Gulf between Courts of Public Opinion and Courts of Law: Oscar Pristorius Trial

By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa

Oscar Pristorius murder trial is unarguably one of the 21^st century greatest trials. Human interest subjects such as Love, race, frie-nemies[1] to privileges of the “haves” took center stage during the trial. Unwearyingly, I watched the trial transforming from a tragedy to a reality show. The legal theatrics in the court room was interesting- it was world class performance. The precedents from this case, undoubtedly has space in the future of legal jurisprudence. Of interest, the star witness was truly remarkable; Pistorius sobbed, stammered and gave contradictory statements on the stand. He nearly incriminated his defense for misleading him. It was dramatic indeed!

Oscar’s trial dominated social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram to mention but, a few. Bloggers and Journalist were glued on whatsapp texting and sending updates about the trial. In addition to, demonstrations and picketing from gender activists and organization, sympathizers and opportunists had their part to play.

Carte Blanch’e spruced it up through acquiring rights to broadcast the trial live. 138 million people across the world followed the trial through DSTV channel 198. The channel was even named OSCAR’s TRIAL. News channels from CNN to Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation were pre-occupied with the trial bringing experts foretelling, analyzing the proceeding of the trial- what to expect- in fact everyone had an opinion.

I appreciated this trial, for affording the public unfettered right to exercise their freedom of expression. In essence, this trial was highly opinionated, every Jack, Jill and Tom had an opinion. Following debates and exchanges on twitter and facebook- it was amazing how the public “overnight” turned to forensic, Legal and judiciary experts.

Despite public opinion calling for his condemnation- to the disappointment of many- Judge Thokozile Masipa slapped the Olympian with a five year Jail term for culpable homicide causing the death of Reeva Steenkamp on 14^th February 2013.

Whether Judge Masipa was too lenient or not, is an issue I’m reluctant to address. I will leave it to legal enthusiast.

This case was highly publicized, the social status of the accused person also attracted interest from a wider range of audience. There was no way; this case would have avoided attracting public opinion. Hence, we had the verdict long before the trial.

However, public opinion lacks substance and facts. People’s opinions are not necessarily facts- Hypothetically, how many of us supported a wrong opinion simply because we want to please a friend, relative or acquaintances? Not all opinions are misleading but, human beings have a tendency of using emotions without benefit of intellect- clouding their judgments.

Judge Masipa must have had it rough given the public pressure on her shoulders. The manner in which things were happening makes it difficult for one to maintain an impartial mind.

However, should our courts of law relied on public opinion, I’m sure our correctional facilities must be bursting in capacity; we will all be in prison! - But rest assured courts of law would be a joke!

Fortunately in the courts of Law, “the wise and dull both have their story to tell.”

There is no space for Court of public opinion in a court of law: Courts of Law are established to seek truth and deliver Justice and fairness to both parties. The court of Law weighs the merits and demerits of the case before coming up with a judgment. It places more value of evidence and not emotions.Most of all, the courts of Law work on the presumption of innocent till proven guilty, BUT court of public opinion WORKS ON PRESUMPTION OF- guilty till proven innocent and  are quick to condemn.

In the courts of Law the accused is given an opportunity to give his account of events. Unlike our courts of public opinion where we claim monopoly over what is and should be the truth. He or she is afforded an opportunity to seek advice from experts in the hope of shaping his truth- implicitly, the state probes the account of the accused to triangulate and collaborate his/ her facts and evidence. The prosecution and defense attorneys are given ample time to state their case in the presence of an impartial Judge- Playing MUTONGI GAVA character[2]

As a rule of procedure, the presiding Judge must not be influenced by anything other than evidence before the court. The rule cushions the Judge from being affected by public opinions and emotions- As far away as possible he/ she must keep a distance from media, analyst and public centered opinions. He or she must make his/ her judgments based on facts and evidence. The courts of public opinion rarely offer such opportunities.

Without going into further details, I’m inclined to appreciate Judge Masipa’s objectivity- she remained calm and collected paying attention to details throughout the trial. Despite public outrage condemning the accused -her lordship dared things. She has guts!

Whether her judgment was erroneous or not, Masipa refused to be intimidated by public blackmail- she decided to stand by her facts and objective judgment, taking considerable caution. She upheld the Law, which she was sworn to serve- we may not agree with her but I respect her incomparable principle of impartiality resisting populist self serving judgment.

It is my earnest prayer that; fellow Judges and magistrates in Zimbabwe take a leaf from her Lordship Masipa. I watched helplessly, as our judiciary system failed a man, condemning him to prison for his huge sexual appetite. The judiciary system succumbed to pressure from the public, women rights movement and other opinionated groups. We judged him on the basis of being a man of the cloth. This trial removed reason and substituted elements of Law and evidence with emotions.

I went on record, and will do so again Martin Gumbura deserves a fair trial- Maybe Masipa may provide us guidance.

Anyway, that’s my thinking my thinking!

Black September………….

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[1] Frie-nemis- is a term used in reference to friends with a antagonize  a friend

[2] Mutongi Gava comes from an old folklore  meaning the impartial, objective judge

Economic and Social costs of Ebola-

By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa

I have not blogged for a while because of wasting time debating which issues are topical before penning my thoughts. Unfortunately, juicier or more serious issues emerge before settling on what to write. The circle goes on and on.

I watch news every morning to get an update on world events. As I was flipping through news channels this morning, Oscar Pristorius occupied my mind. Immediately, switched to e-TV - my interest was to get an update on Oscar Pristorius.

Far from it, a report on the effects of Ebola epidemic on Japanese and Hong Kong Stock Exchange caught my attention. I struggled to link Ebola and Stock exchange. What has Ebola got to do with investment decisions, buying and selling of shares? Those infected and affected may not be linked to activities of (Japanese Stock Exchange) JSSE and (Hong Kong Stock Exchange) HKSE? From a laymen point of view- the news item did not make sense. Hence, I decided to just do a research on the subject.

 Let’s take Sierra Leone for example. According BBC; twelve out of thirteen districts are affected by Ebola. The epicenters are in the Eastern provinces near Liberia and Guinea. Agriculture and mining sector are heavily affected. Majority of people in Sierra Leone are farmers. Approximately, Sixty six percent (66%) of the population are gainfully employed or derive their subsistence from agriculture related activities. Since the outbreak of Ebola, capacity utilization of farm lands decreased. Farmers abandon their lands fearing contracting Ebola.

This state of affairs affects food availability: demand increases whilst production declines causing an upsurge of food costs. Once inflation occur it exerts pressure on national currency creating demand for foreign currency.  World food Program (WFP) recently estimated its food and emergency relief aid for Sierra Leone to be around US$70 million.

Conglomerates such as Rio-Tinto evacuated their team and the rest of workforce in the area on leave.As a result  exports are negatively affected reducing foreign currency earnings. Implicitly, investors and strategic business partners abroad are not spared from these effects.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone was navigating towards middle income status of 11.3% annual growth, but could see growth of only 8% and zero in 2015 (World Bank 2014).  Closing of markets, disruption of farming activities, international travel restrictions and slow down in critical mining operation as a result of foreign workers fleeing the country for fear of contracting the virus has caused devastating effects on the country.

Guinea, a major producer and exporter of Cocoa and Palm oil is helplessly loosing exports earnings. An exodus of farm workers from the countryside has resulted in low production of Cocoa and Palm Oil. On the world market, the price of Cocoa and Palm oil is affected.

Whilst Liberia is suffering the same economic effects, it is imperative to note that Liberia is the most affected, and it has registered highest deaths rates. According to Huffington Post, of the 4249 deaths so far Liberia suffered 2458 deaths- which is highly unfortunate and worrisome.

