Catholic Commission for Justice & Peace in ZimbabweCatholic Commission for Justice & Peace in Zimbabwe

CCJPZ

Right Rev. Bishop Alex Muchabaiwa, CCJPZ Bishop Chairman

Preach & Practice Patience & Tolerance

Preach & Practice Patience & Tolerance

2013 Bulletin: Series No.2

2013

It is evident some of our elections have been associated with violence and even loss of lives. Human dignity has been

lost. There is no adherence to conscience. The run up to June 2008 Presidential run-off elections was one of the worst scenarios in Zimbabwe's electoral history. For the love of political power, some people were burnt alive, human limps were chopped off, houses and property were set on fire! This was another moment of madness! The freedom fighters had a song which fits wel l to tha t s i tua t ion: muhondo taimboshungurudzwa, hama dzedu dzakapera kufa, ruzhinji rweZimbabwe rukakuvara kwazvo dzimba dzedu dzakapera kutsva, taimboshungurudzwa.” Loosely translated, it means: We were

abused during the liberation struggle, our relatives were killed, most people were injured, our property was burnt – we were really abused). But this was done through the misguided principle of self- emancipation.We thank God the 31st July 2013 Harmonised Elections were relatively quiet. We thank all political leaders for being calm. Admittedly, there were some dotted areas where violence was recorded but by and large the elections were relatively peaceful. I have deliberately left out the words: FREE AND FAIR because they need unpacking. The announcement of the results came as a shock to everyone. Who knew the Movement for Democratic Change would lose? Much as the outcome was not expected, who knows, that was probably Divine Providence. If the globe had turned the

other way round probably something worse would have happened. So we thank God for the prevailing situation. At least we are having, though restricted by Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), freedom of movement and freedom of association. A blind man once asked Jesus if there is anything worse than losing one's sight. Jesus answered: “Yes, when one has no vision.” We need to have a vision. We need to closely s tudy our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. We might have to challenge ourselves by hindsight: are we doing enough to enable communities to 'do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?' (Micah 6:9). Do communities have adequate knowledge and skills to promote and work for justice and peace as their pastoral responsibilities? Do they have knowledge, skills and strategies to liaise and dialogue with their leaders? I strongly suggest we need to lobby key

stakeholders for almost everything: 'stand firm' on law makers so we are not 'burdened by a yoke of slavery' through laws such as POSA and AIPPA that have constrained democracy and 'freedom that Christ has set us free' (Galatians 5:1); traditional leaders to be non-partisan and be inspired by the leadership qualities of Jesus Christ in the process of executing their roles; political leaders to deliver promises they made during political campaigns; the government to provide basic services and eradicate corruption, poverty and unemployment. First we need to approach the matter from within: 'not by power, not by might, but by the Spirit” (Zachariah 4:6). If it fails, we would try to influence from outside by lobbying the Southern Africa Development Community, Africa's Heads of State and the African Union. We stand in need of God's grace to accomplish this!There is evidence our July 2013 elections were associated with embedded violence,

There is evidence our July 2013 elections were associated with

embedded violence, intimidation, and threats.

Do communities have adequate knowledge and skills to promote and work for justice and peace as their pastoral responsibilities?

intimidation, and threats. How can people be forced to pretend illiteracy so political agents or activists can assist them vote? How can some traditional leaders assemble people on their homesteads on the voting day and march them to designated polling stations to vote for specific political parties? How can some traditional leaders deprive other community members of food or any other humanitarian aid because they support certain political parties? How can they threaten them with eviction if they do not support certain political parties? Above all, how can we promise more violence than that experienced in 2008, or even a 'liberation' war, if some political parties lose elections? Even after elections, there are some who have continued with the intimidation, targeting those who might have been strong enough to make their own independent political choices. It might not be far from the truth if we say some people voted in July 2013 elections to save their lives, limps and property. They wanted to avoid a repeat of 2008. We need to study and analyse methods of curbing political intimidation and threats. It is highly probable that most of us saw some of these various methods being employed but we kept quiet. This was either because we were afraid to be targeted as well, or we did not have enough knowledge and capacity on how to address such issues. Since many people have remained in limbo about the future of this country, I suggest we begin the processes of Healing and Reconciliation. The country needs more healing and reconciliation than before because of the trauma experienced from the liberation war, Gukurahundi (1980s),

Operation Restore Order/Murambatsvina (2005), 2008 political violence and the embedded violence and intimidation people continue to experience, even after elections. It is unfortunate the new constitution brushes away our history of conflict and violence and pretends as if this country started to exist after 2008 violence. Without serious national healing and reconciliation processes, most people will carry the same fear and trauma up to 2018 elections where they will just vote, not for the best leaders, but to save themselves. But most people do not look happy. They are tense. There is need to begin to pray and fast in preparation for 2018 elections. We need to preach and practice the virtue of patience and tolerance, inclusivity and peace. The Israelites took 40 years to reach Canaan. We are the new Israel, let us not give up. We are in the process of being cleansed in preparation for the great banquet which is for no one else

How can people be forced to pretend

illiteracy so political agents or activists

can assist them vote?

