Full text of Barack Obama's Berlin speech
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Cheered by an enormous international crowd, United States Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama on Thursday summoned Europeans and Americans together to "defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism that supports it" as surely as they conquered communism a generation ago.
He vowed to "stand for the human rights of the dissident in Burma, the blogger in Iran, or the voter in Zimbabwe?", adding: "We will we give meaning to the words 'never again'."
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Last updated: 07/25/2008 14:12:41
BERLIN, Germany -- Thank you to the citizens of Berlin and to the people of Germany. Let me thank Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier for welcoming me earlier today. Thank you Mayor Wowereit, the Berlin Senate, the police, and most of all thank you for this welcome.
I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen - a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world.
I know that I don't look like the Americans who've previously spoken in this great city. The journey that led me here is improbable. My mother was born in the heartland of America, but my father grew up herding goats in Kenya. His father - my grandfather - was a cook, a domestic servant to the British.
At the height of the Cold War, my father decided, like so many others in the forgotten corners of the world, that his yearning - his dream - required the freedom and opportunity promised by the West. And so he wrote letter after letter to universities all across America until somebody, somewhere answered his prayer for a better life.
That is why I'm here. And you are here because you too know that yearning. This city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom. And you know that the only reason we stand here tonight is because men and women from both of our nations came together to work, and struggle, and sacrifice for that better life.
Ours is a partnership that truly began sixty years ago this summer, on the day when the first American plane touched down at Templehof.
On that day, much of this continent still lay in ruin. The rubble of this city had yet to be built into a wall. The Soviet shadow had swept across Eastern Europe, while in the West, America, Britain, and France took stock of their losses, and pondered how the world might be remade.
This is where the two sides met. And on the twenty-fourth of June, 1948, the Communists chose to blockade the western part of the city. They cut off food and supplies to more than two million Germans in an effort to extinguish the last flame of freedom in Berlin.
The size of our forces was no match for the much larger Soviet Army. And yet retreat would have allowed Communism to march across Europe. Where the last war had ended, another World War could have easily begun. All that stood in the way was Berlin.
And that's when the airlift began - when the largest and most unlikely rescue in history brought food and hope to the people of this city.
The odds were stacked against success. In the winter, a heavy fog filled the sky above, and many planes were forced to turn back without dropping off the needed supplies. The streets where we stand were filled with hungry families who had no comfort from the cold.
But in the darkest hours, the people of Berlin kept the flame of hope burning. The people of Berlin refused to give up. And on one fall day, hundreds of thousands of Berliners came here, to the Tiergarten, and heard the city's mayor implore the world not to give up on freedom. "There is only one possibility," he said. "For us to stand together united until this battle is won...The people of Berlin have spoken. We have done our duty, and we will keep on doing our duty. People of the world: now do your duty...People of the world, look at Berlin!"
People of the world - look at Berlin!
Look at Berlin, where Germans and Americans learned to work together and trust each other less than three years after facing each other on the field of battle.
Look at Berlin, where the determination of a people met the generosity of the Marshall Plan and created a German miracle; where a victory over tyranny gave rise to NATO, the greatest alliance ever formed to defend our common security.
Look at Berlin, where the bullet holes in the buildings and the somber stones and pillars near the Brandenburg Gate insist that we never forget our common humanity.
People of the world - look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one.
Sixty years after the airlift, we are called upon again. History has led us to a new crossroad, with new promise and new peril. When you, the German people, tore down that wall - a wall that divided East and West; freedom and tyranny; fear and hope - walls came tumbling down around the world. From Kiev to Cape Town, prison camps were closed, and the doors of democracy were opened. Markets opened too, and the spread of information and technology reduced barriers to opportunity and prosperity. While the 20th century taught us that we share a common destiny, the 21st has revealed a world more intertwined than at any time in human history.
The fall of the Berlin Wall brought new hope. But that very closeness has given rise to new dangers - dangers that cannot be contained within the borders of a country or by the distance of an ocean.
The terrorists of September 11th plotted in Hamburg and trained in Kandahar and Karachi before killing thousands from all over the globe on American soil.
As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic, shrinking coastlines in the Atlantic, and bringing drought to farms from Kansas to Kenya.
Poorly secured nuclear material in the former Soviet Union, or secrets from a scientist in Pakistan could help build a bomb that detonates in Paris. The poppies in Afghanistan become the heroin in Berlin. The poverty and violence in Somalia breeds the terror of tomorrow. The genocide in Darfur shames the conscience of us all.
In this new world, such dangerous currents have swept along faster than our efforts to contain them. That is why we cannot afford to be divided. No one nation, no matter how large or powerful, can defeat such challenges alone. None of us can deny these threats, or escape responsibility in meeting them. Yet, in the absence of Soviet tanks and a terrible wall, it has become easy to forget this truth. And if we're honest with each other, we know that sometimes, on both sides of the Atlantic, we have drifted apart, and forgotten our shared destiny.
In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common. In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe's role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth - that Europeans today are bearing new burdens and taking more responsibility in critical parts of the world; and that just as American bases built in the last century still help to defend the security of this continent, so does our country still sacrifice greatly for freedom around the globe.
Yes, there have been differences between America and Europe. No doubt, there will be differences in the future. But the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change of leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more - not less. Partnership and cooperation among nations is not a choice; it is the one way, the only way, to protect our common security and advance our common humanity.
That is why the greatest danger of all is to allow new walls to divide us from one another.
The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand. The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down.
We know they have fallen before. After centuries of strife, the people of Europe have formed a Union of promise and prosperity. Here, at the base of a column built to mark victory in war, we meet in the center of a Europe at peace. Not only have walls come down in Berlin, but they have come down in Belfast, where Protestant and Catholic found a way to live together; in the Balkans, where our Atlantic alliance ended wars and brought savage war criminals to justice; and in South Africa, where the struggle of a courageous people defeated apartheid.
So history reminds us that walls can be torn down. But the task is never easy. True partnership and true progress requires constant work and sustained sacrifice. They require sharing the burdens of development and diplomacy; of progress and peace. They require allies who will listen to each other, learn from each other and, most of all, trust each other.
That is why America cannot turn inward. That is why Europe cannot turn inward. America has no better partner than Europe. Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that bound us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations - and all nations - must summon that spirit anew.
This is the moment when we must defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism that supports it. This threat is real and we cannot shrink from our responsibility to combat it. If we could create NATO to face down the Soviet Union, we can join in a new and global partnership to dismantle the networks that have struck in Madrid and Amman; in London and Bali; in Washington and New York. If we could win a battle of ideas against the communists, we can stand with the vast majority of Muslims who reject the extremism that leads to hate instead of hope.
This is the moment when we must renew our resolve to rout the terrorists who threaten our security in Afghanistan, and the traffickers who sell drugs on your streets. No one welcomes war. I recognize the enormous difficulties in Afghanistan. But my country and yours have a stake in seeing that NATO's first mission beyond Europe's borders is a success. For the people of Afghanistan, and for our shared security, the work must be done. America cannot do this alone. The Afghan people need our troops and your troops; our support and your support to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda, to develop their economy, and to help them rebuild their nation. We have too much at stake to turn back now.
This is the moment when we must renew the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. The two superpowers that faced each other across the wall of this city came too close too often to destroying all we have built and all that we love. With that wall gone, we need not stand idly by and watch the further spread of the deadly atom. It is time to secure all loose nuclear materials; to stop the spread of nuclear weapons; and to reduce the arsenals from another era. This is the moment to begin the work of seeking the peace of a world without nuclear weapons.
This is the moment when every nation in Europe must have the chance to choose its own tomorrow free from the shadows of yesterday. In this century, we need a strong European Union that deepens the security and prosperity of this continent, while extending a hand abroad. In this century - in this city of all cities - we must reject the Cold War mind-set of the past, and resolve to work with Russia when we can, to stand up for our values when we must, and to seek a partnership that extends across this entire continent.
This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many. Together, we must forge trade that truly rewards the work that creates wealth, with meaningful protections for our people and our planet. This is the moment for trade that is free and fair for all.
This is the moment we must help answer the call for a new dawn in the Middle East. My country must stand with yours and with Europe in sending a direct message to Iran that it must abandon its nuclear ambitions. We must support the Lebanese who have marched and bled for democracy, and the Israelis and Palestinians who seek a secure and lasting peace. And despite past differences, this is the moment when the world should support the millions of Iraqis who seek to rebuild their lives, even as we pass responsibility to the Iraqi government and finally bring this war to a close.
This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands. Let us resolve that all nations - including my own - will act with the same seriousness of purpose as has your nation, and reduce the carbon we send into our atmosphere. This is the moment to give our children back their future. This is the moment to stand as one.
And this is the moment when we must give hope to those left behind in a globalized world. We must remember that the Cold War born in this city was not a battle for land or treasure. Sixty years ago, the planes that flew over Berlin did not drop bombs; instead they delivered food, and coal, and candy to grateful children. And in that show of solidarity, those pilots won more than a military victory. They won hearts and minds; love and loyalty and trust - not just from the people in this city, but from all those who heard the story of what they did here.
Now the world will watch and remember what we do here - what we do with this moment. Will we extend our hand to the people in the forgotten corners of this world who yearn for lives marked by dignity and opportunity; by security and justice? Will we lift the child in Bangladesh from poverty, shelter the refugee in Chad, and banish the scourge of AIDS in our time?
Will we stand for the human rights of the dissident in Burma, the blogger in Iran, or the voter in Zimbabwe? Will we give meaning to the words "never again" in Darfur?
Will we acknowledge that there is no more powerful example than the one each of our nations projects to the world? Will we reject torture and stand for the rule of law? Will we welcome immigrants from different lands, and shun discrimination against those who don't look like us or worship like we do, and keep the promise of equality and opportunity for all of our people?
People of Berlin - people of the world - this is our moment. This is our time.
I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions.
But I also know how much I love America. I know that for more than two centuries, we have strived - at great cost and great sacrifice - to form a more perfect union; to seek, with other nations, a more hopeful world. Our allegiance has never been to any particular tribe or kingdom - indeed, every language is spoken in our country; every culture has left its imprint on ours; every point of view is expressed in our public squares.
What has always united us - what has always driven our people; what drew my father to America's shores - is a set of ideals that speak to aspirations shared by all people: that we can live free from fear and free from want; that we can speak our minds and assemble with whomever we choose and worship as we please.
Those are the aspirations that joined the fates of all nations in this city. Those aspirations are bigger than anything that drives us apart. It is because of those aspirations that the airlift began. It is because of those aspirations that all free people - everywhere - became citizens of Berlin. It is in pursuit of those aspirations that a new generation - our generation - must make our mark on history.
People of Berlin - and people of the world - the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. Let us build on our common history, and seize our common destiny, and once again engage in that noble struggle to bring justice and peace to our world.
JOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMS
debate@newzimbabwe.com
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Friday 25 July 2008
Monday 21 July 2008
MOU
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Text: Memorandum of understanding between Zanu PF and MDC
DEAL: Arthur Mutambara speaks after the three leaders of Zimbabwe's main parties signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, July 21, 2008. (L-R Arthur Mutambara, President Mugabe, President Mbeki and Morgan Tsvangirai)
• Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara sign agreement• Tsvangirai gives nod to power sharing talks• AU, UN and SADC reaffirm support for Mbeki• Ping snubs MDC ahead of Mbeki meeting• South Africa slams US, UK criticism• Additional Zim mediator 'fake issue' - Pahad• Confusion over fate of Zanu PF, MDC talks• MDC, Zanu PF talks enter second day• US, UK sanctions push in trouble as Zanu PF, MDC resume talks• Tsvangirai pulls out of Mbeki, Mugabe talks• Mbeki rejects EU demands on Zimbabwe• South Africa calls for transitional government• Mbeki's 'scathing' report to Mugabe• 200 'violence victims' camp at SA embassy• Mbeki gives emergency summit a miss• Mbeki urges Mugabe to call off election• Tsvangirai meets Mbeki over poll• Mbeki set for Mugabe talks in Bulawayo• Mbeki 'seriously concerned' over Zimbabwe election
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Last updated: 07/22/2008 09:18:18 Zimbabwean leaders Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF, Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change-T and Arthur Mutambura of the MDC, signed the following agreement in Harare today in the presence of Southern African Development Community facilitator President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa
PREAMBLE
We the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding;
Concerned about the recent challenges that we have faced as a country and the multiple threats to the well-being of our people;
Dedicating ourselves to putting an end to the polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance that have characterised our country's politics;
Determined to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hate, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality;
Recognising the centrality and importance of African institutions in dealing with African problems, and agreeing to seek solutions to our differences, challenges and problems through dialogue under the auspices of the SADC mediation, supported and endorsed by the African Union;
Acknowledging that we have an obligation of establishing a framework of working together in an inclusive government;
Desirous therefore of entering into a dialogue with a view to returning Zimbabwe to prosperity;
Recognising that such a dialogue requires agreement on procedures and processes that will guide the dialogue.
NOW THEREFORE AGREE AS FOLLOWS: 1. Definitions
The 'Memorandum of Understanding' ("MOU") shall mean this written agreement signed by the Principals.
'The Parties' shall mean Zanu PF, the two MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and by Arthur Mutambara respectively.
'The Principals' shall mean the President and First Secretary of Zanu PF, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the President of the one MDC formation, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and the President of the other MDC formation, Arthur Guseni Oliver Mutambara.
2. Declaration of Commitment
The Parties hereby declare and agree to commit themselves to a dialogue with each other with a view to creating a genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution to the Zimbabwean situation and, in particular, to implement this Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Representation
The Parties will be represented by two representatives each in the dialogue.
4. Agenda
The Parties have agreed to the following Agenda:
4.1. Objectives and Priorities of a new Government
(a) ECONOMIC
(i) Restoration of economic stability and growth(ii) Sanctions(iii) Land question
(b) POLITICAL
(i) New Constitution(ii) Promotion of equality, national healing and cohesion, and unity(iii)External interference(iv)Free political activity(v) Rule of law(vi) State organs and institutions(vii) Legislative agenda priorities
(c) SECURITY
(i) Security of persons and prevention of violence
(d) COMMUNICATION
(i) Media
(ii) External radio stations
4.2 Framework for a new Government
4.3 Implementation mechanisms
4.4 Global political agreement.
5. Facilitation
The Dialogue shall be facilitated in accordance with the SADC and AU resolutions.
6. Time frames
The Dialogue commenced on 10 July 2008 and will continue until the Parties have finalised all necessary matters, save for short breaks that may be agreed upon for purposes of consultation. It is envisaged that the Dialogue will be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of signing of this MOU.
7. Venue
The Dialogue shall be conducted at such venues as shall be determined by the Facilitator in consultation with the representatives of the Parties.
