Following disscusions with several of my ex collegues in Government I have taken the precaution of moving my family out today. All is quiet in most of the country but there are very nasty undertones and fresh attacks on the few remianing farmers in the Masvingo area.

Being Africa, the talk my come to nothing- just posturing arround negotiations. However, by the time the first white is attacked in the streets or buisness looted, it is too late.

For the next three weeks...charter directly from the airport to the hunting concession. Even in the worst case scenario, the hunting areas will be quite. It will be people in the main cities or traveling on the open roads through turbulent areas that are the possible victims. Since thee are no airstrips near where I have my first lion hunt scheduled for the end of the month, I have provisionally delayed it until june

I'll keep folks up dated, of what the mood in the capital is like and any genuine reports in the countryside.

Seriously BAD News. Lets hope for the best...

Seloushunter

Really not good to hear.

We are praying for you !

This doesn't sound too good, especially as Ganyana is usually upbeat about Zim problems.

Not that it will do any good, but I'll be calling my US Senator offices. And have already sent e-mails to the White House.

I know I'm dreaming but maybe if enough attention drawn to this, something just might get done, in time.

Wishing you guys the best and have my prayers.

This is all very worrying.

Here is the report of what Ganyana is likely speaking of:

quote:

Mr Mugabe's supporters have tried to whip up support for the president by claiming that white farmers are planning to take back confiscated land. War veterans, some of them apparently drunk, responded by taking over a tourist lodge and invading four farms still occupied by whites. The attackers forced owners and staff to flee from Paynanda Lodge, a popular game farm and tourist stop-over on the main road to South Africa, five miles south of the town of Masvingo. Four other farms which still grow crops and rear livestock were invaded and farmers' wives and children have fled to town.

Ganyana - Thanks for the update, I wish you and the people of Zim the best over the next few weeks.

Will, I am encouraged to see your response and expression of feelings towards the people of Zim.

Regards,

Bill

Ganyana,

I am very sorry to hear that.

It sounds as if Bob may be working on "Plan B" - get the country in such turmoil in the next month or so that he has to declare martial law to "restore order and peace". Once martial law is declared, any remaining civil rights would be suspended, the press would effectively be shut off, and Bob could take his sweet time to lift the state of emergency.

Bill,

As much sh*t as I talk here on AR, I truly feel sorry for the plight of the Zim people. I also dream of Zim all the time, and though hardly a world traveler, I love Zim more than any other place on earth.

I always felt sorry for the natives when they expressed hope that the US President, whomever it was at the time, will come rescue them from the tyrant. I didn't have the heart to tell them it just wasn't going to happen.

Let all the detractors bad-mouth the US, but there are millions of people around the world that see us as their only hope. But unfortuantely hope is all it is in the case of Zimbabwe.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Bill,

As much sh*t as I talk here on AR, I truly feel sorry for the plight of the Zim people. I also dream of Zim all the time, and though hardly a world traveler, I love Zim more than any other place on earth.

I always felt sorry for the natives when they expressed hope that the US President, whomever it was at the time, will come rescue them from the tyrant. I didn't have the heart to tell them it just wasn't going to happen.

Let all the detractors bad-mouth the US, but there are millions of people around the world that see us as their only hope. But unfortuantely hope is all it is in the case of Zimbabwe.

I have nowhere near your experience, and have only been to Zim once, but I share many of the same sentiments. Unfortunately, even if the US were prepared to take action, I fear it it would play as "re-coloniziation" in Africa.

If anyone has a moral obligation to restore peace and democracy to the country, it's the Brits...... but sadly, that just ain't gonna happen. If it were a French colony for example, the troops would have been in there long ago, but as much as I hate to say it, the British Government doesn't have the testicular fortitude for it.

Failing that, then it's a job for the UN, but as has been pointed out, it would be mis interpreted as a re-colonisation of Africa.....Even if military intervention by a 'non African' power were considered, actually doing it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Bill,

As much sh*t as I talk here on AR, I truly feel sorry for the plight of the Zim people. I also dream of Zim all the time, and though hardly a world traveler, I love Zim more than any other place on earth.

