"A Slow Boat To China" A Protest Against Robert Mugabe

Faatimah Hendricks

11 November 2009

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Cape Town — When Zimbabweans were being attacked and killed in political violence, a little-known South African musician was inspired to act by the stories she heard from refugees living illegally in South Africa.

Johanna Booysen of the Black Rose African Jazz Orchestra was particularly angered when she heard about a Zimbabwean who died outside an office of South Africa's home affairs ministry, which handles refugees.

She couldn't understand how this was "allowed" to happen. "Politicians and everybody were folding their hands and allowing everything to deteriorate," she said.

So she wrote a protest song. Over just a few days, she composed a reggae tune and wrote the lyrics of "Slow Boat to China." The idea stemmed from the appearance of reggae legend Bob Marley at Zimbabwe's independence celebrations in 1980.

The title has two meanings. The first refers to a Chinese arms shipment to Zimbabwe which South African civil society organisations managed to block before it was offloaded at a South African port.

Slowboat to China

Double click above to play, or download this mp3

"Slow Boat to China is pointing out to [President Robert Mugabe] that getting a shipload of weapons isn't the best way to resolve conflict in your country," says Booysen. "I was happy that the Durban harbour wouldn't offload the weapons."

The second meaning of the title derives from the slang name of a cannabis cigarette - a "slow boat". Booysen says the song also tells Mugabe to relax and to not take himself so seriously, and also that he shouldn't destroy his own country and kill his own people.

Booysen says the second verse of the song -- "If you love them let them speak their mind" -- refers to last year's elections: "Show your love by accepting the outcome of the election. [South African leader] Thabo Mbeki was a good example. He was removed [as president] and he accepted it. He didn't incite people to violence."

References to Moses and Pharaoh invite Mugabe to choose to be a liberator, not an oppressor. And a word play on the the bible verse, "there's a time to reap, a time to sow" suggests that "there was a time for him, to liberate his country," explains Booysen. "There was a time for him to lead them and to rule but maybe his time has come to step down. This thing of president for life doesn't work."

In the song, children appeal in a chorus to "Uncle Bob" not to be an obstacle to democracy; addressing him as "uncle" is a sign of respect, she says: "I respect Robert Mugabe for the positive things that he did... I don't see him as an enemy."

Slow boat to China lyrics

Slow Boat to China

• Audio: Slowboat to China

There`s an old saying, and it goes like this:
"If you love something, set it free"
If you love it, let it be
You`ll want it to exist, happily

If you love them let them speak their mind
If you let them you will find
Its not as dark as you think it would be
They just want to live in peace, and harmony

CHORUS

Uncle Bob, if you asked me
My advice to you would be:
"Take a slow boat to China
And walk along the Chinese wall"
X2

Every leader leaves a legacy
What is happening is plain to see
Rather a Moses than a Faroa be
Let yours be, that you set them free

The Preacherman in the Big Book says
"There`s a time to reap, a time to sow"
A time to cut, a time to grow
A wise man knows when its time to go

CNN Puts Robert Mugabe On "The Hot Seat"

Mugabe denies blame for Zimbabwe woes print friendly version
author/source:CNN
published:Thu 24-Sep-2009
posted on this site:Fri 25-Sep-2009
Article Type : News
"Land reform is the best thing that could have ever have happened"
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, in a rare interview Thursday, depicted himself as an African hero battling imperialism and foreign attempts to oust him rather than the widespread perception of a dictator clinging to power at the expense of the welfare of his people and country. The 85-year-old Mugabe, the only leader of Zimbabwe since it became independent from Britain in 1980, rejected repeated assertions by CNN's Christiane Amanpour that his policies have driven the nation once known as Africa's breadbasket to virtual economic collapse. Instead, Mugabe accused Britain and the United States of seeking to oust him by imposing economic sanctions, the effects of which he said were worsened by years of drought. He denied that his country is in economic shambles, saying it grew enough food last year to feed all its people, and defended policies that have driven white farmers off their land as properly restoring that land to indigenous Africans. "The land reform is the best thing (that) could have ever have happened to an African country," said Mugabe, a former revolutionary leader who came to power when white-ruled Rhodesia became black-ruled Zimbabwe. "It has to do with national sovereignty."

