Sekai Holland is a grandmother. At 64, and at first glance (and ignoring the walking frame), you'd think she'd be most comfortable playing with the grandkids, chinwagging with the neighbours over the back fence or settling down in front of the telly with a nice cup of tea and a piece of cake.
Well, not this grandma. Her forte is taking on the "secret police" of one of the world's greatest despots: Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. It was a decision that almost cost her life. After a prayer meeting and pro-democracy rally in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare on March 11, Mrs Holland, the courageous policy secretary for Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change, was dragged away with some of her compatriots for questioning by Mugabe's thugs.
What followed was a travesty made all the worse by her age: she was tortured for seven hours, flogged at least 81 times with a rhinocerous hide whip, and bashed so hard with an iron bar her abusers shattered one of her knees, broke her left arm, her left leg, and three ribs. She was accused of being "a lover of white men" (her husband, Jim, is Australian) and "Tony Blair's whore". But the best was yet to come.
A female member of the secret police stomped on Mrs Holland with spiked boots. The mauling from this was so severe, she required skin grafts to repair the damage. She didn't get them straight away, though. Despite her agony, the Zimbabwean government refused to allow any of those arrested and bashed at the rally to receive medical treatment. Only diplomatic representation by the Australian Government secured her release, likely only granted because the Australian cricket team had a tour scheduled there for later this year.
The Hollands fled to neighbouring South Africa, where her story had elicited much concern, and Mrs Holland finally received her skin grafts. Last week, the couple flew back to Australia and Mrs Holland - who says she will nevertheless return to Harare to continue the fight - now remains in hospital undergoing rehabilitation for her injuries.
The upshot: this week, the Australian Government held up her plight as a classic example of why it decided over the weekend to stop Cricket Australia, flush with success and with dollar signs seemingly clouding its vision after Australia's recent victory at the World Cup, from going ahead with the planned tour to Zimbabwe.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Dave Nalle
Great article, Stan. One would almost wish that now that it has become so clear what a terrible policy it was to put Mugabe in charge of Zimbabwe, the Brits and their allies would perhaps accept responsibility for their past bad decisions and do something about him. Something more substantive than just annoying him with cancelled cricket matches, anyway.
Dave
2 - Dr Dreadful
What would you have us do, Dave? We've tried sanctions, we've tried diplomacy, we've tried the UN, we've tried encouraging dissent. Those arrows just bounce off him, unfortunately. I hope you're not suggesting we invade, especially considering how well that worked out with regard to the nation formerly known as the Babylonian Empire.
Back in the days of apartheid we could possibly have sicced South Africa on them, I suppose, but they're just not interested any more.
It didn't help that Zimbabwe's independence came long before Mandela was released from prison, so we had no yardstick by which to gauge that Mugabe was not a messiah but a foaming psychopath. He wasn't so bad back then, either. Pulled the wool over everyone's eyes.
We have to accept that Zimbabwe is a sovereign nation and they - and we - are probably stuck with the bastard until he pops his clogs, which hopefully won't be too much longer.
3 - Dave Nalle
What would you have us do, Dave? We've tried sanctions, we've tried diplomacy, we've tried the UN, we've tried encouraging dissent. Those arrows just bounce off him, unfortunately. I hope you're not suggesting we invade, especially considering how well that worked out with regard to the nation formerly known as the Babylonian Empire.
We could just assassinate Mugabe and then if the next guy isn't better we could whack him too. Or we could kidnap him and put him on trial in an international court and do the same to the next guy and so on until they get someone decent into power. And yes, at that point some UN peacekeepers might have to go in there, but I doubt it would be anything like Iraq. And, in fact, Iraq wouldn't be like it is now if we'd just snatched or killed Saddam and let it sort itself out, sending in peacekeepers when it got our of hand. The problem in Iraq isn't the civil war, it's that we're stuck babysitting them.
We have to accept that Zimbabwe is a sovereign nation and they - and we - are probably stuck with the bastard until he pops his clogs, which hopefully won't be too much longer.
As I've said before, oppressive governments forfeit their claim to be the guardians of their nation's sovereignty.
Dave
4 - STM
It's actually all the little things - like cancelled cricket tours - that chip away at mugabe's sense of comfort. I agree with Doc up to a point: you can't just go steaming in there now and say, "right, you're buggered". They guy is getting very old, and in reality won't be around much longer. Possibly, that is the opportunity for the implementation of change.
