For the past eight months, Mzilikazi and Makokoba have been simmering with raw sewage. Burst sewer pipes are the order of the day. Can the Bulawayo city council and other relevant authorities at least do something about this?
In April 2009, Lobengula primary school had to suspend lessons on several days due to the sewer burst within the school premises and the immediate environs of the school. The situation is ticking health time bomb, and may all those who are responsible take quick and immediate action to remedy the situation.
The situation is graver in Makokoba surbub, along the Mpilo road, close to Mazayi river brigde which is adjacent to Lobengula primary school. ‘G’ and ‘F’ square residents in Mzilikazi can no longer enjoy their meals, of course, they cannot with the stench smell from the burst sewer manholes overflowing with human raw waste.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Parents and Guardians refuse to pay extra levies to contribute towards the payment of teachers’ salaries
Parents and guardians of Mzilikazi high school pupils have refused to pay an extra US$7 per month special levy towards the payment of teachers’ incentives. This came out during an extraordinary School Development Association (SDA) meeting held at the school on Saturday, 20 June 2009.
The meeting was called in response to a government directive that stipulates that SDAs should offer 10percent of their gross monthly income to teachers as allowances to cushion the educators against the high cost of living. Last month, the SDA gave teachers at the school US$8 and R18 each in the form of incentives, however, this payout was unbudgeted for hence the Saturday meeting was held.
In a case of open defiance of the directive, parents and guardians who were present at the meeting, who numbered less than 100 at a school with an enrolment of over 1 500 pupils, cited a number of reasons as to why they are not able to pay. Mzilikazi high school is located in Bulawayo’s second oldest high density suburb, Mzilikazi, with the majority of its pupil population drawn from the surrounding surbubs of Makokoba (the city’s oldest suburb), Barboufields, Nguboyenja and Thorngrove.
The meeting brought to my attention the grim reality of the educators plea in the new political dispensation. It was a sorry state. Teachers present at the meeting had to plead with parents and guardians to pay the extra special levy. The headmaster, Mr. Dube, had to take the stand on several occasions in a desperate attempt to forward the plight of teachers to an indifferent audience. At one such moment he explained to the meeting that he had foiled twice attempted work stoppages by teachers at the school in the past week.
The school continues to lose experienced staff to other schools offering better working conditions. Most schools in Bulawayo are now offering extra incentives to both teaching and non teaching staff. Teachers earn a monthly socialist allowance of US$100 together with the rest of civil servants in Zimbabwe.
One elderly parent summed up the proceedings, “nguphi ungcono phakathi kwalowo othala i-buns lalowo ongelalo, amateacher angcono ayathola iR1000 (sic) kulathi thina esingatholi lutho!” (half a loaf is better than nothing, teachers are at least earning a guaranteed salary of R1000 every month yet some of us have no means of raising money.
The meeting was called in response to a government directive that stipulates that SDAs should offer 10percent of their gross monthly income to teachers as allowances to cushion the educators against the high cost of living. Last month, the SDA gave teachers at the school US$8 and R18 each in the form of incentives, however, this payout was unbudgeted for hence the Saturday meeting was held.
In a case of open defiance of the directive, parents and guardians who were present at the meeting, who numbered less than 100 at a school with an enrolment of over 1 500 pupils, cited a number of reasons as to why they are not able to pay. Mzilikazi high school is located in Bulawayo’s second oldest high density suburb, Mzilikazi, with the majority of its pupil population drawn from the surrounding surbubs of Makokoba (the city’s oldest suburb), Barboufields, Nguboyenja and Thorngrove.
The meeting brought to my attention the grim reality of the educators plea in the new political dispensation. It was a sorry state. Teachers present at the meeting had to plead with parents and guardians to pay the extra special levy. The headmaster, Mr. Dube, had to take the stand on several occasions in a desperate attempt to forward the plight of teachers to an indifferent audience. At one such moment he explained to the meeting that he had foiled twice attempted work stoppages by teachers at the school in the past week.
The school continues to lose experienced staff to other schools offering better working conditions. Most schools in Bulawayo are now offering extra incentives to both teaching and non teaching staff. Teachers earn a monthly socialist allowance of US$100 together with the rest of civil servants in Zimbabwe.
One elderly parent summed up the proceedings, “nguphi ungcono phakathi kwalowo othala i-buns lalowo ongelalo, amateacher angcono ayathola iR1000 (sic) kulathi thina esingatholi lutho!” (half a loaf is better than nothing, teachers are at least earning a guaranteed salary of R1000 every month yet some of us have no means of raising money.
A Practical Strategy for Youth Participation in Community and National Policy Making Processes in Zimbabwe: A Perspective from Mzilikazi
What I present here is a personal narrative of my contribution to the process of youth participation in community and national policy making processes based on experiences as a resident of Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo, student and youth leader. As a prelude to my submission I wish to point out that if young people are to contribute effectively to national policy making they have to be at the forefront of all socio-economic and political processes at community level.
Youth social entrepreneurship at community level, through the establishment of Youth Action Groups (YAGs) is the surest way of empowering youths to participate effectively in community and national policy making processes in Zimbabwe. YAGs will enable the following processes to be active;
1) Increased youth participation in electoral processes. One way of contributing to local and national policy making processes is through participating in local and national government elections to elect leaders and political institutions that espouse the wishes and aspirations of the youth. The greatest threat to democracy is apathy, without popular participation there is no democracy.
2) YAGs will convene community meetings, events and public lectures in their communities. Policymakers at local and national level should periodically visit meetings so that they can be in a position to take submissions made at these meetings to appropriate to policy making institutions for consideration.
3) YAGs will serve as sources of identifying potential youth (among members of YAGs who are of school going age) and senior parliamentarians and will also be consultative centers for youth and senior parliamentarians.
4) YAGs shall be based at community youth centers and information resource centres. Youth centres and information resource centres must be equipped with new information and communications technologies (NICTs). NICTs offer great opportunities for youth participation in governance and civic issues through blogging, podcasting and internet connectivity.
5) YAGs will also be active in tackling other issues affecting modern day communities such as HIV and Aids, drug abuse, illicit sex among the youth, hygiene and sanitation through aspects such as theatre for development and health communication campaigns.
In conclusion, it can thus be said that young people in Mzilikazi and Makokoba face so many challenges, which include, HIV and Aids, drug and alcohol abuse, illicit sex, lack of opportunities amongst others. YAGs are the sure way of empowering these young people with life skills to ensure that they are emancipated.
Youth social entrepreneurship at community level, through the establishment of Youth Action Groups (YAGs) is the surest way of empowering youths to participate effectively in community and national policy making processes in Zimbabwe. YAGs will enable the following processes to be active;
1) Increased youth participation in electoral processes. One way of contributing to local and national policy making processes is through participating in local and national government elections to elect leaders and political institutions that espouse the wishes and aspirations of the youth. The greatest threat to democracy is apathy, without popular participation there is no democracy.
2) YAGs will convene community meetings, events and public lectures in their communities. Policymakers at local and national level should periodically visit meetings so that they can be in a position to take submissions made at these meetings to appropriate to policy making institutions for consideration.
3) YAGs will serve as sources of identifying potential youth (among members of YAGs who are of school going age) and senior parliamentarians and will also be consultative centers for youth and senior parliamentarians.
4) YAGs shall be based at community youth centers and information resource centres. Youth centres and information resource centres must be equipped with new information and communications technologies (NICTs). NICTs offer great opportunities for youth participation in governance and civic issues through blogging, podcasting and internet connectivity.
5) YAGs will also be active in tackling other issues affecting modern day communities such as HIV and Aids, drug abuse, illicit sex among the youth, hygiene and sanitation through aspects such as theatre for development and health communication campaigns.
In conclusion, it can thus be said that young people in Mzilikazi and Makokoba face so many challenges, which include, HIV and Aids, drug and alcohol abuse, illicit sex, lack of opportunities amongst others. YAGs are the sure way of empowering these young people with life skills to ensure that they are emancipated.
St Columbas High School hosts St Columbas Day
St Columbas High School in Makokoba hosted St Columbas Day on Sunday. Parishioners at the Anglican Church, school pupils and residents of surrounding suburbs of Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Barboufields, Nguboyenja, Thorngrove and North End joined the Anglican community in celebrating this day.
The St Columbas day is yearly event meant to commemorate the founding of the Makokoba Parish. Guests on the day were entertained by cultural and music groups which included, Kwabatsha Dance Company and Amazion Cultural Group
The St Columbas day is yearly event meant to commemorate the founding of the Makokoba Parish. Guests on the day were entertained by cultural and music groups which included, Kwabatsha Dance Company and Amazion Cultural Group
Thursday, June 11, 2009
TEACHERS ORGANISE FUNDRAISING STOKVEL
Teachers at Lobengula Primary School in Mzilikazi surbub are set to hold a fundraising cocktail in Mzilikazi surbub. The stokvel is slated for the 13-14th of June 2009.
“We have organized this event in order to realise extra income and augment our paltry salaries,” said Mr. Simon Mbedzi, a teacher at the school and Fundraising Committee Chairperson.
In a snap survey, most residents expressed disgust at this move by teachers.
“I expect teachers to lead by example,” said Mr. Nkosana Moyo, a parent and guardian. “What values are they teaching our children and society in general by hosting a shebeen? There are better ways of fundraising- I call upon residents of Mzilikazi to boycott this unholy and filthy event.”
All civil servants in Zimbabwe, irrespective of their job title are earning a monthly salary of US$100. The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has pegged the family basket at US475 for the month of May 2009.
The Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Senator David Coltart recently announced that schools were at liberty to raise extra funds through the School Development Committees, in a move widely viewed as a green light sanctioning schools to remunerate their own staff members.
Lobengula Primary School has already notified parents of a US$3.50 special levy which will go towards the payment of teachers’ salaries. However, it still remains to be seen whether parents and guardians will pay the levy, since a similar move at Mzilikazi High School which is located in the same surbub was met with resistance from parents and guardians.
Stokvelas are popular in high density surbubs, and are characterized by the illegal trade in liquor. The practice is illegal and is equated to the concept of shebeens which are also popular in the high density surbubs. The main difference between a shebeen and a stokvel is that activities at a shebeen are low key with music played at low volume and admission into the premises reserved. The opposite is true about stokvelas.
“We have organized this event in order to realise extra income and augment our paltry salaries,” said Mr. Simon Mbedzi, a teacher at the school and Fundraising Committee Chairperson.
In a snap survey, most residents expressed disgust at this move by teachers.
“I expect teachers to lead by example,” said Mr. Nkosana Moyo, a parent and guardian. “What values are they teaching our children and society in general by hosting a shebeen? There are better ways of fundraising- I call upon residents of Mzilikazi to boycott this unholy and filthy event.”
All civil servants in Zimbabwe, irrespective of their job title are earning a monthly salary of US$100. The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has pegged the family basket at US475 for the month of May 2009.
The Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Senator David Coltart recently announced that schools were at liberty to raise extra funds through the School Development Committees, in a move widely viewed as a green light sanctioning schools to remunerate their own staff members.
Lobengula Primary School has already notified parents of a US$3.50 special levy which will go towards the payment of teachers’ salaries. However, it still remains to be seen whether parents and guardians will pay the levy, since a similar move at Mzilikazi High School which is located in the same surbub was met with resistance from parents and guardians.
Stokvelas are popular in high density surbubs, and are characterized by the illegal trade in liquor. The practice is illegal and is equated to the concept of shebeens which are also popular in the high density surbubs. The main difference between a shebeen and a stokvel is that activities at a shebeen are low key with music played at low volume and admission into the premises reserved. The opposite is true about stokvelas.
ESSAY: CLIMATE CHANGE, THE WORLD MORE VULNERABLE THAN EVER
Abstract
From contemporary mega-cities of socio-economic and political prosperity down to acephalous, remote, obscure traditional and cultural primordial societies, contemporary humanity desires green security.
Zimbabwe’s contribution to climate change is driven by carbon emissions from coal and thermal electricity production, vehicles and steam locomotives, farm and industrial processes, and poor solid waste management systems. Effects of global warming in Zimbabwe are infrastructural destruction due to floods, recurrent droughts, shifting of green zones and altering agricultural seasons. Climate change has direct and indirect effects that are affecting public health, water supply, land-use, and food security. Climate change threatens human life and claim to basic human rights. Industrialisation is important for global economic transformation and satisfying basic human needs, however, 21st century industrialisation must be driven by investment in alternative sources of energy and green technology.
Arguments posited are underpinned by empirical evidence that; climate change will affect, at a much greater level, the populations that are least able to deal with it. In the developing world, it will affect nations least able to respond to these stresses and threats. The essay delves into possible and current practical solutions that are being carried out by youths in Zimbabwe to address climate change.
