We the extra terrestrials came down to see for ourselves. But soon we put our flying saucers into reverse gear...
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Theatre of the absurd
If some behaviour at the just-ended UN General Assembly was theatre of the absurd … make no mistake, it’s not unique to New York. It’s everywhere.
During the 83rd birthday of our big boss, one of his supporters poured a carton of milk over her shoulders and down into her dress, giving thanks for his efforts in creating a new ‘land of milk and honey.’ No sticky honey in sight; it’s rather expensive around here, of course. An oversight by whomsoever might have paid for this display.
The birthday event has been set down as an annual celebration hereafter to be known as Mutapa Day.
The name Mutapa is drawn from an ancient dynasty that controlled swathes of central and southern Africa 600+ years ago. It stood for domination and its rulers were known as ‘lords of the conquered lands.’ Like other empires before and after it, it became over extended and collapsed from eventual profligacy and in-fighting over its gold and territorial claims.
Cutting the birthday cake that replicates a recently built pothole-free overpass road junction
The governing party has dismissed these unfortunate connotations, saying Mutapa Day ‘symbolises the link between precolonial greatness’ and the greatness of the modern drive for development and empowerment for all the nation’s peoples.
Scholars of the somewhat fluid local Shona language say the word mutapa also translates as emperor and plunderer, therefore implying extreme power and theft within, as seen today.
President Mnangagwa’s birthday was attended, first and foremost, by the rich and powerful and then by poor followers there for free food and drink.
In his speech Mnangagwa raised a little mirth when he said he planned to live on for another 83 years. Politicians vying for places on the bitterly contested succession ladder had forced smiles too.
The very fat cat Wicknell Chivayo arrived aboard the presidential helicopter. Alas, he wasn’t seen playing pool with Mnangagwa. (see below)
There has also been the absurd launch of a “luxury” train.
The train ran only the 360km between Harare and the eastern city of Mutare for a tourism expo held there. (Note the household furniture and the luxury meals.) The national airline also put up special flights to the expo with one of its couple of remaining planes.
For years the airline has been bedevilled by corruption, poor management and safety concerns that grounded most of its regional and international services.
The United Nations is 80 years old, the General Assembly’s theme this year being ‘Better Together: for peace and human rights.’ Where might that be found?
Mnangagwa didn’t go. His predecessor Robert Mugabe seldom missed the annual theatre of the absurd in New York.
Reminders:
