Africa Day and The Nehanda Statue

Published on by Dante4 Comments

Every year on the 25th of may marks Africa day. It is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU now AU) on 25 May 1963. It is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.

Africa day this year in Zimbabwe was… interesting.

The government of Zimbabwe thought it pertinent to construct a statue of Mbuya Nehanda in the CBD of Harare. Nehanda was an influential spirit medium who assembled people to fight against land seizures by colonialists. In addition to this unveiling, entry into town was barred.

I love my country. It is the individuals that are ‘leading’ I am not particular about. Their decisions on Africa day further illustrate my derision for them. This particular one – in my view – shows a lack of priorities.

In a deteriorating economy, why one would sign off on a statue when citizens do not get adequate healthcare and countless others go to bed hungry is beyond me. Not to mention the rising rate of unemployment in the country.

I have grown up in this country, and have experienced what it is like for the everyday Zimbabwean. I have seen it become a shadow of its former self at the mercy of those in charge.

Mbuya Nehanda played her part – a very integral one. I doubt there is a Zimbabwean who does not know who she is and how important she is to us as a people. For that, she is already commemorated in street names and buildings. This statue was unnecessary – not right now anyway.

I heard a lot of justifications for the statue. A lot of them stating it was a great stride towards tourism for the country. This may be true, but to that I say:

Africa, Zimbabwe has never needed man made monuments to draw tourists in. I don’t think a statue in the capital will aid this is any way.

This is Africa

This is…

Another justification stated it was necessary for its historical relevance. Granted. But riddle me this; how much historical relevance can be garnered from one statue?

This next part is directly to you Mr. President. you said,

“This statue is a bold and unapologetic statement that we are a people who know who we are and where we came from. It is a declaration that we stand proud of our nation and history.”

We know our history; we are very much aware of it – you have made certain of that. We know who we are and are proud of our country. What purpose does this statue serve?

I am however perplexed that they actually can get things done. Having said that, what about the other things that need attention? What of those?

If you have lived in Zimbabwean long enough, you are able to clearly recognise smoke and mirrors…

The entire manner in which this unveiling was handled subverts the entire meaning of Africa Day…

Dante

The Empty Man

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I haven’t been watching horror lately. There just hasn’t been anything that has caught my attention. I watched this one mostly because I wanted something different. In my head, I was, “Oh goody, another {insert noun} Man movie”

Where The Bye Bye Man and Slender Man left a lot to be desired, this is how The Empty Man got it right…

Continue reading “The Empty Man” →

Book Review: At What Age Does My Body Belong To Me by Amanda Tayte-Tait

Published on by Dante4 Comments

Rape, Abuse, Violence, Mental Health, and Suicide

These are things that drove the writing of this book and these are the things touched upon but in a different way…

First off, this is not the kind of book I usually read. It was an interesting change. I am not sure where I would classify this one under. Let me explain…

I have never met anyone who has tried to commit suicide, let alone tried multiple times. Mia did.

The book is divided into two main parts:

  • Before the suicide attempt and what lead up to it
  • After the attempt and the friends and family that were there but not there..

Amanda tells the story of Mia. What she went through from a young age. Things no child – or anyone for that matter – should have to deal with. Should not have to deal with alone.

What really got to me was instead of talking to Mia, trying to understand what she was going through, her mother decided to dump her on someone else in the gospel of “for your own good”. This is a cop out a lot of African parents take when they are so set in their ways and can’t see another way.

I also noticed something, something very crucial that only happened towards the end. What Mia needed was someone to listen. That’s what we all need sometimes, someone to listen…

Quite a few times when matters of rape, abuse and mental health are talked about it is by people who have never experienced these things. This book is different, it is a first-hand account from the victim’s perspective – that made me connect with her more.

It is a journey, Mia’s journey from wanting to end her life to understanding that no one other than herself was going to look out for her. In that journey, there is a lot to take away regardless who you are.

And also this quote:

 “No one is born ugly, we’re just born in a judgemental society.”

Kim Namjoon

My main gripe with the book is that when she had my full undivided attention and I began to understand the extent of what she went through I am barraged with statistics and facts. However necessary this information may be, it took away from the core of what she intended to say in my opinion.

Am I supposed to give a rating? Do I have to? Okay, I give it a 3.0 for the reasons I have mentioned. Even with that, this is a book everyone should read.

You can get a copy of the book here

Where it is also available

Dante

My Terabithia – Are You Ready For The Next Class?

Published on by Dante5 Comments

I held a class where I taught you how to build your innner world, your haven, your Terabithia.

That lesson was held in my Terabithia, but just a small part of it. I thought before I have the next class – which I know a lot of you have been waiting for – I would take you on a tour of the expanse of mine:

Continue reading “My Terabithia – Are You Ready For The Next Class?” →

#BOTY2020: Day 21 – 25

Published on by Dante2 Comments

Function/Show/Festival

I feel like I mentioned this before, one second…

Yes, I did

TYPO3 International Event

Best Story You Heard

I have shared this already – The Coronavirus Vaccines. Not because they are there, but because I said this would happen and no one believed me. Also now it turns out they have adverse side effects – another thing I mentioned

Online Personalities Who Have Made Your 2020

Brian Design

Adrian Twarog

Isaac Butterfield

Festive Spirit Gift Ideas

People, we have talked about this. I am not in the business of helping you with gift ideas this late in the year. You had ample time. COVID is not an excuse, it actually works against you.

The Festive Season Looks Like

I could not tell you even if I tried. I am just hoping my plans pan out.

The Mad Blogger