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| East/Subsaharan Africa |
| Zimbabwe cricket stars stand up for democracy |
| 2003-02-16 |
| It was the defining image of this, or indeed of any, World Cup: the dread-locked Zimbabwean cricketer and his team mate proudly wearing black armbands as they strode onto the pitch to face their opponents. The remarkable act of defiance, a public protest against the death of democracy in their country, stunned the sporting world. Echoing the Black Power protest on the medal podium of the 1968 Olympic Games, it was an historic moment in which sport took a rare stand against a repressive regime. Last week's brave gesture by Henry Olonga and Andy Flower struck a symbolic yet powerful blow against Robert Mugabe's brutal government. In a country in which dissenters are subjected to violence by the President's henchmen, the courage of the two cricketers cannot be underestimated. A few days on, as he adjusts his sunglasses and gazes across an empty pitch, Olonga can reflect on the enormity of his actions. Fresh from a training session, the 26-year-old revealed in an interview with The Observer the inspirations for both his career and his decision to risk his life by making a stand for democracy. 'I have thought about the costs of making a stand and I think Christianity transcends everything else. Christians are called to speak out against evil, to speak out against things that are wrong and that are wicked. In the face of wickedness, my stand is simply that I am merely doing my duty as a Christian. I believe things will come right with regards to the future of the country. Everyone must realise they have to make a stand for what is right. Many issues are thrown around in this nation, but the real issues get clouded. In my opinion it's not about white or black, it's not about race. Sometimes it's not even about money. It's what is right and what is wrong.' Olonga grew up in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the son of a Kenyan father and a Zimbabwean mother. It is clear who provided him with the iron will he now displays. 'I learnt a great deal about character from my father, who is disabled. He overcame his disability from polio and worked hard to become a doctor. He has served as a paediatrician for many years and has helped many families. I admire him a great deal.' His father encouraged him and his brother in sport. 'He couldn't throw cricket balls with us or hit tennis balls with us, but he was very supportive. He would get us whatever equipment we needed and he followed our activities.' The Olonga boys went to boarding school and at the well-known Plumtree secondary school he excelled in academic subjects, music, sports and drama. Before he finished school he had been called up for the national team. He became the first black person to play cricket for Zimbabwe. 'I didn't really think much about it at the time. It is only now, years later, that I realise how many young people looked up to me. Now I know I must lead an upright life. I take seriously being a role model for young people. It is a responsibility that is very important to me.' Olonga and Flower followed their gesture of defiance by issuing a statement that sent shockwaves through the worlds of sport and politics. 'We are mourning the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe,' said the two sportsmen. 'In doing so we are making a silent plea to those responsible, to stop the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe. In doing so we pray that our small action may help to restore sanity and dignity to our nation.' In Zimbabwe's opressive and highly charged atmosphere, their statement was a direct challenge to Mugabe and his cronies. It cut right through the blustering, omnipresent state propaganda which has used the cricket team and the World Cup as a publicity tool. The pair became instant heroes. 'Every now and again, amidst the gloom of our present darkness, a small light will shine reminding us of the principles and courage still out there,' wrote Iden Wetherell, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent . 'Just when we needed people to stand up and be counted in the struggle for freedom and justice, Andy Flower and Henry Olonga stepped forward. Now others need to follow their lead.' A minority, however, vilified their stand, especially the state-owned press and die-hard supporters of the government. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union, whose official patron is Mugabe, said the matter would be investigated and it was referred to the International Cricket Council for disciplinary action. But the most hateful attacks were aimed at Olonga, accused of being a traitor to black people. His cricket club, Takashinga, said it would consider suspending him. 'It is disgraceful,' said Givemore Makoni, chairman of the club. 'Taking politics onto the playing field is a thing the International Cricket Council and all sports organisations have been trying to avoid. It is disappointing because Olonga was a hero and a role model to black cricketing communities. By taking politics on to the field and bringing the game into disrepute, Henry appears to have breached Takashinga's code of conduct.' Olonga's Zimbabwe career may be cut short just as he reaches his peak. International contracts may not be forthcoming. The threat of violence from Mugabe's thuggish groups is never far away. However, Olonga remains optimistic about his future. 'I believe I've got a lot to offer to Zimbabwean cricket. But Zimbabwean cricket has got to be honest enough with itself to decide whether I have a part to play. I believe I've stood up for what is right. And I believe it is time for other people to stand up for what is right. If you don't stand up for what is right, you deserve what comes your way. 'The consequences of my stand? If Zimbabwean cricket believes I have a part to play... I'll play my part. I'll gladly remain and I'll feel duty bound to cricket. It's given me a great life, great opportunities and a great platform. If they decide they want me out, I won't fight them. But obviously when I say cricket I'm not talking about one or two people who might have a bone to pick with me. I mean the majority of the people. If I get a sense they don't want me in cricket because of the stand I've taken, there are lots of young people out there who can take my place.' Although others in the team have been quiet about politics, it seems they are behind the two players. Today, 23 years after independence, Zimbabwe is still divided by race, and Olonga is proud of trying to bridge that gap. 'To reduce Zimbabwe's racial differences, the first thing needed is a tremendous amount of forgiveness. When I look at the example of Nelson Mandela, the reason he is such a great man is because he learnt the concept of forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn't mean you don't hold those who have wronged you accountable. It does mean you release them and you recognise you cannot change the past.' Olonga speaks highly of his team mate, Flower. 'I've discovered what tremendous strength of character Andy has. I also commend the English cricket team and Nasser Hussain for voicing their reservations about the morality of all the issues at stake here.' This is not the first time Olonga has made a statement about Zimbabwe. In his song 'Our Zimbabwe', his rich baritone voice sends out a message of national unity. It was recorded in English, as well as Shona and Ndebele, to reach all the country's main languages. 'The song is about faith in our country's future,' said Olonga. 'If all you see is hardship, pain, struggle, poverty, starvation, Aids, racism - those things exist - but if that is all you ever see you will never see the promised land.' Sports star, singer, Christian - he appears to be exhilarated by the challenging position which may be fulfilling his destiny. 'It's exciting, it's an adventure, but it's quite freaky,' he said. Two good human beings. Hope they stay healthy. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #2 bet they won't get an invite to Paris antime soon. Course it's only cricket, must be simplisme. |
| Posted by: john 2003-02-16 14:25:14 |
| #1 a lesson for the french: "Sometimes it's not even about money. It's what is right and what is wrong." sometimes sports stars really are heroes |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-02-16 11:16:32 |