even say a thing. When ZCU wanted to implement a recomendation from an internationally acclaimed auditing company that recomended the need for racial intergration, white players resisted. Henry kept quiet. Now as much as one can understand the problems we have as a country, his choice of when to act and when not to act puts him in this predicament. Why wasn't he vocal when the prejudice was directly against him? If he wasn't vocal then why is he this vocal now? There has to be consistancy on his actions otherwise it comes out as shady. And of course his personal life will always factor. His own brother has already said he was misguided and was going to explain on his behalf. Younger players in the national team even complained that Henry did not seem to notice them as opposed to white players.
Nyatsimba Mutota
nyatsimba_mutota@yahoo.com

Editor - I applaud Olonga for his candid talk. This is what we call freedom. There is no school of politics. He has every right to comment on anything in Zimbabwe just like anybody else. Zimbabwe does not belong to a few misguided elements in the Zanu PF camp who want us to treat them as demi-gods. At every opportunity that comes across you Henry, Speak out, and spare not! I enjoy watching you talking sense better than Didi, Jonha, Patti and Emmie. Time will tell who is right. What else can your brother Victor say. Isn't it a shame.
Zeeman
Manchester
McZee4U@aol.com

Editor - Well, my man that's a good point you made regarding Olonga's shallow knowledge in politics. In a democratic country every one has a right to be heard, even those who know little about politics or those who play bad cricket. I played cricket at school but never achieved what Henry did but i still want to be heard. What do you think man?
Thulani Mahlangu
thulanitoots@yahoo.com

Editor - We know you Ozzie, you have been brandishing all sorts of so-called scandals against Zimbabwean sportsmen because you are a failed footballer
masquerading as a sports reporter. Last time you came out with rubbish
stories about Zimbabwean footballers and you still think you can pick on who
you want. Olonga has not done anything wrong but you simply hate guys like
him because he is not Ndebele or because he married an Auzzie bird. You are
a provincial charlatan, a day-dreamer of old-school. Olonga gets the Media coverage because he has played the game - fact, and the fact that his father is Kenyan does not give you the privilege to have a go at him. Typical crude Mugabe language. You always refer to somebody's origins to qualify his or her opinion or right to own something.You will leave marginalised big time because you have small brains, that look only around you feet. What crime did Olonga commit? Giving interviews criticising your Zanu PF regime? Now you are publishing a loads of rubbish e-mails from your Zanu PF Youth Brigades attacking Olonga, without even giving him the right to defend him. Now we know who you are!
Brighton Musonza
brightonmusonza@arim.co.uk

Editor - Henry Olonga has always been apologetic about his colour. He has never liked our Ndebele/Shona languages although these nurtured him. I remember him vividly, particularly one incident. You see he had become our (family) hero, because my kids love cricket a lot. Come the day of the match early one morning, there he was walking with his mates. "A ! Henry bowl them out, Henry !" I can tell you it was like greeting an elephant because there was no response from that Henry who was hardly more than 5 metres away from us. We were really hurt, I pitted my kids. You should have been there when Heath greeted the kids in SiNdebele proper. What a world of difference and Heath has not involved himself with what does not concern him. Shame on you Kenyan. Go back home to Kenya !!
S. Nhari
Byo
snhari@bulawayo.zesa.co.zw

Editor - I am not concerned about Henry's political posturing what worries me the most is, why is it that most if not all successful black men almost always marry a white woman? You name them most of them we think are luminaries all fall in the same trap. Don't tell me that its a question of taste when 90% of our kind who are successful marry white compare that to almost 0% of their ilk marrying black women. Are black women tasteless?
What are we running away from? Do we really wish we were white too? Until the black man loves himself first nobody will love him.
Lets hear it from the boys.
George Hove
Georgehove1@aol.com

Editor - I agree that Olonga is not an expert in the subject of Zimbabwean Politics, but I believe that every democratic minded Zimbabwean will defend his right to speak his mind. There should be a difference between agreeing or disagreeing to someone's comments on a subject of matter and upholding the rights of that person to comment. It is my judgement based on Mlungisi's article that either he strongly disagree with Mr. Olonga's comments regarding the political situation in my mother land Zimbabwe or Mulungisi is just a bitter man because he happen to know Olonga from childhood. For those who are in agreement with Olonga I am sure they will say, a prophet has no credit in his backyard. I dont believe that it should be left to the so called experts only to
discuss and make comments on issues that affects everybody. Even the constitution of Zimbabwe gives people like Olonga the rights and freedom to speak their minds. Let's not be driven by petty jealousies and bitterness.
Stanley
stanley2004@tiscali.co.uk

