www.zimbabwetimes.com (Image 1) www.ladestra.info (image 2)
Robert Mugabe is 85 years old. From what I've read he is throwing a bit of a party. In fact, it seems he has thrown quite the party every year for over 20 years. However, this year there has been a bit of a problem this year regarding a lack of 'donations'. Every year the celebrations for Mr Mugabe's birthday are organised by the 21 February movement - a sort of Zanu PF take on the scouting movement (you can probably imagine what that entails). There was a problem this year and it looks like times are hard for Robert. The 21 February movement accordingly downgraded its aim and only set out to raise half a million dollars of 'donations'. Now, I'm sure you agree, that leaves a real headache for the organisers who were used to a figure closer to the 1.2 million dollars spent on last year's shindig. 'Donation' is a bit like the word 'democracy' or 'freedom' in the Zanu PF dictionary. Lots of food and money is given to the 21 February movement every year under what would best be described as dubious circumstances. Mr Mugabe is definitely feeling the pinch it seems...
However, Mr Mugabe isn't the only one who is finding it tough in Zimbabwe these days. The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has not been dealt with in an effective way. Although specific details are hard to come by (Zanu PF are much better at organising birthday parties for Mr Mugabe than they are at telling the truth it seems) , the UN puts the figure of dead at close to 4,000 with Oxfam estimating that around 50,000 are suffering. As people sat down for a birthday feast in honour of Mr Mugabe on Wednesday - paying 100 dollars each for the privilege - more than half of Zimbabwe's population of 12 million are starving.
At least Robert Mugabe can take a bit of comfort in the knowledge that he is not the only one in Zimbabwe who's belt is tightening at the moment...
And for those who enjoy being lied to:
