Poor Mugabe is now the villain: Columnists: Jon Qwelane: News24

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Poor Mugabe is now the villain
14/04/2008 08:44 - (SA)

Jon Qwelane

Poor President Robert Mugabe, he's having a very rough time at the hands of western and South African racists, who are being aided and abetted by their loyal puppy, Morgan Tsvangirai.

(I can now hear the unmistakable grumbles and groans of the racists: "My magtig! Why is News24 still allowing this black racist column space? Oh my sour dugs, he sounds like a record stuck in the bush! Let us boycott him!")

As I say, Mugabe is having a terrible time with the rejoicing racists and their loyal lackey.

I will be the first to concede that things have not been right in Zimbabwe since 2002, when Mugabe first decided to call Britain's bluff and took back from the "colonialists and settlers" the land and gave it back to black people.

What actually happened was that Mugabe, being the true revolutionary that he is, decided to follow the actual spirit of the liberation struggle to the letter by repossessing every inch of Zimbabwean soil from the marauding invaders and, in most cases, refused to pay them for the land because, quite logically, "the white people did not pay a cent for the land which they now claim is theirs in a country which they do not recognise, and to which many refuse to owe loyalty".

And because Mugabe's nationalist spirit could not be cowed, the western countries decided to teach the uppity native boy a lesson: because he had had the temerity to take land from the master race and had refused to pay for it, they would hit him with sanctions.

It was an undisguised warning to the ANC and black South Africans not to try something similar, and the Mbeki government, obviously intent on pleasing the west and their local white surrogates in South Africa, made all kinds of meaningless assurances that "such a thing would not happen here".

There is an article which former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda wrote in the New African magazine a couple of years ago, stating that he was invited as an interested party and member of the frontline states to the Lancaster House talks in London by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Thatcher's assurances

Dr Kaunda notes that he and other observers at the meeting were very surprised by the ease with which Mugabe and his liberation colleague, Joshua Nkomo, readily accepted Thatcher's assurances and terms not to do anything about taking back the land, because Britain would see to that sort of settlement in a matter of years.

But Thatcher was kicked out, and John Major succeeded her, and seemed willing to honour the Lancaster House agreement.

Matters came to a sorry pass when Tony Blair took over, reneging as he did on everything. That is why I am sorry for Mugabe, because it is now played as though he is the villain of the entire piece.

I am loath to think of the status quo ante which will come to pass in the scary event that Tsvangirai comes to State House as president: Zimbabwe will be recolonised all over again, and Tsvangirai will be a latter-day Abel Muzorewa - a bantustan puppet "leader", with the real puppet masters in Britain and South Africa (read DA, chiefly).

But it will also happen here in South Africa, there can be no doubt about it. The only question left to ask is how, not if, it will happen.

Now the racists are at this stage mumbling: "News24, fire this black racist bugger! He is threatening to take our land! That is hate speech! Ban him" and nywereh nywereh, etc.

Jon Qwelane's column is published each week on News24, courtesy of Jon Qwelane and the editor of Sunday Sun, which originally carried the article.

Send your comments to Jon.

Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.

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	If you like him so much why don't you move there, Jon? 14/04/2008 08:52 Come on. Put your money where your mouth is! Follow the revolutionary and move to Zimbabwe. That will show us the truth of your column. - garyvdh

	Lost 14/04/2008 08:53 Boss, you are lost! - Kagelo

	'I am loath' 14/04/2008 08:55 "I am loath to think.." yes JQ, thinking is what comes most difficult to you, it seems. "...things have not been right in Zim..." sigh yes JQ that would be an understatement and proof of the difficulty you experience of making any sense - Charmaine

	I agree. 14/04/2008 08:56 That is if I could under-blah blah blah and blah blah blah. - ach

	Idiot. 14/04/2008 08:56 Looking for some attention?it is easy to say "Poor Mugabe" when you life in South Africa with a fridge full of food!You idiot! - Gert

	Poor Jon 14/04/2008 08:56 Trying to provoke reaction to make a name for himself. - Ant

	Jongabe 14/04/2008 08:56 Jon is joking. Isn't he? He couldn't really be THAT stupid? Could he? - Tom