My tip is that South Africa will eventually intervene when the whole thing goes totally pear-shaped, and ask for a UN peace-keeping force. Britain, BTW, would probably be welcomed by the bulk of the population of Zimbabwe as liberators if they did it, but with all the post-colonial angst, it won't happen.
5 - Zedd
Mugabe is a nut and should not have ever have been placed as President by the Zimbabwean people. Not Britain Dave. The problem is the Zimbabwean constitution. They need to limit terms.
The economy in Zimbabwe is because of the isolation that they have received by the world. Lets not apply false cause.
Britain caused the issue of Whites being attacked in Zimbabwe. Because they pretended to know nothing about it, the Mugabe regime became even more convinced that they were evil and that White governments wanted to manipulate the world, as they should have in that instance. It is that instance that caused the snow ball affect which Zimbabwe now finds itself.
Its always nice to have a villain but lets face the complete truth and understand the causes for a situation else those events will revisit us.
6 - STM
"The economy in Zimbabwe is because of the isolation that they have received by the world. Lets not apply false cause."
Zedd, that is patent nonsense. It's because of dreadful mismanagement by Mugabe's regime. Before the farmers - black and white, and all their employees - were removed from their farms and the farms handed over to Mugabe's cronies (hardly any of whom were farmers, BTW), Zimbabwe fed much of Africa. Forget drought, too - they'd had them before, and it hadn't made a lot of difference. The key issue is the policies of mugabe, and right now, any talk of me not knowing the reasons just doesn't wash with me. I do know them. I also know Mugabe is a mass murderer who doesn't care for his own people. He was handed a jewel, and his megalomania, his corruption, his rule by violence and his cronyism turned that jewel into a stone. Zimababwe is NOT a democracy.
I agree with a lot of what you say in regard to Southern Africa, but on this question I don't. Even many balck American radicals are addressing this question now without going back to the roots of dissent and anger towards the white population, because it is now no longer relevent in view of the current events.
Your own people are dying on the streets there Zedd, while Mugabe's cronies live the high life. Don't be seduced into trying to apportion blame anywhere than where it should really exist.
7 - Zedd
STM
Hitting Zimbabwe in any way is useless. Mugabe is not personally affected. He is going to die soon. He will die rich and powerful. Creating suffering of any kind to the Zimbabwean people is just cruel and vindictive. All of those Zims and South Africans in Australia just want to stick it to these countries that are now ruled by darkies. They predicted their demise and they want to make sure that it happens well. Their evils somehow can be justified if they demonize this regime. Attacks on Zimbabwe have nothing to do with Mugabe. He doesn't feel any of the pain. Britain and the ex pats, the greatest campainers against Zimbabwe, would rather see these people starve and suffer unjustifiably in order to seem right.
How is boycotting the Zimbabwean cricket team going to change MUGABE?
What this woman went through, evil as it is, the Rhodesians did regularly to Blacks without international outrage. Give me a break.
8 - Dave Nalle
And don't forget that foreign aid money sent to Zimbabwe ends up in Mugabe's bank account in the Grand Caymans and any food aid gets sold on the black market and Mugabe pockets that money too. That kind of thing tends to discourage aid from the west.
Dave
9 - STM
Yawn ... same old tarnished racist line from Zedd. If there hadn't been any international outrage, it'd still be called Rhodesia and the4 capital would be Salisbury.
Give ME a break. You are starting to get really boring with your inability to see beyoind your own clouded version of history. Yes, we know all the other stuff is true.
This woman's treatment isn't an isolated incident, though. There were 70 other people arrested with her. Remember Mugabe's silencing of opposition in Matabeleland, too, Zedd. Genocide.
10 - Zedd
STM
I have always contended that Mugabe is a horrible ruler. He was horrible before becoming a ruler. However you cant tell half a story. In order to understand the dynamics you have to explore the entire tale. Perhaps you don't know the full story?
Its so silly for journalists to want to make things fit this simple good guys vs bad guys formula when real human experiences don't work like that EVER. Is it the frustrated novelist syndrome? Historians will get it right years from now, but you guys just take the simplistic approach to report on the world today and THAT is problematic imo. That sort of reporting exacerbates criminal activity. People who are categorised as white hat wearers get away to eminence crime because of reckless and lazy reporting in most cases.