Active engagement in climate change efforts by youths in the developing world epitomises a departure from the victim mentality. Youths have the energy, talents and ideas to reverse climate change. Youth initiatives and ideas must be implemented as a matter of urgency.
Introduction
Contemporary debate about the world today revolves around change,
It is change that promises to bring hope,
It is change that promises to guarantee human security,
It is change that promises economic transformation of the global economy,
However, at the same time it is change that threatens the world… to be precise, climate change!
Industrialisation and mass consumption are key to sustaining the world economy; however industrialisation today must be premised upon alternative sources of energy and investment in green technology. In reducing carbon emissions the concept of urbanisation must not be sacrificed. Cities offer opportunities for better access to health care, education, employment and personal development to citizens of the global south.
Unusual weather patterns threaten to construct a new paradigm in the understanding of weather phenomena. Zimbabwe now experiences summer seasons characterised by torrential rains within a short period of time and a largely dry summer season. Wet summer seasons have become infrequent and when they do occur they are characterised by abnormal rains.
Climate change impacts in Zimbabwe are related to food security, water supply, land-use, infrastructure and economic growth and development. The geographical location of Zimbabwe in the tropics makes it more vulnerable to shifting rainfall and agricultural patterns, water resources, vegetation and forestry resources. Climate change poses threats related to public health. Diseases such as dengue fever are moving into high altitude areas and Zimbabwe has become vulnerable.
The challenge that befalls young people today is about ideas. As young people today, we have an obligation towards international society. The obligation is based upon the realisation that we are the future, and the future has to be built today. The future can only be built and guaranteed by a robust and creative global youth. Youths are leaders and dealers; they lead in ideas and deal in ideas. This world is built on ideas and shall continue to be built on ideas.
Youths in the global south desire economic, environmental and political change. It is change that will usher in a new dispensation of economic transformation. However, in our desire for economic transformation we face climate change. In that respect, the word change has adopted an ambiguous definition to global youth, in that, it represents hope for global renewal and fear in terms of climate change.
As young people we have the potential and willpower to contribute towards the transformation of the social matrix of society. Youth leaders, like I, are part of the 21st century young African generational thinkers who seek to influence and lead social change processes rather than being targets of them.
Using an alternative and concerned voice, innovativeness and creative ingenuity young green and social entrepreneurs across the hemispherical divide must commit time to change processes, arising through a holistic approach that engages all aspects of culture at the grassroots to ensure acceptance and therefore sustainable green development.
Agriculture: food security under threat
“If Zimbabwe is to [become] the breadbasket of the SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] Region and meet the growing demands for food locally and regionally, the sustainable growth of the agricultural production sector should be given the highest priority in all national development programs [and such programmes must involve youths].” Matarira et al (2005)
Zimbabwe’s economy is largely agro-based. Agriculture contributes 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy supporting 80 percent of the population, with the rest of the economy being linked to agriculture through the manufacturing sector. Agriculture provides the bulk of raw materials that are required in manufacturing. In turn, manufacturing contributes about 25 percent of the GDP and employs 17 percent of the total employed labour force.
In Zimbabwe, climate change effects can be looked at from the following points,
· changes in land and water regimes that affect agricultural productivity;
· changes in crop yields;
· rural poverty increases as livelihoods are threatened.
The process of global warming has led to an average increase in temperatures. The increase in temperatures coupled with unpredictable and ever-changing rainfall patterns has led to the elimination of green zones in areas with fertile soils and the creation of new green zones in areas with infertile soils. Food crops are failing to adapt to changes in temperature and rainfall leading to crop failure and poor harvests.
Farmers in Zimbabwe and the world are unable to carry out advance agricultural planning because of altered agriculture seasons. The summer season in Zimbabwe now commences in December instead of October. It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to plan dates for planting and to prepare for the agriculture season.
Climate change poses challenges to Zimbabwe and the rest of the global south in terms of national and international food security. African countries that have the capacity to extricate the continent from the food crisis are either locked up in civil strife or are pre-occupied with efforts to stabilise their infant democracies. The global food crisis is an apparent threat to human security. There is need for young people to act globally since we live in a globalised environment. Concerns of young people in Seoul, South Korea are also concerns of young people in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as far as climate change is concerned. For example in January and February 2009, the world witnessed a devastating outbreak of dengue fever in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and a scorching heatwave in Australia. In that respect, young people in the developed world have as much a bigger role to play in mitigating effects of climate change as youths in the developing world.
Young people need to come together and engage in global green entrepreneurship. Young people can engage in a global transfer of skills, technology and knowledge to mitigate and reverse climate change. Young people in Zimbabwe are a huge untapped skills resource. Youths must establish organisations with a special focus to address environmental issues, improve farming methods and systems and advocate for private and public investment in green technology.
Currently, there are few organisations involved in environmental and agricultural extension services work in Zimbabwe and their activities are low key. This is hampering efforts aimed at improving agricultural systems and environmental preservation. In essence, few people understand the concept of climate change in Zimbabwe and its effects.
To improve food production, youths must initiate and lead the following intervention strategies,
develop and promote a new concept of national and local food self-sufficiency. This strategy must focus on family and local processes of food production to achieve national and household food security and production self-sufficiency.
engage in food production with a view to transform food productivity to increase food supplies and achieve equitable food security
lead advocacy calls for food policy reforms in the context of climate change
agricultural practice management changes, encourage the use of organic fertilisers and short-season variety seeds to ensure fast maturation of crops in a largely unpredictable climate. For example a youth-led farming initiative in Victoria falls, Zimbabwe is using elephant dung to create organic fertilisers.
in areas previously characterised by average to above average rainfall amounts, the dominant agricultural activity has been crop production, more so, maize, which is the staple crop. With climate change these areas may begin to receive below average rainfall and thus it will be unviable to grow maize. In such cases there is need for adaptiveness on the part of the farmer and diversify and, engage in other agricultural activities suitable for low-rainfall receiving areas such as livestock rearing and small grains production that mainly consist of drought resistant crops. The opposite is also true for areas that were once dry.
education and agricultural extensions services shall form the core of this strategy. There is need for young people to reach out to farmers and deliver this information and also enlighten the populace on climate change.
Agriculture and the economy
Between 2050 and 2100 it is predicted that temperatures in Zimbabwe will rise by a margin of between 2 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius and rainfall will decrease by between 10 percent and 21 percent. Mean temperature and rainfall estimates have been predicted using global climate models (GCMs). Further reductions in rainfall and sustained increases in temperature will make farming a non-viable business for Zimbabwean farmers. This has negative consequences for the agro-based economy.
Therefore there is need for private-public partnerships that will develop sound and sustainable policies that will help farmers adapt to these changes and ensure economic transformation.
Private-public partnerships can be further extended to investment in harvesting groundwater and rainwater. Groundwater provides a viable solution to water provision for domestic and agricultural activities in the event of water shortages in both urban and rural areas.
Water is life and sustains lives: Climate change a real threat to human existance
My hometown, the city of Bulawayo is constantly hit by water shortages due to recurrent droughts. Water shortages have resulted in the paralysis of the public health system and industry. Public institutions such as health centres and schools at times have to suspend operations due to the unavailability of water.
Zimbabwe derives a significant amount of her national electricity requirements from water. Climate change poses greater challenges in this regard as precipitation levels may substantial fall resulting in less water in dams thus a decrease in power generation.
In solving this challenge there is need to construct more dams to ensure maximum water harvesting of rainwater and storage. Water stored in dams can be used to generate power in the future should the need arise. Conserved water can be used to irrigate crops, in seasons were rains are poor.
Climate Change Axis of Evil: Infrastructural destruction, tropical diseases and human mortality
“Cyclone Nargis slammed in Mynmar’s Irrawaddy delta, causing catastrophic destruction and a death toll estimated at over 146 000”
(Sunday Times- South African Edition, 28 December 2008, p15)
Some provinces in Zimbabwe such as Matabeleland North are prone to Malaria. High temperatures and incessant rains during rare and infrequent wet seasons have led to an upsurge in Malaria cases in this district. Malaria cases are now being recorded in high altitude areas in Zimbabwe. Young people must engage in outreach campaigns to raise awareness on the disease and prevention strategies in new malaria prone areas.
Incessant rains within a short period have further strained a badly managed public health system. Zimbabwe suffered a cholera outbreak that was worsened by incessant rains. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) cholera claimed over 3 000 lives and infected over 60 000 people during the 2008/09 summer season.
To improve sanitation, young people in Zimbabwe can build sanitary blair toilets. Blair toilets are a cost effective means of addressing human waste disposal in overcrowded high-density settlements in both formal and informal settlements. Blair toilets are a mitigatory strategy addressing sanitary effects of global climate change.
Scorching temperatures have led to an increase in cases of heat stress and eye cataracts. To address this challenge young people must mobilise resources and engage in acts of socio-medical entrepreneurship.
Floods and torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in their path in Zimbabwe. Cyclone Eline in 2000 destroyed bridges, roads and schools. This has affected the socio-economic systems of Zimbabwe. Youths in urban centres are engaged in social entrepreneurship activities such as repairing pothole-ridden roads. This act by youths in Zimbabwe demonstrates the power of youth civil authority in tackling challenges that beset us today. Young people offer technical expertise and labour to expedite the reconstruction process. Philanthropic groups at educational, religious and social institutions can further extend their activities to include civil protection in cases of natural calamities.
The new threat: national and global political instability
"If not handled properly, this [climate change] crisis could result in a cascade of others ... and become a multidimensional problem affecting economic growth, social progress and even political security around the world"
Ban Kin Moon, United Nations Secretary General (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/21/food.unitednations)
Politics is about hope and fear. Climate change, if not properly handled brings about fear. In Zimbabwe, where the economy is sustained by agriculture, failure in the agriculture sector might spell doom to political stability. A hungry nation is an angry and politically restive nation. Therefore, climate change poses a real threat to national security in Zimbabwe and fuels terrorism internationally.
In solving this crisis one may propose the following;
§ the transformation and broadening of the economic base. Zimbabwe must broaden her economic base to ensure that economic growth and development is not solely based on agriculture. Zimbabwe has a lot of potential in sectors such as mining, tourism and manufaturing.
§ youth must actively participate in leadership transformation and development programmes. Zimbabwe and the developing world must seek to develop and nurture a new generation of leaders and visionary thinkers who shall transform the social, economic, environmental and political landscape.
The years 2007–2008 saw dramatic rises in world food prices, creating a global crisis and causing socio-economic instability and social unrest in both poor and developed nations. Food shortages result in high food prices which inturn lead to violence.Systemic causes for the worldwide increases in food prices continue to be the subject of debate. Initial causes of the late 2006 price spikes included unseasonal droughts in grain-producing nations.
Young people in Zimbabwe and the world must engage in debate and be active participants in the formulation of national and global policies that will aid the economic transformation of Zimbabwe and the world, so that globally we can be in a position to circumvent economic effects posed by global climate change. This challenge is incumbent upon global youth, for example, from the catbird seat of modern Tokyo, members of Japan's shinjirui (new human race) have much to ponder also. Following their parent's economic, industrial and technological transformation miracle, where next will they take Japan? What environmental policies and investment in green technology are they going to invest in to address global warming?
A new era of responsibility: perspective on fossil fuels management
“We will roll back the spectre of a warming planet” Barack H Obama
As global citizens we have a responsibility to work towards sustainable development moreso in the age of globalisation, were we are constantly reminded of our interdependence with others. The actions of individuals or institutions in one part of the world can, and do, have significant consequences for people elsewhere.
"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually …” The Dalai Lama
Coal is one of the fossil fuels that produce methane and carbon. The production, transportation and processing of coal is a major component in the economic development of Zimbabwe. The Hwange thermal power station produces 920 Mega Watts (Zhakata, 2004:12) of electricity, which powers homes and industry in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe also exports some of her power to neighbouring countries. Again, coal is used to cure tobacco in farms, to power steam locomotives and for heating and cooking.
Reduction in coal production must be gradual and replaced by alternative green friendly sources of energy, chief among them hydroelectric power. There is also need to decentralise energy infrastructure and this requires a new emphasis on development and regeneration of our cities.
The Land reform programme versus land-use conservation
The land reform programme in Zimbabwe has brought with it a number of challenges that are related to global warming. Most of the newly resettled farmers are poor and therefore cannot afford to draw electricity to their homes. Therefore, they use wood to fuel all farm and domestic related processes. This has set in motion desertification and thus increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which leads to global warming.
Youth led and focused initiatives in Zimbabwe, must ensure that the general populace in Zimbabwe receives critical information on how to use coal and coal by-products in an environmentally friendly manner. Youth capacity building in this case shall form the core and basis of this intervention strategy. Youths who have graduated from high school and tertiary institutions can volunteer their time and work in urban and rural communities raising awareness on environment issues. Education and awareness programmes are a cost effective way of addressing global warming at local level.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
In addition young people must actively engage in afforestation activities in their respective institutions of learning and communities. Newly resettled farmers must be encouraged to invest and use alternative environmentally friendly sources of energy such as solar power.