	Poor Mugabe is now the villain 14/04/2008 08:57 I think you need to aquint yourself with the Zimbabwean issue before issuing statements. Things started going wrong inZimbabwe well before 2002. Mugabe's taking of land when he did was a response to his rejection by the people which was well underawy by 2002. For you to think the Zibabwean issue started in 2002 shows you are not a Zimbabwe watcher and you are not really qualified to write about this in a newspaper as your ignorance will be spread. The land invasions were actually a response to tf - Jedza

	ID10T 14/04/2008 08:58 Lekker... I sometimes wonder if you have the intelegance to write these articles youself. Most probably some white oke is doing for you to try and get some response from the public HIE HIE HIE - Cliff

	Not Surprised 14/04/2008 08:58 Why am I not surprised at your fear? The people of Zimbabwe themselves finally recognised Mugabe for what he is, A Dictator! Your fear for true democracy is only surpassed by your racist outlook, shame! The time for people like you and Mugabe have passed, forget the "wit-gevaar" policy, it will only keep you in a position of privalige for so long, you must deliver to remain elected, I feel sorry for you John, I do, so much hate.... - Steminibos

	Barely Made it 14/04/2008 08:58 I barely made it through this article. Jon, while you are entitled to your own opinion, I think that a lot of people living in this nation of ours might agree that you have lost the plot. People with your sentiment have no place in modern society because, according to your rationale, Hitler wasn't such a bad bloke either. Check the facts and think again pal. - Brandon

	Jon is losing it... 14/04/2008 08:59 Here we go again. Another howler from Jon Qwelane. Mugabe has not been "made out" to be a villain by the West. He is a villain who has oppressed his own people and secured his top spot through a violent dictatorship Who ruined Zimbabwe, starved its people and used the national economy as a personal bank account? Robert Mugabe of course. The West imposed sanctions because of Mugabe's actions, but they are promising massive aid packages as soon as he leaves. - James

	Is this piece written solely to incite? 14/04/2008 08:59 (1) In the 80s, the Uk set aside a trust to facilitate willing buyer/seller. It was not accessed much, because Mad Bob laid down preconditions (read 'skimming' the proceeds). (2) Big difference between Muzorewa and Tsvangirai... the people voted for Tsvangirai. This a is a poor piece John, hurtful for its errors of fact, and ensuing innuendos. - SkerP

	what a useless article 14/04/2008 08:59 This is why Africa will remain deepest darkest Africa because of the mentalities I read here. What a joke! I will leavee this country as there is no hope anymore. Then all you Africans can have your Africa ( or whats left of it).How you can condone the actions of a tyrant is unbeleivable, in fact no it is actually very beleivable and typically African.Your own people have suffered and yet you foolishly condone this man. Calvin I await your idiotic response. Ps Ill be in Australia shortly! - Jade

	HEADING FOR DARK AGES? 14/04/2008 08:59 The only comment I can make about this article is that it is not worthy of comment. By the way, I am non-white South African. - Joseph

	You know, there's medication for that now... 14/04/2008 08:59 I feel so sorry for you. Anyone who can't see that Mugabe is a power-crazy megalomaniac needs therapy. And a good course of shock-treatment. The guy has been in office a good 12 years or more past the DEMOCRATIC elective period. He is nothing more than an overbearing tyrant who cares nothing for his people. You need help. Professional, medical help. In a lock-up ward. So you can't hurt yourself. - Kitten

	Poor Mugabe is now the villain 14/04/2008 09:00 With comments like this it is no wonder that only a few African countries are sucsessful.This is a racists article.Africa needs the white people because the can not be successful on there own.The history proves this allready. - Pine Pienaar

	You have lost the plot.... 14/04/2008 09:00 Are u blind or something Jon? Wake up my man.... Black people are suffering in Zim due to their idiot of a leader! The white minority have all flead the country, and only the black native people are suffering... Or are u to blind with white hatred to see that? Its amazing that in a day and age like today someone full of hatred like yourself still walks the streets... Its really time you start changing... Or do you hate every single white person in the world? Just come out and say it! I dare u! - Johan

	"Poor Mugabe is now the villain" 14/04/2008 09:00 He was 'n freedom fighter. Back in the 80's. Now he's a violator of human rights. You are BLIND to his evils, purely because he took land from the whites. AND, he only did that, because the white farmers decided to side with MDC, just when the party started. PS. Mugabe is NOT poor. - Sinudeity