8. Communication with the media
None of the Parties shall, during the Dialogue period, directly or indirectly communicate the substance of the discussion with the media. The parties shall refrain from negotiating through the media, whether through their representatives to the Dialogue or any of their Party officials.
9. Decisions by the Parties
The Parties shall not, during the subsistence of the Dialogue, take any decisions or measures that have a bearing on the agenda of the Dialogue, save by consensus. Such decisions or measures include, but are not limited to the convening of Parliament or the formation of a new government.
10. Interim measures
10.1 Security of persons
(a) Each Party will issue a statement condemning the promotion and use of violence and call for peace in the country and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions it controls are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.
(b) The Parties are committed to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and justly to all persons irrespective of political affiliation.
(c) The Parties will take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of political violence, including by non-state actors, and to ensure the security of persons and property.
(d) The Parties agree that, in the interim, they will work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home and that humanitarian and social welfare organisations are enabled to render such assistance as might be required.
10.2 Hate speech
The Parties shall refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or undermine each other.
11. The role of SADC and the AU
The implementation of the Global Political Agreement that the Parties will conclude shall be underwritten and guaranteed by the Facilitator, SADC and the AU.
12. Execution of the agreement
This agreement shall be signed by the Principals in the presence of each other and shall be witnessed by the Facilitator.
Signed at Harare this 21st day of July 2008.
Robert G. Mugabe
........................................President, Zanu PF
Morgan R. Tsvangirai
.......................................President, MDC
Arthur G. O. Mutambara
......................................President, MDC
Thabo Mbeki
......................................SADC FacilitatorJOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMSnewsdesk@newzimbabwe.com
All material copyright newzimbabwe.comMaterial may be published or reproduced in any form with appropriate credit to this website
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Last updated: 07/22/2008 09:18:18
ABOUT US
CONTACT US
ZIM LINKS
HOME
NEWS
FORUMS
NEWS ANALYSIS
READERS' FORUM
GUKURAHUNDI ATROCITIES
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NAME AND SHAME
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AMERICAN STATE DEPT
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Text: Memorandum of understanding between Zanu PF and MDC
DEAL: Arthur Mutambara speaks after the three leaders of Zimbabwe's main parties signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, July 21, 2008. (L-R Arthur Mutambara, President Mugabe, President Mbeki and Morgan Tsvangirai)
• Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara sign agreement• Tsvangirai gives nod to power sharing talks• AU, UN and SADC reaffirm support for Mbeki• Ping snubs MDC ahead of Mbeki meeting• South Africa slams US, UK criticism• Additional Zim mediator 'fake issue' - Pahad• Confusion over fate of Zanu PF, MDC talks• MDC, Zanu PF talks enter second day• US, UK sanctions push in trouble as Zanu PF, MDC resume talks• Tsvangirai pulls out of Mbeki, Mugabe talks• Mbeki rejects EU demands on Zimbabwe• South Africa calls for transitional government• Mbeki's 'scathing' report to Mugabe• 200 'violence victims' camp at SA embassy• Mbeki gives emergency summit a miss• Mbeki urges Mugabe to call off election• Tsvangirai meets Mbeki over poll• Mbeki set for Mugabe talks in Bulawayo• Mbeki 'seriously concerned' over Zimbabwe election
Last updated: "+document.lastModified+"");
//-->
Last updated: 07/22/2008 09:18:18 Zimbabwean leaders Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF, Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change-T and Arthur Mutambura of the MDC, signed the following agreement in Harare today in the presence of Southern African Development Community facilitator President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa
PREAMBLE
We the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding;
Concerned about the recent challenges that we have faced as a country and the multiple threats to the well-being of our people;
Dedicating ourselves to putting an end to the polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance that have characterised our country's politics;
Determined to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hate, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality;
Recognising the centrality and importance of African institutions in dealing with African problems, and agreeing to seek solutions to our differences, challenges and problems through dialogue under the auspices of the SADC mediation, supported and endorsed by the African Union;
Acknowledging that we have an obligation of establishing a framework of working together in an inclusive government;
Desirous therefore of entering into a dialogue with a view to returning Zimbabwe to prosperity;
Recognising that such a dialogue requires agreement on procedures and processes that will guide the dialogue.
NOW THEREFORE AGREE AS FOLLOWS: 1. Definitions
The 'Memorandum of Understanding' ("MOU") shall mean this written agreement signed by the Principals.
'The Parties' shall mean Zanu PF, the two MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and by Arthur Mutambara respectively.
'The Principals' shall mean the President and First Secretary of Zanu PF, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the President of the one MDC formation, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and the President of the other MDC formation, Arthur Guseni Oliver Mutambara.
2. Declaration of Commitment
The Parties hereby declare and agree to commit themselves to a dialogue with each other with a view to creating a genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution to the Zimbabwean situation and, in particular, to implement this Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Representation
The Parties will be represented by two representatives each in the dialogue.
4. Agenda
The Parties have agreed to the following Agenda:
4.1. Objectives and Priorities of a new Government
(a) ECONOMIC
(i) Restoration of economic stability and growth(ii) Sanctions(iii) Land question
(b) POLITICAL
(i) New Constitution(ii) Promotion of equality, national healing and cohesion, and unity(iii)External interference(iv)Free political activity(v) Rule of law(vi) State organs and institutions(vii) Legislative agenda priorities
(c) SECURITY
(i) Security of persons and prevention of violence
(d) COMMUNICATION
(i) Media
(ii) External radio stations
4.2 Framework for a new Government
4.3 Implementation mechanisms
4.4 Global political agreement.
5. Facilitation
The Dialogue shall be facilitated in accordance with the SADC and AU resolutions.
6. Time frames
The Dialogue commenced on 10 July 2008 and will continue until the Parties have finalised all necessary matters, save for short breaks that may be agreed upon for purposes of consultation. It is envisaged that the Dialogue will be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of signing of this MOU.
7. Venue
The Dialogue shall be conducted at such venues as shall be determined by the Facilitator in consultation with the representatives of the Parties.
8. Communication with the media
None of the Parties shall, during the Dialogue period, directly or indirectly communicate the substance of the discussion with the media. The parties shall refrain from negotiating through the media, whether through their representatives to the Dialogue or any of their Party officials.
9. Decisions by the Parties
The Parties shall not, during the subsistence of the Dialogue, take any decisions or measures that have a bearing on the agenda of the Dialogue, save by consensus. Such decisions or measures include, but are not limited to the convening of Parliament or the formation of a new government.
10. Interim measures
10.1 Security of persons
(a) Each Party will issue a statement condemning the promotion and use of violence and call for peace in the country and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions it controls are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.
(b) The Parties are committed to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and justly to all persons irrespective of political affiliation.
(c) The Parties will take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of political violence, including by non-state actors, and to ensure the security of persons and property.
(d) The Parties agree that, in the interim, they will work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home and that humanitarian and social welfare organisations are enabled to render such assistance as might be required.
10.2 Hate speech
The Parties shall refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or undermine each other.
11. The role of SADC and the AU
The implementation of the Global Political Agreement that the Parties will conclude shall be underwritten and guaranteed by the Facilitator, SADC and the AU.
12. Execution of the agreement
This agreement shall be signed by the Principals in the presence of each other and shall be witnessed by the Facilitator.
Signed at Harare this 21st day of July 2008.