Had the media not be wrapped in the flag in this country we would not have set foot in Iraq. When dealing with non Europeans its so easy to draw whatever conclusions that have been relayed by any nut case who happens to be of European decent. Checking the facts in detail becomes irrelevant and people die.
My first husband was Zimbabwean. I was aware of Mugabe's misdeeds before you knew who he was probably. You don't have a clue how close his misdeeds affected me. Mugabe was a sadist before he came to power. I know what type of drought conditions they had too Stan. THAT was a contributor. I know about the officials who were handed land TOO well, VERY well. I cant go into my personal involvement against all of what was taking place but I KNOW terribly well.
I also know that the story that is told is not as simple as it sounds. You are of the west, tell the wests role. As good as it feels to cheer lead and beat your chest about how democratic western nations are, it is irrelevant if they contribute to these sick YOUNG regimes. Do THAT story, thoroughly.
11 - Zedd
STM#13
I cant believe you took one line, the last one which was a side note and responded to it and not the main idea of the post.
You keep thinking that by asking for the full truth I somehow think Mugabe is a good guy. I Never have. Let it go.
Wow after only a couple of decades you yawn about the torture of people in their own land..... I wonder why you don't yawn at Ruvy who talks about Jews no matter the discussion?
You knew that I would respond to you when you wrote this article. You cant just say what you want to say and leave things out and get touchy when I bring it up.
My point is you are not hurting Mugabe by not playing Cricket with Zimbabwe. If you feel its affective, tell me how???
I also have a problem with people who committed the same atrocities and benefited well, living in Shangri la from the evil that was perpetuated against people for generations, pointing fingers. Perhaps its yawn worthy to you but its also very relevant, discrediting and disingenuous.
12 - STM
This isn't being driven by Zims and japies in Australia, for heaven's sake.
BTW Zedd, this woman isn't Australian. She's Zimbabwean born and bred, and black too. She lives in Harare, not Sydney. That's what's going on in Zimbabwe. The issue of the white farmers and the racist cricket selections are just a small part of it. Mugabe's worst crimes have been reserved for Zimbabwe's majority black population.
He recently ordered his thugs to smash and demolish harare's beautiful and world-renowned flower market, along with the backyard vegetable gardens people depended upon to survive. No one can really work out why, or what is going on.
But it's pretty brutal Zedd, and there isn't much that people can do about it because he has all the power. Their suffering is extreme. Even Bishop Desmond Tutu, the courageous opponent of apartheid, calls him a classic example of a real-life cartoon caricature of an African dictator, while Nelson Mandela, in the closest he ever comes to verbally attacking people, disparagingly calls him "Comrade Bob".
Now contrast Mugabe to the on-going miracle wrought by the ANC in South Africa.
13 - STM
And yes, you are right: I did know when I posted this that you would come out of the woodwork all guns blazing and give me a serve.
I'd expect nothing less, and would have been worried about you welfare had you not.
But it doesn't change the facts. I believe what I believe: Mugabe is a rat-bag who should be consigned to the dust-bin of history once and for all.
I hope South Africa moves to do it at some point.
14 - Zedd
STM
Its as if you are not reading my posts. What goes on? I know what is going on in Zimbabwe WELL probably better than you. My guns are not blazing. You should have known that I would respond because I know that region more than most people who post regularly on this thread.
I knew of the people being attacked at the prayer meeting (even though I'm sure it was a political meeting) a day after it happened. I was very upset about it. You don't have to invoke Tutu or Mandela for me to believe that Mugabe is a horrible leader. I don't invoke some famous White person to convince you of your own convictions.
The people of Metebelaland are Zulus (Ndebeles). Again, I know this issue WELL.
Lets focus on what I am saying as apposed to what you think I am saying.
I am saying that you cant report part of the story and think you are done. Tell us the part that affects our part of the world.
You see what perpetuates crime in these countries is the distorted images of these regions and the lack of understanding about the role of the west in compounding the issues. We cant do anything about Mugabe but the Brits can do something if their government has helped create this problem with the farmers. I can guarantee that if the entire story was understood, the rage against Zimbabwe would not be so and the people wouldn't be starving as they are now.