Just as the world battles finding a cure and sending emergency relief. The lives of those affected by this scourge will never be the same again. Long after this outbreak has been contained the psychological trauma may weigh heavily on these societies.

In addition of widow and orphans, the trauma of not burying your loved ones and not knowing where their remains are, and worse not seeing a grave- has serious psychological consequences for many Africans.

In African tradition, people meticulously ensure their departed ones are afforded a decent burial, with rituals and prayers in their name, preparing their acceptance with ancestors and God.

In most cases, such rituals and procedures involves bidding the dead person last respects, giving out his remains such as clothes and other personal belongings- and passing on the button to the next generation.

The psychological trauma of not seeing how, your relative is buried is traumatizing.

This is just a tip of an Iceberg, Liberia, is a young nation just came out of civil war, and the nation was beginning to walk the path towards reconciliation and reconstruction. However, the outbreak of Ebola has disrupted the progress, people are suspicious of each other, no longer attending church which is important for social cohesion, gatherings are not encouraged- there is fear of establishing contact with an individual unknown. The whole community, sharing and love for each other is disrupted- everyone is living in total fear.

But seriously, what needs to be done about this epidemic:

Watching the world reacting to this outbreak and the time it’s taking to tackle it- Institutions such as World Health organization, African Union, ECOWAS must step up their efforts to deal with this epidemic. Three issues-prevention- cure and provision of psycho- social support must form part of their response.

Prevention- involves the use of community health group agents to provide accurate and detailed information on the epidemic. Have noticed that in countries affected there seem to be no adequate information. Myths and superstitions are influencing the way people understand this epidemic. In Liberia- some are even looking at the epidemic as a fundraising conspiracy.

More efforts must be invested to find a cure. With more collaboration, it is very possible for the cure to be found in less than a year- this is an emergency situation requiring expediency.

Also, learning from countries who have dealt with this scourge before- Uganda is on recording for successfully containing the Ebola virus with a rate of 75% (WHO-1999) treated cases. Why not build upon the mechanism implemented by Ugandans?

Considering, the traumatic experiences in these countries, a comprehensive Psycho- social support system has to put in place- a response mechanism to the affected communities.

Above all, Africa must take center stage and lead in this process; it must not wait for the United Nations, World Health Organizations to come up with solutions. African organs such as African Union, ECOWAS and SADC amongst others must be on the forefront of mapping out strategies to combat this disease- Most importantly, Africa must be proactive and not reactive through investing resources in research and development and health infrastructure amongst other priorities. Look beyond today………

However, the Ebola outbreak, will to a larger extend   destroy the brand image of Africa. It has exposed the continent’s shortcoming feeding into the trap of negative stereotypes. Once, again the world is relating Africa and Africans to poverty, dilapidation, a place of diseases and hopelessness.

Anyway, that’s my thinking!

Black September.

Goodluck Jonathan;Pride Aside,Time to Negotiate

By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa

The much celebrated Nigerian and American military search for the abducted girls is yet to produce results. It appears Boko Harum had their strategy well figured out. They had time to work out and perfect their own intelligence strategy.

The theory that, Boko Harum has decimated the girls into smaller numbers to avoiding detection is quite credible. It may be possible, some of the girls crossed borders to neighboring States within and outside Nigeria. Although, American policy on terrorism maintains “no negotiations with terrorists,” Considering what is at stake and fruitless efforts invested so far this maybe the right time for dialogue.

Media reported Boko Harum is being aided by Al-quaeda. No valid evidence was provided to support the claims. But, if indeed it is true – It’s unfortunate for Nigeria, especially when America is part of the equation.

Since September 9/11, Al-queda and United States of America declared sworn in enemies. Wherever, Al-queda potentially flourishes or operates America intervenes- hoping to wipe them out and teach Al-queda a lesson. On one hand, driven by their conviction and “faith” Al-queda claims the will of Allah to swab out American imperialism and hegemony. America is seen as a threat to Islamism. A thesis can be written on evolution of Al-queda and American animosity but the 9/11 bombings drew the line.

