Visit to Zimbabwe

We just returned from a trip to Zimbabwe where we spent time with the MCC representatives Marcellin and Esther Danhoundo and their children Nathanael and Renate. The purpose of the visit was to meet MCC partners - Brethren in Christ Church (BICC), Scripture Union who run an HIV/AIDS education program, an HIV/AIDS hospice, and a local peace advocacy organization empowering communities to have a voice. We also visited the BICC Mtshabezi Mission where MCC provides food and supplies at the high school and primary school and provides funds at the hospital for doctors' salary, drugs and equipment. We were impressed by the way people survive in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The economic situation in Zimbabwe is deteriorating further every week. Zimbabwe is now introducing a new Z$100 trillion note currently worth about US$33 to try to ease cash shortages. Prices can double every day, and food and fuel for those without US dollars are in short supply. Most groceries are brought in by Zimbabweans from neighbouring South Africa or Botswana. There is more than 80% unemployment in the country and those with jobs find their salary is worthless unless they are paid in foreign currency. The latest annual figure for inflation, estimated in July last year, was 231m$ - the world’s highest.

A cholera epidemic has killed more than 2,000 people but AIDS is still the biggest cause of death. Many wards in hospitals have shut down and some hospitals have closed. Doctors and nurses are now being paid in foreign currency, but many have already left the country. A young Zimbabwean doctor whom MCC is providing salary for in a poorly equipped small hospital in rural Zimbabwe said "People are hoping and hoping - only God is keeping people alive."

The beginning of the school year has been delayed as teachers are likely to strike if they don't get paid in foreign currency. At the end of the school year Mtshabezi Primary School Headmistress, Mrs. Moyo, encouraged her teachers to come back to school next term out of the goodness of their hearts, although their salary doesn’t cover cost of a loaf of bread.

In rural areas especially, people are starving while they wait for the harvest which won't be ready for several months. Five million people are without adequate food supplies and many people eat only one meal a day. While entering an elevator full of people, Esther noted the sign indicating the maximum number of people should be 16. A young Zimbabwean in the elevator added “or 20 people if they are Zimbabweans.”

MCC and other organizations are providing emergency food relief, but there is still much suffering. Brethren in Christ Bishop Ndlovu said “You tell yourself to smile, but it is difficult.” We continue to pray that change will come to Zimbabwe.