	Yep u are very right that u are a racist.. 14/04/2008 09:00 I dont understand why Bullard was fired and u get to keep spewing ur ignorant racist views. Any comment on the human rights violations happening in Zim?nope..any comment on how he has depreciated his currency himself by printing more currency?nope..Any comment on how his wife goes on shopping sprees but the ppl are starving?nope..it seems all u see is white vs black..I feel sorry for u - Sick and tired

	Sad...so sad 14/04/2008 09:00 Hey John, you obviously did not watch Carte Blanche last night. - Scott Harisson

	Missed the Q 14/04/2008 09:00 John, I won't give you the satisfaction by retaliating. I'd rather pity you for being so hell bent on stirring. So much so that you condone the actions of a tyrant, an inhumane killer. Mugabe's vision at the beginning of his rule was great, but like many power starved leaders, he's lost the plot. If you are so happy with what he's achieved, why don't you immigrate to Zim, where these ideologies are condoned. - Johann

	Jon Qwelane - Short sighted Hypocrit 14/04/2008 09:01 I cannot believe the article that Jon Qwelane has written on Robert Mugabe. For 20 years, Mugabe has subjected the people of Zimbabwe, black and white, to torture, abuse, poverty etc and considers Mugabe a hero. To read such pro-support for such a tyrant is sickening. Jon wake up, in the aprtheid era, the white man was considered a tyrant, yet, when the same thing happens by a black man, especially to his own people he is considered a hero. Where is the logic? - David

	Hey Jon... 14/04/2008 09:01 If its the like of Mugabe you want, then I hope you get your wish. - OB1

	Mugabe failed to plan land redistribution properly. 14/04/2008 09:01 Taking productive land from the minority to the majority is inevitable, however what I deplore is that land re-distribution was not government driven. Bob allowed lawlessness to prevail and did so at the time to appease the so called war Veterans and win votes. The Land should be taken however governed by the government ensuring food security by training new farmers and providing with finance and all the inputs. Not the circs that prevailed, there was no need for property to be destroyed and people assaulted. - Libembe

	Hey Jon... 14/04/2008 09:01 If its the like of Mugabe you want, then I hope you get your wish. - OB1

	Sensationalism at its worst 14/04/2008 09:02 This is utter garbage - pure sensationalist journalism simply forcing a response. I understand your "African" logic when addressing this matter, but how about flipping the coin over and seeing the other viewpoint: Mugabe was handed a developed, running, stable country and he stuffed it up. He alone is the problem! Tsvangirai would be most fortunate if the "Western" countries offered a helping hand! He's not a puppet; he simply -- unlike you -- realises the seriousness of this situation. - Kevin Cadman

	Bullard number 2 14/04/2008 09:02 I swear this man is David Bullard reversed. If you fired DB you should logically fire JQ too. - SMB

	Equality 14/04/2008 09:02 Why in our land of equality does David Bullard loose his job but ?this black racist? does not? - Duan

	You're so blinded by your own rasicm 14/04/2008 09:02 You can't even see that the reason people are against Mugabe is not because he is black, but because he is responsible for the suffer of millions of his own people. Think before you write something, your lack of intelligence really comes through in this one. I really don?t understand why you have to call everyone a racist, just because they believe in what?s right, surely somewhere in your head you should be able to go aahh 1+1=2 , we can?t allow our fellow brothers and sister to suffer like that. I seriously hope you are close to retiring, you?re doing this country no good. - Anon

	You know I laughed out loud when I read this?.Humorous 14/04/2008 09:02 Mugabe is now villain?There is however some truth in your column Jon. the Lancaster agreement has started the whole Zimbabwean melt down. When the other party fails to honour the agreements of the contracts then it renders the agreement null and void. White Zimbabweans were suppose to have been evicted long time ago hence the Lancaster agreement, then the current British leaders does not want to honour that agreement then Mugabe should take back the Land. Simple and we all know the truth.. - Kolobe

	Please fire this racist reporter 14/04/2008 09:02 Please tell me any of the people the farms were "given" too, actualy sit with title deeds in their position... I bet you they are just being used as pawns to be evicted from the land at a later stage... - Jon you need to go pal

	The End 14/04/2008 09:03 The last time I will open this site to read the news as proclaimed by a racist like Jon Qwelane. It is clear as day Jon that you have no sense at all and that someone would actually give you a forum to write to well what a shocker..... I think it is time to start a News24 boycott for the poor quality of their writers and pure racist standpoints. - Dewald