Robert G. Mugabe
........................................President, Zanu PF
Morgan R. Tsvangirai
.......................................President, MDC
Arthur G. O. Mutambara
......................................President, MDC
Thabo Mbeki
......................................SADC FacilitatorJOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMSnewsdesk@newzimbabwe.com
All material copyright newzimbabwe.comMaterial may be published or reproduced in any form with appropriate credit to this website
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Monday 7 July 2008
Role of social care organisations
In this article Michael explores the role of social care organisations by using Maxine as an example. Maxine is presented as a service user in this article and she has needs that can apply to many other individuals in need of support.
Social care organizations fall into four main categories. The first group consists of statutory social care providers. The second group is under voluntary social care providers, thirdly the not for profit organizations and finally the private sector organizations. (http://www.gscc.org.uk/Links/Social+providers/).These These social care organizations are there to dispense relevant support to service users with each body delivering services designed to meet the needs of service users. Maxine’s family needs can be met by the provision of necessary support from these various social care providers. These organizations are best described by what they do and this ranges from advocacy, housing, designing care packages, family support, educational and social skills training.
Local authorities are statutory social care providers. Examples of these are Birmingham County Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Fulham. It is important at this point to emphasize that the social worker works on behalf of the service user to identify service user needs and supports them to establish appropriate social care service linkages. The social worker therefore identifies assistance from statutory bodies, voluntary bodies and at times private social services providers. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics, social workers seek to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to the needs of the individual and their social problems. (www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code.asp)
The social worker must identify services that should directly respond to the provision of the client’s needs and protect them from oppressive and damaging circumstances. Social workers can be seen as ‘mediators’ between clients and the state apparatus (Thompson, 2000, p10). Opportunities for the family and Maxine are core to the role of the social worker. It is important to identify what might be in the care plan against the needs that are evident in the family’s situation. The problems that need addressing include the lack of social contacts for Maxine, the need for constant care for her epilepsy, her need for a relationship with the man she has feelings for and the problem of self harm as a result of her frustration. These are the issues that are to be addressed by the care plan that the social worker should formulate.
Coulshed & Orme (1988, p.27) explore that care management can be defined as the tailoring of services to the individual needs and mobilizing of resources .They argue further that the worker’s expertise is not sufficient but can link the one in need to the service providers who have the expertise.Organisations like Mencap from the voluntary sector can offer family support for her educational development element and this could be part of her care need to be include in the care plan. The expert support that this organization has is vital and if Maxine is directed towards this service she would benefit as it directly deals with disabled people.
When undertaking assessments within community care it is apparent that in many cases workers will have to consider family relationships, and the dynamics of these relationships. For example a statutory organization like the Birmingham County council could be called upon to offer respite services for Maxine where she could go for short periods of time.
Maxine’s family could be linked to social care organizations that could provide parent support so that the parents understand their daughter’s biological needs and her rights for self determination as an individual whilst remaining respectful. Family support groups help in the provision of expert support so that the parents do not oppress their daughter and that she needs come first without prejudice. Local authorities hold sex education and relationship sessions which could help Maxine relationship building and maintenance. Bywater and Jones (2007) argue that ‘sexuality should be seen as a priority and reflected in the service user’s person centered plan.’(p87) It is important to ensure that nobody creates barriers to Maxine’s need for a relationship of her choice as long as she gets the appropriate support.
Another level of support would be care management considering that Maxine’s mother is now ill and that her father is the sole breadwinner and the problem of committing time for both her care and her daughter’s care needs. Either a local authority social service provider or a private agency could come in to support with care needs for both Maxine and her mother either within their home or at purpose built settings.
There are some social care organizations that can provide housing to individuals moving towards independence and Maxine and her family could be introduced to this option. In Birmingham there is Friendship Community Housing for individual placements or where she can join a residential care environment to meet all her needs whilst still connected to her family. Friendship Community Housing is a not for profit making organization that could be called upon to support the James family (http://www.fch.org.uk/ ).
Community educational service providers could still be called for to ensure that Maxine develops and this could lessen the pressure off her mother. Enrolling at a local college to do a course of her choice could help her improve and widen her social capital and life skills.
Voluntary organizations like Mencap have support programmes that offer housing support, employment and educational support, community and leisure and help families (http://www.mencap.org.uk/download/fc_full_version.pdf). Mencap’s family’s charter helps families work well together in the interest of the service users. The Mencap Charter states that, ‘Families are an important part of a person’s history. They can help shape who a person. Families often have insights that we don’t have. These insights are helpful and contribute to the
understanding of the people we are supporting.’ Suggesting using Mencap in meeting Maxine’s needs would definitely be worth sharing.
Lishman (2007) states that in supporting the family an inter-agency approach can be used in the form of meetings, case conferences so that a well coordinated support strategy is established. Social care organizations must fully make parents and the service user feel involved and informed.
Getting some support from an organization like Mencap might make everyone feel valued, it would ensure everyone is aware of all that could improve Maxine’s position and any differences would be discussed openly and honestly. Maxine’s family would openly express whether they are able to take care of Maxine or if there is need for respite services that would help the entire family. If the respite services idea appeals to the family then another social care organization would be called upon. For such a care package, Local authorities could be approached and a placement could be made based on her needs. Some private social care organizations like Senior Living are specifically for adults with Dementia, so it would be necessary to find a body that deals with young adults with Maxine’s condition.
By: Michael Chipato
Social care organizations fall into four main categories. The first group consists of statutory social care providers. The second group is under voluntary social care providers, thirdly the not for profit organizations and finally the private sector organizations. (http://www.gscc.org.uk/Links/Social+providers/).These These social care organizations are there to dispense relevant support to service users with each body delivering services designed to meet the needs of service users. Maxine’s family needs can be met by the provision of necessary support from these various social care providers. These organizations are best described by what they do and this ranges from advocacy, housing, designing care packages, family support, educational and social skills training.
Local authorities are statutory social care providers. Examples of these are Birmingham County Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Fulham. It is important at this point to emphasize that the social worker works on behalf of the service user to identify service user needs and supports them to establish appropriate social care service linkages. The social worker therefore identifies assistance from statutory bodies, voluntary bodies and at times private social services providers. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics, social workers seek to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to the needs of the individual and their social problems. (www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code.asp)
The social worker must identify services that should directly respond to the provision of the client’s needs and protect them from oppressive and damaging circumstances. Social workers can be seen as ‘mediators’ between clients and the state apparatus (Thompson, 2000, p10). Opportunities for the family and Maxine are core to the role of the social worker. It is important to identify what might be in the care plan against the needs that are evident in the family’s situation. The problems that need addressing include the lack of social contacts for Maxine, the need for constant care for her epilepsy, her need for a relationship with the man she has feelings for and the problem of self harm as a result of her frustration. These are the issues that are to be addressed by the care plan that the social worker should formulate.
Coulshed & Orme (1988, p.27) explore that care management can be defined as the tailoring of services to the individual needs and mobilizing of resources .They argue further that the worker’s expertise is not sufficient but can link the one in need to the service providers who have the expertise.Organisations like Mencap from the voluntary sector can offer family support for her educational development element and this could be part of her care need to be include in the care plan. The expert support that this organization has is vital and if Maxine is directed towards this service she would benefit as it directly deals with disabled people.
When undertaking assessments within community care it is apparent that in many cases workers will have to consider family relationships, and the dynamics of these relationships. For example a statutory organization like the Birmingham County council could be called upon to offer respite services for Maxine where she could go for short periods of time.
