Yes, I attended the opening of the 34th Summit of SADC Heads of States and Governments today, and I listened attentively to statements and presentation. Two points stood out for me i.e absence of strong focus on role women and young people in economic transformation of the region. The second was listening to Prof Bhebhe and the launch of the 9 volumes of on liberation struggles in southern Africa. As he described the content and methodology of the research, it was evident to me that VOLUME 10 was missing ~ a narrative on the role played by women in giving birth to Afrikas independence. The economic rebirth of Africa must naturally place women at centre as midwives to this vision of a prosperous Afrika at peace with itself. Then I joined the entourage of the First Spouses, and some senior ministers and dignitaries to an orphanage in Chinotimba. I came back a troubled soul. What does SADCs economic transformation mean for the poor whose dignity is bruised because they can barely feed their kids, and they have to survive on handouts? What is independence and freedom, if these women and their children can barely manage and yet they are surrounded by such huge tourism resources in their backyard? I did not want those kids to sing for us, I wanted them or their parents so simply share their stories give us solutions, which I know they have. I wanted us to simply LISTEN with humility. Somehow, I feel challenged, and really challenged in many ways. I agree with what Chief Charumbira said to me when I greeted him, its time we all speak less and simply do more where we are, and do it differently, knowing what we all have as Zimbabwe.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:46:33 +0000