It was Mugabe's first interview with a Western television network in several years, and he appeared to get frustrated with some of Amanpour's direct questioning, repeatedly denying widely accepted evidence and reports on his nation's woes. Mugabe denied that his Zanu PF party lost elections in 2008 that forced him to accept a power-sharing agreement with his chief rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, who now is prime minister. Violence surrounding the disputed election, much of it against opposition supporters, further damaged Zimbabwe's standing, but Mugabe rejected any blame on Thursday. "You don't leave power when imperialists dictate that you leave," he insisted. "There is regime change. Haven't you heard of (the) regime change program by Britain and the United States that is aimed at getting not just Robert Mugabe out of power but get Robert Mugabe and his party out of power?" He also waved off Amanpour's assertion that the power-sharing arrangement is not working, and that opposition political figures are continuing to get harassed and arrested. Asked about Roy Bennett, a white opposition figure who has yet to be sworn in as agriculture minister a year after formation of the power-sharing government, Mugabe stammered before saying Bennett faces charges of "organizing arms of war" against Zimbabwe. He added that he's heard the prosecution lacks evidence in the case, but said he won't agree to swearing in Bennett until after any charges are dropped.

Mugabe also denied any responsibility for harm to the nation from his economic policies, instead blaming what he called "unjustified" and "illegal" sanctions that he said were intended to bring regime change. "The sanctions must be lifted. We should have no interference from outside," Mugabe said. "The continued imperialist interference in our affairs is affecting our country adversely." When Amanpour challenged him by saying most of the sanctions were directed at individuals, rather than economic entities, Mugabe said she was wrong. "The U.S. sanctions are real sanctions, economic sanctions. Have you looked at them?" he said. "It's because of sanctions, mainly." Amanpour tried to push the point, saying outside observers blamed his policies and not sanctions. "Not everybody says so," Mugabe cut her off. "It's not true." He also rejected criticism from South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle, who has accused Mugabe of turning Zimbabwe into a "basket case" and repressing his own people. "It's not a basket case at all," Mugabe said. He later called Tutu's comments "devilish talk" and added: "He doesn't know what he's talking about, the little man."

On the takeover of white-owned farms - a policy blamed for undermining the agriculture sector - Mugabe displayed the African nationalist fervor of his revolutionary days. "Zimbabwe belongs to the Zimbabweans, pure and simple," he said, then adding that white Zimbabweans - even those born in the country with legal ownership of their land - have a debt to pay. "They occupied the land illegally. They seized the land from our people," Mugabe said. When Amanpour pressed him on white farmers being forced off their land, he shot back, "Not just off their land. Our land." "They are British settlers," he said, later calling them "citizens by colonization, seizing land from original people, indigenous people of the country." Asked if would run again in elections likely to take place in 2011, Mugabe refused to answer, but denied he feared defeat and again rejected charges of past electoral wrongdoing. "Elections don't go all that smoothly all the time in many countries," he said, tossing a jab at the United States. "Look what happens elsewhere. They didn't go smoothly here, look at what happened during the first term of Bush."

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It Appears That Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe Has Come Back From The Dead

