I have always had a fascination with southern Africa, in particular Zimbabwe. It all started because the captain of the Zimbabwean cricket team used to be a man called Heath Streak. He was the first famous Heath I knew, so naturally I was a fan of the team, and therefore the country.

Zimbabwe was once one of Africa’s strongest countries, and a model for how different ethnic backgrounds can co-exist successfully.

Unfortunately, in the last few years, the country has gone downhill in a big way. Life expectancies are now among the worst in the world (life expectancy for women is 34), inflation is beyond belief (just topped 4500% per year), trade sanctions have been imposed and the country seems to be on the brink of a civil war. And in my opinion (and that of many other people) it is the fault of one man.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Initially a hero after leading the group that helped overthrow British rule in Rhodesia, which led to the country’s independence and Mugabe’s rise to Prime Minister, Mugabe’s reputation and hero status is now in ruins.

He is a classic example of a person being corrupted by power, and in order to stay in power he has orchestrated despicable act after despicable act.

In an attempt to learn more about the current situation in Zimbabwe, I made it goal 30 on the list. And during the week I started this goal, by buying a DVD with two documentaries about the issues of Zimbabwe. One was by a foreign journalist, who had to pretend to be a tourist in order to get into the country, because Mugabe has banned all foreign journalists. The other was by a Zimbabwean local, who went into exile after making the film.

Both were enlightening, and showed in graphic detail the damage Mugabe has caused this beautiful country. As much as I would like to watch a documentary showing the Mugabe side of the story, it would be difficult for anyone with a conscience to create such a film. There would be absolutely no way to justify what he and his political party have done.

He uses threats and scare tactics to remain in power. One campaign line he used was ‘Vote Zanu PF and live’ (Zanu PF is the name of his party). If that isn’t a scare tactic, I don’t know what is!

I plan to read a lot about this issue before I can claim to have completed goal 30. If you can recommend any resources to me, it would be greatly appreciated

I am not really sure yet what I can do to help, but unless I am informed, there is nothing I can do.

Below is a picture of what we should be thinking of when we talk about Zimbabwe. It is the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Unfortunately, it seems that until Mugabe is removed from power, the only thing we will be talking about when we think about Zimbabwe is that this once great country has now become one of the most corrupt and bankrupt countries not just in Africa, but the world.