Analysts still term the bombing of the World Trade Center, “The Grand Attack.” Americans were caught unaware; the bombings left American pride wounded at its very best, everyone questioning the super power’s intelligence and security systems. In fact, Americans never imagined such an attack would happen on their territory. At the same time, Al-queda celebrated having beaten the best security system in the world; it marked the beginning of their confidence in fighting America. To date, America’s MOST hated group is Al-queda.

Serve for 2011, America has been waging wars and dared to fight terrorism, but doing so off American soil. These wars are fought in other territories with non American casualties. In Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq just to mention but a few, the real casualties were people who remained long after Americans withdrew. In most cases countries are left far worse, fragile and ungovernable than they were before. Infrastructure dilapidation, breakdown of social order and insecurity usually are the results. I’m yet to encounter a state whose conditions improved thereafter. It’s a point that is debatable though!

In no way, am I against the intervention of Americans in Nigeria, it is a noble gesture of goodwill and concerns for the welfare of others. In my last article, I lamented the lack of a coordinated response from African head of states and regional bodies such as Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group and African Union.

My point is, in a conflict situation it is important to engage parties involved and decide on the modus operandi for engagement or intervention. Care enough to understand each parties’ grievances. What are the underlying issues? How these issues did come about? Has there been an effort internally to resolve them? In the case of Nigeria, is it just civil disobedience, terrorism or an indication of growing frustrations of the masses? And above all, are parties willing to engage each other, can a solution be found?

Once these questions are answered and armored with facts selecting effective mediators and course of action is imperative. In this case, the mediator has to be far away from the conflict but understands the real issues and the capacity to maintain impartiality.

Back to our case, the Nigerian Crisis- once Al-queda is involved, whether using a front or supporting any group American intervention becomes a different game. Simply put, it’s Al-queda and America fighting in disregard of the casualties and what is at stake. America would proudly support initiatives that demonstrate their military superiority whilst Al-queda thrives to use any means at their disposal to show Americans- “you are not in control and we give you a run for your money.”

Whoever coined the American policy of “no negotiations with terrorist” had the utopian belief that it is feasible for America to squash terrorism in a twinkle of an eye, which is proving to be difficult. At the same time they believed, once one gives in to terrorists demands it increase or encourage terrorist’s activities thereby legitimizing terrorism as a means to address grievances.

Be that as it may, acts of “terrorism” and insurgency in Nigeria do have an economic, social and political basis which should be understood in its own context. The abduction of the girls is/was not a random activity; it’s a well orchestrated plan with a set objective- Maybe seeking an audience for a cause.

My experience with Nigeria confirms the social inequalities and political exclusion bred a constituency of disgruntled masses, whose hearts has been hardened over time by so many hardships. These people are prepared to do anything to gain an advantage especially the unemployed youths.

I visited Niger Delta in 2004. I was confronted with situations I had never imagined. The living conditions are appalling to say the very least, poor sanitation, oil pipes running through villages, gases and sooth 24 hours a day. You can’t drink any water, wells are infested with oil and petroleum waste. They are confronted with oil burst burning and destroying lives and torching homesteads. Farming is virtually impossible due to the contamination of both water sources and agricultural fields. There is no difference between day and night because of flames oozing out of oil rig up the chimneys.

One woman wanting to prove a point, took a cup of milk and placed it on her roof; in fifteen minutes it had turned grey in colour indicating high levels of soot. Schools, hospitals and social services infrastructure is dilapidated, unemployment is rife and yet this is where the biggest percentage of Nigeria’s wealth comes from. Surely, the day I spent and slept there changed my opinion on the plight of the people of Niger Delta and justified their uprising.

Against this background, Africa needs to deal with its issues in context and opening dialogue is critical. Otherwise, we run a risk of the Nigerian crisis hijacked and entangled in wars with no desire to address the root problems of our continent. Americans once invited, will not leave Nigeria without dealing with Al-queda (for them they are fighting with Al-queda not book harum) God, Allah know when this fight will end.

Should dialogue be initiated it may assist in rescuing our girls at the same time map a lasting solution. Negotiations reduce the risk of a fully fledged war, it opens up opportunities for stalling and managing the conflict- it creates a condition of sanity under the guise of resolving issues.

The problem with military intervention is the creation of an artificial winner and loser. Gudluck Jonathan has the official story which is supported by an audience, Boko harum, a declared terrorist group has not yet availed their side of the story. All we know is who they are and working with. I’m not sure; all that has happened in the name of this group is just sheer killings, insurgency and abductions for no reason at all. Military mighty may suppress or defeat the group but as long as the same challenges still exist- there will be no winner, it will re-occur.

In the quest for lasting solutions, let us remember thousands whose lives were lost in Nigeria, Above all, we need to make sure our girls are returned safely, alive and as it stands they appear to be ponies in a game of chess.

Let’s, Negotiate pride doesn’t pay.

Dzorai vasikana!

It’s just my thinking

Black September

THINGS JUST GETTING MISSING NOW IT’S THE GIRLS……………

                                                          President Goodluck Jonathan

By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa

Few Months ago Malaysian Airline vanished without a trace and hopes of finding the vessel have since faded. In Africa, US$20 million and US$ 49.9 million of oil money revenue was reported missing under mysterious circumstances by the Governor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Nigeria. At the same time,President Goodluck Jonathan's daughter hits media headlines for thanking guests with a personalized golden iphone for attending their wedding ceremony. We can accept that money, airplanes can vanish, its either we can make more money and buy more airplanes, President GoodLuck Jonathan can get away with spoiling his family, friends and in-laws at the expense of the suffering masses, BUT  for 276 African girls to disappear without a trace on his clock is unacceptable. We want our Girls back!

It is now more than three weeks after the abduction of 276 Girls from Chibok, Government Secondary School in the Northern part of Nigeria by Boko Horam. Boko Haram is believed to be an Islamic terrorist group linked to Al-quaeda. In a broadcasted video message, the militia group claimed responsibility and threatened to sell the young girls for marriage according to the command and wills of Allah.To date, there is no clue with regards to the whereabouts of the abducted girls.

Time is ticking and considering how long the Federal Government of Nigeria is taking, it’s evident they are faced with serious strategic and capacity issues. Nigerians and people world over are upbeat on the lack of urgency and expediency in finding the abducted girls. Parents in a desperate bid had to folk out personal resources to fuel motorbikes in an attempt to search for their children. There was no budget for an immediate response.

In a country with high rates of insurgency and terrorism a disaster and crisis handling strategy is imperative. The government is being criticized for its failure to keep the affected families updated on progress or lack of it. To date the Nigerian Government is yet to establish a crisis center to manage the situation.

The rise of militia groups and acts terrorism in Nigeria is of serious concern. Of recent arbitrary killings, religious persecutions, abductions and kidnapping not to mention scores of pupils shot has characterized the country’s landscape. Such a situation can affect the whole region given the position Nigeria holds in the political and economic arena of ECOWAS and Africa.

From a regional perspective, Nigeria’s destabilization affects the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Africa as a whole. Nigeria is the linchpin of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  Over 50% of the ECOWAS populations live in Nigeria.  Nigeria's GDP is larger than that of the combined GDP of all the other ECOWAS states put together.  Nigeria accounts for the lionshare of the annual ECOWAS budget (31%; relative to only 12.6% by the second highest contributor- Cote d'Ivoire), as well as of the ECOWAS Fund (32% relative to only 13% by Cote d'Ivoire). From these facts, Nigeria is a strategic powerhouse.

So why is Africa not treating this as an emergency both the abduction and the Nigerian crisis? Why is Africa not doing anything to aid Nigeria, it appears the country is failing to cope. How on earth can 276 girls go missing more than three weeks and the region does not come up with a coordinated response for rescue? It is sad, that Jonathan Goodluck had to appeal for assistance from Britain, France and United States of America and yet we have Economic Community of West African States Momitoring Group (ECOMOG) organ  responsible for defense  and African Union. For African Union does this not warrant an emergency meeting to strategies a response? At what point do we start talking of a regional response?

 Are our priorities people centered, African leaders ganged up on the International Criminal Court calling for an emergency hearing, to garner support for the Court to withdraw charges aganist President Uhuru Kenyatta and his vice William Ruto for alledged crimes against humanity. Are these innocent souls not worth more than two politicians, whose quest for power ended in mass killings?

It is argued; fighting terrorism is a costly exercise which Africa may not affords, Alas! It is in Africa where politicians and the affluent society live the America dream and drive expensive Mercedes, whose cost on personal security and defense exceed a ministerial department, where billions of dollars are lost through corruption and self aggrandizement and millions of dollars invested to rig elections and subvert the wills of our people. Put together our priorities are misplaced that’s all. We can no longer afford protecting our own. 

NOW America is in Nigeria to fix our own problems. All this, in the presence of African Union, ECOWAS and other Regional bodies who spends billions of dollars of African taxpayer’s money in urinary conferences and discussing poverty having a three course meal. The irony of it - African states claim independence and sovereignty, calling for non- interferenc from the west. When west raises concern over abusing the rights of your own people you cry foul claiming the right to self determination of your people BUT Africa cannot put resources to find their own children- instead seeking help from the same states accused of mingling in their affairs.  Africa is dismally failing to deal with its problems. Imagine failing to protect and later on find your own children lost within your compound. Africa seriously?

For Nigerians, the precedence set by President Goodluck Jonathan administration  serves to indicate the country has a crisis management challenge. Furthermore, Nigerians are not safe; there is no protection at all for ordinary citizens. Nigerians should demand their right to be protected and raise  children in a safer environment.

African governments should act and stop assuming observer status in such situations even military intervention maybe required in this case. However, there is need for a dual approach to deal with the current plight of the girls and long term response to interrogate the issues behind these atrocities. Boko Haram is not an army, these are people living in communities who exploit poverty to recruit unemployed youth and indoctrinate them. The root of the problem needs to be addressed too. 
Yes, the girls need to be freed safely.

Anyway that’s Just my thinking

Black September

Pokello Makes Good Lemonade!

By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa

 
This writer had never heard of Pokello Nare until the sex video clip scandal with her ex-boyfriend Desmond Chideme A.K.A Stunner. The story hit media headlines and every Tom, Dick and Harry got access to the video. Ximex mall went wild, the public was quick to judge and - Pokello was immediately labeled a prostitute whilst Desmond Chideme, a superstar for laying her in a manner most witnessed.

Stunner’s response could be equated to winning the Grammies award, though he admitted being at fault. According to him, his phone was sent for repair and that’s where the leak allegedly came from. Why he would keep such a video?  With swag, he said “pandinenge ndangogaya mudiwa wangu, I can just pull out my phone and turn on the mood, taiita tunhu twedu.” I guess for Stunner, it was also patriarchal and chauvinism mentality of satisfying his male egoism.

Todate, Pokello Nare commented less on this matter; she maintained her poise and allowed  media to quench their thirst for news, making her mince meat  breaching both her family and personal privacy. She swallowed insults and name calling more than her then boyfriend. I guess in her own space, she had it rough explaining the WHYs to her family, child, friends, let alone dealing with her own conscience. Above all, she should have felt a breach of trust and confidentiality- was it accidental or a deliberate ploy to increase Stunner’s publicity ratings? It hurts any person making public what happens within the confines of their bedroom. No wonder while chatting with big brother in 2013 BBA she referred to the incident as her “life greatest regret”.