Solid waste management in the city of Bulawayo presents a cumbersome challenge in relation to climate change. Due to the failure by the local authority to regularly collect solid waste management from domestic households, undesignated landfills are being created around formal human settlements in the city. There are no proper solid waste management systems at these undesignated landfills and residents burn the solid waste. This has the effect of increasing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
It is against this backdrop that I propose the following method to deal with solid waste. Young people in the city can organise door-to-door campaigns encouraging residents to reuse and recycle potential waste. In addition to this some of the domestic solid waste can be turned into artifacts, this shall provide means for economic sustenance for unemployed youths.
Local authorities can improve efficiency in the disposal and recycling of solid waste by privatising solid waste management. The city of New Delhi, India has privatised solid waste management with excellent results.
The future: Opportunities for forging and strengthening global ties in tackling climate change
“Twixt the optimist and pessimist. The difference is droll: the optimist sees the doughnut, but the pessimist sees the hole.” McLandburgh Wilson
We sometimes emphasise the danger in a crisis without focusing on opportunities. We must feel a great sense of urgency because climate change is the most dangerous crisis we have ever faced. However, it also provides us with opportunities to do a lot of things we ought to be doing for other reasons. In order to solve this crisis we can develop a shared sense of moral purpose.
Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity is currently diminished and this provides a good opportunity to plan ahead for the future. There are some greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring which include byproducts of foam production, refrigeration and air conditioning called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as well as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) generated by industrial processes.
(http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/climate/index.htm)
Eventually, when Zimbabwe and the rest of the less industrialised world does fully industrialise we need to have developed alternatives to the use of the above-mentioned gases. Young people in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe must engage in scientific and social research of green technology options to power industries. Research and development of alternative sources of green energy must pre-occupy the best of our youth minds in tertiary institutions. At my university they are a number of student clubs and societies drawn from different faculties. These clubs work towards tackling social, economic, technological, environmental and political challenges that affect contemporary Zimbabwe and the world.
Industrialisation is the backbone of most developed economies; therefore in the stages towards attaining economic growth, self-sufficiency and mass consumption, Zimbabwe shall embrace industrialisation. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be more cars in use in the developing world than the developed world. Therefore developing countries must enact legislation and engage in technological renewal and transformation to guard against greenhouse gases emissions. Energy efficient cars must be developed in addition to establishing a reliable and energy efficient public transportation system. An excellent public transport system shall form the basis of encouraging public transport over private transport.
Popular youth culture, media and arts as non-formal pedagogical techniques aimed at raising awareness and calling for the reversal of climate change
“Art [and dramaturgy are] not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it [and chart a better future].” Anon
Climate change themes should start to be embraced and produced in drama, poetry, music, film, debate, prose, public speaking, sculptures, paintings and other aspects of popular culture in the same way some of the great challenges that have beset the world have been addressed through the media and arts.
Climate change in Zimbabwe must be treated with urgency as other pressing issues affecting the nation-state such as malaria, tuberculosis, governance, human rights, HIV and Aids. Issues highlighted above are being addressed using various media and art forms. Bulawayo is teeming with a number of arts groups. The majority of practitioners in the arts industry in Zimbabwe are youths. It is against this backdrop that I believe that arts and media have a greater role in raising awareness, educating and encouraging community participation in solving climate change.
As a media and arts practitioner I envisage the development of lines, themes and specific scripts of popular radio and television productions such as movies, soap operas and dramas written on, depicting and about climate change.
The need to explore effects of climate change on marine life and our waters
As an extension, it is imperative to look and study changes in the aquatic environment across the globe. Climate change has the potential to affect marine life; their individual and collective assemblage. Due to climate change it is possible that we might have marine life migrating to new habitats. This will affect fishing industries and livelihoods dependent on our waters. In Zimbabwe, communities close to the mighty Zambezi river may fall victim if such a situation would occur as it would affect livelihoods and means to economic sustenance.
Understanding such processes is an aim for current and future work and will give insights into the responses of communities to global climate change. Case studies of particular environments further stress such, for instance, coral reefs, Atlantic fishing grounds, the pacific coast of South America and coastlines (Graves and Reaves, 1996).
Young Zimbabweans with an interest in marine biology should extend their research scope to include research on potential effects of climate change on marine life and suggest possible mitigatory and preventive intervention strategies.
Conclusion
Regardless of what part of the world you live in, it is quite likely you have noticed, or have been directly affected by some unusual weather patterns in recent years. In 1998 alone, for example, eighty separate natural catastrophes were recorded in different parts of the world. Climate change effects range from educational, social, health, information and communications infrastructural destruction; public health; tropical diseases driven by high temperatures and rainfall such as dengue fever are reported to be moving into high altitude areas. It extends to national and international security concerns, threat to human life and denial of basic human rights.
It is against this background that youth across the world need to harness their collective energies and talents and come up with practical ideas in combating climate change. The role of young people in the developed and developing world is to actively engage socio-green entrepreneurship and continuously lobby their respective governments to enact legislation that regulates carbon emissions and to call industry to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Resolutions of the Earth summit and provisions of the Kyoto protocol must guide policy on carbon emissions reduction. The world needs to reduce further carbon emissions than what is stipulated under the Kyoto protocol. This is our responsibility today for a better tomorrow. Global youth citizens are the vanguard of sustainable development.
From contemporary mega-cities of socio-economic and political prosperity down to acephalous, remote, obscure traditional and cultural primordial societies, contemporary humanity desires green security.
Zimbabwe’s contribution to climate change is driven by carbon emissions from coal and thermal electricity production, vehicles and steam locomotives, farm and industrial processes, and poor solid waste management systems. Effects of global warming in Zimbabwe are infrastructural destruction due to floods, recurrent droughts, shifting of green zones and altering agricultural seasons. Climate change has direct and indirect effects that are affecting public health, water supply, land-use, and food security. Climate change threatens human life and claim to basic human rights. Industrialisation is important for global economic transformation and satisfying basic human needs, however, 21st century industrialisation must be driven by investment in alternative sources of energy and green technology.
Arguments posited are underpinned by empirical evidence that; climate change will affect, at a much greater level, the populations that are least able to deal with it. In the developing world, it will affect nations least able to respond to these stresses and threats. The essay delves into possible and current practical solutions that are being carried out by youths in Zimbabwe to address climate change.
Active engagement in climate change efforts by youths in the developing world epitomises a departure from the victim mentality. Youths have the energy, talents and ideas to reverse climate change. Youth initiatives and ideas must be implemented as a matter of urgency.
Introduction
Contemporary debate about the world today revolves around change,
It is change that promises to bring hope,
It is change that promises to guarantee human security,
It is change that promises economic transformation of the global economy,
However, at the same time it is change that threatens the world… to be precise, climate change!
Industrialisation and mass consumption are key to sustaining the world economy; however industrialisation today must be premised upon alternative sources of energy and investment in green technology. In reducing carbon emissions the concept of urbanisation must not be sacrificed. Cities offer opportunities for better access to health care, education, employment and personal development to citizens of the global south.
Unusual weather patterns threaten to construct a new paradigm in the understanding of weather phenomena. Zimbabwe now experiences summer seasons characterised by torrential rains within a short period of time and a largely dry summer season. Wet summer seasons have become infrequent and when they do occur they are characterised by abnormal rains.
Climate change impacts in Zimbabwe are related to food security, water supply, land-use, infrastructure and economic growth and development. The geographical location of Zimbabwe in the tropics makes it more vulnerable to shifting rainfall and agricultural patterns, water resources, vegetation and forestry resources. Climate change poses threats related to public health. Diseases such as dengue fever are moving into high altitude areas and Zimbabwe has become vulnerable.
The challenge that befalls young people today is about ideas. As young people today, we have an obligation towards international society. The obligation is based upon the realisation that we are the future, and the future has to be built today. The future can only be built and guaranteed by a robust and creative global youth. Youths are leaders and dealers; they lead in ideas and deal in ideas. This world is built on ideas and shall continue to be built on ideas.
Youths in the global south desire economic, environmental and political change. It is change that will usher in a new dispensation of economic transformation. However, in our desire for economic transformation we face climate change. In that respect, the word change has adopted an ambiguous definition to global youth, in that, it represents hope for global renewal and fear in terms of climate change.
As young people we have the potential and willpower to contribute towards the transformation of the social matrix of society. Youth leaders, like I, are part of the 21st century young African generational thinkers who seek to influence and lead social change processes rather than being targets of them.
Using an alternative and concerned voice, innovativeness and creative ingenuity young green and social entrepreneurs across the hemispherical divide must commit time to change processes, arising through a holistic approach that engages all aspects of culture at the grassroots to ensure acceptance and therefore sustainable green development.
Agriculture: food security under threat
“If Zimbabwe is to [become] the breadbasket of the SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] Region and meet the growing demands for food locally and regionally, the sustainable growth of the agricultural production sector should be given the highest priority in all national development programs [and such programmes must involve youths].” Matarira et al (2005)
Zimbabwe’s economy is largely agro-based. Agriculture contributes 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy supporting 80 percent of the population, with the rest of the economy being linked to agriculture through the manufacturing sector. Agriculture provides the bulk of raw materials that are required in manufacturing. In turn, manufacturing contributes about 25 percent of the GDP and employs 17 percent of the total employed labour force.
In Zimbabwe, climate change effects can be looked at from the following points,
· changes in land and water regimes that affect agricultural productivity;
· changes in crop yields;
· rural poverty increases as livelihoods are threatened.
The process of global warming has led to an average increase in temperatures. The increase in temperatures coupled with unpredictable and ever-changing rainfall patterns has led to the elimination of green zones in areas with fertile soils and the creation of new green zones in areas with infertile soils. Food crops are failing to adapt to changes in temperature and rainfall leading to crop failure and poor harvests.
Farmers in Zimbabwe and the world are unable to carry out advance agricultural planning because of altered agriculture seasons. The summer season in Zimbabwe now commences in December instead of October. It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to plan dates for planting and to prepare for the agriculture season.
Climate change poses challenges to Zimbabwe and the rest of the global south in terms of national and international food security. African countries that have the capacity to extricate the continent from the food crisis are either locked up in civil strife or are pre-occupied with efforts to stabilise their infant democracies. The global food crisis is an apparent threat to human security. There is need for young people to act globally since we live in a globalised environment. Concerns of young people in Seoul, South Korea are also concerns of young people in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as far as climate change is concerned. For example in January and February 2009, the world witnessed a devastating outbreak of dengue fever in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and a scorching heatwave in Australia. In that respect, young people in the developed world have as much a bigger role to play in mitigating effects of climate change as youths in the developing world.
Young people need to come together and engage in global green entrepreneurship. Young people can engage in a global transfer of skills, technology and knowledge to mitigate and reverse climate change. Young people in Zimbabwe are a huge untapped skills resource. Youths must establish organisations with a special focus to address environmental issues, improve farming methods and systems and advocate for private and public investment in green technology.
Currently, there are few organisations involved in environmental and agricultural extension services work in Zimbabwe and their activities are low key. This is hampering efforts aimed at improving agricultural systems and environmental preservation. In essence, few people understand the concept of climate change in Zimbabwe and its effects.
To improve food production, youths must initiate and lead the following intervention strategies,
develop and promote a new concept of national and local food self-sufficiency. This strategy must focus on family and local processes of food production to achieve national and household food security and production self-sufficiency.
engage in food production with a view to transform food productivity to increase food supplies and achieve equitable food security
lead advocacy calls for food policy reforms in the context of climate change
agricultural practice management changes, encourage the use of organic fertilisers and short-season variety seeds to ensure fast maturation of crops in a largely unpredictable climate. For example a youth-led farming initiative in Victoria falls, Zimbabwe is using elephant dung to create organic fertilisers.
in areas previously characterised by average to above average rainfall amounts, the dominant agricultural activity has been crop production, more so, maize, which is the staple crop. With climate change these areas may begin to receive below average rainfall and thus it will be unviable to grow maize. In such cases there is need for adaptiveness on the part of the farmer and diversify and, engage in other agricultural activities suitable for low-rainfall receiving areas such as livestock rearing and small grains production that mainly consist of drought resistant crops. The opposite is also true for areas that were once dry.
education and agricultural extensions services shall form the core of this strategy. There is need for young people to reach out to farmers and deliver this information and also enlighten the populace on climate change.
Agriculture and the economy
Between 2050 and 2100 it is predicted that temperatures in Zimbabwe will rise by a margin of between 2 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius and rainfall will decrease by between 10 percent and 21 percent. Mean temperature and rainfall estimates have been predicted using global climate models (GCMs). Further reductions in rainfall and sustained increases in temperature will make farming a non-viable business for Zimbabwean farmers. This has negative consequences for the agro-based economy.
