Lenox African
Lenox African
![]() |
Zimbabwe-style coalition in new UK government?
By Lenox Mhlanga
As much as I hate them, politicians run the world and worse still, make the decisions that make living such a pain sometimes. We are forced to keep a close watch on their antics and weep at their mistakes which invariably result in disastrous consequences. We take the brunt and wish for an early election to clean up the mess. However, elections do not always come up with the solutions that we yearn for.
Take those held in Zimbabwe as an example. The government prides itself with holding timely elections. It's an achievement that has been touted by the former ruling Zanu PF to demonstrate that they were truly democratic. Bar the fact that all these so called democratic elections were seriously flawed. The playing field has never been level, and the party in question has so perfected the art of rigging that the people wonder whether any truly free and fair elections were possible in the Southern African country.
On the few occasions when the elections nearly returned an unanticipated result for the ruling party of course, the authorities defied any pretence of shame by ensuring that the will of the people never saw the light of day. On one notable occasion in 2008, the person charged with running the elections to the results and literally ran for the hills with them. What was later revealed to a patient, expectant and obviously cheated electorate was an electoral dish of epicurean proportions.
Fast forward a couple of years and we have a government that is a curious contraption borne out of insidious compromise. Totally ignoring the will of the people, marathon negotiations concocted a witch's brew of the stale variety. How true the adage that we get the leaders we deserve rings. The half-baked administration that is running Zimbabwe, if we may call it that, has been misfiring on all cylinders.
It is in this regard that the Zimbabwean experience should hold lessons for the incoming coalition government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. It has all the trappings of Zimbabwe's Government of National Unity (GNU) or ‘Inclusive Government' as they choose to call it. It is a product of a political crisis and is therefore a marriage of convenience.
If you look at it from all angles, it is an awkward, to quote Professor Welshman Ncube, ‘half human, half beast.' You have on the one hand the Movement for Democratic Change - Tsvangirayi which won an election but not enough for it to control government, and Zanu PF, the former ruling party that gate-crashed after losing the elections. Then of course the MDC Mutambara faction that could not even dream of being at the table. There are no prizes for guessing which one of these is the beast.
The gist of the questions at the Cameron-Clegg press conference on the lawns of Downing Street clearly showed this. Who would field question time, chair cabinet meetings etcetera. They should ask how Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirayi has fared against a belligerent President Robert Mugabe who will not hesitate to remind everyone within earshot who is in charge. His Excellency the President, Head of State and Commander of the Defence Forces runs the country and the rest of you can frankly go to hell.
Another interesting result of the ‘historic' coalition in the UK is the fact that a whole host of politicians who previously could only dream of being in government were thrown in at the deep end. The Liberal Democrats managed to get 5 seniors cabinet posts and at least 15 as junior ministers. The question is whether they could swim. In Zimbabwe, senior members from both factions of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) found themselves in ministerial positions that seemed more of largesse that deserved.
The obvious result has been the preponderance of lame duck cabinet ministers whose claim to fame is being at the right time at the right place with the right people. I'm afraid there is little here worth writing home about except perhaps Finance minister Tendai Biti and State Enterprises and Parastatals' Gorden Moyo who apart from standing their ground evidently know how a government should be run. The net result was gross incompetence among those who could not fit the bill and were booted out in a ‘reshuffle' by the Prime Minister Tsvangirayi recently.
While the Lib Dems are still pinching themselves, the question that Britons should be asking is whether they have the right people for the complex job of steering the country from economic disaster and a war they were not supposed to be involved in? Soon, just like a wedding, the novelty of union will soon wear off as it did in Zimbabwe a year ago. When reality sinks in that is when the dirt hits the fan. I suppose Britain has better prospects at calling for early elections than Zimbabwe.
As we speak, the tone coming from Harare on both sides of the political divide, and so eloquently and loudly pronounced by Deputy Prime Minister Prof Arthur Mutambara, is that there won't be elections in Zimbabwe any time soon. Not if the MDC guys comfortably ensconced on the gravy train can help it. While the Britons are admiring their new toy, Zimbabweans both at home and abroad have to face some hard truths about a Lib Dem-Conservative coalition government, what one UK paper called brilliantly dubbed, Con-Dem-nation.
The views of both parties on immigration are well known. While the Conservatives (and Labour) advocated for the deportation of illegal immigrants and putting a cap on non-EU immigrants because they felt that they are swamping the country's services, the Liberal Democrats pledged to offer illegal immigrants a lifeline in the form of an amnesty. This explains why a lot of Zimbabweans and other immigrants in the UK backed the Lib Dems.
However, the coalition agreement seems to reflect the conservative position of limiting non-EU immigrants although it puts an end to child detention in immigration centres. It goes without saying therefore, that the new government is likely to get tough on asylum seekers. This would be bad news to the thousands of illegal immigrants who have been in the UK for years. Whether it was time for our relatives to start packing their bags or not, it's all up to fate.