Maxine’s family could be linked to social care organizations that could provide parent support so that the parents understand their daughter’s biological needs and her rights for self determination as an individual whilst remaining respectful. Family support groups help in the provision of expert support so that the parents do not oppress their daughter and that she needs come first without prejudice. Local authorities hold sex education and relationship sessions which could help Maxine relationship building and maintenance. Bywater and Jones (2007) argue that ‘sexuality should be seen as a priority and reflected in the service user’s person centered plan.’(p87) It is important to ensure that nobody creates barriers to Maxine’s need for a relationship of her choice as long as she gets the appropriate support.
Another level of support would be care management considering that Maxine’s mother is now ill and that her father is the sole breadwinner and the problem of committing time for both her care and her daughter’s care needs. Either a local authority social service provider or a private agency could come in to support with care needs for both Maxine and her mother either within their home or at purpose built settings.
There are some social care organizations that can provide housing to individuals moving towards independence and Maxine and her family could be introduced to this option. In Birmingham there is Friendship Community Housing for individual placements or where she can join a residential care environment to meet all her needs whilst still connected to her family. Friendship Community Housing is a not for profit making organization that could be called upon to support the James family (http://www.fch.org.uk/ ).
Community educational service providers could still be called for to ensure that Maxine develops and this could lessen the pressure off her mother. Enrolling at a local college to do a course of her choice could help her improve and widen her social capital and life skills.
Voluntary organizations like Mencap have support programmes that offer housing support, employment and educational support, community and leisure and help families (http://www.mencap.org.uk/download/fc_full_version.pdf). Mencap’s family’s charter helps families work well together in the interest of the service users. The Mencap Charter states that, ‘Families are an important part of a person’s history. They can help shape who a person. Families often have insights that we don’t have. These insights are helpful and contribute to the
understanding of the people we are supporting.’ Suggesting using Mencap in meeting Maxine’s needs would definitely be worth sharing.
Lishman (2007) states that in supporting the family an inter-agency approach can be used in the form of meetings, case conferences so that a well coordinated support strategy is established. Social care organizations must fully make parents and the service user feel involved and informed.
Getting some support from an organization like Mencap might make everyone feel valued, it would ensure everyone is aware of all that could improve Maxine’s position and any differences would be discussed openly and honestly. Maxine’s family would openly express whether they are able to take care of Maxine or if there is need for respite services that would help the entire family. If the respite services idea appeals to the family then another social care organization would be called upon. For such a care package, Local authorities could be approached and a placement could be made based on her needs. Some private social care organizations like Senior Living are specifically for adults with Dementia, so it would be necessary to find a body that deals with young adults with Maxine’s condition.
By: Michael Chipato
Sunday 6 July 2008
Your Rights
Here is a list of your rights as an individual, whatever your situation or status in any society, take cogniscience of these legal safeguards. In everyday conduct , everyone must take note of their obligations to operate within fair, legal and humane parameters.
http://www.yourrights.org.uk/
Be safe and treat others with dignity. Do unto others as you would like them to do to you!
http://www.yourrights.org.uk/
Be safe and treat others with dignity. Do unto others as you would like them to do to you!
Father's Day Challenge 2008
Father’s Day Challenge by Michael Chipato
Families all over the world celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend. When my 7 year old son handed me a gift, I stopped to reflect on what my fatherhood meant to him. The day comes once a year and goes, but the responsibilities of fathers in the home and society are a permanent imperative command feature in the overall social symmetry of society.
There are key roles that culture, religion and society amongst others bestow on fathers. Allow me to steer outside the parameters of female headed households in this article and dwell on the role of fathers without offence for other significant parenting statures. The moment a father negates the expected moral guidance role, ignores the duty to provide for and being the biblical cornerstone; then the family as the micro-constituent of society suffers and this has a domino effect on macro society.
Fathers throughout the ages regardless of cultural considerations have always been of role model significance; firm pillars of security, models of moral existence to the extent that even an immoral father by any standards would not want their child to be like them!
Issues of how HIV/AIDS can be combated, fighting child abuse, battling with gun and knife culture, tackling terrorism and creating a humane society is a responsibility of families and fathers are at the core of this creative process.
Oliver Mutukudzi in his hit song Tozeza Baba lampoons fathers who have the fear factor in the home and goes a mile further in another song where he mourns the loss of moral fibre in adults /fathers who deflower innocent children (Kubata mwana chibharo asati akomba). The universal obligations of fatherhood transcend the element of provision of material items for children, they need protection, and father’s parental capacity should be exhibited through responsible conduct. The universality of this obligation is enshrined in human rights and child protection legislation worldwide and the message from children to fathers is loud and clear as one father’s day card read, ‘Please continue being there for me. I love you’. The innocence of the tone resembles the trust and inevitably the expectations of children and the father’s duty to respond daily through positive conduct.
The problems society faces today, apparently emerge from within families and communities, so do the solutions! The late Leonard Dembo’s poetics in the song- Regai nditaure(Let me speak) has a narration exploring the impact of parent’s role in the establishment of a child’s moral stature. ‘Baba namai, regai nditaure zvandaiona ndiri mucheche, Kotora chinhu usina kukumbira kutyora mutemo’ (Mom and Dad, let me say what I saw when I was young, you taught me that taking anything without requesting for permission is breaking the law) .The child behind the voice has a firm connection with his/her upbringing, a past that has left indelible social and moral imprints on the psyche. It is this imprint that shall be reflected throughout the child’s life and proverbially mbudzi kudya mufenje hufanan’ina (The young borrow traits from the elders).
During the International Day for Families marked this year by the United Nations, the Secretary General Mr.Ban Ki Moon called on families ‘to honour fathers for their contributions to family life...and to build a social environment that sustains a positive fatherhood.’ The Zimbabwean national anthem has a core element in which it stresses on how important it is for leaders to be exemplary… (Navatungamiri vave nenduramo).
Finally from a consequentialist perspective, it is important to note that you reap what you sow. It is irresponsible for fathers to underperform their natura- cum-social obligatory role and expect children to perform and behave appropriately. Fathers are part of the social creative mission and must play their part and society will do the rest.
Families all over the world celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend. When my 7 year old son handed me a gift, I stopped to reflect on what my fatherhood meant to him. The day comes once a year and goes, but the responsibilities of fathers in the home and society are a permanent imperative command feature in the overall social symmetry of society.
There are key roles that culture, religion and society amongst others bestow on fathers. Allow me to steer outside the parameters of female headed households in this article and dwell on the role of fathers without offence for other significant parenting statures. The moment a father negates the expected moral guidance role, ignores the duty to provide for and being the biblical cornerstone; then the family as the micro-constituent of society suffers and this has a domino effect on macro society.
Fathers throughout the ages regardless of cultural considerations have always been of role model significance; firm pillars of security, models of moral existence to the extent that even an immoral father by any standards would not want their child to be like them!
Issues of how HIV/AIDS can be combated, fighting child abuse, battling with gun and knife culture, tackling terrorism and creating a humane society is a responsibility of families and fathers are at the core of this creative process.
Oliver Mutukudzi in his hit song Tozeza Baba lampoons fathers who have the fear factor in the home and goes a mile further in another song where he mourns the loss of moral fibre in adults /fathers who deflower innocent children (Kubata mwana chibharo asati akomba). The universal obligations of fatherhood transcend the element of provision of material items for children, they need protection, and father’s parental capacity should be exhibited through responsible conduct. The universality of this obligation is enshrined in human rights and child protection legislation worldwide and the message from children to fathers is loud and clear as one father’s day card read, ‘Please continue being there for me. I love you’. The innocence of the tone resembles the trust and inevitably the expectations of children and the father’s duty to respond daily through positive conduct.