Editor - 5Henry may not be a political analyst (and neither am I so I will not comment on the politics side of your debate) but he is a good musician. Have you had a chance to listen to the recordings he did with Hear the Word Church with the Internationally acclaimed Bonnie Deuschle? Have you listened to the music he has written and recorded with Hear the Music? Are you a musician yourself? What have you to show for it? Are you qualified to write a review on Henry's music? Please do not be judgemental on people.
Comfort Manyame (PhD Student)
Texas A&M University, Soil and Crop Sciences
cmanyame@tamu.edu

Editor - I dont know what Masilela means. Everyone has a right to say whatever they wish to....about anything, politics included.
BenMunashe
Benmunashe@aol.com

"Zimbabwe doesn't need tribalists like Musonza.Honestly how do you drag the tribal issue into this Olonga debate.For all I know Henry does not hail from Mashonaland"

NOKUKHANYA DUBE

Editor - Zimbabwe doesn't need tribalists like Musonza. Honestly how do you drag the tribal issue into this Olonga debate? For all I know Henry does not hail from Mashonaland as you would like to imply.I respect his or anyone else's views but when people like Musonza just drag the tribal issue into an honest debate I become suspicious.The guilty are afraid. Musonza hatingavake nyika nemafungiro enyu iwawo please grow up or SHUT UP yourself, hawuna nyaya.If you have a problem with the editorial composition of NZ just don't read it.ONGAFUNIYO KAYEKELE. Lastly I would like to say enjoy yourself at the CONGRESS and vote for Mnangagwa and see if there is democracy in Zimbabwe.
Nokukhanya Dube
noekydube@yahoo.com

Editor - I have been gagging to say this to somebody who understands how it is to be Zimbabwean. We can all appreciate the situation back home is not good, but people like this Olonga puts more shame to our identity. Fair-enough it may give him a wider circle of english/white friends, but does he know who he is anymore? People like Henry should remember where they came from and that destroying Zimbabwe's credibility to remove Mugabe from power today will have very negative effects on the future developments of our country under which ever leadership we shall have in place then. Lastly i will just say to Henry, some of us were born and bread in that country and we still love it together with all it's people. deceive us all you want, but us true Zimbabweans will fight for our country to be a better place, you can migrate to england my-friend, but that will never take the black off your face boy. "ZIZI KUGARAMUHUKU HUNZINDAVEHUKUWO" Ngaipote vaO'longa!!!
Stanford Julius
Acebeejai@aol.com

Editor - Do I know the guy? No. Do I know what he stands for? No. But I read a
comment somewhere that he can't sing and felt that needed a response. His
sound engineer is a close friend of mine and a brilliant musician who has
worked with many different voices including internationally so should know
something about Henry's quality as a singer. He states in no uncertain
terms that Henry was possibly the best singer he had had the pleasure to
work with - indeed he was so good that he was taking the engineer, despite
his experience, into such new realms with his singing that the engineer was
unsure about just how far they could go. This is a man who can pretty much
sum up anybody's vocal range and ability in about 10 minutes. Were the Flowers better cricketers? Probably. But if Henry could play as well as he can sing, Don Bradman would be the second best batsman of all time, Warnie a distance second in the bowling realm and Jonty would look distinctly slow across the infield. Yip, Henry's that good.
Mark Grint
mark@grint.co.uk

Editor - I think to talk about somebody in that manner is disrespectful in all capacity about Henry . I believe that everybody has a right to speak his mind about Zimbabwe irregardless of where he comes from as long he has chosen it as his on home country. Second l think the people who say bad things about somebody have a hidden agenda to destroy that person and is not the first time that this guy Ozzie has done this about other people remember the soccer scandal, l mean his lies about age cheat on some of the guys l know and they will be waiting for you when you go home to explain your article. Everybody is allowed to speak his mind because there is no genius in politic to speak for everybody.
David Ncube
ziggyman112003@yahoo.co.uk

Editor - It is so amazing how people who do not know Henry have so much to say. Some of these people who make fun of him are actually in exile (self imposed or forced) due to situations back home. Henry is worried about the plight of the Zimbabwean people due to political and economic mismanagement. If Henry is wrong, why are most of us leaving the country? If you cannot stand up for your rights, Henry will do it for you, okay.
Obert Munodawafa
obertmuno@hotmail.com