“....We need to study and analyse methods of curbing political intimidation and threats..”

but for us all to enjoy. We are the rightful heirs of Zimbabwe. We shall overcome. Let us be like the two fishermen trapped in a storm in the middle of the sea where one turned and asked,” Should we pray or should we row?” his wise companion responded, “ Let's do both!” ladies and gentlemen, I say to you, DO WHAT YOU CAN, WITH WHAT YOU HAVE WHERE YOU ARE. The onus is upon us to work hard to promote justice and peace in our country. Remember no sweat no sweet; no pain no gain, no cross no crown.

Two months after 2013 Harmonised Elections, CCJPZ recorded displacements, assaults and intimidations. The most extreme was the displacement of 108 families. Why do we continue fighting? Is it because we have become too addicted to politics we no longer value humanity? Is it because we are failing to recognise diversity as a positive value? Is it because we undermine human dignity bestowed when God created us in his own image? Mathew 25:40 warns: 'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Indeed, “respect and love ought to be extended also to those who

Post Election Violence: Why do we continue fighting?

think or act differently than we do in social, political and religious matters, too. In fact, the more deeply we come to understand their ways of thinking through such courtesy and love, the more easily will we be able to enter into dialogue with them” (Peace and Unity and Freedom, 1985; Vat. II, The Church Today, No. 28).It is not a crime to have an independent mind, including political choices. Section 58 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states every person has the right to freedom of assembly and association, and the right not to assemble or associate with others and no person may be compelled to belong to an association or to attend a meeting or gathering. Pope John Paul II encourages us to respect other

“...At least we are having,

though restricted by Public

Order and Security Act

(POSA) and Access to

Information and Protection of

Privacy Act (AIPPA), freedom

of movement and freedom of

association..”

Post Election ViolenceWhy do we continue fighting?

people's freedoms and live in harmony as children of God: “The good of a nation must be promoted and achieved by its citizens themselves through peaceful and gradual means… each person enjoying freedom of expression, being free to undertake initiatives and make proposals within civil society, and enjoying appropriate freedom of association…'

What can we do to move the nation forward? We must strive to promote the common good - the sum total of social and economic conditions that allow all of us to reach our potentials more fully and more easily (Gaudium et Spes, 26). In fact a leadership institution or society that wishes and intends to remain at the service of humans at every level should have the common good of all people as their primary goal (Pecem in Terris: AAS 55). During the campaign

Moving Forward

period, manifestos were drawn and communicated. A lot of promises were made. This means elected leaders should constantly go back to their constituencies to consult voters and fulfil their promises: 'If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth' (Numbers 30:2).

An elected government belongs to everyone, despite political differences. A responsible government should not claim absolute autonomy. It should serve interests of and be accountable to all people. In fact, it must serve the common good, by recognising and promoting the hierarchy of being established by the Creator, giving every person natural dignity and inalienable rights, remembering

What are immediate needs for Zimbabweans so they can leave

peacefully?

MOVING FORWARD.....

What can we do to move the nation forward? We must strive to promote the common good - the sum t o t a l o f s o c i a l a n d economic conditions that allow all of us to reach our potentials more fully and more easily (Gaudium et Spes, 26)

An elected government belongs to everyone, despite political differences

the unity in nature and in ultimate destiny of the whole human family (Adapted from the pastoral letter of 1959 entitled –Purchased people). In another language, the g o v e r n m e n t i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r administrating justice; ensuring democracy; providing defence to all citizens; promoting general welfare; promoting economic growth and development; promoting civil liberty and providing public goods and services, among others. Ideally, there are at least five issues substance to the common good that need immediate attention from the newly elected government to enable Zimbabweans to live in peace and find enjoyment in the 'few days of our lives God has given us' (Ecclesiastes 5:16):

“Every political, economic, social, scientific and cultural programme must be inspired by the awareness of the primacy of each human being over society” (Ecclesia in Africa, no 68). Similarly, an elected political institution should create an environment that enables people to fulfil their potentials. The partial or

1. Service Delivery

complete inexistence of some of the basic 'common goods' means that people are not living fuller lives:

One of the most important common good needed immediately in our country is adequate supply of clean water. In some urban areas residents have gone for weeks, months or even years without it. In some remote rural areas, people, especially women, walk long distances in search of water. The problem with water is that it does not have a substitution. Our lives are incomplete without water. Access to clean water will enable many of us to 'have life and have it abundantly' (John 10:10).