Lights out as Zuma arrives print friendly version
author/source:Cape Argus (SA)
published:Fri 28-Aug-2009
posted on this site:Fri 28-Aug-2009
Article Type : News
Vehicles had to direct their headlights so that Zuma's party could disembark
Focus on Mugabe's failure to stick to his side of agreement Peta Thornycroft and Stanley Gama Harare – On the surface, it was all sweetness and light during official speeches at a banquet hosted last night by President Robert Mugabe for President Jacob Zuma. The hard part - outstanding issues from the political agreement, now nearly a year old - began after the dinner and continue today. Those disagreements concentrated on Mugabe's failure to swear in Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) governors, his unilateral appointment of senior civil servants loyal to Zanu PF, central bank governor Gideon Gono and attorney-general Johannes Tomana and his arrests of MDC MPs. Mugabe has also failed to swear in deputy agriculture minister Roy Bennett because he is facing weapons charges, even though the state has failed for six months to present its case to defence lawyers. "The inclusive government has made great strides in addressing the challenges in Zimbabwe and the remaining issues in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement can be overcome," South African President and SADC chair Jacob Zuma said last night at the dinner. "SADC remains at your disposal for assistance. The remaining issues are not insurmountable, and can be overcome. The most difficult path has already been travelled," he said. "The bonds that united us when we battled the inhuman systems of apartheid and colonialism still guide us today as we endeavour to build a better life for all our people. We remain very committed as guarantors of the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and partners, to continue working with the Zimbabwean people to find solutions. "We are all encouraged by how the three parties put their differences aside in the service of this country. It is indeed very encouraging to note the significant progress that has been made under the auspices of the inclusive government." Zuma flew into Harare yesterday evening amid high expectations from the MDC that he would use his political muscle to end sharp differences in the unity government. Zuma was greeted by the 85-year President Mugabe - defying rumours that he was very ill - and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. But Mugabe kept the rumour mills churning a bit longer when he arrived late at the airport, leaving Zuma twiddling his thumbs on his aircraft for about ten minutes before he could emerge to walk down the stairs. And because the airport lights weren't working, vehicles had to direct their headlights to enable Zuma's party to disembark. But it was too dark for him to inspect the guard of honour. To remind Tsvangirai that he is a lesser being, the pro Zanu PF public media, including The Herald, now always refers to Mugabe as "Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces". And his spokesman George Charamba has been insisting all along that Zuma has only come to Zimbabwe to open the Harare Agricultural Show today, not to resolve the problems in the unity government. back to top

Perhaps "The Old Man of Zimbabwe" Will Be Leaving This World Soon

Mugabe in hospital print friendly version
author/source:Times (SA)
published:Wed 26-Aug-2009
posted on this site:Wed 26-Aug-2009
Article Type : News
The official line from the president’s office yesterday was that Mugabe was on a “private visit to Dubai”
Moses Mudzwiti, Sipho Masondo and Sapa Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is receiving treatment in a Dubai hospital following a serious health scare. The Times has established that Mugabe was whisked off in secret to a United Arab Emirates hospital on Sunday. He has not been seen in public since Tuesday last week, when he returned from a visit to Namibia. It emerged yesterday that Mugabe, who is 85, was not well and was undergoing specialist treatment in the UAE. It is believed he is being treated by a Malaysian urologist, Awang Kechik, who has for many years treated Mugabe for a prostate condition. Sources at Harare International airport said Mugabe arrived last week without the usual glitz and glamour. There were no sirens and no officials lined the tarmac. Passengers aboard the scheduled Air Zimbabwe flight on which Mugabe travelled said the president appeared gaunt. He was accompanied by his wife, Amai Grace. Well-placed sources said the octogenarian was unwell at the weekend. Mugabe’s daughter, Bona, was said to have travelled to Dubai from Hong Kong, where she attends university. His spokesman, George Charamba, could not be reached for comment yesterday. But some of Mugabe’s colleagues in the Zanu PF politburo yesterday claimed they “do not know where the president is” - coded language meaning that the topic is too sensitive and off-limits for public discussion. The official line from the president’s office yesterday was that Mugabe was on a “private visit to Dubai”. It was only during a weekend press conference that Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said the president was out of the country. At the time, most of the Cabinet ministers attending a two-day retreat were not aware that he had left Zimbabwe. Earlier this month, Mugabe became the oldest member of his government when Vice-President Joseph Msika died at the age of 86. At the burial of Msika, Mugabe complained that the “grim reaper” was decimating the country’s struggle icons. Yesterday, Mugabe missed the burial of his long-time struggle colleague and Zanu PF politburo member, Senator Richard Hove. Acting President Joice Mujuru presided over the ceremony. Hove’s death on Friday is believed to have hurt Mugabe. He did not make the traditional trip to the home of the bereaved. Instead, he sent Mujuru with a written message of condolence. Mugabe has never admitted to claims that he has prostate cancer. He has always claimed that his doctors gave him a clean bill of health, but indications are that age is catching up with him. Yesterday, Zanu PF bigwigs said privately that they knew something was amiss, but they were confident that Mugabe’s condition was not serious and that he would soon bounce back. Other senior government sources said Mugabe was expected back in the country before President Jacob Zuma’s scheduled visit tomorrow. A source close to Zanu PF said Mugabe “was in Dubai and is on his way back as we speak, to prepare for Zuma’s visit. I know he was holidaying, but he might have used the trip for medical check-ups”. Zuma is going to Zimbabwe to meet the unity government leaders, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and Mugabe. Mugabe’s doctor, Kechik, was among four of his inner circle who, late last year, had their US assets frozen as global impatience with the dictator swelled. The others were businesswoman Nalinee Joy Taveesin, adviser Johan Bredenkamp and controversial South African businessman Billy Rautenbach. In February, The Times, London, reported that Kechik had treated Mugabe for prostate problems for years and that their relationship included business dealings. back to top

