The Standard (Zimbabwe)

The workplace called Zim: A Rutendo Matinyarar­e curse study

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DEAR Rutendo,

Typically, we think of the workplace as a formal setting like o ces and factories, where individual­s gather to earn a living.

However, I’d like to expand this concept. I believe a country can also be viewed as a workplace, where citizens engage in various forms of labour, both formal and informal.

This includes commercial traders, idea traders, and thought generators like yourself, who work tirelessly to brew and exchange ideas — both good and bad.

In essence, we are a nation at work, constantly contributi­ng to the fabric of our society.

I hope this article nds you well, despite the numerous challenges we face in Zimbabwe.

Our nation is grappling with economic, social, and mental health struggles, which can be overwhelmi­ng.

In this context, I want to emphasise the importance of prioritisi­ng our mental well-being and tness, in addition to our physical health.

Rutendo, I’ve been following your work for some time, and initially, I thought you had a compelling message.

I listened with interest, hoping to learn from your experience­s and insights.

However, I began to wonder if you were being serious or just joking around, particular­ly with your Ndebele kinsmen and fellow Zimbabwean­s.

Unfortunat­ely, I’ve come to realise that you’re genuinely committed to your cause, but with a concerning level of unawarenes­s.

Your words and actions seem to be marked by a kind of mental numbness, similar to the efiects of shock, narcotics, or intoxicant­s.

It’s as if you’re acting in a state of drunkennes­s, without full control or memory of your actions, leaving you potentiall­y regretful of your words and deeds upon reflection.

I feel a deep sense of concern for you, Rutendo, wondering if your words and actions stem from a prolonged state of unawarenes­s, rather than just a fleeting moment of recklessne­ss.

It appears that your specialty has become speaking without self-awareness, hurling insults, and spewing vitriol, which is a form of verbal abuse.

I have come to realise that you may need guidance to heal, my dear brother and fellow countryman.

I’m willing to take the time to help you understand your perspectiv­es and where they’re coming from.

You may think you know your motivation­s, but I believe your biggest challenge is a lack of self-awareness.

If you’re open to listening and learning, I’m here to help.

You may experience a profound moment of clarity, a true “aha” moment, and perhaps even nd yourself singing

“Amazing Grace” - “I once was blind, but now I see.

With my understand­ing of human developmen­t principles, I’ve become fascinated with how they impact the mind and shape personalit­y. Scott Peck, author of “The Road Less Travelled,” begins his book with a profound statement: “Life is di cult.”

He explains that acknowledg­ing and accepting this truth allows us to transcend it, making life’s di culties no longer matter.

Peck also notes that “we all have some degree of mental illness, and it’s a matter of degree.”

I believe that if we explore this concept together, I can help you understand your own mental wellness and work with you to heal and embrace life’s beauty.

This reminds me of the biblical story where Jesus heals a blind man, who initially sees people as trees walking.

This limited perception could have led to harm if he had an axe, symbolizin­g how distorted views can lead us to “chop and destroy” others.

I am willing to guide you in recognizin­g and addressing your own perception­s, Rutendo, to foster a more compassion­ate understand­ing of those around you.

In your partial blindness, I fear you wield the “axe” of political freedom to harm and abuse others, particular­ly the Ndebele tribe in Zimbabwe.

As a responsibl­e leader, I would have intervened to make you aware of the dangers of fanning tribal divisions, which could escalate into conflict and unrest.

It’s concerning that you’re escalating this issue during a critical time when the government is addressing past ethnic killings, known as Gukurahund­i, which many consider a genocide.

Your actions resemble a child’s careless behaviour, ignoring the efiorts of elders working to resolve a signi cant village conflict.

This raises questions about your true political influence or if you’re simply a “hanger-on” (isiporori).

I hope to host you in Bulawayo as a brother and friend once this issue is resolved, and we can connect on a human level.

This article aims to lay the groundwork for addressing what I perceive as a human developmen­t issue in your behaviour.

I’d like to introduce you to a scientific research nding: our lives are largely shaped in the rst seven years of existence.

This may not be your area of expertise, as your focus seems to be on historical events, such as King Mzilikazi’s alleged signing of the Potgieter Agreement in 1856.

I’m con dent you lack concrete evidence for this claim. My approach is rooted in scienti c and empirical evidence, unlike the speculativ­e ideas you present as facts.

I have discourage­d others from engaging with you on your insults, advocating for a loving and healing approach instead.

I believe your behaviour stems from a lack of self-love, leading to self-hurt, Afro-phobia, and other phobias.

Fear not, I willl explain these concepts in a spirit of love and compassion and help you heal.

In the next article, let’s explore your early years, and I’ll guide you in understand­ing the developmen­t of your ego. It’s a story built around your thoughts, emotions, body, and energy.

In your case, this narrative has become distorted, leading you to perceive everyone as an enemy.

Through scienti c evidence, I’ll show you that you were born with only two innate fears. However, during your rst seven years, you accumulate­d numerous acquired fears through your experience­s.

These fears drive your thoughts and behaviours, masqueradi­ng as intelligen­ce and bravado, when in fact, you are afraid, even terri ed by the idea of true freedom, your own freedom and the freedom of others.

Imagine a grown man clinging to a temporary identity like tribe, fearing freedom.

You are behaving like a child with separation anxiety, clinging to a familiar identity and pushing away anyone who tries to broaden your perspectiv­e.

I’ve discourage­d others, particular­ly from the Ndebele ethnic group, from engaging with you because I believe your personal issues shouldn’t be legitimize­d and allowed to divide Zimbabwean­s along tribal lines. Instead, I will address your concerns myself, with love and compassion.

I am con dent in my ability to handle this situation, and I look forward to continuing our conversati­on next week, Cde.

*Bhekilizwe Bernard Ndlovu is a human capital executive in Zimbabwe, specialisi­ng in human resources management, training, developmen­t, and transforma­tion, behavioura­l change, applied drama, personal mastery, and mental tness. He is also a PhD researcher at Wits University, investigat­ing violent strikes in the South African workplace. With experience as an HR practition­er in Zimbabwe and operations roles in South African social marketing organisati­ons, Ndlovu remains passionate about people a airs and performanc­e management. Reach him at bhekilizwe­b.bn@gmail.com

with Bhekilizwe Ndlovu

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