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5/11/2004 Part of the BlackPressUSA Network <!-- // Begin IMAGE rollovers function newImage(arg) { if (document.images) { rslt = new Image(); rslt.src = arg; return rslt; } } function changeImages() { if (document.images && (preloadFlag == true)) { for (var i=0; i<changeImages.arguments.length; i+=2) { document[changeImages.arguments[i]].src = changeImages.arguments[i+1]; } } } var preloadFlag = false; function preloadImages() { if (document.images) { // name of variable does not matter blank = newImage("Images/Blank.gif"); arrow = newImage("Images/menu/Arrow.gif"); arrow2 = newImage("Images/menu/Arrow2.gif"); arrowClear = newImage("Images/menu/ArrowClear.gif"); preloadFlag = true; } } preloadImages(); // end IMAGE rollovers // --> HOME NEWS national local international politics csn poll business us news releases links EDITORIAL LIFESTYLE SPORTS HISTORY CLASSIFIEDS OBITUARIES FAMILY CALENDAR ABOUT US REGISTRATION NETWORK SITES US NEWS Zimbabwe ambassador speaks at Prairie State College Credit: Standard Photo Zimbabwe Ambassador speaks at Prairie State College on land reform, HIV/AIDS and seized mercenaries by Lorenzo Martin Chicago Standard Newspapers Originally posted 4/4/2004 Zimbabwe Ambassador to the United States, Simbi Veke Mubako, recently spoke at Prairie State College on the situation in Zimbabwe, land reform and a plea for assistance, especially in its fight against HIV-AIDS. Zimbabwe Support Committee President Rashieda Weaver told the audience that it was students that changed the world to look like it is today. 'Students have made America a better place to live,' she continued.The ambassador a PhD and lawyer said that there were enlightening things going on in Africa, especially regarding education, land reform and women rights in Zimbabwe. Ambassador Mubako endorsed what Rashieda Weaver said regarding students changing the world. He reminded the students when he was in school that their movement changed the way the world thinks and operates today.Ambassador Mubako explained that there is a pandemic of HIV/AIDS taking place throughout the world with Africa being affected more than any other place. 'In Zimbabwe we are struggling to roll back the ravages of HIV/AIDS through direct support, medicines and volunteers.' The problem is getting medicines at generic prices that Zimbabweans can buy cheaply he related. Some western countries aren't releasing these drugs which complicate the situation. The problem of sanctions and politics also hampers and complicates this grave and impending crisis.Responding to negative media stories and questions about land redistribution, Ambassador Mubako began to hold class. He said that Great Britain had colonized them late in the 19th Century under the name of Rhodesia and 4,500 white farmers had taken 70 percent of their land. The Black population of 11 million was forced on the remaining poorer land. The ambassador then explained that through armed struggle and finally negotiation, the peace and independence was achieved with the land question being put on hold for 10 years. 'We even extended the period another 10 years,' added the Ambassador. Under the Lancaster House agreement England, the United States promised to pay an estimated 2 billion U.S. Dollars, but was later reneged by Tony Blair and Ronald Reagan.Only 70 million was ever applied to the program. Today, over 300,000 black families have been resettled with 500,000 being affected. The ambassador wants to end racial division and bring justice to the land. The fear of a successful model for land reform has far reaching effects in South Africa where 87 percent of the land is still controlled by 6 ½ million (16%) whites. Namibia is also planning land reform. Ambassador Mubako explained the demonizing of his country by major media outlets such as BBC printing stories that the land was illegally taken even though the African Union supported the action along with the OAU. Even the South African Development Community supports the land reform movement.Another example has been the references made of an illegal election which brought current president, Robert Mugabe to power. The ambassador told the audience that the African Union, Election Observers and NGOs all said there existed some irregularities, but certified the election.Finally, Stories were circulated through the western press that President Mugabe was victim of two or more heart attacks, illnesses, and his administration was guilty of running youth camps where youth were indoctrinated and brain washed.The ambassador concluded, 'Africa must unite like the EU, bring about reconciliation with its political opponent, Movement for Democratic Change,' restore the agricultural and manufacturing/mining economy and provide a better way of life for every citizen in Zimbabwe.' Back to Previous Page Email This Story to a Friend SEARCH Click here for anAdvanced Search Contact Us: Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved :: Legal and Privacy Policy