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Part of a review of the book Jambanja:
The book depicts Harrys path to the farmers profession and the tremendous trials he and other whites have been made to endure under the Mugabe regime. The title of the book, Jambanja, refers to Robert Mugabes so called war veterans, who set out to violently seize white farms. Many of these jambanja were not even born at the time of the civil war at the end of the 1970s. The story tells of how white farmers Martin Olds and Terry Ford were shot to death by consent of the Mugabe regime after which their murderers of course still are at large.
Jambanja is an almost unimaginable description of how a country in only two decades and in almost every area falls from civilization to barbarism.
Harrys struggle to keep his farm is hard and unfair. Working on his own, with only the help of his family and courageous friends, noble Harry is forced to fight against the uncivilized structure of an African regime. Truly not an easy task, which is clearly depicted in the book. The African mans lack of understanding of how the white man succeeds in creating flourishing civilizations is evident in the experiences that Harry has to endure in his contacts with the representatives of Mugabes new order.
Jambanja tells a life story that should leave no one untouched. Its a strong, thrilling and tragic tale that contributes to affording us some understanding of Harrys fate and those of many others in Zimbabwe. Of Zimbabwes former 4500 white farmers now only a few hundred remain in the country. Harry writes:
How sad it is to think that people with so much talent, so much to offer this country have had to go elsewhere in the world...
A great joy and profit derived from reading this book is its making you see what kind of man Harry is. He represents the best that humanity has to offer; an exceedingly civilized citizen sprung from European stock, raised in Rhodesia, a country so despised by the international community, but none the less a thriving and civilized country. He is industrious, kind, loyal to his family and workers, loving in his relationship with his farm and country. Amidst all the misery Harry manages to keep his sense of humor and to smile at that almost unbelievable stupidity now ruling Zimbabwe.
The author does not enter deeply into political analysis but merely states:
The question has to be asked: Has this Government, really done its indigenous people any favours by implementing the Land Reform in the manner that they did? Did they honestly think that the people taking over the farms have the skills, the knowledge or experience to make a success of their newly acquired properties, without any training at all? What of all the downstream businesses which depended on agriculture? If those people fail, who would pay the taxes, the day to day bills every farmer has to meet? What of the workers and their children? Have they got a future?
The answer to all of these, is a resounding No!
If youve never before read a book about Rhodesia or never before understood what has taken place in the country since it was renamed Zimbabwe, read this book! The author refrains from political generalizations but instead bases his story on concrete experiences and episodes when describing the decline of the country. Harrys story is an eye-opener and should be read not only by those interested in Rhodesiana, but by politicians and decision-makers in the Western World for the simple reason that it makes clear the future consequences of the population policy decisions they have made and go on making; decisions that jeopardize the future of the European peoples.
The book can be ordered from:
http://www.lulu.com/content/1000549 (No space between the zeros)