It has come to my notice that there is a discernable level of excitement among Zimbabwean politicians each time there are elections in the UK. The hope, particularly within Zanu PF, is that it might bring a shift in foreign policy and a possible lifting of the ‘Harrods shopping spree' ban they are labouring under. If there is one thing blacklisted Zanu PF politicians hate is cooling their heels at Heathrow Airport departure lounge on transit while their MDC counterparts paint London red.
With William Hague heading the foreign ministry I suggest they look elsewhere for relief in this regard. The Conservatives might have given us our independence all those years back, but these Conservatives of today are a different kettle of fish. Hague has not hidden his apparent distaste for Zanu PF as are many of his compatriots. For those with short memories, he is the one who advocated for the evacuation of British kith and kin from Zimbabwe at the height of the disastrous land invasions.
As for Zimbabweans who had found sanctuary with their former colonial masters, the signs are there that the coalition government is not what they expected. Not that they are packing their bags and rushing for the border. The climate of unease is shown by the growing number of enquiries about opportunities in Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia or even, God-forbid, South Africa. Some are talking investment while others are preparing to make a move.
Only time will tell as to where the policies of new occupants of Whitehall will trigger a mass exodus of Babylonian proportions by Zimbabweans ensconced there. Though the rumblings are becoming audible, the vast majority are sure to give their forsaken homeland a wide berth. Not at moment when the inclusive government is still clutching at empty straws as far as finding solid financial backing for their experiment is concerned.
One thing that Zimbabwean diasporians are unanimous about though is the fact that only free and fair elections will bring about finality to the crisis that is there. The challenge is that of politicians, ideologues and indeed demagogues who would like the status quo to prevail. Because any other arrangement would mean a sure end to their access to the largesse associated with political power. In the meantime, the Lib Dem-Conservative coalition is not offering any better options either.
About the Author
Lenox Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean columnist based in Botswana. he writes on topics rangng from politics, travel, society, economics and anything that meets his fancy. He has a creer spanning 20 years in public relations, journalism, broadcasting and teaching. He is currently editing and writing on a freelance basis and in the process of writing a book. You can contact him at lenoxmhlanga@hotmail.com and he has a blog at http:/lenoxmhlanga.blogspot.com
|
|
139 & Lenox $8.49 139 & Lenox |
|
|
LENOX THE $700 THE LENOX IS A LANDMARK IN A CITY GRACED BY HISTORIC CHARM.IDEALLY SITUATED IN BOSTONS PRESTIGIOUS BACK BAY THE HOTELIS STEPS AWAY FROM FASHIONABLE NEWBURY STREET AND COPLEYPLACE AND THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND FENWAY PARK.RECOGNIZED AS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTALINITIATIVES THIS FOUR DIAMOND HOTEL DELIGHTS ITS GUESTS WITHAN INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE AND A DISCRETE LUXURY THEY CAN FEELGOOD ABOUT. CLASSIC ROOM QUEEN B1D1 QUEEN WIFI FLAT SCREEN TV MINI FRIDGEMAX OCC 2.SUPERIOR TWO DOUBLES E2D2 DBLS WIFI FLAT SCREEN TV MINI FRIDGEMAX OCC 4.SUPERIOR KING B1KKING WIFI FLAT SCREEN TV MINI FRIDGE AVEDAMAX OCC 3.JUNIOR SUITE DOUBLE S2TSPACIOUS 2 DBL BEDS COMP WIFI FLAT SCREEN TVMAX OCC 5.JUNIOR SUITE KING S2KKING WIFI FLAT SCREEN TV MINI FRIDGE AVEDAMAX OCC 3.EXECUTIVE FIREPLACE ROOM KING P1DKING WITH WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE COMP WIFIMAX OCC 3.JUDY GARLAND SUITE S2DKING WIFI FLAT SCREEN LIVINGROOMMAX OCC 4.ONE BEDROOM SUITE S1KKING WIFI LIVINGROOM FLATSCREENMAX OCC 5.BACK BAY SUITE S1DKING SUITE WIFI LIVING ROOM AIRBATHMAX OCC 3 |
|
|
Lenox Chateau Server LXCHTSRVR $62.5 Lenox Chateau Server LXCHTSRVR |
|
|
Lenox Kingston Creamer $45 Lenox Kingston Creamer |
|
|
Lenox Serenade Saucer LXSERSAUCER $12.99 Lenox Serenade Saucer LXSERSAUCER |
|
|
Lenox Serenade Teacup LXSERTEA $14.99 Lenox Serenade Teacup LXSERTEA |
|
|
139 & Lenox [LP] $18.98 139 & Lenox [LP] |
|
|
Boulevard Lenox Natasha $169.99 Lenox Natasha Color: Navy |
|
|
Mr. Lenox $6 Mr. Lenox - F.L.Y. - Fast Life Yungstaz |
|
|
