The latest reader opinion piece in the 'race conversation' tackles the definition of racism.
Mugabe wants 'one voice'
Article By:
Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:02
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Saturday made a new appeal
for unity in the country's power-sharing government.
"Are we truly united in the inclusive government? Are we truly
one? Show it and let us speak with one voice, the voice of
Zimbabweans," Mugabe said in an address to mourners at the Harare
funeral of nationalist Ackim Ndlovu.
"Let's not humiliate ourselves any further, let us go to friends
who are prepared to work with us and work with us on the basis of
partnership and not on the basis of master and servant."
Mugabe and his long time rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
formed a national government on 11 February in a deal brokered by
former South African president Thabo Mbeki after months of
tensions.
Mugabe has lashed out at Western nations for refusing to lift
sanctions against him and his associates until the government
introduces reforms.
Tsvangirai has just ended a three-week tour to Europe and the
United
States where leaders pledged support but again urged greater
reform.
Mugabe said some former white farmers will be allocated land in
the country. "We will allocate to you (white farmers) some land but
out of our mercy."
"So we say to you, those who are still claiming land they should
remember the history of our country and what themselves did to us."
The new government is seeking $8.3-billion (5.9-billion
euros) to revive the economy, battered by years of political
turmoil.
Since February, international organisations have promised more
than one billion dollars in help for the new government. China's
recent aid effectively means Zimbabwe has now raised over two
billion dollars since February.
The government launched an economic recovery scheme in March to
revitalise an economy devastated by a decade of hyperinflation that
has left half the population dependent on food aid.