Therefore there is need for private-public partnerships that will develop sound and sustainable policies that will help farmers adapt to these changes and ensure economic transformation.
Private-public partnerships can be further extended to investment in harvesting groundwater and rainwater. Groundwater provides a viable solution to water provision for domestic and agricultural activities in the event of water shortages in both urban and rural areas.
Water is life and sustains lives: Climate change a real threat to human existance
My hometown, the city of Bulawayo is constantly hit by water shortages due to recurrent droughts. Water shortages have resulted in the paralysis of the public health system and industry. Public institutions such as health centres and schools at times have to suspend operations due to the unavailability of water.
Zimbabwe derives a significant amount of her national electricity requirements from water. Climate change poses greater challenges in this regard as precipitation levels may substantial fall resulting in less water in dams thus a decrease in power generation.
In solving this challenge there is need to construct more dams to ensure maximum water harvesting of rainwater and storage. Water stored in dams can be used to generate power in the future should the need arise. Conserved water can be used to irrigate crops, in seasons were rains are poor.
Climate Change Axis of Evil: Infrastructural destruction, tropical diseases and human mortality
“Cyclone Nargis slammed in Mynmar’s Irrawaddy delta, causing catastrophic destruction and a death toll estimated at over 146 000”
(Sunday Times- South African Edition, 28 December 2008, p15)
Some provinces in Zimbabwe such as Matabeleland North are prone to Malaria. High temperatures and incessant rains during rare and infrequent wet seasons have led to an upsurge in Malaria cases in this district. Malaria cases are now being recorded in high altitude areas in Zimbabwe. Young people must engage in outreach campaigns to raise awareness on the disease and prevention strategies in new malaria prone areas.
Incessant rains within a short period have further strained a badly managed public health system. Zimbabwe suffered a cholera outbreak that was worsened by incessant rains. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) cholera claimed over 3 000 lives and infected over 60 000 people during the 2008/09 summer season.
To improve sanitation, young people in Zimbabwe can build sanitary blair toilets. Blair toilets are a cost effective means of addressing human waste disposal in overcrowded high-density settlements in both formal and informal settlements. Blair toilets are a mitigatory strategy addressing sanitary effects of global climate change.
Scorching temperatures have led to an increase in cases of heat stress and eye cataracts. To address this challenge young people must mobilise resources and engage in acts of socio-medical entrepreneurship.
Floods and torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in their path in Zimbabwe. Cyclone Eline in 2000 destroyed bridges, roads and schools. This has affected the socio-economic systems of Zimbabwe. Youths in urban centres are engaged in social entrepreneurship activities such as repairing pothole-ridden roads. This act by youths in Zimbabwe demonstrates the power of youth civil authority in tackling challenges that beset us today. Young people offer technical expertise and labour to expedite the reconstruction process. Philanthropic groups at educational, religious and social institutions can further extend their activities to include civil protection in cases of natural calamities.
The new threat: national and global political instability
"If not handled properly, this [climate change] crisis could result in a cascade of others ... and become a multidimensional problem affecting economic growth, social progress and even political security around the world"
Ban Kin Moon, United Nations Secretary General (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/21/food.unitednations)
Politics is about hope and fear. Climate change, if not properly handled brings about fear. In Zimbabwe, where the economy is sustained by agriculture, failure in the agriculture sector might spell doom to political stability. A hungry nation is an angry and politically restive nation. Therefore, climate change poses a real threat to national security in Zimbabwe and fuels terrorism internationally.
In solving this crisis one may propose the following;
§ the transformation and broadening of the economic base. Zimbabwe must broaden her economic base to ensure that economic growth and development is not solely based on agriculture. Zimbabwe has a lot of potential in sectors such as mining, tourism and manufaturing.
§ youth must actively participate in leadership transformation and development programmes. Zimbabwe and the developing world must seek to develop and nurture a new generation of leaders and visionary thinkers who shall transform the social, economic, environmental and political landscape.
The years 2007–2008 saw dramatic rises in world food prices, creating a global crisis and causing socio-economic instability and social unrest in both poor and developed nations. Food shortages result in high food prices which inturn lead to violence.Systemic causes for the worldwide increases in food prices continue to be the subject of debate. Initial causes of the late 2006 price spikes included unseasonal droughts in grain-producing nations.
Young people in Zimbabwe and the world must engage in debate and be active participants in the formulation of national and global policies that will aid the economic transformation of Zimbabwe and the world, so that globally we can be in a position to circumvent economic effects posed by global climate change. This challenge is incumbent upon global youth, for example, from the catbird seat of modern Tokyo, members of Japan's shinjirui (new human race) have much to ponder also. Following their parent's economic, industrial and technological transformation miracle, where next will they take Japan? What environmental policies and investment in green technology are they going to invest in to address global warming?
A new era of responsibility: perspective on fossil fuels management
“We will roll back the spectre of a warming planet” Barack H Obama
As global citizens we have a responsibility to work towards sustainable development moreso in the age of globalisation, were we are constantly reminded of our interdependence with others. The actions of individuals or institutions in one part of the world can, and do, have significant consequences for people elsewhere.
"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually …” The Dalai Lama
Coal is one of the fossil fuels that produce methane and carbon. The production, transportation and processing of coal is a major component in the economic development of Zimbabwe. The Hwange thermal power station produces 920 Mega Watts (Zhakata, 2004:12) of electricity, which powers homes and industry in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe also exports some of her power to neighbouring countries. Again, coal is used to cure tobacco in farms, to power steam locomotives and for heating and cooking.
Reduction in coal production must be gradual and replaced by alternative green friendly sources of energy, chief among them hydroelectric power. There is also need to decentralise energy infrastructure and this requires a new emphasis on development and regeneration of our cities.
The Land reform programme versus land-use conservation
The land reform programme in Zimbabwe has brought with it a number of challenges that are related to global warming. Most of the newly resettled farmers are poor and therefore cannot afford to draw electricity to their homes. Therefore, they use wood to fuel all farm and domestic related processes. This has set in motion desertification and thus increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which leads to global warming.
Youth led and focused initiatives in Zimbabwe, must ensure that the general populace in Zimbabwe receives critical information on how to use coal and coal by-products in an environmentally friendly manner. Youth capacity building in this case shall form the core and basis of this intervention strategy. Youths who have graduated from high school and tertiary institutions can volunteer their time and work in urban and rural communities raising awareness on environment issues. Education and awareness programmes are a cost effective way of addressing global warming at local level.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
In addition young people must actively engage in afforestation activities in their respective institutions of learning and communities. Newly resettled farmers must be encouraged to invest and use alternative environmentally friendly sources of energy such as solar power.
Solid waste management in the city of Bulawayo presents a cumbersome challenge in relation to climate change. Due to the failure by the local authority to regularly collect solid waste management from domestic households, undesignated landfills are being created around formal human settlements in the city. There are no proper solid waste management systems at these undesignated landfills and residents burn the solid waste. This has the effect of increasing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
It is against this backdrop that I propose the following method to deal with solid waste. Young people in the city can organise door-to-door campaigns encouraging residents to reuse and recycle potential waste. In addition to this some of the domestic solid waste can be turned into artifacts, this shall provide means for economic sustenance for unemployed youths.
Local authorities can improve efficiency in the disposal and recycling of solid waste by privatising solid waste management. The city of New Delhi, India has privatised solid waste management with excellent results.
The future: Opportunities for forging and strengthening global ties in tackling climate change
“Twixt the optimist and pessimist. The difference is droll: the optimist sees the doughnut, but the pessimist sees the hole.” McLandburgh Wilson
We sometimes emphasise the danger in a crisis without focusing on opportunities. We must feel a great sense of urgency because climate change is the most dangerous crisis we have ever faced. However, it also provides us with opportunities to do a lot of things we ought to be doing for other reasons. In order to solve this crisis we can develop a shared sense of moral purpose.
Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity is currently diminished and this provides a good opportunity to plan ahead for the future. There are some greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring which include byproducts of foam production, refrigeration and air conditioning called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as well as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) generated by industrial processes.
(http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/climate/index.htm)
Eventually, when Zimbabwe and the rest of the less industrialised world does fully industrialise we need to have developed alternatives to the use of the above-mentioned gases. Young people in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe must engage in scientific and social research of green technology options to power industries. Research and development of alternative sources of green energy must pre-occupy the best of our youth minds in tertiary institutions. At my university they are a number of student clubs and societies drawn from different faculties. These clubs work towards tackling social, economic, technological, environmental and political challenges that affect contemporary Zimbabwe and the world.
Industrialisation is the backbone of most developed economies; therefore in the stages towards attaining economic growth, self-sufficiency and mass consumption, Zimbabwe shall embrace industrialisation. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be more cars in use in the developing world than the developed world. Therefore developing countries must enact legislation and engage in technological renewal and transformation to guard against greenhouse gases emissions. Energy efficient cars must be developed in addition to establishing a reliable and energy efficient public transportation system. An excellent public transport system shall form the basis of encouraging public transport over private transport.
Popular youth culture, media and arts as non-formal pedagogical techniques aimed at raising awareness and calling for the reversal of climate change
“Art [and dramaturgy are] not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it [and chart a better future].” Anon
Climate change themes should start to be embraced and produced in drama, poetry, music, film, debate, prose, public speaking, sculptures, paintings and other aspects of popular culture in the same way some of the great challenges that have beset the world have been addressed through the media and arts.
Climate change in Zimbabwe must be treated with urgency as other pressing issues affecting the nation-state such as malaria, tuberculosis, governance, human rights, HIV and Aids. Issues highlighted above are being addressed using various media and art forms. Bulawayo is teeming with a number of arts groups. The majority of practitioners in the arts industry in Zimbabwe are youths. It is against this backdrop that I believe that arts and media have a greater role in raising awareness, educating and encouraging community participation in solving climate change.
As a media and arts practitioner I envisage the development of lines, themes and specific scripts of popular radio and television productions such as movies, soap operas and dramas written on, depicting and about climate change.
The need to explore effects of climate change on marine life and our waters
As an extension, it is imperative to look and study changes in the aquatic environment across the globe. Climate change has the potential to affect marine life; their individual and collective assemblage. Due to climate change it is possible that we might have marine life migrating to new habitats. This will affect fishing industries and livelihoods dependent on our waters. In Zimbabwe, communities close to the mighty Zambezi river may fall victim if such a situation would occur as it would affect livelihoods and means to economic sustenance.
Understanding such processes is an aim for current and future work and will give insights into the responses of communities to global climate change. Case studies of particular environments further stress such, for instance, coral reefs, Atlantic fishing grounds, the pacific coast of South America and coastlines (Graves and Reaves, 1996).
Young Zimbabweans with an interest in marine biology should extend their research scope to include research on potential effects of climate change on marine life and suggest possible mitigatory and preventive intervention strategies.
Conclusion
Regardless of what part of the world you live in, it is quite likely you have noticed, or have been directly affected by some unusual weather patterns in recent years. In 1998 alone, for example, eighty separate natural catastrophes were recorded in different parts of the world. Climate change effects range from educational, social, health, information and communications infrastructural destruction; public health; tropical diseases driven by high temperatures and rainfall such as dengue fever are reported to be moving into high altitude areas. It extends to national and international security concerns, threat to human life and denial of basic human rights.
It is against this background that youth across the world need to harness their collective energies and talents and come up with practical ideas in combating climate change. The role of young people in the developed and developing world is to actively engage socio-green entrepreneurship and continuously lobby their respective governments to enact legislation that regulates carbon emissions and to call industry to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Resolutions of the Earth summit and provisions of the Kyoto protocol must guide policy on carbon emissions reduction. The world needs to reduce further carbon emissions than what is stipulated under the Kyoto protocol. This is our responsibility today for a better tomorrow. Global youth citizens are the vanguard of sustainable development.
Essay: Youth Perceptions on Human Security in Africa
Abstract
Africa's current impasse is a political leadership crisis. Africa is a continent that is still being haunted by its history. Politics of patronage and belonging are still the order of the day. African political institutions have also failed to liberate the masses and steer Africa towards economic development. The political crises in Africa have manifested through economic decline, decay of the social services delivery system and widespread poverty.
African political leaders have failed to tackle the socio-political hurdles associated with ethnicity and tribalism. Ostensibly, African politicians are selfish and duplicitous in their dealings, governance and operations and hence the policies and instititutions that they espouse have largely remained unhelpful to the majority of Africans. Human security is about protecting and at the same time empowering.
It is the business of this paper to attempt to argue that the predicament of contemporary Africa, is, that it is predominantly pre-capitalistic and pre-industrial, because premordial loyalities are still strong such as gerontocracy. It therefore follows that democracy in Africa still remains a necessity. For ordinary people in Africa, they desire second independence from their leaders, which is opposed to first independence from colonising powers.
This paper discusses human security in Africa by drawing ideas and arguments from scholars and experiences borne out of Africa. The paper also suggests possible avenues to the creation of an ideal 21st century Africa organised around the adherence, observation and respect of suggested body polity ideas.
Africa is a rich continent, endowed with natural and human resources that should offer social, economic and political security to all its inhabitants.
Introduction
Human security as a subject in Africa and the rest of the global south has long been left and concentrated on political instability, armed conflict, famine and disease. Little time has been left on debate on the issues that attempt to unravel the causes of this insecurity. Subtle and delicate debate to attempt to unravel Africa's quagmire has been long left to the political leader and the academia. The notion of human security, broadly conceived, encompasses freedom from want as well as freedom from fear.
Contemporary Africa is facing a number of challenges outside the age old political contestations within and without national boundaries, viz; HIV and Aids, famine, economic instability, corruption, climate change and the attainment and realisation of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). However for all these challenges to be successfully tackled there is need to first address socio-political upheaval that has been a legacy of this continent since attainment of political independence from colonial masters.
Social safety nets in Africa have long been discarded. The vulnerable are being subjected to more vulnerability. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. To make matters worse economic empowerment programmes that are aimed at protecting the indigenous populations from poverty are usually politicised, nepotised and corruption becomes the governing rule on who benefits.
In solving Africa's impasse the solution must be of African origin. Of note are some countries and regions in the world that have stable political systems. Africa can copy ideal political systems from elsewhere but it should be borne that Africa should work on improving on them and develop a political system that is better than the one they have copied from. Africa's misfortune has been the attempt to copy a political or governance system wholesale.
Therefore, the subject of human security in Africa today, is more about fear than hope.
Contemporary African Politics: The Politics of Patronage, Ethnicity and Belonging drivers of armed conflict in Africa.
'…the outright exclusion and discriminating practices against people and communities often on … political grounds makes citizenship ineffective. Without it, people cannot attain human security.' (Commission on Human Security (CHS) (2003: 133)
Africa's history is chequered with challenges. This makes Africa a continent of challenges. Colonialism and imperialism brought about chilling effects of challenges that bedevil Africa. The colonisers did not put in place a proper system of transfer of power at the interregnum. The situation was exacerbated by the system of divide and rule long used by the colonisers to maintain hegemony. Imperialistic domination was buttressed and fortressed through dividing African people via ethnic and tribal lines.
'[In Rwanda] between 1925 and 1935 the colonial administration introduced social and political reforms that grouped the population according to ethnic origin'. (Gatwa in Media Development 3, 1995:18)
The 1993 Burundi civil war between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups claimed 200 000 lives in a space of months. The 1994 Rwanda genocide claimed over 800 000 civilian Tutsis and moderate Hutus. In Zimbabwe, post-independence disturbances in Matabeleland and Midlands regions claimed an estimated 20 000 lives. These atrocities are documented as Gukurahundi. They were an act of ethnic cleansing that was carried out by the state (Fawole and Ukeje, 2005; Gatwa in Media Development 3, 1995; CCJP).
Ethnicity is always made an alibi for various socio-political disorders in Africa and is denigrated by the media as bad tribalism, decried by developmentalists as a remnant of the past, it is also loathed by Marxists as 'false consciousness’. It however remains the only reality for most Africans (Hameso, 1997:5). Hameso further contends that African leaders criticize ethnicity in daylight but embrace it behind the scenes.
It is against this background that one can therefore argue that for African nation states to survive there is need for cultivating a culture of political, ethnic and tribal tolerance that shall manifest itself through political accomodation and power sharing. Through such an arrangement social exclusion will gradually fall away. The citizen replaces the subject. A citizen feels more secure and identifies more with aspirations of the state compared to the subject. In the process there is less frustration amongst the population. Frustration often manifests itself outwardly through violence and rebellion.
If one compares relative merits of repression and political accomodation, one is bound to notice the superior merits of the latter. In politics, as in medicine, prevention is better than cure, and finding the remedies for grievances, before they explode into violence, does not necessarily constitute appeasement (Crozier, 1960:13)
Ake (2003) and Nyamnjoh (2005) posit that political accomodation and power sharing within the nation state in Africa provides ultimate hope in a wider strategy aimed at persuading the state to embrace tenets of democracy and bring political stability. Success of this notion depends on how Africans re-create democracy to reflect notions of collective political participation of all members of the nation state. Guided in part by consensual democracy and experiences in democratic consociationism and corporatism, it is time to investigate possible alternatives that merge liberal democracy with the cultural interests of communities
The socio-political stability of Africa shall spur economic development in Africa. Adejumobi in Fawole and Ukeje (2005) notes that the explosion in identities and identity based conflicts in Africa ordinarily contradicts the logic of globalisation. Deepening poverty, inequalities and declining social welfare especially in the global south, 'has pushed many individuals into sectarian identities, reinforced their potency in society and made them alternative sites of political expression and struggles fuelling tension and conflict in many countries.'(p.19-20)
Mamdani (1996) notes that active citizen participation in community contemporary issues are seen leading to democratisation. It can thus be argued that this notion should be the guiding principle in the determination of Africa's body polity structure. Africans have enough wisdom within themselves to determine the type of governance and political system that they want. Outside interference in African processes must be minimal and should only come in the form of suggestions and/or commentary to processes conceived by Africans. However, Africa is not an island and therefore she cannot live in isolation. African processes, systems, structures and institutions are open to critique just like any other operating systems in the world. Outside interference in Africa's processes is only due, when the Africans concerned call for it.
Armed conflict in Africa forestalls development. From 1970, no less than 30 wars have been fought in Africa, most of them intra-state in nature. In 1994, out of a total of 48 countries in sub- Saharan Africa, no less than twelve countries were at war, while two were in the post war phase, and 14 had a recent experience of significantly high levels of political violence. In all, in 1994, a total of 28 countries, more than half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, were or had been recently afflicted by serious violent conflicts. In 1996, 14 countries were engaged in armed conflicts, while by 1999 the number had increased to 18, with no less 11 countries suffering severe political crises (Fawole and Ukeje, 2005:20). It is beyond imaginable comprehension how one can envisage that a continent in constant armed turmoil can uplift itself and set itself on the road to economic growth and stability.
However, there is a critical school of thought that argues that political accomodation; power sharing and political tolerance in the modern African nation state is not the best solution to preventing violent conflict. This school of thought places more emphasis on the individual, individual rights and the role of civil society in strengthening democracy.
Subscribers to this school of thought argue that if the individual is empowered, they are in a better position to determine their future as individuals acting collectively. Therefore, political elites have no business discussing power sharing or political accomodation but to carry out the mandate entrusted in them by the citizen. That is if they have been given that mandate in the first place.
'Everything, which is distinctively human, is learned, not native. To learn to be human is to develop through the give and take … and an effective sense of being individually distinctive member of a community.' (Dewey, 1988)
However recent events that have taken place on the continent repudiates Dewey's argument. Collective engagement at nation state level for purposes of political accomodation and power sharing has proved to be a viable option, against the popular coup period of the 1970s. After disputed elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe in December 2007 and March 2008, negotiated political settlements have been favoured against external interference or armed revolt.
Nevertheless, the notion is not entirely flawed as it gives a road map on how to achieve full citizen participation in order to attain the full benefits of democracy. Regardless of any form of democracy that Africa or individual nation states will decide to follow, at this juncture, one can argue that it will have elements of liberal democracy or at most it will be a hybrid of liberal democracy and the traditional African political system. This system is in practice in some African nation-states, namely, Zimbabwe. However, the borne of contention remains on the extent and composition of liberal democracy components against traditional political system components or vice versa. Traditional political system components take into account the history of Africa, pre-colonial and during the colonial period. In other words, the argument has been, if Africa is to follow the hybrid model which system amongst the two should be in control. This argument pre-occupies the best part of modernist, post-modernist and communitarian minds
There are four main aspects to be considered to ensure an informed citizenship and democracy, and these are;
1) Dialogue
2) Voting
3) Participation
4) Equality
The four elements highlighted above dovetail into the ideal way of governing the modern African nation state. However, the bone of contention is on the stress on liberal democracy. Liberal democracy deliberately advances individualism. As Nyamnjoh (2003) posits that apart from urban arrangements most African rural societies are still mechanical solidarity areas. In other ways, they are still communal and it is communalism, which defines their identity in the social whole. It therefore means that the exercise of Liberal democracy in such an environment largely remains thorny.
A democracy that focuses too narrowly on the individual and is insensitive to the centrality of group and community interests is likely to impair and frustrate the very recognition and representation it celebrates. (Taylor, 1994; Englund and Nyamnjoh, 2004)
Nyamnjoh (2005:24) further notes that liberal democracy and Africa are not good bedfellows. Nyamnjoh argues that liberal democracy is not the creation of Africa and hence it has failed to suit the needs and conditions of Africa. Purveyors of liberal democracy have tended to blame Africa and her institutions for failing to fit into this model. However, as Nyamnjoh posits, it must be clear to all external influences that Africans and their institutions should be left to work and develop their own unique model of democracy.
Voting is associated with multi-partyism. The political party system of liberal societies makes little sense in Africa, particularly in societies were the development of associational life is composed of rudimentary groups and interest groups remain primary. As result it becomes misleading to think of democracy as a multi-party system. Africa's democracy has very little to base on in terms of experience as established democracies to guide it into the future.
Democratisation in Africa can be viewed as an event, which has enormous historical significance that is not only for Africa but also for democracy and civilisations throughout the world. Demand for democratisation in Africa arises from a shared feeling that economic mismanagement and brutal repression of ordinary people in the post-independence nation state has become life threatening to ordinary people.
It is against this background that I proffer the following principles of democracy and pillars of democracy to act as a guide in all governance systems in Africa.
Principles of Democracy
Pillars of Democracy
1. Participation by citizens
2. Equality
3. Political tolerance
4. Accountability
5. Transparency
6. Regular free and fair elections
7. Economic freedom
8. Control of abuse of power by the state
9. Inclusion of a bill of rights in the constitution
10. Observance and adherence to the rule of law
1) Sovereignty of the people
2) Government based on the consent of the governed
3) Majority rule
4) Protection of minority rights
5) Guarantee of basic human rights
6) Free and fair elections
7) Equality before the law
8) Due process of law
9) Constitutional limits on government
10) Social, economic and political pluralism
11) Values of tolerance, pragmatism, co-operation and compromise
National, Regional, Continental and Institutions - Their responsibility to the individual vis`a vis` the state
"Governance issues are closely linked to the empowerment of people and communities. Without effective governance, people are not empowered and unless people and communities are empowered to let their voices be heard or to participate in decision making, governance is not feasible." (CHS, 2003:68)
Of late the world and Africa in particular has witnessed an upsurge in despotism. National elective processes in Africa are being widely disregarded and undermined by incumbent governments because their people cannot seek recourse elsewhere. Election rigging and other forms of election offences are being committed. Five successive elections in Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2008 have been marred by electoral irregularities. The case of Zimbabwe further shows that the holding of elections at regular intervals, as and when they are due is no guarantee of democracy. The Zimbabwe government, led by Robert Mugabe has successfully manipulated the ideological state apparatus to subvert the will of the majority of Zimbabweans.
Another case that quickly comes to mind is the case of Liberia as presented by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in her speech at the sixth annual, Nelson Mandela lecture. In 1985, Liberia held a sham election that was endorsed by Africa and the world. 30 years of civil war and devastation followed, with thousands dead and millions displaced. President Sirleaf- Johnson stresses the point that it need not have happened.
African institutions such as regional blocs, supra regional blocs and the African Union have largely remained ineffectual, as fellow brothers and sisters in trouble spots have continued to suffer.
However, one can also argue that the emergence of new African generational vision leaders who seek to change the current political matrix in order to transform African communities into progressive forces is a welcome relief. It is leaders such as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (President Liberia) who have vowed to relegate to history the legacies of patronage, corruption, lawlessness and underdevelopment, who bring hope to many an African (Johnson-Sirleaf, The Sixth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, 2008- Behold A New Africa).
In her lecture speech, President Johnson-Sirleaf also decries African peer leader patronage and ineffectiveness of the African institutions in tackling African problems. There is need to revisit and re-look at African political and economic trading blocs with a view to strengthening them so that they can act as positive peer review institutions on areas that are directly linked to governance, respect of human rights.
It can, thus be argued that for political security to be attained in Africa there is need for individual nation states and the entire continent to consider the political development of Africa along the following four broad points;
Ø Establishment of African leadership schools within individual nation states and sub-regions. African leadership schools shall tap into experiences, successes, trials and tribulations of current serving and retired political leaders. The idea is primarily aimed at developing and nurturing future African leaders with a generational vision that regards socio-political development as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. African political, business and religious leaders to various tertiary education institutions in Africa can exercise this idea through organised visiting lectures.
