Sometimes books take over. It seems that recently books about Africa have leapt from the library shelves and from the bookshop counter into my hands. Once again I have been reading about Zimbabwe in a book by Douglas Rogers which is sub-titled ‘a Zimbabwe memoir’. A journalist writing about his parent’s life in Zimbabwe shows the incredible resourcefulness that they show when electricity connections are minimal, when no tourists are coming to their backpackers lodge, and no one turns up to their famous pizza nights. The story is full of humour and sheer grit. Mugabe will never overcome and become the dictator he wants to be when there are both black and white people who can find a way to make a living – sometimes not always legal but always with great humour. The parents grow marijuana, they let out the chalets for ilicit assignations. It all helps to pay their way and they turn a blind eye to it all.
Of course there is fear and anxiety, but Mr and Mrs Douglas conduct themselves with such honour that they should have a medal struck. When they are asked why don’t they leave, they reply they are Zimbabweans. Surely, surely, one day that beautiful country will come back to some form of democaratic government, some form of civilised behaviour and people can live together, farming and working in the commercial and business sector without having to resort to semi-illegal activities to survive.
Zimbabwe beautiful country deserves better and so do the people black and white.