	*Sigh* 14/04/2008 09:03 I can't decide of this is a poor attempt at sarcasm or a poor attempt at sensationalism. What I can agree on though, is that it's poor. - WvW

	sigh 14/04/2008 09:03 You are clearly uninformed of what is going on in Zim JQ. Mugabe is not only taking back land from "settlers and colonialists" he is murdering innocent people (black and white) who opposes his party (Watch Carte Blanche 13 April 2008 ). Everyday it becomes more evident that there is no place for democracy in Africa. Not with people like JQ around... - skim

	Robert Mugabe - The Hero 14/04/2008 09:04 If he is such a great leader, please explain why the inflation rate is about 40 000%, why the unemployment rate is about 100%, why everyone lives in dire poverty. Please explain to everyone why zimbabweans are starving and cannot buy the simple household basics. - David

	WHAT!!!!! 14/04/2008 09:04 All I can say is waht are you smoking. Do you really thing Mugabe is the villain or are you just stiring to pot. - Renier

	But Jon.... 14/04/2008 09:04 But Jon you are a racist....you have nothing better to write about other than writing a racial argument. Maybe that should fire you the same way they fired Bullard...oh I forgot his white! - Win

	You know, there's medication for that now... 14/04/2008 09:04 I feel sorry for you. I suggest a good course of shock therapy. In a secured facility. So you can't hurt yourself. Obviously, anyone who can't see that Mugabe is a power-crazed megalomaniac who has been in office far longer than he should have been by the DEMOCRATIC process he pretended to insitute so many years ago is nuts. - Kitten

	Zim success 14/04/2008 09:04 Yes Jon, Zimbabwe is a great success under the visionary Mugabe, the best thing would be for you to move there - even if you keep on writing for News24 - I don't mind, please go stay in that wonderful country that Mugabe has prepared just for people like you. PS. Send the column via messanger pigeon once you're there. - Duard van der Westhuizen

	Zimbawe 14/04/2008 09:05 Well said Jon, It will happen in SA and we will also have 1000000% inflation and a dictatorship, and in 50 years time the africans will be begging the Europeans to come back and take over again, what goes around comes around! - Baldy

	Jon whatshisname 14/04/2008 09:05 Jon, wind your neck back in. If you can't contribute something positive (in either direction) then please say nothing at all. You are making things so much worse with your bad attitude.What the British did,what Mugabe did, the innocent Zimbabwean people are in fear for their lives, starving and trying to keep their children alive. Your flippant,offhand remarks (have you lived in Zim, because I have), are only indicating your low emotional intelligence quota. Try offering some practical help. - Fiona

	John, John, John 14/04/2008 09:05 Business as usual for dear John. Pity a journalist such as yourself confuses "racist" and "realist". John you are a wanker of a human being, it has nothing to do with your colour. Idiot. - BDP

	JQ says it write 14/04/2008 09:05 JQ u say it best mate "Why is News24 still allowing this black racist column space? Oh my sour dugs, he sounds like a record stuck in the bush! Let us boycott him!" - Mike

	The evil white man 14/04/2008 09:05 You can't be fired you are black. Unfortunaly I may not say anything bad about your article, because your are special - you are black. - Niel

	what the hell?? 14/04/2008 09:05 Sorry Jon, you will no doubt refer to me as some sort of a coconut or my wife to be ( who is black) but what the hell are you thinking? redistrubution???? too his parlement and generals and family.... war vereans that are 16 years old? are you cooked in the head, or did all the years of drinking catch up with your logic! He is a dictator that has grinded yet another African country to its knees, but the same old black song... " if we mess things up blame it on the white man" sad!! - cassuis

	My Word!! 14/04/2008 09:05 I agree with most of your column and don't think it is racist, land reforms are necessary in SA as well it just needs to be done properly but poor Mugabe!! You must be reading the Herald(mouthpiece of the ZANU-PF) he is responsible for the death of thousands, not counting the massacre of the Ndebele's he orchestrated in the 1980's. As for the part of Tsvangirai re-colonising Zimbabwe, this is the exact nonsense Mugabe himself is preaching and how can you honestly believe what that lunatic says - Anonymous for a reason