"Leave Victor out of this, if you have beef with Vic, go find him and tell him in his face, instead of hiding behind your keyboard"

DAFORS MUDYIRA

Editor - I have read a lot of what many of you have to say, and I am surprised at the naivety of some of the responses I encountered. Firstly, as a sporting figure, Henry has the right to make such a stand.. why? Because it draws the needed attention from the government as well as the outside world if need be. Do you people think that if Amai Rwizi in Mhondoro made such a statement she would be heard? For the fellows that say he is an opportunist, I do recall Henry denying the asylum offers, England and Australia voluntarily offered him this status. So I fail to see which part of him is being opportunistic. If the man wants to get married, let him marry who he pleases, he is his own individual. If you guys can't find love out there go tell it on the mountain, we don't care!! And for all those people making smart comments, why are you guys not back home in Zimbabwe in the first place fighting it out with the political issues.. Who then are the hypocrites? You who hides behind words, or Henry, who puts it out there for the world to see. And don't act like its all roses in Zimbabwe, (I assume we are all Zimbabweans). Our parents, brothers and sisters are dying on a daily basis, and I am appalled at the responses, if anything, there should be a unity about what is going on back home, if things were as great as some of you point them out to be then go back to Zimbabwe - why are you overseas? And quit accusing those trying to make this world a better place. Henry, don't listen to this crap my bro', especially the columnist who wrote this article. On the other hand we can't really blame the columnist either, he is just doing his job, look at the response that this article has spurred.. that was his goal, and at the end of the day he gets his paycheck, while we all sit here and argue!!! Zvakaoma!! P.S. Leave Victor out of this, if you have beef with Vic, go find him and tell him in his face, instead of hiding behind your keyboard.
Dafros Mudyirwa
deface@hotmail.com

Editor - What if he is from Kenya? He is still black and has seen racism and oppression.....................!
Paul Malaba
paulma@cox.net

Editor - I never imagined Zimbabweans could sink so low as to spend so much time and energy debating Olonga's private life in Australia as well as his political
views. To begin with, may I remind all Zimbabweans, and those who claim to
be, that a man or woman is free to make his or her choice when comes to
marriage. The colour of the skin is neither here nor there. Olonga's is no
different. Only insipidity can hinder us from seeing this far. Those who
think at 27 he wasn't supposed to marry a 34-year old lady, only prove to
the rest of the world that they know nothing beyond our Zimbabwean culture.
Much as most Zimbabweans believe that a man should always be older than his
wife, elsewhere, the opposite is very true and respected. Lets not publicly
display our ignorance of the world. Our world does not start and end with
the Zambezi and the Limpopo! As for Olonga's political views, just like any other Zimbabwean or anybody else interested in Zimbabwe, the man is free to express his views. It is up to the wise and informed fellow countrymen and women to show the young man the right way if he is wrong and not the big mouths and the empty vessels that have been shouting through your publication. It is unfortunate. You
don't need any qualification to be able to talk about the situation in Zimbabwe or any other country. Why do we think Olonga should first become a professor before he opens his mouth about the Zim crisis? Haven't we learnt something from some of the failed professors who are now seeing their last days in politics for daring to challenge the King? Zimbabweans must work up and start to be politically mature and socially responsible.
Moses Chamboko
chambokom@hotmail.com

Editor - I would like to disagree with you guys who are attacking Henry Olonga because the British media is choosing him for most of the interviews on Zimbabwe. Henry came to Zimbabwe from Kenya and he became a naturalised citizen of Zimbabwe through his mum's links. It does not matter the circumstances that led him to be a Zimbabwean citizen. The fact of the matter is that he is still a citizen of Zimbabwe with the same rights as any other citizen of Zimbabwe to express his views. If we start to vent our frustrations on Henry then we are really conflicting ourselves on democratic principles that we so desparately fight for. Most of Zimbabweans in the diaspoara have not had the guts to stand and challenge so openly the human rights abuses in Zimbabwe like what Henry Olonga has done. We cannot hate Henry Olonga because he has married a white girl, and infact we do not need to know her name and where they had their wedding. That is total intrusion on his personal life and an attack on his privacy, and irrelavant to his involvement in defiancy to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
I would like to say any other Zimbabwean irregardless of colour and associations, is capable to talk and commend about Zimbabwe's political situation, and that is freedom of expression and speech. I do not know why you are attacking Olonga.to that level. Instead I should think that if we are so geniune in what we are fighting for in Zimbabwe, we should be applauding Henry's efforts without criticism. If he has straddled on many souls on his way to fame has you suggest, then that is not a cause to attack him publicly as you are planning
Lets guide against unnecessary debates that will not benefit us at the end of the day. If anybody would like to challenge this article please email your response at eddie.kwaramba@zimdaily.com
Eddie Kwaramba
eddie.kwaramba@zimdaily.com