It has become common for us to live together with garbage and or sewage. After God created Man, he put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it (Genesis 2:15). In other words, God created earth and gave it to us so that we can be its stewards. Heaps of garbage and overflowing sewage in some suburbs are indications we

Clean Water:

Efficient refuse collection and sewerage disposal:

Service DeliveryService Delivery

“ ....an elected political institution should create an environment that enables people to fulf i l their potentials...”

One of the most important common good needed immediately in our country is adequate supply of clean water

have to do much in taking care of the environment bestowed to us by God. Our o v e r s i g h t a s s t e w a r d s c a n b e counterproductive. Inefficient refuse collection and sewerage disposal may result to the outbreak of communicable diseases such as cholera and typhoid. In 2008/2009, more than 2000 lives were lost from cholera partly because we failed to be good stewards of our environment!

There has been an increase in vehicle imports. But life has not been easy, especially for the poor and the marginalised. Workers, who contribute to the country's economy by paying taxes have nightmares coming to work and going back home. Those who want to travel, especially during the holidays, do not easily get safe and reliable transport. Privately owned

Public Transport:

commuter omnibuses, or kombis, which are very expensive, have filled the gap. In rural areas, some people are transported in open trucks meant for goods. These modes of transporting people are not safe. Human life, which is sacred and sacrosanct (Genesis 1:26-27), has been lost unnecessarily. Overloaded kombis, small trucks and sometimes haulage trucks, have led to disasters, especially after being involved in fatal accidents carrying people. More so, some people have been killed or injured when some kombi's run over them trying to avoid law enforcement agents. Affordable public transport, whose safety is regulated and confirmed to save lives, is a vital common good.

Most of our roads and bridges are in state of disrepair. This is partly

due to neglect and age. Some of our highways have become death traps. They have become too narrow and small to hold the volume of traffic that has increased over years. In some rural areas, motorist use side 'roads' made by donkeys and scotch carts that run parallel to the main roads. These are better than the main roads which have pot holes, humps and d i t ches t ha t damage vehicles. The low-lying and sometimes complete absence of bridges at some places has inconvenienced r u r a l c o m m u n i t i e s ,

Roads and Bridges:

“....Some of our highways have become death traps. They have

become too narrow and small to hold the volume

of traffic that has increased over years...”

Overloaded kombis, small trucks and sometimes haulage trucks, have led to disasters, especially after being involved in fatal accidents carrying people.

especially when flooded: pupils miss examinations, patients fail to get medication on time and above all, people lose lives when they attempt to cross. A good, implementable plan for our roads and bridges will give us a 'future and a hope' (Jeremiah 29:11).

Over the past years, we have failed to feed ourselves as a country. As we write, more than two million Zimbabweans are in need of food aid. Generally, lack of food has been used instrumentally to influences people's minds and political choices. Hungry people are promised food in exchange of political support. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI observes: “hunger is not so much dependent on lack of material things as on shortage of social resources, the most important of which are institutional. What is missing is a network of economic institutions capable of guaranteeing regular access to sufficient food and water (Caritas in Veritate par. 27).

2. Food

What resources are readily available to farmers? What forms of support should they be given: knowledge, skills or inputs? Given the climatic changes, should we continue to rely on natural rainfall for agriculture? Which crops should be p r io r i t i sed and supported: cash or food crops? In a statement delivered on World Food Day (October 17, 2011), Pope Benedict XVI calls access to food a "practical expression of the right to life”. He challenges governments to guarantee people possibilities of overcoming hunger: “The problem of food insecurity needs to be addressed within a long-term

perspective, eliminating the structural causes that give rise to it and promoting agricultural development. This can be done by investing in rural infrastructures, irrigation systems, transport, organization of markets, and in the development and dissemination of agricultural technology that can make the best use of the human, natural and socio-economic resources that are more readily available at the local level, while guaranteeing their sustainability over the long term as well” (Caritas in Veritate par. 27).