	Okay 14/04/2008 09:06 Okay Jon now I know you're only joking ala Bullard. Just doing your job and being a shock jock. I dont think any less of you, just doing your job. - Herman

	wtf 14/04/2008 09:06 neat. do you have any more useless articles... - wtf

	Sour Grapes 14/04/2008 09:07 Do i detect a bit of sour grapes John? After being proved wrong by your comrades (or are they now the whipping boys of the west)in the SAHRC? News24 please dont fire John, as it is too much fun to watch his own self-inficted demise. - Greg

	You are delusional! 14/04/2008 09:07 My God! You really are full of it!!! Don't you realize that the Zimbabwean land was not given back to the black people of the country, but to the family and friends of those ruling and oppressing the general public? If the land was actually returned to the people who were supposed to get it, things would be completely different for them today. Instead, they suffer and you (a black person who was oppressed during apartheid and who should know better) condone it! I am bitterly disappointed. - Nonhlanhla

	Jon 14/04/2008 09:07 Nice wind up Jon. You must be guffawing into your coffee mug waiting for the reactions to this one :-) - Dave

	Dumb Jon 14/04/2008 09:07 Jon, why don`t you go and live in Zimbabwe and enjoy the benefits of poor Bob rule. You are the biggest racisit that I have ever come across. You are a blinded by your racism, you idiot. - Mark

	Blah blah blah... 14/04/2008 09:07 Is this column even worth a comment? Mr Qwelane is so entrenched in his narrow minded thinking that nothing anybody writes in these comments will aid in removing his blinkers. Speaking of puppets...Mr Q seems to be one himself(of Mugabe perhaps?). He speaks the same language. Maybe he's hoping to to garner himself a cushy position in government someday? - EmTee

	Shameful 14/04/2008 09:07 I am by no means a racist and for all I know there may be some truth in what you are saying. But Mugabe has done plenty of other things wrong and I think you are unjustified in painting him as a total victim. Furthermore your grouping of all white people as colonialists, invaders and racists is insulting and inaccurate. You said it yourself (even if you were joking) this is hate speech and it is people like you from all racial backgrounds who are pulling South Africa down and holding her back. - Adrian

	Jon Qwelane for President 14/04/2008 09:08 Viva Jon Viva... You have all the answers. As it is written "go forth and prosper" or in the wise words of those who came before us - I came... I saw... I left... Jon, your pseudo-attempts at spewing afrikan-renaissance is admirable though totally misguided. Your soap-box ramblings and attention seeking rhetorics are getting a little worse for wear... do us all a favour and get a new angle. - JWD

	Well done news24 14/04/2008 09:08 Thanks Jon, do not often agree with you but this morning you have it spot on. Like you, I cannot wait to hear what the shills have to say. - tazo

	Are you serious? 14/04/2008 09:09 Jon, you have to come up with a better trump if you want to compete with Mr Bullard's column. Weak, very weak... - Andile

	Jon Qwelane 14/04/2008 09:09 Shame, and what will you farm on the land you are getting, what you are smoking? - Rina

	Morgan is a puppet 14/04/2008 09:09 Zimbabeans should refuse to be remote controlled from Europe through Morgan Tsvangarai...Morgan is an Europeans lap dog and a puppet..Spot On Jon - Kolobe

	Is this still April Fool? 14/04/2008 09:10 This guy can't be serious! However, the saddest part is that he is 100% correct. Zim is like a movie-preview of what will happen in SA. The ANC will cling to power forever, blame apartheid for the next 100 years for their non-delivery, take white farms and businesses away in order to win the next election, etc. They will learn from the master and Bob is a master-dictator! - JokeLover

	Are you serious? 14/04/2008 09:10 Jon, you'll have to come up with a better trump if you want to compete with Mr Bullard's column. Weak, very weak... - Andile

	The mind boggles 14/04/2008 09:10 I cannot believe that an "educated" man can have a mindset like this. It is that sort of train of thought that has made Africa the mess it is. They see no wrong as long as the attrocities are committed by a black man. Try and talk sense into them and you are the racist. - Kevin

	Poor David Bullard 14/04/2008 09:10 It's also a classic case of how the "white man" is expected to tolerate racist drivel, but the "black man" simply can't. Bullard was fired for a piece far less offensive than this. It is people like you that make being white and African a very hard thing. - Kevin Cadman

	Not only racists 14/04/2008 09:11 Jon you fool, it is not only the racists that will think you are an idiot and that you should be fired. With all your columns thus far you have proven no better than any other racist in this country. Just admit it - Gerhard