The problems society faces today, apparently emerge from within families and communities, so do the solutions! The late Leonard Dembo’s poetics in the song- Regai nditaure(Let me speak) has a narration exploring the impact of parent’s role in the establishment of a child’s moral stature. ‘Baba namai, regai nditaure zvandaiona ndiri mucheche, Kotora chinhu usina kukumbira kutyora mutemo’ (Mom and Dad, let me say what I saw when I was young, you taught me that taking anything without requesting for permission is breaking the law) .The child behind the voice has a firm connection with his/her upbringing, a past that has left indelible social and moral imprints on the psyche. It is this imprint that shall be reflected throughout the child’s life and proverbially mbudzi kudya mufenje hufanan’ina (The young borrow traits from the elders).
During the International Day for Families marked this year by the United Nations, the Secretary General Mr.Ban Ki Moon called on families ‘to honour fathers for their contributions to family life...and to build a social environment that sustains a positive fatherhood.’ The Zimbabwean national anthem has a core element in which it stresses on how important it is for leaders to be exemplary… (Navatungamiri vave nenduramo).
Finally from a consequentialist perspective, it is important to note that you reap what you sow. It is irresponsible for fathers to underperform their natura- cum-social obligatory role and expect children to perform and behave appropriately. Fathers are part of the social creative mission and must play their part and society will do the rest.
Chiwoniso's first Date with UK fans !
Chiwoniso Maraire rocks the UK with her first UK gig!!
The feminine sound of the Zimbabwean drum and mbira echoed through the early summer Leicestershire night as Chiwoniso Maraire was backed by The Heritage Survival and Decibel over the past weekend. Chiwoniso Maraire was born in Olympia, Washington in 1976. Her father, ethnomusicologist Dumisani Maraire, taught marimba and mbira in America between 1972 and 1990, and was a renowned stage performer along with her mother, Linda Nemarundwe Maraire. ‘Musical instruments were a core element of my childhood. By the age of four I was playing mbira; “Tichazomuona”, my first recording with my parents, was released when I was nine’, remembers Chiwoniso in her biography.
The night was adorned by an array of musical talent. Central throughout the entertainment packed night was the core of the unmistaken sound of the Zimbabwean beat and rhythm in the form of chimurenga, reggae and soul. Chiwoniso says that her music has matured more with time and ‘if anything it only gets richer’. Her musical journey has been highly shaped by her late father whom she attributes her undiluted commitment to culturally rich music.
A crowd of over 120 people gathered for Chiwoniso’s first ever UK gig. The fans were treated with tunes from her early years and her latest album, ‘Rebel Woman’ was launched with great reception.
Chiwoniso has worked with many artists in Zimbabwe and on international platforms starting her career from home, with Peace Ebony and the then powerful group Andy Brown and the Storm. Chiwoniso has proved to be a feminist cultural icon .Chiwoniso has been fronting her acoustic group Chiwoniso & Vibe Culture for the past four years. From 2001 to 2004, she was also a core member of the multinational all-women’s band Women’s Voice, whose original members hailed from Norway, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, America, Israel and Algeria. She recently performed in South Africa in response to the xenophobic attacks with other southern African artists like Ishmael Lo.
Chi as she is passionately called by her fans plans to hold four UK gigs per year and is confident that the wealth of Zimbabwean music for the people in the diasporas has unmatched desire. To show artistic solidarity Chi attended the official launch of Mystery in Stone Sculpture Exhibition in Birmingham flanked by Heritage Survival from Manchester who played Mbira, Hosho and the Mighty drum.
Chiwoniso flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday 2 July 2008 and will soon be based in USA from where she promises to make constant contact with her UK fans.
Chiwoniso Maraire rocks the UK with her first UK gig!!
The feminine sound of the Zimbabwean drum and mbira echoed through the early summer Leicestershire night as Chiwoniso Maraire was backed by The Heritage Survival and Decibel over the past weekend. Chiwoniso Maraire was born in Olympia, Washington in 1976. Her father, ethnomusicologist Dumisani Maraire, taught marimba and mbira in America between 1972 and 1990, and was a renowned stage performer along with her mother, Linda Nemarundwe Maraire. ‘Musical instruments were a core element of my childhood. By the age of four I was playing mbira; “Tichazomuona”, my first recording with my parents, was released when I was nine’, remembers Chiwoniso in her biography.
The night was adorned by an array of musical talent. Central throughout the entertainment packed night was the core of the unmistaken sound of the Zimbabwean beat and rhythm in the form of chimurenga, reggae and soul. Chiwoniso says that her music has matured more with time and ‘if anything it only gets richer’. Her musical journey has been highly shaped by her late father whom she attributes her undiluted commitment to culturally rich music.
A crowd of over 120 people gathered for Chiwoniso’s first ever UK gig. The fans were treated with tunes from her early years and her latest album, ‘Rebel Woman’ was launched with great reception.
Chiwoniso has worked with many artists in Zimbabwe and on international platforms starting her career from home, with Peace Ebony and the then powerful group Andy Brown and the Storm. Chiwoniso has proved to be a feminist cultural icon .Chiwoniso has been fronting her acoustic group Chiwoniso & Vibe Culture for the past four years. From 2001 to 2004, she was also a core member of the multinational all-women’s band Women’s Voice, whose original members hailed from Norway, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, America, Israel and Algeria. She recently performed in South Africa in response to the xenophobic attacks with other southern African artists like Ishmael Lo.
Chi as she is passionately called by her fans plans to hold four UK gigs per year and is confident that the wealth of Zimbabwean music for the people in the diasporas has unmatched desire. To show artistic solidarity Chi attended the official launch of Mystery in Stone Sculpture Exhibition in Birmingham flanked by Heritage Survival from Manchester who played Mbira, Hosho and the Mighty drum.
Chiwoniso flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday 2 July 2008 and will soon be based in USA from where she promises to make constant contact with her UK fans.
The feminine sound of the Zimbabwean drum and mbira echoed through the early summer Leicestershire night as Chiwoniso Maraire was backed by The Heritage Survival and Decibel over the past weekend. Chiwoniso Maraire was born in Olympia, Washington in 1976. Her father, ethnomusicologist Dumisani Maraire, taught marimba and mbira in America between 1972 and 1990, and was a renowned stage performer along with her mother, Linda Nemarundwe Maraire. ‘Musical instruments were a core element of my childhood. By the age of four I was playing mbira; “Tichazomuona”, my first recording with my parents, was released when I was nine’, remembers Chiwoniso in her biography.
The night was adorned by an array of musical talent. Central throughout the entertainment packed night was the core of the unmistaken sound of the Zimbabwean beat and rhythm in the form of chimurenga, reggae and soul. Chiwoniso says that her music has matured more with time and ‘if anything it only gets richer’. Her musical journey has been highly shaped by her late father whom she attributes her undiluted commitment to culturally rich music.
A crowd of over 120 people gathered for Chiwoniso’s first ever UK gig. The fans were treated with tunes from her early years and her latest album, ‘Rebel Woman’ was launched with great reception.
Chiwoniso has worked with many artists in Zimbabwe and on international platforms starting her career from home, with Peace Ebony and the then powerful group Andy Brown and the Storm. Chiwoniso has proved to be a feminist cultural icon .Chiwoniso has been fronting her acoustic group Chiwoniso & Vibe Culture for the past four years. From 2001 to 2004, she was also a core member of the multinational all-women’s band Women’s Voice, whose original members hailed from Norway, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, America, Israel and Algeria. She recently performed in South Africa in response to the xenophobic attacks with other southern African artists like Ishmael Lo.