Editor - This Olonga issue has confirmed to me what you are all about. You are no different from The Sun and The Daily Telegraph who'll sell papers at the expense of the misery you inflicted on innocent souls. I don't think you have a right to delve into people's personal lives, you did this earlier on with Peter Ndlovu when you 'aired out his dirty laundry' on your website. That's real low and it shows what hypocrites you are. Is this the 'New Zimbabwe' you stand for? You are inciting hatred and prejudice, the very things we are trying to get rid off back home. Any Zimbabwean has a right to speak his mind regardless of origin or religion, because Zimbabwe is a multiracial country, if you can't understand that then they don't come any thicker. Mlungisi Masilela abused his position and launched this personal attack on Henry, exposing himself as an immature ignorant journalist. Him and the rest of the idiots who agree with him are the reasons we have so many problems at home. The Sharon Tapfumas, the Queens and the Fels are such idiots I talk about. You are going on hearsay and you have no facts to support your rantings. So what if Henry wants to hang around with white people, it's a free world isn't it. Henry showed a lot of courage in what he did, much more than many of you will ever show you cowards. You N.Z., and your journalists need to sit down and decide what you are all about because you've already lost much of your audience. Get you facts right, I know the Olonga's personally and they are not Kenyans, they are Zambians. To all you ignorant narrow minded Zimbos out there, keep on hating him because you'll never be half the person he is and his cricket isn't even the issue here. Mr Editor, I challenge you to publish this.
Skidmore Maoresa
Johannesburg
mukwerekwere@yahoo.com

"You are no different from The Sun and The Daily Telegraph who'll sell papers at the expense of the misery you inflicted on innocent souls"

SKIDMORE MAORESA

Editor - When I read the above article written by Mlungisi Masilela, I was left with the conlclusion that this man is a disciple of Nathaniel Manheru. His article is worthy of an A grade from the mad professor and he would surely be hired by the Herald or the Chronicle. It is hard to believe that Masilela has the temerity to criticize Olonga, who gave up his career to make a strong statement against oppression. When ever a man or a woman choose to defy the Zanu pf government they are not being ambitious, they are simply being brave and they deserve our ultimate respect. Who is Masilela to open his mouth about a young man such as Olonga who did something that a lot of Zimbabweans cannot do and thats is to protest to the end. So what if Olonga is from Kenya, he is more zimbabwean than Masilela will ever be in a thousand lifetimes simply because he chose to be a man and now he will probably never play international cricket again. Masilela aren't you ashamed that a man from kenya protested the death of our country's democracy in Mugabe's backyard, something I bet you have never done before. You speak about Olonga hanging out with white people, are white people not part of zimbabwe?, isn't roy benet in jail for standing up against Zanu?, why are the flower brothers no longer playing for Zim?. It is very simple, Olonga and some of these white people have had the guts to say enough is enough and their actions speak louder than words. While you Mr Masilela waste ink following in the footsteps of your godfather Nathaniel Manheru, you play the race card just like him, you attack real patriots just him and you think you know who is qualified to speak about zimbabwean issues. The day I see you in Zimbabwe wearing a black armband and openly defying Mugabe, I will email you an apology for this response but until then Henry Olonga is a patriot while you are pathetic. By the way jealousy should be the last thing on the minds of Zimbabweans the struggle is more important so respect those who take a stand.
Milt Taylor
milty20@msn.com

Editor - It has taken a good part of 37 years for me to understand the PHD syndrome, in my brief stay in the diaspora for career reasons if I may add. We Zimbos seem to be the only group that looks to the failure of one of our own for glory and if one has a go to make a success of their lives we try to pull them done. Why do I have the feeling that’s what we are up to with the Olonga debate.
Sebastian
Sebastian.Musendo@za.sabmiller.com

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