	Parity 14/04/2008 09:11 Bullard was fired for more or less the same level of sentiment. Tit for tat hey Jon? Amazing to see how such backward sentiments are still expressed by so-called enlightened opinion leaders such as yourself. Your hell-bent on celebrating a ravaged country such as Zimbabwe and hold it as a model to aspire to in the rest of Africa. Tolerating and encouraging mediocrity in the form of EE and BEE and land reform will realise Jon's ideal of a "Zimbabwenised" South Africa. - LJE

	JQ 14/04/2008 09:11 So now it is alright to murder and rape before taking back the land? I see that you are very happy to call people racists but not happy to accuse the war veterans for what they are - murdering and raping bastards. Maybe that is how you self acclaimed "Non Racist" people work, maybe murderers and rapists who claim back land should be hailed as hero's. I think not. - Mark

	JQ figured out how to get attention 14/04/2008 09:11 Shame. - BigBadWolf

	I'm glad JQ wrote this article. 14/04/2008 09:11 Because now JQ, Sunday Sun and News24 can be sued for inciting violence and causing harm and death of farmers and opposition members (both white and non-white). Probably the most irresponsible piece of journalism I've seen in a long time. I think the fine line of media freedom vs the rights of citizens of this country has just been crossed. There naive fools in this country who believe this load of rubbish and will go out and stop "he evil spread of colonism" at all costs - HVR

	JQ is not from planet earth 14/04/2008 09:11 JQ if u believe what u have written then I feel very sorry for u. Please list the accomplishments that Mad Bob has achieved in his 28 years in power...wait let me start - hunger, unemployemnt, corruption, massacre, cronyism, violence, vote rigging, destroyed economy, world record inflation, etc, etc, etc ....come JQ I am sure u can add a positive .... what an idiot!!! - Mike

	Zimbabwe 14/04/2008 09:11 Actually there is no fundamental comment to make on Jon Qwelane's ridiculous column, all it really shows is that he is still stuck in communistic ideals....can someone please tell thim what century we live in. Typical black man syndrome, blame it all on racism, yet presently Zimbabwe has no economic structure, the whites are gone and now we have no foodto eat and no economy and Zimbabwe can only live on handouts from the IMF...show me one successful black farmer in Zimbabwe - Chris de Jager

	Jon 14/04/2008 09:12 Jon you lucky you dont work for the Sunday Times !!! - Al

	wtf 14/04/2008 09:12 "the white people did not pay a cent for the land which they now claim is theirs in a country which they do not recognise, and to which many refuse to owe loyalty" Please supply references when you quote you twat. - wtf

	Ha Ha 14/04/2008 09:12 I doubt you will ever be fired John, seeing as you provide such a valuable column. But only in the sense, that you provide everyone with good laugh. Nobody takes you serious. You have stopped having anything new or interesting to say a long time ago. If you don't want to play by Western rules, then fine. But don't think that still entitles you to Western money. - Danie Small

	what you have to say................ 14/04/2008 09:12 is worth about 1 zim dollar..........I only started reading and stopped at the 2nd sentence........ - Victor

	so the ANC is on the side of black Zimbabweans? 14/04/2008 09:12 ..could have fooled me (and the very ordinary black Zimbabwean with whom I had a long chat yesterday). - kwk

	Racists :-) 14/04/2008 09:12 Hi Jon, what has racism got to do with an election and the voice of the people? Your arguement often leads to comments such as "blame it on the other party and if you can add a racist tag, you have a winner" - get serious in your articles and you will be taken seriously! - noel

	Interesting 14/04/2008 09:12 I read the Sunday Times' authors column and found it funny. I read this comment now and found it equally funny. Difference is, I know what happened to the Sunday Times' columnist, and I have a pretty good idea what will happen to this columnist too. For a guy pretty happy to remind us of the 'crimes against humanity' under colonialism and Apartheid, I find it quite amusing that the crimes against humanity in Zimbabwe is conveniently ignored in order to make a point - and a funny point too... - Morne

	Jon 14/04/2008 09:13 After reading this I dont think Jon is a racist. He convinced me of that long ago. But I guess the Sunday Times would have no problem in publishing this. Because only whites are capable of racism.... - Albertus

	Mugabe 14/04/2008 09:13 The fact that you want to believe the above is OK. Mugabe is, however, a thug who will do anything to remain in power. He was true to himself (rotten to core), not his 'revolutionary ideals'. Despite your personal beliefs, many black SA an Zimbabwean people will not agree with you. Slant of your article worse than that of Bullard. - Smurf

