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The New York Time's quote of the day: "You can suppress art exhibits, plays and books, but you cannot remove the Gukurahundi from people's hearts. It is indelible." This was spoken by historian Pathisa Nyathi of Zimbabwe. On January 23, 2011, the National Gallery in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe was a crime scene.
Zimbabwe is a land-locked country in the south-east corner of Africa.
Shortly after Zimbabwe's current president, Robert Mugabe, took office 30 years ago, he signed an agreement with North Korean President Kim Il Sung to train a Zimbabwean army. Mugabe sent what become known as the 5th Brigade to North Korea to train. The North Korean army trained them in cruel and tortuous tactics that are a shock to the civilized world.
When the 5th Brigade returned home in September of 1982, Mugabe sent them to the Matabeleland to crush and suppress the civilian population in order to force them to give up their loyalty to the African People's Union.
What is Gukurahundi?
Gukurahundi is a traditional Shona language word that means, "the early rain which washes away the chaff before the spring rains." This word was chosen by Mugabe's regime to describe the plan to torture, rape and murder the people of Matabeleland for the crime of their political persuasion. The plan was carried out on unarmed civilians, including women, pregnant women, and children.
Survivors of Gukurahundi recall today with glaring clarity watching their family members tortured and murdered.
Owen Moseko and The National Gallery in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Owen Moseko is an artist whose work was being exhibited at the National Gallery which is run by Voti Thebe. Moseko's art includes graffiti, paintings, and 3D works. His exhibition at the National Gallery told the story of the 5th Brigade's politically motivated violence and cruelty toward the people of Matabeleland.
Owen Moseko and Voti Thebe have been arrested and the National Gallery shut down, the walls papered over so nobody can see inside. President Robert Mugabe seems to be upset at the notion that people should be reminded of his 5th Brigade's rape, torture, and murder of people shortly before the next election. The New York Times also reports that a recent survey found that 70% of Zimbabweans are afraid that they will be the victims of political violence or intimidation.
Zimbabwe's Constitution
Zimbabwe under Mugabe has a Constitution that protects freedom of speech:
"No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence."
Mugabe is not showing respect for the Constitution that exists during his reign.
Information on how to help get Moseko and Thebe released is found here at Sokwanele: This is Zimbabwe.
