*RESPONSE TO THE POEM TITLED - “AFRICA’S TEARS” – A TIME TO REFLECT AND BUILD* By Tigere Mubayiwa Black Elijah’s poem Africa’s Tears is passionate and poetic. It captures a deep pain drawn from Africa’s colonial and postcolonial traumas—wars, greed, division, and underdevelopment. It speaks powerfully to what the continent has endured and the consequences of betrayal, internal conflict, and exploitation by foreign interests. However, as members of ZICH—a positive, conscious, and forward-thinking group—it is essential that we interrogate not just history, but also our current reality and our shared future. The piece risks reinforcing the image of a continent permanently stuck in tears and darkness. That is not our truth today, especially here in Dzimbabwe, where the Second Republic has made bold strides through its Five Pillars: Combating corruption with accountability measures and reforms Uniting the nation under the principle of leaving no one behind Ensuring peace and security, with no internal wars—only isolated criminal acts which no one condones Becoming food sufficient, as agricultural investments bear fruit Developing infrastructure, from roads and housing to transport systems We must not ignore the progress being made nor allow despair to become the only story we tell. Balance matters. There is a difference between holding leadership to account and making sweeping, unsubstantiated generalisations that can be easily misunderstood as politically charged or dismissive of national progress. At ZICH, we embrace responsibility rather than blame, and we are spiritual beings working together—not competing—for the healing and upliftment of our communities. We believe in culture as a tool for unity, not division, and in positive critique that leads to community-enhancing outcomes. Let us encourage our artists and contributors to be visionary. Yes, we must name past and present wounds—but also light the way forward. Let us ensure that what we produce uplifts, heals, and strengthens our people. Africa is not only crying. Africa is rising—and so is Dzimbabwe. *Tigere Mubayiwa 🦓* *[email protected]*