I know that that woman is Black. You keep thinking that I want this to be a racial issue. You are missing it. I want this to be a sensible issue. If we tell half the Iraqi story then its not the story at all, its a weird distortion of reality and there is nothing that can be done with it. Its useless. The same is true with ANY story. Its just easier to half relate things when it deals with non Westerners. We tend to have an eye rolling "we know how this is going to go" attitude, so we don't bother with cause and affect as much. We just want everything in their comfy little places, natives bad, greedy, dumb and hopeless. That is a lie and it diminishes the extent of knowledge that we have about our world. That ignorance fuels more ignorance about other similar cultures and the next generation and the crime that was started by colonialists continues.
I hope you finally get the picture.
15 - nkrumah
Mugabe is a convenient scapegoat.
The fact is the Whites constituting one percent of the population control seventy percent of the land. Mugabe changed that and ensured the land atleast belongs to the local people.
Please let the Africans decide for themselves. And please do not lecture to us about human rights. we know all about human right violations at the hands of Britain.
And who is going to replace Mugabe? Maybe Ian Smith, that white racist, who is intrested in returning to politics?
16 - Dave Nalle
Mugabe changed that and ensured the land atleast belongs to the local people.
So they can all starve to death on a little parcel of arid wasteland? The kind of land they have in Zimbabwe requires consolidated large-scale farming to be productive. Most of it is not well suited to small, individual farms.
And who is going to replace Mugabe? Maybe Ian Smith, that white racist, who is intrested in returning to politics?
Ian Smith can barely express interest in returning to his gruel. He's almost 90 years old, can't walk and is barely even lucid most of the time. On the other hand, even in that condition he could probably do a better job than Mugabe.
dave
17 - STM
"The fact is the Whites constituting one percent of the population control seventy percent of the land. Mugabe changed that and ensured the land atleast belongs to the local people."
Rubbish Nkrumah. They don't control 70 per cent of the land any more. And since they don't, and with the land now belonging to Mugabe's cronies rather than black farmers who knew how to work the farms, nine out of 10 Zimbabweans are without work, inflation is at 1700 per cent, the country can't feed itself, etc.
Let Africans decide for themselves? They are trying to, but Mugabe won't let them. He controls with an iron first, backed up by thugs and cronies in the police and armed forces. The people have no power. It's all Mugabe's, and any money in Zimbabwe goes into their pockets, not into the mouths of the people. They live the high life, while ordinary Zimbabweans starve to death.
Don't bullshit about scapegoats. He's a grubby little dictator and his own people hate him.
18 - Zedd
These are the affects of drought in Southern Africa between 1980 - 1994
Social Impact / Ripple Effects
Lack or poor distribution of resources (food and water) /Migration, resettlement, conflicts between water users
Increased quest for water / Increased conflicts between water users
Marginal lands become unsustainable Poverty, unemployment / Reduced grazing quality and crop yields
Overstocking; Reduced quality of living / Employment layoffs Reduced or no income
Food insecurity Malnutrition and famine; Civil strife and conflict / Increased pollutant concentrations Public health risks
Inequitable drought relief / Social unrest, distrust
Increased forest and range fires / Increased threat to human and animal life
Urbanization Social pressure / reduced safety
Environmental impacts
Damage to natural habitats / Loss of biodiversity
Reduced forest, crop, and range land productivity / Reduced income and food shortages
Reduced water levels / Lower accessibility to water
Reduced cloud cover / Plant scorching
Increased daytime temperature / Increased fire hazard
Increased evapotranspiration / Crop withering and dying
More dust and sandstorms / Increased soil erosion; Increased air pollution
Decreased soil productivity /Desertification and soil degradation (topsoil erosion)
Decreased water resources / Lack of feeding and drinking water
Reduced water quality / More waterborne diseases; Increased salt concentrations
Increased incidence of animal diseases and mortality / Loss of income and food; Reduced breeding stock
Soil desiccation / Increased soil “blowability”
Degradation of landscape quality / Permanent loss of biological productivity of the landscape
Species concentration near water / Increased vulnerability to predation
Economic impacts
Reduced business with retailers /Increased prices for farming commodities
Food and energy shortages / Drastic price increased; Expensive imports substitutes
Loss of crops for food and income / Increased expense of buying food from shops
Reduction of livestock quality / Sale of livestock at reduced market price
Water scarcity / Increased transport costs
Loss of jobs, income, and property / Deepening poverty; Increased unemployment
Less income from tourism and recreation / Increased capital shortfall
Forced financial loans / Increased debt; Increased credit risk for financial institutions
This drought ensued just as this government was starting. The group that landed in Jamestown first, had no chance because of the weather. They just weren't going to do well. I am certain that during that time there was a lot of misplaced blame on various leaders but we now know that they were doomed from day one. This is not to excuse Mugabe by any means but its important to look at very real factors that contributed to this chaos that is Zimbabwe today that were just not going to be good regardless.