Thank you Will, and all the rest of you.

Dave

I read this and get angry, sad, frustrated, etc. This is 2008 and real life shit like this is going on right on our doorstep. It seems like anyone that can do something about it either does not give a crap - because there is nothing in it for them or because they are just plain incompetent - or worse it is because the envy RM and deep down would like to be like him.

The "situation is manageable" - my ass. It is completely unmanaged and sliding out of control while we look on. Thinking folks that actually care and have connections and friends in Zim can only stare at the rape of every principle the West stands for and shout disgust.

You Zimbos are tough men. Fuck them. Hang in there. You'll handle it ... just be careful, be safe and stay a few steps ahead.

Ganyana,

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your fellow countrymen. I wish there was something we could do to help.

Thank you Ganyana for the update.

Best wishes to all of our friends in Zim during this difficult and unpredictable time.

Ganyana and David,

May God be with you, your families and your countrymen. I have never been to Zimbabwe, yet I feel a kinship with you and yours.

Remember, you only have one *. Watch your backside.

My thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe and my friends. I'm really concerned about my friends in Masvingo this morning. They live there and have a farm. I pray they are safe and out of harms way. God speed to all of Zim.
David

quote:

Originally posted by L. David Keith:
My thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe and my friends. I'm really concerned about my friends in Masvingo this morning. They live there and have a farm. I pray they are safe and out of harms way. God speed to all of Zim.
David

David

PM me their contact details and I'll get hold of them and see how things are.

Dave

It would be difficult for me to express something that hasn't already been said in the various posts above. Watching all of this and hearing from my friends in Zim is upsetting.

They have my full support and friendship as well as prayers. I have always supported Zim as the people I know from there are some of the strongest, most creative people I have ever met. I find myself saying "make a plan" from time to time and have to smile at my friends who do that very thing every day in Zim.

Will, I appreciate what you posted and know that you love Zim. It's an amazing place. I wish I could have seen it in it's prime.

Thanks Ganyana for keeping everyone informed. Any comments on the availability and cost of charters with all of the current shortages?

If you are going to hunt in Zim, follow Ganyanas advice.
Use only a well recommended and experienced PH.
Use charter flights from airport to hunting area if the PH can not avoid driving through hot areas.
In general it is quiet and very safe.
It may occur some escalation because Zanu supporters will not accept the election results.
Thanks Mbeki, who negotiated with both parties, up to now there was a quiet atmosphere. If things starts to going bad, I hope he may moderate again.

I hunted in Zim until 5th. I visited a polling station and shot on the election day an elephant bull. Police men on road blocks were very friendly waiting for the results of the presidential election.

At the polling station:


After the hunt:

A prayer to my friends Dudley & Tess Rogers and family of Tshabezi safari's and all others wishing you a safe home and country...

Mike & Cherie

Ganyana, my friend! The best of luck to you and your family. Maybe when the storm and strife are over things will be better in Zim.

465H&H

I only hope this is Mugabe's fairwell party, and that the replacement is better. The folks there will have to take care of their family and friends themselves, as that is the only one you can really depend on. I surely hope that the situation gets better, it would be a shame to see the country go completely to ruin, as it has gotten steadily worse the last few years. Good luck to all there and hang tough.

I am to arrive in Harare May 19th for a PAC/Tuskless hunt with Ben Kotze. We will have to drive to the hunting area North of Harare. I sent him an email saying I was coming no matter what unless the US put a complete travel ban on Zim. I have hunted in Zimbabwe on five occassions over the last six years and have never had any problems. My plans are still on, but I am not a fool. I will listen to Ganyana and my PH before getting on the plane from Joburg.

Good luck to all you fine gentleman in Zimbabwe.