Ø Civil society in Africa should and must develop along African lines and avoid taking a Eurocentric index of accomplishment, to which Africa's differences become a deviation or a deficit that has to be corrected at all costs.
"Understanding politics in Africa is a matter of identifying the complexities conflict that takes place between the state and society and explaining the myriad ways in which political actors, within both 'state' and 'civil society', link up to sustain the vertical, infra-institutional and patrimonial networks which underpin politics on the continent" (Nyamnjoh, 2005:33).
Ø The immediate challenge that faces Africa is the development of a strong political system, with clear channels of transfer of power within a democratic space. The African Union (AU), regional and supra regional bodies should act on solving this challenge. Africa's impasse is political by nature and is characterised by a leadership famine. Some of the issues and challenges that our leaders pre-occupy themselves with at national, regional and international fora can only be achieved after solving the main African predicament: which is political in nature. At times one may argue that issues discussed by African political leaders at national, regional, continental and at times international public and private spheres only seek to divert Africans from real issues.
Amate (1986) observes and analyses the operations of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU). Amate, uncovers shortfalls of the then OAU as a continental body that convenes heads of state and other African politicians. The then countries constituting the OAU randomly snubbed decisions made by the body and in some instances the then liberation movements totally disregarded resolutions passed by the body. Today the same situation still prevails, with most African leaders still taking the body for granted.
In July 2008, Robert Mugabe boasted that he will challenge any leader at the African Union summit in Egypt who dared to question him on his controversial 're-election' for a sixth successive term as President of Zimbabwe. The 27 June 2008 Presidential election run-off was a one-man race after the leader of the main opposition Morgan Tsvangirai had pulled out of the election citing state sanctioned political violence, undermining of the electoral process and widespread intimidation of his supporters.
The ruling elite in Africa should embrace the idea of upholding cultural security. Cultural security shall be strengthened through the development of strong and vibrant African media. This is opposed to the current one-dimensional media-broadcasting network that focuses on the public media acting as a purveyor of the ruling party ideology.
The stranglehold on the airwaves and continued churning of propaganda by most African state broadcasters has led to the majority of Africans turning to satellite news network for what they perceive to be the accurate portrayal and reportage of events on their continent and respective countries. This has negative consequences on the young and emerging democracies of Africa. This is evident in Zimbabwe and Swaziland were incumbent governments have kept the media and media practitioners on a tight leash.
The foreign media are a foreign cultural influence grounded in economic and political domination and according to the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah; the mass media act as a crucial informal means by which the values and structures are accepted (Williams, 2003:217).
Twin horrors: political instability and refugees
The upsurge in political instability in most African nation states has brought along with it economic instability and armed conflict. The result has been an upsurge in economic, political and social refugees pouring into neighbouring countries. This has brought a lot of challenges to the host or receiving country. Some of the challenges posed by this problem include,
a) Strain on the social service delivery system of the receiving country
b) Political instability
c) Social deliquency, an increase in HIV prevalence and crime rates
d) Xenophobia.
Due to economic and political instability in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region, South Africa has witnessed an influx of refugees, economic migrants and political asylum seekers. This has presented a lot of challenges to the delicate social fabric system of South Africa. In 2008, South Africa was thrown into a violent social conflict. The indigenous South Africans instituted xenophobic attacks against foreigners. Over 70 people died in the ensuing attacks.
Zimbabwean citizens have borne most of the brunt of xenophobic attacks in almost all-neighbouring countries that they travel to, in search of economic and political refuge.
Axis of Evil: Famine, Poverty, HIV and Aids
There is a positive co-relation between HIV/Aids and poverty. The HIV and Aids pandemic threatens to turn the African landmass south of the Sahara into a giant cemetery. Infection rates are rising by the day and the prevalence rate threatens to shoot into the sky. This is despite the fact that countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda have of late recorded a decline in prevalence rates. According to UNAIDS, globally 33 200 000 people are infected with HIV in the world and the majority are in sub-Saharan Africa.
The horn of Africa, which comprises, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti is entangled between famine and war. When cycles of drought coincide with political upheaval, famine is a tragic by-product. Surrounding war isolates many people in rain-starved areas; those fleeing conflict often crowd into regions that cannot support them. Thus food becomes a weapon for warring factions. "Peace, not rain, is the surest harbinger of relief" (National Geographic 1993:98)
The humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur, Sudan can only be solved through open dialogue, with negotiators coming to the negotiating table with a sense of compromise.
The role of African media in liberating the horn of Africa cannot be overemphasised. World over it has been proven that, where there is a free press there has never been famine. The role of African media in preventing famine and armed conflict in other African nation states must be seriously considered.
Dan Rather in the Sunday Times June 22, 2008 contends that;
"… it should be recognised that hunger fuels anger, ignites revolution and feeds terrorism. The implications of [famine] start with humanitarian concerns but they do not end there. They also encompass issues of civil society and national security." (p.5)
Looking into the Future: Africa a sleeping Giant, Tomorrow’s World Leader
Africa is a continent endowed with a lot of resources, both natural and human. At this juncture I shall dwell more on the natural resources. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rich in minerals, fertile soils and timber. DRC leads the pack in terms of African countries rich in natural resources. The challenge that faces us, as young Africans, young idea and social entrepreneurs is to come up with a generational vision that shall unchain Africa from the current political impasse and set her on a sprint to economic growth and development. This can only be achieved through nurturing and developing young visionary leaders, from Cape to Cairo.
Conclusion
From the catbird seat of modern Tokyo, members of Japan's shinjirui (new human race) have much to ponder. Following their parent's economic miracle, where next will they take Japan? For African youths, years of political instability, armed conflict, disease and famine have relegated Africa to the periphery of the world economy. The challenge is to build on the experiences we have gone through as a people and then attempt to breakthrough in the same way as Japan, China and the four Asian Tigers and more recently the economic boom of India. Africa is endowed with natural and human resources that can quickly turn around the fortunes of the continent, if positively used.
Over the years the only thing that seems to be developing in Africa, is underdevelopment. The challenge to Africa's political leadership is to put in place a political system that favours peace. With time, we may embrace the idea of continental citizenship as proposed by President Gaddafi of Libya. The United States of Africa is a possibility, more so when we have witnessed the Europeans create the supra-regional citizen through the European Union. The future of Africa looks bright as long as the current leaders put young people at the forefront of change and development processes. For Africans, Africa is the only thing that we have; therefore we cannot afford to leave on its periphery or in fear of the leader or the next individual.
Africa's current impasse is a political leadership crisis. Africa is a continent that is still being haunted by its history. Politics of patronage and belonging are still the order of the day. African political institutions have also failed to liberate the masses and steer Africa towards economic development. The political crises in Africa have manifested through economic decline, decay of the social services delivery system and widespread poverty.
African political leaders have failed to tackle the socio-political hurdles associated with ethnicity and tribalism. Ostensibly, African politicians are selfish and duplicitous in their dealings, governance and operations and hence the policies and instititutions that they espouse have largely remained unhelpful to the majority of Africans. Human security is about protecting and at the same time empowering.
It is the business of this paper to attempt to argue that the predicament of contemporary Africa, is, that it is predominantly pre-capitalistic and pre-industrial, because premordial loyalities are still strong such as gerontocracy. It therefore follows that democracy in Africa still remains a necessity. For ordinary people in Africa, they desire second independence from their leaders, which is opposed to first independence from colonising powers.
This paper discusses human security in Africa by drawing ideas and arguments from scholars and experiences borne out of Africa. The paper also suggests possible avenues to the creation of an ideal 21st century Africa organised around the adherence, observation and respect of suggested body polity ideas.
Africa is a rich continent, endowed with natural and human resources that should offer social, economic and political security to all its inhabitants.
Introduction
Human security as a subject in Africa and the rest of the global south has long been left and concentrated on political instability, armed conflict, famine and disease. Little time has been left on debate on the issues that attempt to unravel the causes of this insecurity. Subtle and delicate debate to attempt to unravel Africa's quagmire has been long left to the political leader and the academia. The notion of human security, broadly conceived, encompasses freedom from want as well as freedom from fear.
Contemporary Africa is facing a number of challenges outside the age old political contestations within and without national boundaries, viz; HIV and Aids, famine, economic instability, corruption, climate change and the attainment and realisation of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). However for all these challenges to be successfully tackled there is need to first address socio-political upheaval that has been a legacy of this continent since attainment of political independence from colonial masters.
Social safety nets in Africa have long been discarded. The vulnerable are being subjected to more vulnerability. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. To make matters worse economic empowerment programmes that are aimed at protecting the indigenous populations from poverty are usually politicised, nepotised and corruption becomes the governing rule on who benefits.
In solving Africa's impasse the solution must be of African origin. Of note are some countries and regions in the world that have stable political systems. Africa can copy ideal political systems from elsewhere but it should be borne that Africa should work on improving on them and develop a political system that is better than the one they have copied from. Africa's misfortune has been the attempt to copy a political or governance system wholesale.
Therefore, the subject of human security in Africa today, is more about fear than hope.
Contemporary African Politics: The Politics of Patronage, Ethnicity and Belonging drivers of armed conflict in Africa.
'…the outright exclusion and discriminating practices against people and communities often on … political grounds makes citizenship ineffective. Without it, people cannot attain human security.' (Commission on Human Security (CHS) (2003: 133)
Africa's history is chequered with challenges. This makes Africa a continent of challenges. Colonialism and imperialism brought about chilling effects of challenges that bedevil Africa. The colonisers did not put in place a proper system of transfer of power at the interregnum. The situation was exacerbated by the system of divide and rule long used by the colonisers to maintain hegemony. Imperialistic domination was buttressed and fortressed through dividing African people via ethnic and tribal lines.
'[In Rwanda] between 1925 and 1935 the colonial administration introduced social and political reforms that grouped the population according to ethnic origin'. (Gatwa in Media Development 3, 1995:18)
The 1993 Burundi civil war between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups claimed 200 000 lives in a space of months. The 1994 Rwanda genocide claimed over 800 000 civilian Tutsis and moderate Hutus. In Zimbabwe, post-independence disturbances in Matabeleland and Midlands regions claimed an estimated 20 000 lives. These atrocities are documented as Gukurahundi. They were an act of ethnic cleansing that was carried out by the state (Fawole and Ukeje, 2005; Gatwa in Media Development 3, 1995; CCJP).
Ethnicity is always made an alibi for various socio-political disorders in Africa and is denigrated by the media as bad tribalism, decried by developmentalists as a remnant of the past, it is also loathed by Marxists as 'false consciousness’. It however remains the only reality for most Africans (Hameso, 1997:5). Hameso further contends that African leaders criticize ethnicity in daylight but embrace it behind the scenes.
It is against this background that one can therefore argue that for African nation states to survive there is need for cultivating a culture of political, ethnic and tribal tolerance that shall manifest itself through political accomodation and power sharing. Through such an arrangement social exclusion will gradually fall away. The citizen replaces the subject. A citizen feels more secure and identifies more with aspirations of the state compared to the subject. In the process there is less frustration amongst the population. Frustration often manifests itself outwardly through violence and rebellion.
If one compares relative merits of repression and political accomodation, one is bound to notice the superior merits of the latter. In politics, as in medicine, prevention is better than cure, and finding the remedies for grievances, before they explode into violence, does not necessarily constitute appeasement (Crozier, 1960:13)
Ake (2003) and Nyamnjoh (2005) posit that political accomodation and power sharing within the nation state in Africa provides ultimate hope in a wider strategy aimed at persuading the state to embrace tenets of democracy and bring political stability. Success of this notion depends on how Africans re-create democracy to reflect notions of collective political participation of all members of the nation state. Guided in part by consensual democracy and experiences in democratic consociationism and corporatism, it is time to investigate possible alternatives that merge liberal democracy with the cultural interests of communities
The socio-political stability of Africa shall spur economic development in Africa. Adejumobi in Fawole and Ukeje (2005) notes that the explosion in identities and identity based conflicts in Africa ordinarily contradicts the logic of globalisation. Deepening poverty, inequalities and declining social welfare especially in the global south, 'has pushed many individuals into sectarian identities, reinforced their potency in society and made them alternative sites of political expression and struggles fuelling tension and conflict in many countries.'(p.19-20)
Mamdani (1996) notes that active citizen participation in community contemporary issues are seen leading to democratisation. It can thus be argued that this notion should be the guiding principle in the determination of Africa's body polity structure. Africans have enough wisdom within themselves to determine the type of governance and political system that they want. Outside interference in African processes must be minimal and should only come in the form of suggestions and/or commentary to processes conceived by Africans. However, Africa is not an island and therefore she cannot live in isolation. African processes, systems, structures and institutions are open to critique just like any other operating systems in the world. Outside interference in Africa's processes is only due, when the Africans concerned call for it.
Armed conflict in Africa forestalls development. From 1970, no less than 30 wars have been fought in Africa, most of them intra-state in nature. In 1994, out of a total of 48 countries in sub- Saharan Africa, no less than twelve countries were at war, while two were in the post war phase, and 14 had a recent experience of significantly high levels of political violence. In all, in 1994, a total of 28 countries, more than half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, were or had been recently afflicted by serious violent conflicts. In 1996, 14 countries were engaged in armed conflicts, while by 1999 the number had increased to 18, with no less 11 countries suffering severe political crises (Fawole and Ukeje, 2005:20). It is beyond imaginable comprehension how one can envisage that a continent in constant armed turmoil can uplift itself and set itself on the road to economic growth and stability.
However, there is a critical school of thought that argues that political accomodation; power sharing and political tolerance in the modern African nation state is not the best solution to preventing violent conflict. This school of thought places more emphasis on the individual, individual rights and the role of civil society in strengthening democracy.
Subscribers to this school of thought argue that if the individual is empowered, they are in a better position to determine their future as individuals acting collectively. Therefore, political elites have no business discussing power sharing or political accomodation but to carry out the mandate entrusted in them by the citizen. That is if they have been given that mandate in the first place.
'Everything, which is distinctively human, is learned, not native. To learn to be human is to develop through the give and take … and an effective sense of being individually distinctive member of a community.' (Dewey, 1988)
However recent events that have taken place on the continent repudiates Dewey's argument. Collective engagement at nation state level for purposes of political accomodation and power sharing has proved to be a viable option, against the popular coup period of the 1970s. After disputed elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe in December 2007 and March 2008, negotiated political settlements have been favoured against external interference or armed revolt.
Nevertheless, the notion is not entirely flawed as it gives a road map on how to achieve full citizen participation in order to attain the full benefits of democracy. Regardless of any form of democracy that Africa or individual nation states will decide to follow, at this juncture, one can argue that it will have elements of liberal democracy or at most it will be a hybrid of liberal democracy and the traditional African political system. This system is in practice in some African nation-states, namely, Zimbabwe. However, the borne of contention remains on the extent and composition of liberal democracy components against traditional political system components or vice versa. Traditional political system components take into account the history of Africa, pre-colonial and during the colonial period. In other words, the argument has been, if Africa is to follow the hybrid model which system amongst the two should be in control. This argument pre-occupies the best part of modernist, post-modernist and communitarian minds
There are four main aspects to be considered to ensure an informed citizenship and democracy, and these are;
1) Dialogue
2) Voting
3) Participation
4) Equality
The four elements highlighted above dovetail into the ideal way of governing the modern African nation state. However, the bone of contention is on the stress on liberal democracy. Liberal democracy deliberately advances individualism. As Nyamnjoh (2003) posits that apart from urban arrangements most African rural societies are still mechanical solidarity areas. In other ways, they are still communal and it is communalism, which defines their identity in the social whole. It therefore means that the exercise of Liberal democracy in such an environment largely remains thorny.
A democracy that focuses too narrowly on the individual and is insensitive to the centrality of group and community interests is likely to impair and frustrate the very recognition and representation it celebrates. (Taylor, 1994; Englund and Nyamnjoh, 2004)
Nyamnjoh (2005:24) further notes that liberal democracy and Africa are not good bedfellows. Nyamnjoh argues that liberal democracy is not the creation of Africa and hence it has failed to suit the needs and conditions of Africa. Purveyors of liberal democracy have tended to blame Africa and her institutions for failing to fit into this model. However, as Nyamnjoh posits, it must be clear to all external influences that Africans and their institutions should be left to work and develop their own unique model of democracy.
Voting is associated with multi-partyism. The political party system of liberal societies makes little sense in Africa, particularly in societies were the development of associational life is composed of rudimentary groups and interest groups remain primary. As result it becomes misleading to think of democracy as a multi-party system. Africa's democracy has very little to base on in terms of experience as established democracies to guide it into the future.
Democratisation in Africa can be viewed as an event, which has enormous historical significance that is not only for Africa but also for democracy and civilisations throughout the world. Demand for democratisation in Africa arises from a shared feeling that economic mismanagement and brutal repression of ordinary people in the post-independence nation state has become life threatening to ordinary people.
It is against this background that I proffer the following principles of democracy and pillars of democracy to act as a guide in all governance systems in Africa.
Principles of Democracy
Pillars of Democracy
1. Participation by citizens
2. Equality
3. Political tolerance
4. Accountability
5. Transparency
6. Regular free and fair elections
7. Economic freedom
8. Control of abuse of power by the state
9. Inclusion of a bill of rights in the constitution
10. Observance and adherence to the rule of law
1) Sovereignty of the people
2) Government based on the consent of the governed
3) Majority rule
4) Protection of minority rights
5) Guarantee of basic human rights
6) Free and fair elections
7) Equality before the law
8) Due process of law
9) Constitutional limits on government
10) Social, economic and political pluralism
11) Values of tolerance, pragmatism, co-operation and compromise
National, Regional, Continental and Institutions - Their responsibility to the individual vis`a vis` the state
"Governance issues are closely linked to the empowerment of people and communities. Without effective governance, people are not empowered and unless people and communities are empowered to let their voices be heard or to participate in decision making, governance is not feasible." (CHS, 2003:68)
Of late the world and Africa in particular has witnessed an upsurge in despotism. National elective processes in Africa are being widely disregarded and undermined by incumbent governments because their people cannot seek recourse elsewhere. Election rigging and other forms of election offences are being committed. Five successive elections in Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2008 have been marred by electoral irregularities. The case of Zimbabwe further shows that the holding of elections at regular intervals, as and when they are due is no guarantee of democracy. The Zimbabwe government, led by Robert Mugabe has successfully manipulated the ideological state apparatus to subvert the will of the majority of Zimbabweans.
Another case that quickly comes to mind is the case of Liberia as presented by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in her speech at the sixth annual, Nelson Mandela lecture. In 1985, Liberia held a sham election that was endorsed by Africa and the world. 30 years of civil war and devastation followed, with thousands dead and millions displaced. President Sirleaf- Johnson stresses the point that it need not have happened.
African institutions such as regional blocs, supra regional blocs and the African Union have largely remained ineffectual, as fellow brothers and sisters in trouble spots have continued to suffer.
However, one can also argue that the emergence of new African generational vision leaders who seek to change the current political matrix in order to transform African communities into progressive forces is a welcome relief. It is leaders such as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (President Liberia) who have vowed to relegate to history the legacies of patronage, corruption, lawlessness and underdevelopment, who bring hope to many an African (Johnson-Sirleaf, The Sixth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, 2008- Behold A New Africa).
In her lecture speech, President Johnson-Sirleaf also decries African peer leader patronage and ineffectiveness of the African institutions in tackling African problems. There is need to revisit and re-look at African political and economic trading blocs with a view to strengthening them so that they can act as positive peer review institutions on areas that are directly linked to governance, respect of human rights.
It can, thus be argued that for political security to be attained in Africa there is need for individual nation states and the entire continent to consider the political development of Africa along the following four broad points;
Ø Establishment of African leadership schools within individual nation states and sub-regions. African leadership schools shall tap into experiences, successes, trials and tribulations of current serving and retired political leaders. The idea is primarily aimed at developing and nurturing future African leaders with a generational vision that regards socio-political development as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. African political, business and religious leaders to various tertiary education institutions in Africa can exercise this idea through organised visiting lectures.
Ø Civil society in Africa should and must develop along African lines and avoid taking a Eurocentric index of accomplishment, to which Africa's differences become a deviation or a deficit that has to be corrected at all costs.
"Understanding politics in Africa is a matter of identifying the complexities conflict that takes place between the state and society and explaining the myriad ways in which political actors, within both 'state' and 'civil society', link up to sustain the vertical, infra-institutional and patrimonial networks which underpin politics on the continent" (Nyamnjoh, 2005:33).
Ø The immediate challenge that faces Africa is the development of a strong political system, with clear channels of transfer of power within a democratic space. The African Union (AU), regional and supra regional bodies should act on solving this challenge. Africa's impasse is political by nature and is characterised by a leadership famine. Some of the issues and challenges that our leaders pre-occupy themselves with at national, regional and international fora can only be achieved after solving the main African predicament: which is political in nature. At times one may argue that issues discussed by African political leaders at national, regional, continental and at times international public and private spheres only seek to divert Africans from real issues.
Amate (1986) observes and analyses the operations of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU). Amate, uncovers shortfalls of the then OAU as a continental body that convenes heads of state and other African politicians. The then countries constituting the OAU randomly snubbed decisions made by the body and in some instances the then liberation movements totally disregarded resolutions passed by the body. Today the same situation still prevails, with most African leaders still taking the body for granted.
In July 2008, Robert Mugabe boasted that he will challenge any leader at the African Union summit in Egypt who dared to question him on his controversial 're-election' for a sixth successive term as President of Zimbabwe. The 27 June 2008 Presidential election run-off was a one-man race after the leader of the main opposition Morgan Tsvangirai had pulled out of the election citing state sanctioned political violence, undermining of the electoral process and widespread intimidation of his supporters.
The ruling elite in Africa should embrace the idea of upholding cultural security. Cultural security shall be strengthened through the development of strong and vibrant African media. This is opposed to the current one-dimensional media-broadcasting network that focuses on the public media acting as a purveyor of the ruling party ideology.
The stranglehold on the airwaves and continued churning of propaganda by most African state broadcasters has led to the majority of Africans turning to satellite news network for what they perceive to be the accurate portrayal and reportage of events on their continent and respective countries. This has negative consequences on the young and emerging democracies of Africa. This is evident in Zimbabwe and Swaziland were incumbent governments have kept the media and media practitioners on a tight leash.
The foreign media are a foreign cultural influence grounded in economic and political domination and according to the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah; the mass media act as a crucial informal means by which the values and structures are accepted (Williams, 2003:217).
Twin horrors: political instability and refugees
The upsurge in political instability in most African nation states has brought along with it economic instability and armed conflict. The result has been an upsurge in economic, political and social refugees pouring into neighbouring countries. This has brought a lot of challenges to the host or receiving country. Some of the challenges posed by this problem include,
a) Strain on the social service delivery system of the receiving country
b) Political instability
c) Social deliquency, an increase in HIV prevalence and crime rates
d) Xenophobia.
Due to economic and political instability in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region, South Africa has witnessed an influx of refugees, economic migrants and political asylum seekers. This has presented a lot of challenges to the delicate social fabric system of South Africa. In 2008, South Africa was thrown into a violent social conflict. The indigenous South Africans instituted xenophobic attacks against foreigners. Over 70 people died in the ensuing attacks.
Zimbabwean citizens have borne most of the brunt of xenophobic attacks in almost all-neighbouring countries that they travel to, in search of economic and political refuge.
Axis of Evil: Famine, Poverty, HIV and Aids
There is a positive co-relation between HIV/Aids and poverty. The HIV and Aids pandemic threatens to turn the African landmass south of the Sahara into a giant cemetery. Infection rates are rising by the day and the prevalence rate threatens to shoot into the sky. This is despite the fact that countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda have of late recorded a decline in prevalence rates. According to UNAIDS, globally 33 200 000 people are infected with HIV in the world and the majority are in sub-Saharan Africa.
The horn of Africa, which comprises, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti is entangled between famine and war. When cycles of drought coincide with political upheaval, famine is a tragic by-product. Surrounding war isolates many people in rain-starved areas; those fleeing conflict often crowd into regions that cannot support them. Thus food becomes a weapon for warring factions. "Peace, not rain, is the surest harbinger of relief" (National Geographic 1993:98)
The humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur, Sudan can only be solved through open dialogue, with negotiators coming to the negotiating table with a sense of compromise.
The role of African media in liberating the horn of Africa cannot be overemphasised. World over it has been proven that, where there is a free press there has never been famine. The role of African media in preventing famine and armed conflict in other African nation states must be seriously considered.
Dan Rather in the Sunday Times June 22, 2008 contends that;
"… it should be recognised that hunger fuels anger, ignites revolution and feeds terrorism. The implications of [famine] start with humanitarian concerns but they do not end there. They also encompass issues of civil society and national security." (p.5)
Looking into the Future: Africa a sleeping Giant, Tomorrow’s World Leader
Africa is a continent endowed with a lot of resources, both natural and human. At this juncture I shall dwell more on the natural resources. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rich in minerals, fertile soils and timber. DRC leads the pack in terms of African countries rich in natural resources. The challenge that faces us, as young Africans, young idea and social entrepreneurs is to come up with a generational vision that shall unchain Africa from the current political impasse and set her on a sprint to economic growth and development. This can only be achieved through nurturing and developing young visionary leaders, from Cape to Cairo.
Conclusion
From the catbird seat of modern Tokyo, members of Japan's shinjirui (new human race) have much to ponder. Following their parent's economic miracle, where next will they take Japan? For African youths, years of political instability, armed conflict, disease and famine have relegated Africa to the periphery of the world economy. The challenge is to build on the experiences we have gone through as a people and then attempt to breakthrough in the same way as Japan, China and the four Asian Tigers and more recently the economic boom of India. Africa is endowed with natural and human resources that can quickly turn around the fortunes of the continent, if positively used.
Over the years the only thing that seems to be developing in Africa, is underdevelopment. The challenge to Africa's political leadership is to put in place a political system that favours peace. With time, we may embrace the idea of continental citizenship as proposed by President Gaddafi of Libya. The United States of Africa is a possibility, more so when we have witnessed the Europeans create the supra-regional citizen through the European Union. The future of Africa looks bright as long as the current leaders put young people at the forefront of change and development processes. For Africans, Africa is the only thing that we have; therefore we cannot afford to leave on its periphery or in fear of the leader or the next individual.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Opinion: The State of State Tertiary Education System in Zimbabwe
The state of tertiary education in Zimbabwe: A case of student suppression and repression at Nust
The story that I present here is a personal story of my experiences as a student leader and activist at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Zimbabwe. I enrolled at Nust in August 2005. This is a narrative presentation of a story of injustice, torture and denial of rights, at an institution that must be a citadel of intellectual civilization.
Since 1980 when Zimbabwe gained independence up until 2005 students at state tertiary education institutions were offered grants, of which later, were turned into loans to help them finance their education by the government. Universally, state universities are state utilities, which are meant to provide a service to all deserving students irrespective of their socio-economic status. In 2005, the government scrapped the loan system for students, thus paving the way for the commercialization of state universities.
Upon the realization of the continued deterioration of the standards of learning at state tertiary institutions, gross human rights violations by the government and misgovernance, students organized themselves through student representative councils (SRCs) at their respective institutions and the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) to protest against the apparent failure of the national higher education system, which was a symptom of policy and governance failure by the Zimbabwe government.
Student demonstrations at Nust to protest against the crumbling system are violently crushed by the repressive state apparatus. Student suspensions, expulsions and abductions are the order of the day. The situation at Nust is hopeless.
The signing of the power sharing deal between Zanu- PF and the two formations of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which culminated in the formation of a coalition government in February 2009, brought a glimmer of hope to I and many other students at Nust. However, the audacity of hope turned into the reality of fear. Under the coalition government, tuition fees at state universities range between US$415 and US$1 600 a semester. This is against average monthly salaries of US$100 a month for most workers, whom the majority are sponsors of students at tertiary education institutions.
Even with the high fees being levied, the learning conditions and environment continue to deteriorate. Imagine a university in the 21st century without internet services for its students, a poorly stocked library with outdated books and very few books relevant to the curricula, outdated curricula irrelevant to Zimbabwe, Africa and the world, inexperienced academic staff and filthy lecture rooms and sanitary facilities. Therefore, as students we have a right to protest against the appalling situation at our university. As students we use various formal channels of engagement with the university, but authorities have turned a deaf ear to issues that we raise. It is against this background that we have resolved to use the mass media, internet and peaceful demonstrations to attract the eye of the government and other stakeholders.
However, the government and the university administrators have reacted savagely to peaceful demonstrations by students. Anti-riot police are summoned to campus to beat students peacefully demonstrating, and the university administrators are suspending and expelling students who take part in demonstrations and protest activities. In essence demonstrations have been banned at Nust. The banning of demonstrations and the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations is a violation of human rights. The government must note, and understand that each generation faces its own challenges within the realities of its own context and in that sense its own dreams and hopes. Students at state tertiary institutions today face so many challenges, of which they must be given an opportunity to express and posit solutions to them.
Student leaders who have led demonstrations against this unfair system have been victimized, with some of them being suspended, expelled or jailed. At Nust, the President of the 2008/09 academic year SRC, Kurayi Hoyi, Secretary General, Samson Nxumalo, former SRC Secretary General from the preceding SRC, Vivid Gwede and ten other students have been suspended and criminal charges preferred against them for a peaceful demonstration that took place at Nust campus, on the 16th of April 2009.
To ameliorate the situation the government must reform its education policy and ensure that vulnerable students are cushioned against tuition fees beyond their reach. In contemporary society university education is not a luxury, moreso when we are living in a knowledge based community of nations. Universities serve as incubators of knowledge, melting pots of cutting edge scientific research and centres of innovation. This argument has gained common currency among academics and post-modern thinkers.
The government must abandon its current policy of overtaxing, the already burden taxpayer, by asking them to pay astronomical fees for public services. Instead the government must preoccupy itself in efforts aimed at resuscitating the economy. This is the surest way of ensuring that people get economically viable jobs and that are able to economically sustain them.
Students at state tertiary education institutions have been unable to tackle some of these challenges because they live as atomized individuals. There is need for students to come together in their various faculties and form academic societies and clubs that speak to their respective needs and wants. It is along this wise that they can be in a position to influence university decisions and policies through their department chairpersons and the respective, Faculty Deans.
State tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe have been turned into commercial enterprises and this has led to the depletion of the very same oasis of human resource development which must serve as a reservoir of generating human resource energy to socio-economic development. Repressive and anti-academic tendencies by the state, have also led to the stripping away of academic freedoms and violations of student rights at state tertiary institutions. The government must reform its act; it must restore academic and human rights for all. State tertiary institutions must encourage the proliferation of student groups on campus to create a universitas.
///Ends…
The story that I present here is a personal story of my experiences as a student leader and activist at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Zimbabwe. I enrolled at Nust in August 2005. This is a narrative presentation of a story of injustice, torture and denial of rights, at an institution that must be a citadel of intellectual civilization.
Since 1980 when Zimbabwe gained independence up until 2005 students at state tertiary education institutions were offered grants, of which later, were turned into loans to help them finance their education by the government. Universally, state universities are state utilities, which are meant to provide a service to all deserving students irrespective of their socio-economic status. In 2005, the government scrapped the loan system for students, thus paving the way for the commercialization of state universities.
Upon the realization of the continued deterioration of the standards of learning at state tertiary institutions, gross human rights violations by the government and misgovernance, students organized themselves through student representative councils (SRCs) at their respective institutions and the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) to protest against the apparent failure of the national higher education system, which was a symptom of policy and governance failure by the Zimbabwe government.
Student demonstrations at Nust to protest against the crumbling system are violently crushed by the repressive state apparatus. Student suspensions, expulsions and abductions are the order of the day. The situation at Nust is hopeless.
The signing of the power sharing deal between Zanu- PF and the two formations of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which culminated in the formation of a coalition government in February 2009, brought a glimmer of hope to I and many other students at Nust. However, the audacity of hope turned into the reality of fear. Under the coalition government, tuition fees at state universities range between US$415 and US$1 600 a semester. This is against average monthly salaries of US$100 a month for most workers, whom the majority are sponsors of students at tertiary education institutions.
Even with the high fees being levied, the learning conditions and environment continue to deteriorate. Imagine a university in the 21st century without internet services for its students, a poorly stocked library with outdated books and very few books relevant to the curricula, outdated curricula irrelevant to Zimbabwe, Africa and the world, inexperienced academic staff and filthy lecture rooms and sanitary facilities. Therefore, as students we have a right to protest against the appalling situation at our university. As students we use various formal channels of engagement with the university, but authorities have turned a deaf ear to issues that we raise. It is against this background that we have resolved to use the mass media, internet and peaceful demonstrations to attract the eye of the government and other stakeholders.
However, the government and the university administrators have reacted savagely to peaceful demonstrations by students. Anti-riot police are summoned to campus to beat students peacefully demonstrating, and the university administrators are suspending and expelling students who take part in demonstrations and protest activities. In essence demonstrations have been banned at Nust. The banning of demonstrations and the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations is a violation of human rights. The government must note, and understand that each generation faces its own challenges within the realities of its own context and in that sense its own dreams and hopes. Students at state tertiary institutions today face so many challenges, of which they must be given an opportunity to express and posit solutions to them.
Student leaders who have led demonstrations against this unfair system have been victimized, with some of them being suspended, expelled or jailed. At Nust, the President of the 2008/09 academic year SRC, Kurayi Hoyi, Secretary General, Samson Nxumalo, former SRC Secretary General from the preceding SRC, Vivid Gwede and ten other students have been suspended and criminal charges preferred against them for a peaceful demonstration that took place at Nust campus, on the 16th of April 2009.
To ameliorate the situation the government must reform its education policy and ensure that vulnerable students are cushioned against tuition fees beyond their reach. In contemporary society university education is not a luxury, moreso when we are living in a knowledge based community of nations. Universities serve as incubators of knowledge, melting pots of cutting edge scientific research and centres of innovation. This argument has gained common currency among academics and post-modern thinkers.
The government must abandon its current policy of overtaxing, the already burden taxpayer, by asking them to pay astronomical fees for public services. Instead the government must preoccupy itself in efforts aimed at resuscitating the economy. This is the surest way of ensuring that people get economically viable jobs and that are able to economically sustain them.
Students at state tertiary education institutions have been unable to tackle some of these challenges because they live as atomized individuals. There is need for students to come together in their various faculties and form academic societies and clubs that speak to their respective needs and wants. It is along this wise that they can be in a position to influence university decisions and policies through their department chairpersons and the respective, Faculty Deans.
State tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe have been turned into commercial enterprises and this has led to the depletion of the very same oasis of human resource development which must serve as a reservoir of generating human resource energy to socio-economic development. Repressive and anti-academic tendencies by the state, have also led to the stripping away of academic freedoms and violations of student rights at state tertiary institutions. The government must reform its act; it must restore academic and human rights for all. State tertiary institutions must encourage the proliferation of student groups on campus to create a universitas.
///Ends…
Nust students suspended
Paul Sixpence
01.06.09
Ten students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) have been suspended pending disciplinary hearings following a demonstration that took place at NUST on the 16th of April.
The ten are, Kurai Hoyi, the President of the Nust Students Representative Council (SRC), Samson Nxumalo, the Secretary General, Vivid Gwede, Mukai Chisumo, Christopher Hwacha, Tawanda Saiti, Fortune Karimanzira, Degray Ziramba, Michael Zimamba and Taurai Chimwanza.
Eight of the ten suspended students are also facing criminal charges arising from university and private property damaged during the demonstrations.
Students were demonstrating over the decision by the university to bar students who had not paid full tuition fees from writing examinations. Tuition fees are currently ranging between US$415 and US$515 per semester. Scores of students who failed to raise the required tuition fees were forced to defer their studies.
Students are complaining that the fees are too high and their guardians, parents and sponsors cannot afford them. Civil servants are earning a socialist allowance of US$100 a month.
“The university administration has failed us,” said Vivid Gwede, former Nust SRC secretary general. “The decision to raise tuition fees to astronomical levels will result in the majority of students dropping out of university. This is sad, considering that most of the students at Nust are from peasant backgrounds and education is the only means to self-emancipation.”
The decision by the university to bar students who had not paid tuition fees to write their examinations is a contradiction to government pronouncements by the minister of higher and tertiary education, Stan Mudenge that no student will be sent away because of failure to pay tuition fees. Surprisingly, Mudenge and the coalition government have been mum on the developments at Nust.
///Ends…
01.06.09
Ten students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) have been suspended pending disciplinary hearings following a demonstration that took place at NUST on the 16th of April.
The ten are, Kurai Hoyi, the President of the Nust Students Representative Council (SRC), Samson Nxumalo, the Secretary General, Vivid Gwede, Mukai Chisumo, Christopher Hwacha, Tawanda Saiti, Fortune Karimanzira, Degray Ziramba, Michael Zimamba and Taurai Chimwanza.
Eight of the ten suspended students are also facing criminal charges arising from university and private property damaged during the demonstrations.
Students were demonstrating over the decision by the university to bar students who had not paid full tuition fees from writing examinations. Tuition fees are currently ranging between US$415 and US$515 per semester. Scores of students who failed to raise the required tuition fees were forced to defer their studies.
Students are complaining that the fees are too high and their guardians, parents and sponsors cannot afford them. Civil servants are earning a socialist allowance of US$100 a month.
“The university administration has failed us,” said Vivid Gwede, former Nust SRC secretary general. “The decision to raise tuition fees to astronomical levels will result in the majority of students dropping out of university. This is sad, considering that most of the students at Nust are from peasant backgrounds and education is the only means to self-emancipation.”
The decision by the university to bar students who had not paid tuition fees to write their examinations is a contradiction to government pronouncements by the minister of higher and tertiary education, Stan Mudenge that no student will be sent away because of failure to pay tuition fees. Surprisingly, Mudenge and the coalition government have been mum on the developments at Nust.
///Ends…
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