Whilst Pokello kept it to herself, Stunner’s mouth was running faster than his brains. In a radio interview Stunner confessed, his career hit a nose dive after the sex tape, media and his corporate clients shunned him. He was quoted saying “It pulled me back a little but looking back at how I was progressing in the industry before the leak of the tape and now, I think I am beginning to get my groove back.”After the radio interview, I speculated the dude would lose her for “Breach of Trust and Confidentiality” whether it was willful or otherwise.

At the height of it all, Pokello crafted her way into Africa Big Brother house – The Chase. With nothing to lose, she went there and became her own publicist. Pokello, had her strategy in place; from day one, used the BBA platform with a continental viewership of more than 200 million to market her brand of shoes. Utilised every opportunity to sell her business at no cost. Her sense of fashion spoke volumes; the number of pair of shoes not to mention upmarket and stylish clothes left a lasting impression on both housemates and viewers.In addition to finding new love, Pokello rebranded herself a shrewd entrepreneur, a force to reckon with and a fashionista powerhouse.

After her eviction from the Big Brother House, Pokello launched a new brand of Ladies shoes, which she said “was designed in the Big brother house.” Addictive to Shoes Store was established on line. Riding on the Big Brother season titled “the chase” she named a stiletto the “Chase,” Wow! What a better way to keep the BBA funs engrossed and captivated all the way!

Social media buzz of Elikem’s grand visit to Zimbabwe followed by Pokello’s to Ghana was evident enough of how the couple had captured Africa’s heart.Thereafter, Pokello and Elikem became an unstoppable force commanding admirers and following around the continent and beyond.

Despite condemnation and the anti-Pokello campaigns, she transformed from just a shrewd hustler, a curtain raiser for a 5cent rapper to a fashionista, a flag bearer and a self made ambassador for Zimbabwe. There hasn’t been a Zimbabwean whose recognition and fame flamed like Pokello’s.

I just don’t know how I ended up searching her online, but whatever it was, gave me a positive vibe. I could not help myself getting inspired by this sister.

Regardless of your opinion of her, a few life changing lessons can be learnt from her experiences;

In life its either you allow a situation to make or break you- The power of success or failure is in your hands more than divine. If you want to win a lottery, buy a ticket. God works with you and not for you.

Always keep your head high;

Pokello kept her head high despite the condemnation and labeling. In her silence she took responsibility of her actions and never blamed her ex- she swallowed the bitter pill.

Talk is cheap; Pokello gave everyone the opportunity to talk whilst she concentrated on her dreams. She was not distracted by people’s views and condemnation.

A Misfortune can be a blessing;

One fact for sure, Pokello did not deliberately expose her sex life in the public arena- Hence a misfortune. She decided the scandal was not going to steal her dream, she saw it as an opportunity for the beginning of new things-whilst others predicted her failure. She refused to go down in history as a woman whose sexual prowess made her famous.

People don’t matter much; don’t let them be obstacles;

Pokello proved “POVO” haina basa, when you believe in your dreams and aspirations, people’s opinions of you are the least you should listen to………

Don’t look for approval or support for what you believe in, believe in yourself first;

When media and critics were busy bashing her- the only reed of inspiration she held on; was the belief in herself. She refused to seek popular opinions or rhetoric to keep her dreams alive

Money is not brains; 

Pokello made a name in her own right, despite criticism of her father being politically connected and rich. Most of you would agree with me there are many children of prominent public officials in Zimbabwe, who have nothing to their name but use every opportunity to flaunt their parents’ riches. She may have a rich and supportive family but she has proved her passion to make a name for herself in the business world.

Undeniably, Pokello is a brand which needs Zimbabwean support and not hate. Assessing her story, I find a lot of criticism  based on sheer envy and jealousness. She wasn’t cheating neither did she knowingly leak the video. In our current Zimbabwe, we have seen egoistic and self righteous people doing worse debauchery than Pokello and yet still remain darlings to many.

Considering the sour lemons we gave her, given better ingredients Pokello can really make good lemonade!

Anyway- that’s just my thinking

Black September