You can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Go now.

corecpa

Ben is a good man and no fool. If there is trouble he will make another plan. I expect????? that all will have fallen into place before then, but...give Ben a call afore you fly

Ganyana, is the Gun Shop in Bulawayo is still operational?
Thanks,
David

Norbert,

Good to see you back on the Forum and back chasing elephant.

ganyana - i hope all will be good once again. These G.D. politicians worldwide are all the same and should all be shot

Ganyana,

Ok, cowboy. Good luck.


Cheers,

Mike Core

Prayers sent for all of those in Zim.

My first ever visit and safari in Africa was in Zim, and I plan to make my last safari there, as I fell in love with the country and its people, all its people.

My every thought is with these wonderful and hardy folks.

Good luck to all. The bastard can't live forever.

Ganyana,

May God be with you and your fellow countrymen.

Stay safe.

All the best.

Messgae from another person im in contact with in Bulawayo ..

All the best to Gunyana and many other friends and some family members in Zim's

Regards, Peter
------------------------------


A Wounded Buffalo

Zanu PF is behaving just like a wounded buffalo. The African buffalo is
one of the most dangerous adversaries in the world of wildlife. It has
an enormous capacity to take punishment, is extremely difficult to kill
outright and when wounded - even fatally, it has the ability to do great
damage. It is also a highly intelligent adversary.

I have never hunted buffalo but have friends who have and had a senior
in my department when I was a young man actually ambushed by a wounded
buffalo in the Zambezi Valley. He was very lucky to survive and was
never quite the same again. A frequent target of the trophy hunter are
the lone bulls who move about in small groups or on their own and have a
magnificent set of horns with that huge mass of bone across the head.

If the hunter gets a clean heart shot, the buffalo has the capacity to
run for some considerable distance before collapsing. If the shot is not
clean, then the buffalo is known to run and then circle back and lie in
ambush for his hunter. That is what happened to my senior in the valley.
Although a large animal, the buffalo knows exactly how to stand in the
shade and to blend in with his background. Often the only thing that
might alert you to his presence is a flick of the ears or a tail. Fail
to spot him and you could be on the receiving end of a short and furious
rush and fall victim to the horns or just his mass.

Zanu PF lost this election massively - if you take the combined vote of
Makoni and Tsvangirai, 73 per cent of the people who voted (2,4 million)
voted against him - he only got 27 per cent of the vote. The poll was 41
per cent if you use the voter's roll but by my calculation (2,8 to 3
million actual voters) it was nearer 80 per cent. Even when the National
Command Centre had spent a day massaging the results they only got them
down to 50 per cent for Tsvangirai and nearly 10 per cent for Makoni -
still a huge defeat for a sitting President.

In addition they have lost control, even with the rigging, of the House
of Assembly. In the Senate it looks as if we will have a stand off - but
this does not make that much of a difference. But any measure, Zanu PF
has taken a shot that has fatally wounded the old bull. However, like
the buffalo I described above, he is still dangerous.

As things stand right now, the Zanu PF Politburo has decided that a full
audit of the Presidential results can go ahead. We demanded this when we
saw the results for Mashonaland Central four days ago. When this is
completed (perhaps today) then we will hear if the final tally gives
Morgan 49 or 50 per cent of the final count. If its 49, they want a
rerun, if he gets 50 per cent plus one vote, he will be sworn in as
President and we will get a new government.

I will not bore you with all the gory details of what has gone on this
week, but just to say that Zanu PF and Robert Gabriel Mugabe have had a
tough time accepting the reality of the loss of power and privilege. I
understand that Grace Mugabe has left the country and has taken a very
considerable sum of money (real money) with her. There is also a strong
rumor that the man who led 5th Brigade during the genocide in the 80's
has committed suicide. But that may or may not be true. Nevertheless it
shows how much of a total shock this has been for the Zanu machine.

If there is a run off, I can only anticipate an electoral massacre. Ex
President Mugabe will not even get the numbers he currently has in the
poll.
It will be, in effect, a coup de grace.

