MR JAMES EBEN GIVES POINTS TO PONDER ON THE ZIM CRISIS!

Dear Rev Hove,


I will not bother to introduce myself, or give you the pleasure of including my name in your purposeless and personal ego trip on the back of millions of people struggling with health, economic and social issues in Zimbabwe.

I have come across many of your emails and blogs regarding some rather extreme and somewhat naive views and doctrines you tend to propagate. For the record, I know nothing of your background, nor am I of Zimbabwe origin or citizen, but like most, I am concerned about the plight of the country and do my bit to help. If just one individual is better through my contributions, then I feel a sense of achievement.

You sir, on the other, seem to attack policy decisions in the country, attack business leaders who are resided outside of Zimbabwe, and continue to misguide so many people who are unfortunate to come in contact with some your writing. I thought it will be appropriate to send you this email, perhaps, as a little rash in your vast ego trip, so you can come down to earth and start dealing with the issues that matter to the many Zimbabweans and not think of yourself only. With that in mind, could I propose the following,

1. At no stage did I come across a message from you with any details of a structural approach, by yourself or in association with any party, that has created an opportunity for prosperity to a single citizen of Zimbabwe. May I suggest to you that while millions of Zimbabweans live in destitute and extreme poverty in South Africa, it is not solely the responsibility of businesses and business leaders to contribute towards the welfare of these people. For a person that professes to love your country of origin, I would imagine that by now you would have contributed thousands of man hours towards resources like education of the younger generation, awareness of culture and living practices in South Africa and so on. Somehow, I doubt this is the case.

2. In your many arguments put forward on behalf of Zimbabwe, sir, could I ask on what platform you stand; what gives you the mandate to make such comments, and on whose behalf you are speaking? It is often too easy for people like yourself to use the weak for personal gains, and your being a reverend disturbs me deeply. The many people on whom you have been entrusted the responsibility to preach tolerance and love, obedience and respect, risk being poisoned with what sounds like the voice of a frustrated power seeking individual, who, as history has often shown us, tend to become closer to the anti Christ, when suddenly entrusted with the responsibilities of managing the hopes and aspirations of the people. I pray that the people of Zimbabwe and indeed the world can see through this farce you propagate, and disregard your either naive or manipulative doctrine.

3. Can I suggest that you look within yourself and start asking the right questions? How can I best contribute towards the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe? I hope you are aware that the citizens are the most valuable assets of any state and Zimbabwe is no different. Whatever happens in this era, that of President Mugabe, he will not last forever, and the concept of the citizens of Zimbabwe being the most valuable asset will remain long after you and I have left this world. As long as we live in a capitalist world, and there are no signs of any changes in the foreseeable future, we must all strive to arm individuals with all the necessary tools for survival and opportunity for prosperity. I don't hear you saying this, and for a man who is meant to have an understanding of philosophy and theology, I must say I am not impressed by your education. Or perhaps, your doctrines are designed with an ulterior motive, or simply you are just a puppet, being played in the fields of politics by those who have the resources to push a specific agenda. Either way, I will suggest you start questioning your methods and approach instead of your focus on business and individual business leaders.

4. I gather that you reside in South Africa and possess South African citizenship. I am sure you are proud of the protection the South African state provides to its citizens; creating an environment for opportunities, justice, and investments in its citizens through adequate education and health care etc. At the same time seeking better ways to manage its resources to better deliver these amenities to its citizens. I imagine you dream of Zimbabwe moving a similar sort of direction, and perhaps aware of the sacrifices, commitments and hard work needed for all to move towards one direction to achieve a common human objective, a better life. I am not convinced you recognise the sacrifices made by others for you to enjoy the protection of the state provided through citizenship that you now enjoy.

5. You mentioned something about externalisation of resources or words to that effect. I believe by this you mean the ability for an individual to invest his or her assets in countries outside of Zimbabwe. Assets includes cash money for your information. You may not realise that to commit in a world economy, liberalisation of trade is vital. Innovation, substitute goods or services etc, are all factors that will benefit from trade liberalisation, talkless of consumer choice. I am not suggesting that this is done with no regulation from the government to protect the greedy nature of business, but that you should seek methods to strengthen small businesses rather than criticise them. Or is it just big business you are criticising? I would therefore imply that you are against any foreign investment in Zimbabwe, not only because but also because such investments will require repatriation of profits. Without going into details, I suggest to you that you do not fully understand the implications of some of the things you say.

Please read these five points thoroughly. There is no need for you to come back to me on any of them, I am an insignificant, a non-entity especially with the fight you have in your hands. I am sure I will come across your blogs or emails again, and this time, I hope when I read them, the sunlight of awareness and tolerance, love and respect, would have shone on you and reflected in your vision of Zimbabwe.

Kindest Regards

James Eben / solemender@yahoo.co.uk