Lenox at 136th $104.99 Charles Rucker Lenox at 136th - Framed Art Print |
|
|
Lenox Lounge $19.99 Alain Bertrand Lenox Lounge - Giclee Print |
|
|
Parsonage in Lenox, Iowa $14.99 Parsonage in Lenox, Iowa - Premium Poster |
|
|
Lenox Lenox Mandrel Adaptor AA1 $3.25 Mandrel adaptor Adapts No. 1L, 4L, and 5L mandrels to Lenox hole saw sizes 1-1/4? to 6? 1 per vinyl pouch Brand #: Lenox AA1 UPC: 082472308570 Keywords: mandrel adaptor |
|
|
Lenox GLDN SNDDN Tea Cup $13.75 Lenox GLDN SNDDN Tea Cup |
|
|
Lenox Allegro Glass LXALLGROG $14.99 Allegro Glass. Lenox Allegro Glass LXALLGROG |
|
|
Lenox Optika Small Vase $28 Optika Small Vase. Lenox Optika Small Vase |
|
|
Lenox Ceramic Harvest Server $40 Harvest Server. Lenox Ceramic Harvest Server |
|
|
Stylized Snowshoer, Lenox, Massachusetts $19.99 Stylized Snowshoer, Lenox, Massachusetts - Premium Poster |
|
|
Snow Hiker, Lenox, Massachusetts $19.99 Snow Hiker, Lenox, Massachusetts - Premium Poster |
|
|
Political Map of Lenox, MA $19.99 Political Map of Lenox, MA - Premium Poster |
|
|
Lenox Avenue Type $54.99 Covarrubias Lenox Avenue Type - Art Print |
|
|
Political Map of Lenox, IA $19.99 Political Map of Lenox, IA - Premium Poster |
|
|
Lenox Montparnasse $103 Fully renovated in 2003, the Lenox Montparnasse Hotel is the ideal spot for staying in Paris whether for business or leisure |
|
|
Lenox Lenox 12 in Arbor Extension 12X $14.02 12? arbor extension For use with Lenox bi-metal hole saws (Lenox model No. 1L, 2L, 3L, and Lenox Leader wood bits model No. LL100 thru LL256) Chuck size 1/2? 12? long Brand #: Lenox 12X UPC: 082472308471 Keywords: hole saw extension holesaw arbor |
|
|
Lenox Lenox 18 in Arbor Extension 18X $19.4 18? arbor extension For use with Lenox bi-metal hole saws (Lenox model No. 1L, 2L, 3L, and Lenox Leader wood bits model No. LL100 thru LL256) Chuck size 1/2? 18? long Brand #: Lenox 18X UPC: 082472308488 Keywords: hole saw extension holesaw arbor |
|
|
Lenox Inn $251 Lenox Inn is located in Lenox, close to Arrowhead Museum. Additional area points of interest include Shakespeare and Company and Hancock Shake Village. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include tour/ticket assistance and a garden. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Lenox Inn feature hair dryers and clock radios. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Cable television is provided. |
|
|
Lenox Rose Votive Ceramic Vase Candle Holder $24.99 Lenox Rose Votive Ceramic Vase |
|
|
John Sloane House, Lenox, Mass. $34.99 John Sloane House, Lenox, Mass. - Giclee Print |
|
|
Political Map of New Lenox, IL $19.99 Political Map of New Lenox, IL - Premium Poster |
|
|
Cross Country Skier, Lenox, Massachusetts $19.99 Cross Country Skier, Lenox, Massachusetts - Premium Poster |
|
|
Lenox Chirp Curtain Hooks $29 Lenox Chirp Curtain Hooks. Set of 12 resin shower curtain hooks. |
|
|
Lenox Lenox Hole Saw Arbor 1779802 $20.06 Hole saw arbor For use with Lenox bimetal hole saws Use for hole saws 1-1/4? to 6? hex shape, 3L Brand #: Lenox 1779802 UPC: 885363004779 Keywords: mandrel hole saw holesaw |
|
|
Walter Lenox $71.7 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Walter Lenox (18171874) was Mayor of Washington, D.C. for one twoyear term, from 1850 to 1852. Lenox was the first mayor to be born in the city of Washington, graduating from Yale in 1837 and returning to the capital to practice law in the early 1840s. During at least part of that period, he lived with future Washington mayor Richard Wallach.Lenox served on the Washington city council (the lower of its two legislative chambers) from 1842 to 1843, then as an Alderman from 1843 to 1849, serving his last term as President of the Board of Aldermen. Thus when mayor William Winston Seaton declined to run for a sixth term in 1850, Lenox was the heir apparent although because of his young age (only 33), he was dismissed by many residents of the city, particularly when the popular former mayor Roger C. Weightman announced his intention to seek the office again. Ultimately, Lenox won the election by 32 votes. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 100 Publication Date: 2010/08/08 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.24 inches |
|
|
Lenox Lenox Mini Hacksaw 975 $8.84 Mini hacksaw Constructed of die-cast aluminum Designed for hard to get at places Cuts bolts, wire, tubing and plastic Includes bimetal 10? blade Brand #: Lenox 975 UPC: 082472209754 Keywords: saw hacksaw mini bi metal blade |


US $74.41


































































