So we are thinking through what a re-run might mean for us - how we
might handle it. It is already clear that despite the fact that so far
the people have committed no acts of violence in any way, that Zanu PF
is going to use violence to try and get its way in the re-run. Already
yesterday we have seen new violence in several areas, Masvingo
especially. Morgan Tsvangirai said in his press conference yesterday
that Mugabe is preparing to go to war against the people. It will not
help him.

I just pray that there will not be a re-run. The country simply cannot
take any more of this. Work is impossible - our factories are shut down
as the staff cannot work, suppliers cannot fix prices and buyers are
frozen in their tracks. The economy is virtually at a stand still and
inflation is racing ahead. There is no food in the country and hunger is
becoming a real problem, the Reserve Bank has been looted and I
understand that enough foreign exchange has been taken out to supply the
countries needs for all basic foods for 12 months. It is an absolute
disgrace and to think they still want to hang onto power!

What has become clear over the past week is that Zanu PF can no longer
command what happens in the administration, power is slipping away and
they are already yesterdays men. It is also clear that the army and the
police are both divided in their loyalties and now support change. This
was the last pillar of support for the Zanu PF regime and with this gone
it is just a matter of time.

The region is playing a key role and is trying to persuade Mr. Mugabe to
step down and allow a peaceful transition. Mugabe is not co-operating
and it is time regional leaders stepped up the pressure. As for the UN,
this august body has yet to comment and do anything effective - must we
slide into complete chaos and anarchy before they become engaged? Thabo
Mbeki is in the UK for a summit of leaders - I am sure he is getting it
with both barrels.
Last night Aziz Pahad was jousting with Kate Hoey - wish I could have
seen that contest.

But for the rest, thank you to all who stood with us - through the
criticism of our stand and strategy, through the long nights of despair
and finally doing the hard work that will make democracy the tool we
used to bring down a corrupt and cruel tyrant. We showed it could be
done - not with guns and bullets, not with fire and machete's, just with
the quiet strength of ordinary men and women going out and voting when
they got the opportunity.

Eddie Cross
Bulawayo, 6th April 2008

Ganyana,

You have me worried a bit my friend. I know you are a tough old coot and it is amazing what you can live through, but be careful and know you have my best wishes and thoughts for you and yours. Good to hear you have taken care of your loved ones and I know you have an E&E plan in place. If you need anything don't hesitate to contact me. I can always make more money-its friends I find difficult to replace.

Perry

I would follow Ganyana's advice, I have read his posts for years and he is very switched on all of his posts have been consistant with all the first hand experiences I have had in Zim and what my friends there have told me, I wish him and family friends the best.

My friend who for security reasons I wont name called me 3 days ago and everything was ok, we didnt talk about anything directly as we dont know who is listining, I attempted to call him a few hours ago 8 pm Zim time sunday night-I'm in the same time zone right now, and I couldnt get a line for a few calls, when I did I go 2 rings then it went dead. I'm ging to call him tomarow and report anything I hear, please if anyone here knows who I'm talking about please dont say his name, he is with his family and were very concerned-especially after reading this thread.

best regards

eric

Ganyana,

Our heartfelt prayers for you and yours.

There is nothing so unpredictable as this kind of situation. A terrible sadness for so very many people.

There used to be a solution for this situation until then President Clinton and Mr. Annan put them on the terrorist top 10 list. I believe their name was Executive Outcomes. Did fine work in Sierra Leon and Mogadishu.

Sad situation in Zim.

Perry

We have been to Zimbabwe six times since 1994. Everytime we return it is like coming home. Over the years we have made very good friends. Our prayers and hopes go out for everyone in Zim that has to suffer through this crisis.

I am booked with Lance Nesbitt in mid may for ten days in the Dande. While I'd hate loose this opportunity to hunt with my friend Lance. My true concern goes to the fine people of Zimbabwe.

I hope all is well and that this dies down without bloodshed.

David Hulme, how is Roger and family doing in the Save? I hope Humani is not being invaded!!!!