Lets deal with issues with a willingness to explore the entire scope of cause and effect. Skimming the top and looking for the boogie man will not solve the real issues that truly contribute to real devastation. We over simplify the issues of developing nations and lie to ourselves, choosing ignorance so that we don't have to face the reality of human dynamics on the globe. This phenomenon also makes us feel superior, as if we are doing something right that the rest of the world isn't doing, on our loungers watching American Idol.
19 - Nancy
Why the hell do these people just roll over & take it? Why doesn't anybody pick up a rifle & go put a bullet thru Mugabe or his thugs? Ironically, I suppose it's the same reason that most Americans don't pick up a Uzi & go hit Dubya & Cheney: too many safety walls these assholes are hiding behind.
20 - Clavos
Nancy,
Living in a brutal dictatorship with spies everywhere makes taking that kind of action virtually impossible to all but the bravest and most determined, who often are just as much thugs and oppressors as those they seek to overthrow.
21 - STM
Zedd, this country (Australia) has been in drought for six long years. There isn't much water anywhere, but somehow our farmers are still managing to feed and clothe us, and half the rest of the world as well.
Many of the same farming techniques used in driught here were also used by farmers in Zimbabwe, and in fact various periods of drought over the years hadn't made a lot of difference to how much food was produced or crops grown.
Until, that is, Mugabe, forced the farmers off the land (black and white, and their employees) and gave the farms to his non-farming cronies.
Lo and behold, no food, no crops, and farms and economy in ruins while Zinbabweans nearly starve.
Had Mugabe been true to his ideals - there were many black farmers and farm workers who could have run those farms after the land was taken from the whites. But no, he gave them to his cronies, who ran them into the ground.
Zimbabwe under Mugabe is a joke and I won't have any truck with with people like Nkrumah who are simply apologists for murderers, torturers and dictators.
It's good to be able to see the wood through the trees, Zedd. This isn't about whites and what they did. We all know that stuff. It's about Mugabe and the Zanu-PF.
22 - STM
Zedd, this country (Australia) has been in drought for six long years. There isn't much water anywhere, but somehow our farmers are still managing to feed and clothe us, and half the rest of the world as well.
Many of the same farming techniques used in drought here were also used by farmers in Zimbabwe, and in fact various periods of drought over the years hadn't made a lot of difference to how much food was produced or crops grown.
Until, that is, Mugabe, forced the farmers off the land (black and white, and their employees) and gave the farms to his non-farming cronies.
Lo and behold, no food, no crops, and farms and economy in ruins while Zinbabweans nearly starve.
Had Mugabe been true to his ideals - there were many black farmers and farm workers who could have run those farms after the land was taken from the whites. But no, he gave them to his cronies, who ran them into the ground.
Zimbabwe under Mugabe is a joke and I won't have any truck with with people like Nkrumah who are simply apologists for murderers, torturers and dictators.
It's good to be able to see the wood through the trees, Zedd. This isn't about whites and what they did. We all know that stuff. It's about Mugabe.
23 - STM
Why won't my post stick, Rosey? Doesn't appear to be anything contentious in it. I've even taken out "wood" just in case.
24 - Dave Nalle
Stan, looks like the spam blocker thought you were up to no good. I fixed it.
Dave
25 - STM
Thanks Buddy. I am engaged with MBD in another thread. It's like hitting your head against a brick wall. Although my take on the War of 1812 is slightly different to yours, at least you understand it. He's driving me batty by posting nonsense - pretending to know, but knows nothing.
Where did he dig himself up from?? I can't take him seriously from now on after the Stonewall Jackson thing. What a fair dinkum goose.