Chi as she is passionately called by her fans plans to hold four UK gigs per year and is confident that the wealth of Zimbabwean music for the people in the diasporas has unmatched desire. To show artistic solidarity Chi attended the official launch of Mystery in Stone Sculpture Exhibition in Birmingham flanked by Heritage Survival from Manchester who played Mbira, Hosho and the Mighty drum.
Chiwoniso flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday 2 July 2008 and will soon be based in USA from where she promises to make constant contact with her UK fans.
Chiwoniso Maraire rocks the UK with her first UK gig!!
The feminine sound of the Zimbabwean drum and mbira echoed through the early summer Leicestershire night as Chiwoniso Maraire was backed by The Heritage Survival and Decibel over the past weekend. Chiwoniso Maraire was born in Olympia, Washington in 1976. Her father, ethnomusicologist Dumisani Maraire, taught marimba and mbira in America between 1972 and 1990, and was a renowned stage performer along with her mother, Linda Nemarundwe Maraire. ‘Musical instruments were a core element of my childhood. By the age of four I was playing mbira; “Tichazomuona”, my first recording with my parents, was released when I was nine’, remembers Chiwoniso in her biography.
The night was adorned by an array of musical talent. Central throughout the entertainment packed night was the core of the unmistaken sound of the Zimbabwean beat and rhythm in the form of chimurenga, reggae and soul. Chiwoniso says that her music has matured more with time and ‘if anything it only gets richer’. Her musical journey has been highly shaped by her late father whom she attributes her undiluted commitment to culturally rich music.
A crowd of over 120 people gathered for Chiwoniso’s first ever UK gig. The fans were treated with tunes from her early years and her latest album, ‘Rebel Woman’ was launched with great reception.
Chiwoniso has worked with many artists in Zimbabwe and on international platforms starting her career from home, with Peace Ebony and the then powerful group Andy Brown and the Storm. Chiwoniso has proved to be a feminist cultural icon .Chiwoniso has been fronting her acoustic group Chiwoniso & Vibe Culture for the past four years. From 2001 to 2004, she was also a core member of the multinational all-women’s band Women’s Voice, whose original members hailed from Norway, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, America, Israel and Algeria. She recently performed in South Africa in response to the xenophobic attacks with other southern African artists like Ishmael Lo.
Chi as she is passionately called by her fans plans to hold four UK gigs per year and is confident that the wealth of Zimbabwean music for the people in the diasporas has unmatched desire. To show artistic solidarity Chi attended the official launch of Mystery in Stone Sculpture Exhibition in Birmingham flanked by Heritage Survival from Manchester who played Mbira, Hosho and the Mighty drum.
Chiwoniso flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday 2 July 2008 and will soon be based in USA from where she promises to make constant contact with her UK fans.
Death of a language: www.newzimbabwe.com
The language tragedy: By Michael Chipato
Many sociolinguists have emphasized on how language inevitably carries the core values of any given culture. In other words when one chooses a language they also inevitably choose a culture. I wish to stir some turbulent waters in the language debate and at the same time rekindle the love for vernacular languages amongst Zimbabweans both at home and in the Diasporas.
For me to use the English language in this article appears to be the first contradiction as I will be encouraging both the young and old to embrace their first languages as they are part and parcel of an individual’s identity. Ngugi Wa’Thiongo argues that within the context of the colonial experience, ‘Speaking and writing in the language of the colonizers will naturally be different than in the language one speaks while at play or with one's family. In addition, the language of the colonizer is often a truly foreign one: segments of society understand it badly, if at all, and so certain audiences can not be reached by works in these imposed languages’. The essence of language is communication and the moment a child from Zimbabwe fails to communicate with Grandmother when he /she goes kumusha, becomes tragic.
A lot has been written in literature and for theatre about the loss of culture as individuals half digestedly embrace foreign languages and their respective cultures. There is nothing wrong with the use of English and the respective culture, but there is a sad tragedy in the way things are today where a 10 year old boy who arrived in the UK six months back miraculously loses his native language to the point where it becomes extinct even in the home. The problem appears to be the parents who are often heard saying ‘Tee haachagoni Shona uyo…’ (Tee can’t speak Shona anymore)
A domestic social context that embraces the excessive use of other people’s languages at the expense of one’s own is essentially destructive. Language has the potential to take us further from ourselves to other selves, from our world to other worlds. This is the tragedy of the migrant communities across the globe. What communities lack is the ability to hold on to that which defines them.
Speaking during a telephone interview Mbuya Zvabva said that she was nauseated by the extent of irresponsible cultural neglect in parents who do not make an effort to teach their children their mother languages at home, let alone use them for everyday commmunication. ‘Pavanotofonera handivanwzisisi, pavakauya kumusha handina kumbomunzwa ini, aingotaura chingezi chete. Baba vake vakati haachagoni Shona. Zvakandirwadza kutadza kutaura nemuzukuru wangu nepamusana pekusagona Shona kwake , iye ari MuShona’. This social lamentation by Mbuya is just the tip of the iceberg; there are endless examples that are likely ringing bells in your mind as you read this.
Even in the wake of diffusionism and acculturation as inevitable in the context of the world we live in as a global village, it remains imperative for all generations to hold onto the core values of a people, their language, identity and this inevitably builds dignity and respect in the communities we live in. The danger with half- digested consumption of foreign culture, language, value systems and other anthropological concepts is that when you make a mistake it exposes and ridicules you more. Alfred Masayire from Luton said that, ‘The best thing to recognize you as somebody from somewhere is your language, how would you identify yourself as Ndebele outside the linguistic framework?’
Sandra Brown from Birmingham blasted Africans who have no pride in their identity and language saying that ‘I am angered by Africans who promote cultural loss by not promoting the use of vernacular languages in the home’. There is no doubt that English and other languages are key in business and commerce, but English is not a value asset for cultural sustenance.
Those who have disconnected themselves and family from VanaMbuya ekhaya, they become fixed in the no-mans zone and both ends of the cultural battlefield may fail to call you their own.
Many sociolinguists have emphasized on how language inevitably carries the core values of any given culture. In other words when one chooses a language they also inevitably choose a culture. I wish to stir some turbulent waters in the language debate and at the same time rekindle the love for vernacular languages amongst Zimbabweans both at home and in the Diasporas.
For me to use the English language in this article appears to be the first contradiction as I will be encouraging both the young and old to embrace their first languages as they are part and parcel of an individual’s identity. Ngugi Wa’Thiongo argues that within the context of the colonial experience, ‘Speaking and writing in the language of the colonizers will naturally be different than in the language one speaks while at play or with one's family. In addition, the language of the colonizer is often a truly foreign one: segments of society understand it badly, if at all, and so certain audiences can not be reached by works in these imposed languages’. The essence of language is communication and the moment a child from Zimbabwe fails to communicate with Grandmother when he /she goes kumusha, becomes tragic.
A lot has been written in literature and for theatre about the loss of culture as individuals half digestedly embrace foreign languages and their respective cultures. There is nothing wrong with the use of English and the respective culture, but there is a sad tragedy in the way things are today where a 10 year old boy who arrived in the UK six months back miraculously loses his native language to the point where it becomes extinct even in the home. The problem appears to be the parents who are often heard saying ‘Tee haachagoni Shona uyo…’ (Tee can’t speak Shona anymore)
A domestic social context that embraces the excessive use of other people’s languages at the expense of one’s own is essentially destructive. Language has the potential to take us further from ourselves to other selves, from our world to other worlds. This is the tragedy of the migrant communities across the globe. What communities lack is the ability to hold on to that which defines them.
