Startling Update

In case you are not apprised of the political and economic environment in Zimabwe, I will tell you just a bit of what is going on. In 2000, President Robert Mugabe lead a rebel war against the white colonists here in Zim. There has been a long history of racism and struggle between the black natives and the white colonists. Zimbabwe abounds with fertile lands rich in minerals, and capable of producing plenty. However, the focus of Mugabe's war was to take away land from white farmers, which often times meant by force and many people were killed. Since that time, thousands of Zimabawean's have left the country, the farms were given to Mugabe's war veterans who did not have the education to farm, and the country is experiencing world record inflation. The cash that is used in the millions  (for example, my latte might cost 300,000,000 Zim dollars) and 700 mill is one US dollar (it was 300 mill when I got here, the rates are increasing daily- it is horrible). The government is being very badly handled and 50% of a persons wages are taken out from the government for taxes, but the government is providing little to nothing for its people. Corruption is the name of the game here. 

However, presidential elections were held in March and everyone held their breath for change. Mugabe's soldiers have been causing chaos in rural areas and forcibly obtaining votes for Zanu PF (Mugabe's party) and vote rigging is also understood. Even so, the people's party won the election, but Mugabe will not leave office. A runoff election is now set for later this month. 

So, with that said, here is the update. Matt Mbanga, the guy I am working with daily, is the son of the owners of The Zimbabwean newspaper. It is the voice of the people and the voice of who will hopefully become Zimbabwe's next president. It was run out of Zim for years, but Matt's parents were exiled for their outspokenness and will be arrested if they enter the country. They now operate the paper out of England. Zanu PF officials have been asking at the South African border about the newspaper truck, and last week The Zimbabwean's truck, carrying 60,000 copies of the paper was stopped on its way in from South Africa. 8 guys with AK 47s pulled the driver and passenger out and beat them. Both men survived. One was South African and returned to SA and the other was from Zim and they torched his passport. He is now in the hospital here in Harare. They shot up the truck and set it on fire. It is clear that these horrible people will stop at nothing. Please pray for the operation of the paper, for change in Zimbabwe, and for Matt's safety (his last name could make him a bit of a target).

It is crazy that life is carrying on as usual here in the city and we see no danger or strange occurrences, yet, in the rural areas, the government continues to abuse their power. (if you want a better understanding of the war Mugabe is responsible for, watch the movie The Interpeter, it is loosley based on the situation in Zim)