	Poor Mugabe? 14/04/2008 09:13 Eish, Jon! Poor Mugabe? My english langauge classes are too far back for me to recall if that's a paradox or an oxymoron. Poor, Mugabe is not. True revolutionaries don't sacrifice their own people during a struggle. - Phil

	POOR LITTLE IDIOTS 14/04/2008 09:13 You are very quick to always label 'RACIST' if someone has a differeint opinion than yours. With 'You' I mean all labelling IDIOTS. Yes, I labelled you. - LABELS

	RACISTS 14/04/2008 09:13 John, we will pray for you as that is all that is left to do for you. Maybe God can help you lift that chip off your shoulder. You are filled with hatred of anything or anyone that does not share your views and liken them to lackey's or coconuts. We are all entitled to our beliefs and opinions, which are not always right, but let us accept that we all have our own. I suppose God is also wrong in your eyes and only JQ is right. Rant on bro. - fandash

	Shame 14/04/2008 09:13 I realise that you are employed to be controversial John. On that basis I assume that you write in jest. If however you do have a thread of sympathy over the content of the 14 paragraphs of garble above I can only wish on you the same fate of Zimbabwe sans ewhite man. Without him you wouldn't have so much as written language let alone that shiny little laptop you're so clumsily tapping away on. All the best for the future sir. - Shame

	Re: Zimbabwe 14/04/2008 09:13 John, First off all, this column is as a matter of fact VERY racist. Poor Mugabe? What about the poor Zimbabweans? When did everything go wrong? When Mugabe turned 80? When he screwed up the country so bad that inflation reaches 6 figures? It doesn't take a lot to see who's responsible for all this because without the help of other countries Zimbabwe cannot be what it once was! But rather blame it on the West and the racists. I'll definately complain to the editors about this column. - Anonymous

	MUGABE 14/04/2008 09:13 I had a feeling over the past months that your 'bosses' would bring you to task! Well done Jon you are now showing your real colours. Like your 'bosses; and Mugabe you are one of the elite 'Black Broeders!!' - BROEDER

	The truth always hurts 14/04/2008 09:14 If Mugabe is such a "good" guy then why does he torture his people to secure his position as president. Why does he let the unemployment rate soar and why does he let his people starve? His attitude and that of the ANC is why Zimbabwe and SA are in the state that they are in. The ANC has done nothing but make false promise and bring SA to its knees, or are some people 2 blind to see that? - Michelle

	Qwelane drivel 14/04/2008 09:14 I am amazed at the absolute drivel that this man can come up with! Jon, have you ever thought about the absolute and shocking lack of common sense that you portray through the nonsense that you allow to be published as coming from an "experienced and knowledgeable columnist". Clearly not! According to your logic then, the sorry state of the economy and everything else, for that matter, in Zimbabwe, is to be blamed on the "colonialists and settlers" and not Mugabe et al? Holy smoke! - Buks

	Jon Qwelane's column 14/04/2008 09:15 Poor Jon Qwelane, it is sad that he can be so blind.He demonstrates once again the belief that only white persons can be racist. News24 should take a leaf out of the Sunday Times's book and dispense with his services ala David Bullard. South Africa can ill afford such poisonous racial utterances - Peter Downham

	??? 14/04/2008 09:16 There goes 5 minutes of my life that I will never get back after reading what has to be the biggest load of rubbish I have ever had the misfortune of reading. I must be a bigger moron than this racist clown for actually reading his random ranting. I just pray that the majority of black South Africans don't think the same way as this fool and do not support Mugabe's murderous ways... - Schwin

	It's time, Jon. 14/04/2008 09:17 Jon, wake up. You are not living in some bizarre alternate universe based on a mixture of Tom Clancy and Dan Brown novels. Human rights are being violated in Zimbabwe. Africa has changed so much since 1980. We are a continent on the rise and leaders like Mugabe are holding it back. Maybe it's time you retire your sinicism and start using your pen to expose the plight of the people of Zimbabwe that are starving and homeless, rather than the plight of it's rich, well fed despot. - Frank

