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Zimbabwe: A nation humbled

Three great foreign policy relationships will need to be addressed after Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. The first concerns the West and is of prime economic importance. The second is the burgeoning rapport between Harare and the Chinese. The third is the delicate question of how to manage the irrevocable influence of South Africa.

Poised for literature's last laugh

There is no "fast track" when it comes to producing literature. Creative writing takes time to produce, and an even longer time to be culturally processed to become a social force that can influence social change. But the link between politics and literature is undeniable, and both politicians and writers know this.

No handouts, please

The promise of aid is a carrot used by Western nations to bring feuding groups to the negotiating table. Americans and the British, among others, dangled the carrot of aid for land reform and reconstruction to secure agreement from Zimbabwe's liberation war leaders to the new Constitution brokered in 1979 at Lancaster House in London.

A recipe for recovery

An economic transformation is Zimbabwe is readily possible. The country has a wealth of assets which, if properly used, can fuel a vibrant economy. It has fertile land, but that land must be used constructively and productively. It has vast wealth under that land, including uranium, platinum, gold, diamonds, nickel, coal, methane gas and more.

Home ... tomorrow

Street vendors, lawyers, restaurant staff, doctors, gardeners and office accountants -- all are among a growing number of Zimbabweans who have fled the chaos of their country for refuge in South Africa. Virtually all agree that, although they love Zimbabwe, they do not want to return until conditions improve.

Stop the money presses

There is inflation, high inflation and then there is hyperinflation. The first one is acceptable, the second worrying and the third is a nightmare. Zimbabwe falls in the latter camp. Hyperinflation, put simply, is very high inflation. A country is usually classified as having hyperinflation when the monthly inflation rate is greater than 50%.

When would-be heroes turn bad

"Then take Zimbabwe's registrar general, Tobaiwa Mudede. After independence he displayed humility and kindness, helping many people in many different ways ... Yet, over the years, Mudede became one of the most villainous faces of the Mugabe regime." This is an edited extract of Through the Darkness: A Life in Zimbabwe by Judith Garfield Todd.

Muzzling the watchdog

"Challenging Zimpapers was no picnic. We told a story that the Herald would not tell -- the story of how 20 years of independence had not yielded the milk and honey for which nearly 30 000 people died." A free and courageous press has helped Zimbabwe, but hopes for a watershed election in 2008 may be disappointed, argues Bill Saidi.

In search of free and fair

"Free and fair elections are the foundation of democratic governance, as they enable the people to exercise their sovereign right to constitute a government of their choice." Huge changes are needed if the next polls are to reflect the true will of Zimbabwe's people, writes Welshman Ncube.

A tough job for Mbeki

Free, fair polls can be held only where there exists an environment that seeks to provide popular participation, promotes human rights, guarantees fundamental freedoms, ensures accountability of the government and freedom of the judiciary and press, and protects and respects political pluralism. None of these conditions exist in Zimbabwe.