Speaking during a telephone interview Mbuya Zvabva said that she was nauseated by the extent of irresponsible cultural neglect in parents who do not make an effort to teach their children their mother languages at home, let alone use them for everyday commmunication. ‘Pavanotofonera handivanwzisisi, pavakauya kumusha handina kumbomunzwa ini, aingotaura chingezi chete. Baba vake vakati haachagoni Shona. Zvakandirwadza kutadza kutaura nemuzukuru wangu nepamusana pekusagona Shona kwake , iye ari MuShona’. This social lamentation by Mbuya is just the tip of the iceberg; there are endless examples that are likely ringing bells in your mind as you read this.
Even in the wake of diffusionism and acculturation as inevitable in the context of the world we live in as a global village, it remains imperative for all generations to hold onto the core values of a people, their language, identity and this inevitably builds dignity and respect in the communities we live in. The danger with half- digested consumption of foreign culture, language, value systems and other anthropological concepts is that when you make a mistake it exposes and ridicules you more. Alfred Masayire from Luton said that, ‘The best thing to recognize you as somebody from somewhere is your language, how would you identify yourself as Ndebele outside the linguistic framework?’
Sandra Brown from Birmingham blasted Africans who have no pride in their identity and language saying that ‘I am angered by Africans who promote cultural loss by not promoting the use of vernacular languages in the home’. There is no doubt that English and other languages are key in business and commerce, but English is not a value asset for cultural sustenance.
Those who have disconnected themselves and family from VanaMbuya ekhaya, they become fixed in the no-mans zone and both ends of the cultural battlefield may fail to call you their own.
Musical Therapy
Moral Satellite Navigator: Cheso Power!
(By Michael Chipato)
Alick Macheso and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo once again made their annual summer commitment to their fans in the UK over the bank holiday weekend. Three shows were lined up in Woking, Leicester and Leeds respectively. Macheso has grown from strength to strength and is enjoying the limelight with the hot sizzling album...Ndezvashe…eh which continues to win the hearts of many with the entertainment-cum-didactic tracks like ‘Varume’ which is topping the Zimbabwean charts at the moment.
Besides trying to instill pride and self-respect among fellow Zimbabweans, Macheso’s music provides the world a mode of perceiving Black aesthetics in a manner that celebrates part of the Zimbabwean musi-cultural identity. The wisdom, philosophy, the poetry and beauty of traditional Zimbabwe are impressively subsumed in the language of his music.
Hundreds from across the UK tracked their star to quench their nostalgia for hot and live zim-home beat! The sungura icon displayed strong Afro-ethos by taking the fans on an undiluted lyrical journey which exhibited the wealth and depth of Zimbabwean musical philosophy…To Teach and to Entertain. Messages of encouragement through idiom and linguistic prowess are the brand of his music ‘Usavhundusirwe ne zizi k uti rine nyanga, hadzisi nyanga, inze ve!’(Don’t be intimidated by the owl, it has no horns, those are just ears). The musical journey sent the fans into an endless musical frenzy as both appreciation of artistic talent and nostalgia gripped his fans.
Taking the fans through the near anthemed status song Madhawu to the steaming hot Maduve wangu and Varume, Macheso reinforced the role of the artist as the moral satellite navigator. ‘ Macheso resembles a fountain of our philosophy as Zimbabweans, he manages to reach out to all in simplicity of language yet conveying pregnant thought shrouded in rich idiom and unbeaten truth transcending spatio-temporal limitations’.
Macheso has become a regular star shining on the UK-Zimbabwe- Australia and other international platforms. Earlier on this year Macheso toured Australia from where he has coined another dance move- Kangaroo dance. The athletic artist has become popular over the years and gets better with age like wine.
Meanwhile, Macheso is planning his first ever USA tour soon.
Report and Analysis by: Michael Chipato
(Social Scientist and Commentator)
(By Michael Chipato)
Alick Macheso and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo once again made their annual summer commitment to their fans in the UK over the bank holiday weekend. Three shows were lined up in Woking, Leicester and Leeds respectively. Macheso has grown from strength to strength and is enjoying the limelight with the hot sizzling album...Ndezvashe…eh which continues to win the hearts of many with the entertainment-cum-didactic tracks like ‘Varume’ which is topping the Zimbabwean charts at the moment.
Besides trying to instill pride and self-respect among fellow Zimbabweans, Macheso’s music provides the world a mode of perceiving Black aesthetics in a manner that celebrates part of the Zimbabwean musi-cultural identity. The wisdom, philosophy, the poetry and beauty of traditional Zimbabwe are impressively subsumed in the language of his music.
Hundreds from across the UK tracked their star to quench their nostalgia for hot and live zim-home beat! The sungura icon displayed strong Afro-ethos by taking the fans on an undiluted lyrical journey which exhibited the wealth and depth of Zimbabwean musical philosophy…To Teach and to Entertain. Messages of encouragement through idiom and linguistic prowess are the brand of his music ‘Usavhundusirwe ne zizi k uti rine nyanga, hadzisi nyanga, inze ve!’(Don’t be intimidated by the owl, it has no horns, those are just ears). The musical journey sent the fans into an endless musical frenzy as both appreciation of artistic talent and nostalgia gripped his fans.
Taking the fans through the near anthemed status song Madhawu to the steaming hot Maduve wangu and Varume, Macheso reinforced the role of the artist as the moral satellite navigator. ‘ Macheso resembles a fountain of our philosophy as Zimbabweans, he manages to reach out to all in simplicity of language yet conveying pregnant thought shrouded in rich idiom and unbeaten truth transcending spatio-temporal limitations’.
Macheso has become a regular star shining on the UK-Zimbabwe- Australia and other international platforms. Earlier on this year Macheso toured Australia from where he has coined another dance move- Kangaroo dance. The athletic artist has become popular over the years and gets better with age like wine.
Meanwhile, Macheso is planning his first ever USA tour soon.
Report and Analysis by: Michael Chipato
(Social Scientist and Commentator)
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Michael Chipato
Media and Social Consultant
Michael delivering a paper- Journalism in a Dictatorship
Michael Chipato adresses EU journalists
Tuku meets Mike in Birmingham 2008
Bvuma!
Backing vocalist for Alick Macheso in Liecester with Mike
Afrobeat at its Best!
Macheso crew in Liecester 2008
Lord Mayor, Jeff and Tawanda
Exhibition Official launch , Birmingham 08
Michael and Chiwoniso Maraire , an exiled musician. Now lives in the USA
Mike and Chioneso Maraire in Birmingham 08
About Me
- Michael Chipato
- Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Michael Chipato is a social and development scientist currently living in Birmingham.Over the years issues pertaining social inequalities, dictatorship, political oppression and gender disparities have been his research focus.As an artist, journalist and academic Michael's philosophy of life is greatly influenced by Léopold Sédar Senghor (9 October 1906 – 20 December 2001) ... a Senegalese poet, politician, and cultural theorist who served as the first president of Senegal (1960–1980). Senghor was the first African to sit as a member of the Académie française. He was also the founder of the political party called the Senegalese Democratic Bloc. He is regarded by many as one of the most important African intellectuals of the 20th century. Senghor created the concept of Négritude, an important intellectual movement that sought to assert and to valorize what they believed to be distinctive African characteristics, values, and aesthetics..He does not condone oppression and violence in any shape or form.
Michael Chipato
Michael interviews Lord Mayor in Birmingham
Zimbabweans hang in the balance