	PLEASE STOP READING THIS 14/04/2008 09:17 The only reason News24 publishes this drivel is because you keep reading it. Stop reading Jon's attempts at stirring. Ignore him, that's what a person like him deserves. He thrives on attention, and the only kind he can get is negative attention. So PLEASE IGNORE HIM AND HIS COLUMN IN THE FUTURE. He wants you to call him a racist and stupid, he craves the attention. Boycot him, that's what will piss him off most. - Ben Johnson

	Aai 14/04/2008 09:17 It is a pity that you (Jon) are so paranoid. It will be interesting to see what the thousands of starving Zimbabweans think of your article. By taking the settlers? farms and chasing them away the people who are enforcing it are cutting of the hand that feeds them which is very short sighted as is the general mentality of you and our government. Please Jon open your one remaining eye as the other one is so colour with racism. - Eye

	Please go 14/04/2008 09:17 If you like Mugabe and his policies , why not go and live in Zimbabwe among the starving masses. I'm sure he will organize a farm for you. - Freddie

	Hopefully 14/04/2008 09:17 I could only wish the western world would come and intervene here and help like they always have to when land is given back to the people who can never manage it on their own. - lou

	Jon Qwelane 14/04/2008 09:17 Dear Jon You really do sound like a bitter old man. Have you ever written anything positive, anything that contributed even just a little bit. I have never read your column and smiled or laughed. It always leaves me disgusted. This country will only really be able to move forward if the old white racists and old black rasicts like yourself have gone. Stefanus Nel - Stefanus Nel

	It is not about racism 14/04/2008 09:18 Here you go again Jon: racism, racism, racism. You have got serious issues my friend. Mugabe is a villain because he is a brutal dictator who has ruled without compassion and outside the interests of his people. He is violent and unrelenting and has brought Zimbabwe to its knees. He is a complete maniac and everyone with an objective view knows this. Your opinion is tainted by your anger, as always. How your work is published is a mystery to me. You are a sub-standard journalist in every way. - Astounded

	What a muppet 14/04/2008 09:18 Surely it isn't compulsory that your column appears every week? If you don't have anything sensible to say, rather keep quiet. You're turning into a driveling muppet, JQ, and while I read your column with mild amusement in the past, it's now bordering on idiocy. You're turning into a muppet. - Mampara

	Blame 14/04/2008 09:19 I think this opinion of yours is very funny, just last week a columnist of Sunday times was fired for writing a "racist" white column. He stated in his conclusion something about the blacks wanting someone to blame. Again as a "black" man fails you blame it on the "whites". Please be a man and let Bob be a man and accept responsibility for his own actions. How after 20 years of independence can you now blame the whites that he chased out of his country for his failing? - Riaan

	Lets feel sorry 14/04/2008 09:19 Oh Please. Lets feel sorry for a man who murdered 10's of thousands of his fellow countrymen. Lets feel sorry for a man who has no problem unleashing 20 year old "war veterans" on his own people for daring to try to earn a living. Lets feel sorry for a dictator who has stolen huge amounts of donor aid at the expense of his own people. Lets feel sorry for a man who has taken patronage to an entirely new level. Lets feel....ahhh why bother? JQ, there are non so blind as those that will not see. - dave gracey

	You R Not Worthy 14/04/2008 09:19 Jon, you are not worthy of being categorised as a journolist as all you write is drivel. The only thing you are interested in is sensationalism. Please for one minute, consider those poor unfortunate folk up north who are starving while "Poor Robert" languishes in his palatial surroundings further scheming how to hold on to power to the detriment of his people. Both he and you are not worthy. - You R Not Worthy

	Jon? 14/04/2008 09:19 Jon you sound just like Robert M - why dont you pack up and go live with him? Seems like every white person is a racist to you and him - funny how the "racist farmers/colonials" have left and the country is in ruins! Jon - did Tony Blair and Britian run Zim into the ground? Is it Tony Blairs fault that Zim has 80% unemployment and starvation is rife? You black/racist people look past the problem and do everything to blame whites/racists! - V

	Yawn 14/04/2008 09:19 There is one thing both you and your detractors have in common; once one disagrees with the other, you cry "RACIST!". Get some new material. - Johan

	Dude - what have you smoked 14/04/2008 09:20 Can't you see people are dying of hunger, they have no jobs, they are killing their own people - this is Mugabe's and his gang's doing. Get a life, get over it and move on... We are all trying to work together, well I guess not all of us hey! I don't care if you like white people or not, I do care about people dying, for what exactly, for Mugabe's riches and fancy life? Tut tut! - Vanessa


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