Whenever the word ‘ black ‘ is mentioned especially in fiscal circles, then you know something untoward or corrupt is taking place.
Black is something associated with bad omen, and black Africa was coined as something backward and occupied by infidels. These days Zimbabwe’s economy is being disturbed by the so called black market rate. So ‘ black’ in financial markets mean something not in sync with what is expected.
The second republic has engaged in building our roads to international standards, this is witnessed by the Beitbridge, Masvingo, Harare to Chirundu Highway.
The road is now wider and trafficable; and henceforth cuts costs on vehicle maintenance and less road fatalities are now recorded. But something called ‘ black spots’ in these roads won’t go away because the roads are in better shape.
In the highways ‘ black spots’ are defined as areas which are prone to accidents and fatalities. These spots won’t last for six months or a year without fatalities. Vhuku Brothers Store which is 10km along the Masvingo Harare Highway, is one area which qualifies to be a black spot. Accidents at this strip are of major concern and if you meet survivors of them, they always narrate of seeing something either in human or animal shape, that caused them to swerve to avoid hitting it, as the cause of the accident.
This occurrence is not confined to this spot only but to all spots called ‘black’ around Zimbabwe.
When we ask the old people, what can be done to mitigate such occurrences; the answer is very simple. They say such spots need to be cleansed. This is done by traditional chiefs from the respective area where such accidents take place.
This involves the brewing of traditional beer, followed by rites performed by ‘masvikiro’ and the chiefs, to put the dead to rest. It is said the spirits of the dead won’t find closure as their lives were cut short. The process might also include the next of kin of the deceased if some are known, to also instruct their relative to rest in peace.
These days of so many ‘holier than though Christians’, how many do agree of such performances? They say it’s a pagan act, this reminds me of one young devouted man, whom l met in a taxi. When we were passing Shashe River near Chaka Township to Masvingo.
He derogatorily asked if this is Gonawapotera, and l said yes. And he further quizzed why people say it’s sacred and l challenged them to stop the bus and take a bath or swim and see if they will not drown mysteriously.
He didn’t stop the car but he remained with his ‘fake African beliefs’ ideology. So how effective are these cleansing ceremonies or are they fake as modern Christians put them to be? It now depends on whose side of the fence you are sitting.
Aaron Gono
