Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Happy Birthday, Zimbabwe

Almost two months ago, I wrote a blog celebrating the independence of Ghana. That occasion of saying "Happy Birthday" was joyful as Ghanaians continue to move forward resolutely, mostly unmarred by the vagaries that plague some newly independent African countries.

Today, I say in muted tones "Happy Birthday to Zimbabwe." While Rhodesia (the country's name before it became Zimbabwe) declared its independence from the UK in 1965, that action was taken by the minority white government led by then Prime Minister Ian Smith. He used to say of this unilateral declaration of independence that only two countries had ever broken away from Britain: the United States and Rhodesia. You can read more about the ensuing history. Eventually, Rhodesia fell into a civil war with mult-factions vying for power. When the dust settled, the new country of Zimbabwe came into existence April 18, 1980.





Once seen as a leading light in sub-Saharan Africa, in recent years, Zimbabwe has suffered mightily under the megalomaniacal rule of its president Robert Mugabe. Today's BBC News features some of the present woes of this once lovely country.


Photo of the Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe, taken by my nephew Nevin.

So, rather than shout loud celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence, today say a soft prayer for the long suffering people there.

9 comments:

dmmgmfm said...

The photo of the Matobo Hills is beautiful. I will say a prayer for the people of Zimbabwe today.

Cathy said...

Another soft prayer - softly whispered.

Vaughn is a remarkable young man.

Denise said...

Zimbabwe has been on my mind a lot, especially today. I have been praying for her people and all that embodies. I don’t pretend to understand Zimbabwe as do you and Daryl, but she is forever planted deep in my heart and I will always care. The picture of the Matobo Hills is quite beautiful. I hope to see them again someday.

Ruth said...

I did not pay much attention to African politics after we came to Canada. I remember South Africa's Independence Day in 1960 and the turmoil that followed. This is what made my parents decide to return to Canada. Africa is a continent in need of much prayer!
Ruth

Mary said...

It's the people to remember and pray for... I appreciate your insight and offering it to us, Donna. A birthday many don't remember or acknowledge. But I do, now. Nice tribute to a country and people close to your heart.

Pam said...

A soft prayer, indeed.

Vagogan said...

As much as I love the picture from Shumba Shaba, I'm afraid I can't take credit for it. While we all took more than a few pictures with that camera on our trip, Nevin was the primary photographer, and the best of any of us. I'm pretty sure that picture was actually taken by him...

Maybe it's just my browser, but the colours on the flag aren't showing up properly; the area which should be black is white instead. There's a certain irony in that, intentional or otherwise.

And indeed, Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika.

KGMom said...

Vaughn--I was tempted to end my blog on Zim's birthday with Nkosi sikelil' iAfrica--but then thought that might be too obscure.
As for corrections, they are made. The weird thing about the flag is the one I downloaded had the black bar, but when it was loaded into Blogger it disappeared & I didn't notice it.
I have now given Neving credit. Since it was on your blog, I assumed you had taken it. I am very careful to give credit, so am glad to know the correct source.

Anonymous said...

I too pray for Zimbabwe - a country of enormous magic, both people and nature. We lived in Musina for a few years, and the area learned extended into southern Zimbabwe. Of all places lived in Africa, that area had the deepest impact.