God destined the earth for all people. 'All created things should be shared fairly under the guidance of justice tempered by charity' (Gaudium et Spes, AAS 58). Zimbabweans is blessed to have more than 40 mineral resources including coal, diamonds, copper, gold, asbestos, tungsten, cobalt, uranium, and black granite. We have the most durable and

3.Destination of earth's goods - Access to and benefit from our God given resources

“..As we speak two million

Zimbabweans are in need of food

aid..”

Food...Food...

“....God destined the earth for all people. 'All created things should be shared fairly under the guidance of justice tempered by charity' (Gaudium et Spes, AAS 58)...”

admired timber in the world: teak, mahogany and hardwood. We also have wildlife and natural attractions. But who is benefiting from these God given resources? In spite of this abundance, we struggle to raise adequate foreign currency reserves , create employment and service delivery, among others. What can we do so everyone benefits from our God given resources?

There are individuals and groups, especially high ranked officials and leaders, who have benefited alone especially through corruption. In a 1997 Pastoral Letter entitled Responsibility-Honesty-Solidarity, ZCBC says: 'it is disheartening that, those with strong elbows grab a big slice, trampling the weaker ones underfoot… There is much dishonesty: even people who consider themselves respectable engage in stealing… Leaders have been hiding immoral behaviour behind facades of respectability.' Pope Francis has pointed out in a recent sermon that corruption is worse than other sins, because of the way in which it becomes a habit that hardens the heart; so much so that we become insensitive to the signs of the times and the invitations of God's grace. Selfish use of natural resources should be

investigated thoroughly without fear or favour. Appropriate action should be taken against the perpetrators. A better future would be possible if our God given resources are used fairly for the benefit of everyone, especially the communities where these resources are found. Referring to the works of the night, St. Paul calls us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light so as to conduct ourselves in the daylight of Christ's truth. (Rom 13: 12, 13).

'No-one's heart can be at rest as long as people are haunted by evil memories, never acknowledged and straightened out' (ZCBC Pastoral Letter on National Healing and Reconciliation: God Can Heal The Wounds of the Afflicted: October 2009). Zimbabweans have hurt each other in many different ways and over long periods of time. In the pre-colonial period, there were ethnic conflicts around control of resources. In the colonial era, there were racial conflicts that consequently led to the liberation struggle. In the post colonial era, we forgot to attend to the needs of those who were traumatised by the war, especially the ex-combatants. Colonialists who lost political power were not

4.National Healing & Reconciliation

“....No-one's heart can be at rest as long as people

are haunted by evil memories, never

acknowledged and straightened out' ...

National ReconciliationHealing &

healed from the trauma of the loss. Conflicts also became complex and deep. Violence has been institutionalised as demonstrated in Gukurahundi , land redis t r ibut ion, Murambatsvina, violence during elections of which the worst period has been after the March 2008 harmonised elections

Intimidation, threats, exclusion and coercion has also continued with our past being used as an instrument of compulsion and duress to influence the present. In the run up to 2013 elections for example, some voters were warned if they make independent political choices, they will be beaten more than what was done in 2008. Some even promised another liberation war. These tensions and polarizations threaten the existence of any sense of national common good and nationhood. As illustrated in A Call to Conscience: Joint Pastoral Letter of the ZCBC, ZCC, EFZ and HCD (April 2005); 'The people are frozen in a war mode with language and practices of a command structure'. If we ignore national healing and reconciliation and live as if things are normal, most Zimbabweans will continue to be passive actors whose decisions and survival is guided more by fear and panic than by intelligence and aptitude. As indicated in ZCBC Pastoral Le t t e r on Na t iona l Hea l ing and Reconciliation issued in October 2009, the

Church is committed to be in service of reconciliation, healing, justice and peace as mandated by the Second African Synod. But the government should show political wi l l ingness and c rea te conduc ive environment.

A blind man once asked Jesus if there is anything worse than losing one's sight. Jesus answered: “Yes, when one has no vision.” Lack of a shared vision has been at the root of our challenges since 1890. As a nation, we need a vision, at least in the short term: What progress in service delivery, food security, natural resources, national healing and reconciliation do we want to see in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018? What strategies can we put in place to fulfil our vision? How can we assess progress? A vision should be communicated and shared. This requires inclusive and indiscriminate leadership, both at national and local levels. As stated in Zimbabwe We Want: Towards a National Vision for Zimbabwe: A Discussion Document prepared by ZCBC, EFZ and ZCC, Zimbabwe must embrace all who desire and deserve to live in it. We need non-partisan State structures accessible to and protective of all Zimbabweans. How can we recognize the fundamental institutional priority of a non-partisan public state that recognizes and

5. Visionary and Inclusive Leadership

...Intimidation, threats, exclusion and coercion has also continued with

our past being used as an instrument of compulsion and

duress to influence the present..

