The Truth About Chenjerai Hove

Fellow Zimbabweans,

Let me correct malicious, insensitive, half-truths, untruths, and innuendos written about Chenjerai Hove by several people in several publications since his passing on in Norway on the 12th July 2015.

I had the honour and privilege to interact with Mr Fish, Palavar Finish or Ndokurakasha as we called him in human rights, sporting (table tennis) and leisure spheres for many years. Contrary to what people say, Chenjerai Hove did not go into self-imposed exile. Instead, Chenjerai was forced and chased into exile by the system at the height of political violence and repression in 2001. He was tormented and haunted by men and women in dark glasses day and night. They trailed him and made threatening calls in the middle of the night. How many of us know about it? Fearing for his life, Chenjerai Hove skipped the country leaving behind his beloved wife, children, close friends and relatives. Hove loved this great nation and its people. He had high hopes, aspirations and great expectations for a free, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe but alas it was not to be. When he expressed his concerns both in private and public, he became a target of the vicious system. Other writers and artists received cash donations, farms and equipment in order to silence them and sure they submitted.  

Like in NAZI Germany, these writers and artists ended up seeing no evil, talking no evil and hearing no evil. This is the "nemesis" of docility that has besieged our great nation today and Chenjerai Hove would not accept it.

It is true that Chenjerai Hove died a poor man, sad and frustrated. He died materially poor but very rich in wisdom, soul and conscience. All those who love him should be proud of it. He lived an exemplary, simple and humble life. Those who hijacked Zimbabwe's liberation cause take turns to malign and denigrate him. All people of conscience die materially poor. In Zimbabwe we have Tekere, Chitepo, Tongo, Ziyapapa, Dzino, Nikita, Masuku and many other men, women and children who died for the liberation of the country in the same category.

Opportunists and criminals feeding on the sweat and blood of these heroes have the pride and tenacity to beat their chests and big bellies in high laughter. They do not see anything wrong in this country. They are not aware that black tyranny, oppression and repression are as bad as white injustices of the past.

To Mr Fish, Palavar Finish or Ndokurakasha, we want to say thank you for your great contribution to our national conscience. You played your part in a long relay to build a better and prosperous Zimbabwe. Your time to rest has come. Go well Shumba yavaNgowa, mwana waMazvihwa wakarakashwa naChivicharo.

May the good Lord give you everlasting peace!!!