Africans, who are you supporting today, Brazil or Morocco?

"South Africa is a rich industrialised country with a capability of producing her own nuclear bomb. In this country of 22 million people, the lives of the 15 million Black, 2 million Coloureds, and 600 000 Indians, are totally controlled by a White miniority of under 4 million. The Whites alone have the vote, and the Whites alone control the government and the law, industry and the arm forces. From this solid base of supremacy, White South Africans enjoy the highest standard of living in the world."

Homes and their front gardens, Soweto, South Africa, circa June 1977. Credit: Peter Jordan

Government has rallied behind South Africa national soccer team following the team’s opening FIFA World Cup clash against Mexico, praising the squad for representing South Africa with determination, unity and pride despite the disappointing result. In a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), government said although the final score was not what the country had hoped for, Bafana Bafana showed fighting spirit on football’s biggest stage. Government encouraged the players, coaching staff and support team to remain focused and confident as they prepare for the remaining group stage matches, expressing belief in the team’s ability to bounce back stronger. South Africans have also been urged to continue supporting the national team throughout the tournament by rallying behind the players and taking part in “Bafana Fridays” by wearing green and gold in support of the squad. The statement ended with a message of unity and encouragement: “All of us. All in. Kaofela.”

Zimbabwe is a very difficult place to live if you are just an ordinary citizen trying to get on with your life. Yesterday, a young man got in touch with me seeking financial assistance to travel to Zimbabwe because he had lost his father. I helped him, and his bus left Johannesburg at 5 p.m. It travelled all the way to Zimbabwe and got to the border in the morning, where it was cleared. It then continued its journey into Zimbabwe. When the bus got to Bubi, ZIMRA officials, who are Zimbabwe’s customs officials, sent it all the way back to the border for another search. As I write this, that bus is back at the border. This young man left Johannesburg yesterday at 5 p.m., and it is now past 6 p.m. the following day. He had already done more than half of his journey from Johannesburg, only to be forced back. I honestly do not understand why our government makes life so painful and difficult for ordinary people. It is cruel, painful, and heartbreaking. This is one of the reasons many young Zimbabweans do not want to return home when they complete their studies. If you are not part of the political elite circle, life can be incredibly difficult. Even those who are trying to live by the book and simply live normal lives are subjected to unnecessary hardship. It is heartbreaking. It is sad. The once respected Zimbabwe has become a mafia state.