Zimbabwe has remained in the headlines of our local paper for a number of weeks now, concentrating on the severe brutality and systematic dismantling of the country’s once flourishing economy. I would like to bring to people’s attention another scenario that is unfolding with regards to a group of people who are desperate, down trodden and absolutely broke due to Robert Mugabe’s tyranny.
Imagine saving your entire life for your retirement, wisely investing and religiously contributing to a super fund, only to find upon reaching those golden years that you are unable to afford even one loaf of bread - a month! This is the frightening situation that the majority of old age pensioners have now found themselves living in Zimbabwe.
With a soaring inflation rate of well over 100 000% (yes that’s the right number of 0’s!!) and therefore a totally out of control cost of living, many Zimbabweans, and in particular the old folk, are finding themselves in the humiliating position of not being able to support themselves and are having to rely on the already struggling local community for assistance. Groceries, medical & dental expenses, medication, rents, rates and taxes and essential amenities can no longer be covered by their meager pensions.
A pension from the railways for example, is a mere pittance and not worth the paper its written on even. Compare these prices: a loaf of bread in December 06 cost ZW$850 (4c), but now only 16 months later costs a staggering ZW$8 500 000. These pensioners are still earning the same amount in pension though…. With this is mind you can imagine how a hair cut or trip to the theatre, a game of bowls or even a visit to a friends house are all long forgotten luxuries, as even fuel is a rare and expensive commodity. It is a daily struggle merely to find a loaf of bread leave alone finding the means to pay for it.
In 2002 a group of people in Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe, got together and formed an organization called S.O.A.P (supporting old age pensioners) after an auctioneer noticed more and more elderly people bringing in small items to sell in order just to buy basic food items. The group then began to deliver monthly food parcels made up of donations received from various businesses and caring citizens – this delivery round then took about 80 minutes. Over the years as more and more people are either ‘discovered’ or come forward to ask for assistance it now takes 4 people over 6 hours each to deliver these sometimes life saving goods to 182 people on the second Wednesday of every month. It should be noted that these volunteers take nothing personally from any donations received for any of the expenses incurred and only the cost of the email account and post office box is paid for by monies received. Their fuel, all phone costs, stationery, time and any other expenditure are all donated by them to SOAP.
Unfortunately there are many more old folk living there who are either too proud to ask for help or are now so isolated from society that they are not aware of the help available. The volunteers spend many hours coordinating the collection of donations either in the form of food or cash, in order to put together the precious monthly parcels. Luckily through the generous donations from local businesses each recipient may also receive a chicken or 250g packet of mince meat, a few eggs, a couple of tomatoes, a tiny block of cheese and butter and a packet or two of milk - per month!
Having been involved in various fundraising events for SOAP prior to leaving Zimbabwe, I decided to return in December to see for myself just how badly the situation had deteriorated. I joined Dave Gill, one of the volunteers, on his December 2006 delivery round and sadly witnessed first hand some of the most heart wrenching stories:- a lady eating black jacks (a common garden weed) and figs from her garden, some forced to eat dog food as they were unable to afford any meat and a few even moving into their garages so that they could rent out their houses for some sort of income. Throughout my stay I came across countless stories of elderly people desperately trying to make ends meet. Never had I imagined that this once happy and content generation, who were the back bone of a once thriving community, would be reduced to standing at their gates humbly accepting a few small items to help them survive the days ahead.
In view of these tragic circumstances, myself and a group of other concerned ex-Zimbabweans now living in Perth, including David Pocock from the Western Force, an Ex-Zimbabwean himself are actively involved in raising funds for these desperate people.
Last year we held a most successful dinner dance in the Swan Valley with the Slim Jim and the Phatts band and raised AU$11 500.
Zimfest was held on the 19th of October at the Leedy. Well known Zimbabwean musician, Bud Cockcroft entertained the crowds as well as African cultural marimba bands Shangara Jive, and Dunumba. We look forward to the next one!! Go Zimfest!!