In A Surprise Move, The FT of London Urges The West To Engage With Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe needs the west to engage Mugabe

By Michael Holman

Published: August 20 2009 20:02 | Last updated: August 20 2009 20:02

It is time for western governments to swallow their pride, re-engage in Zimbabwe and do business with Robert Mugabe.

The country’s battered people urgently need help: compassion and self-interest demands that the west provide it; the future of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change could well depend on it; and the recent announcement that China has offered Zimbabwe a US$950m (€671m, £576m) loan should concentrate policymakers’ minds on it.

Six months after the introduction of a coalition administration, Zimbabwe remains in cruel limbo. Its children are still being orphaned by Aids and dying of preventable diseases. Its students remain without books or computers. Nearly half the population are kept alive by UN food shipments, but denied by western donors the resources that could allow the country to fend for itself.

Doing business with a dictator is anathema, maintain western diplomats.President Mugabe must go, they say, before regular aid can resume. Meanwhile, their governments keep their distance. They channel hundreds of thousands of tonnes of food aid through the UN’s World Food Programme, and enlist non-government organisations to deliver the modest humanitarian help the west is prepared to allow.

All this takes place on the sufferance of Mr Mugabe. Every agency operating in Zimbabwe has signed an agreement with his administration, setting out the terms of its operations.

Were the west to take the advice of the MDC, the party in a coalition led by Mr Mugabe, this relationship could form the basis for assistance on a far bigger scale. Yet for all the genuine concern about dealing with a dictator, the west seems influenced by a desire for revenge on the man who has for so long defied its efforts to dislodge him.

Not only have these efforts ended in embarrassing failure – all too often they have backfired to Mr Mugabe’s advantage. He has defied European Union travel bans, and made UN and EU sanctions look foolish.

And far from assisting the cause of Morgan Tsvangirai, the west’s veto on increased aid has left the MDC leader in a bind that could lead to his political demise. When Mr Tsvangirai returned from a fundraising tour of western capitals, he had little to show for his efforts – and if he fails to improve the quality of life in Zimbabwe, MDC supporters are entitled to ask why he joined the coalition in the first place.

So what can be done?

If the WFP can be trusted to ensure that food supplied by Britain and other donors reaches the needy and not the army, it can be trusted to implement a wider programme, supervising efforts to help Zimbabwe’s small-scale farmers feed the country.

And if the NGOs can be relied upon to deliver the west’s humanitarian aid to the deserving and not to Mr Mugabe’s cronies, they can be trusted to implement an expanded programme of international assistance, delivered to specified areas, and backed by funds from official donors.

Lives saved from hunger should not be lost to disease, so western funds need to go towards medicines and hospital equipment; to save a generation from illiteracy, we should help revive an education system that was arguably the best in Africa.

Success cannot be guaranteed. But if fresh help is abused, there will be plenty of whistleblowers, whether among diplomats in Harare or the millions of Zimbabweans who crave a normal life.

But a recovery programme also needs to tackle the consequences of the eviction of 5,000 white commercial farmers. Whatever Mr Tsvangirai may say in public, it would be political suicide to attempt the return of white farms to their former owners.

Yet their skills need not be lost to the region. Let donors help to create an agricultural project in neighbouring Mozambique, near the border with Zimbabwe, to the benefit of both countries. Use funds earmarked for Zimbabwe to build the infrastructure Mozambique lacks, and to underwrite a Land Bank that would provide the capital and financial guarantees commercial farmers require – a package that should encourage Zimbabwe’s white farmers, now exiled or jobless, to return to a new home on the land.

With every week, the aid impasse becomes more painful, and Mr Tsvangirai’s predicament becomes more acute. Meanwhile, China looks on at a prize that the west is helping to make ready for plucking.

The writer is a former FT Africa editor

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