..We need non-partisan State structures accessible to and protective of all Zimbabweans...

protects all Zimbabweans and therefore inspire us to fulfil our vision? We appeal to you 'by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment' (1 Corinthians 1:10).

While expecting the government to improve our lives, citizens have their own duties and obligations to: · “Make Jesus your Lord proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing well, you might cure the ignorance of fools. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” 1 Peter 2: 13-17: ·Understand, support, respect and defend the country's constitution; stay informed of issues affecting our communities; Participate in democratic processes (for example elections); Demand justice and good governance from responsible authorities; Respect the rights, beliefs, and

Citizens' Responsibility

opinions of others; Participate in our local communities; Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to the state and local authorities; and defend the country if need arises; utilise resources (forests, resources or even donations such as agriculture inputs) effectively and efficiently and steward the creation...

Pope XXIII identifies 4 pillars of building peace: truth, justice, love and freedom:

Truth will build peace if every individual sincerely acknowledges not only their rights, but also their duties towards others (Pope John Paul II). Truth is a requirement of the human spirit. A genuinely peaceful society is built on truth. Lies and deceit destroy relationships. Job writes if there is truth, God will 'not do wickedly and the Almighty will not pervert justice (Job 34:12)

Justice can build peace if, in practice, everyone respects the rights of others and actually fulfils their duties towards them.

A Peaceful Zimbabwe Possible: The 4 Main Pillars of Peace

1. Truth

2. Justice

Citizens’ ResponsibilityCitizens’ Responsibility

Every human society, if it is to be well-ordered and productive, must consider every human being is a person, that is, his nature is endowed with intelligence and free will with rights and obligations which are universal and inviolable. They cannot in any way be surrendered (Pacem in Terris, p.259). Even 'the Lord, love justice;[and] I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them' (Isaiah 61:8).

Love will build peace if people feel the needs of others as their own and share what they have with others, especially the values of mind and spirit. Love is recognition of the humanity of others and the reality of their needs. In a multi-cultural and multi-racial society, we will always differ in opinions.

3. Love

But there is need to exercise a very high degree of tolerance. We should go beyond tolerance and accept demands of love because 'love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away' (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Freedom is the capacity to make choices after rational deliberation and take responsibility for the choices and resultant actions. Institutions in a society should assume and indeed respect the freedom of human

Freedom

“...Love will build peace if people feel the needs of others as their own and share what they have with others, especially the values

of mind and spirit..”

LOVELOVE

“...Freedom is the capacity to make choices after rational deliberation and take responsibility for the choices and resultant actions...”

persons. To deny this freedom is to deny their dignity, dehumanise and to treat human beings as if they were sub-human. A system which encourages citizens to operate on the basis of race, tribe, political and religious affiliation works against free will and human dignity. If people are forced to act in fear, coerced, bribed, it is against principles of freedom and peace. Making choices is a God-given right, but the choices have short-term and long-term consequences. The choices we have made for this country have brought us where we are today. Surely, Zimbabweans have the capacity to think, evaluate and rectify their own situation, if they are allowed and willing to put their heads together without fear or favour. (Adapted from Peace in Divided Zimbabwe: Pastoral Letter of the ZCBC, 2003)

It is relevant to conclude with a paragraph from A Call to Conscience - Zimbabwe Silver Jubilee, 1980-2005: Joint Pastoral Letter of the ZCBC, ZCC, EFZ and HCD (April 2005); 'We have to accept responsibility for the path we have walked. If we go on denying the part we played in the present failures and blaming others for our problems, we are only postponing the day of

Conclusion

recovery. Without repentance we waste energy trying to justify our faults. We have to admit that in the assertion of our dignity we have asserted our power; in asserting our own freedom we have trampled on the freedom of others; in safeguarding our own security we have taken away the security of others; in proclaiming our own message we have closed our ears to the message of others. Through strong-arm tactics we may have attained what we want in the short term, but by alienating other people in the process, we may eventually lose all.’

“...Surely, Zimbabweans have the capacity to think, evaluate and rectify their own situation,

if they are allowed and willing to put their heads together without fear or favour...”

“....Without repentance we waste energy trying to justify our faults. We have to admit that in the assertion of our

dignity we have asserted our power...”

A CCJPZ Publication, 2014. For more infromation, comment & inputs visit http: //

CCJPZ Blog: catholiccomforjusticeandpeaceinzimbabwe.wordpress.com

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