A SATIRICAL VIEW OF THE SYSTEM
It is time to take the pulse of the populace and Orderly has his red, gold and green dossiers to review with the President. It is based on messages that not one but Three (3) Bobs are spreading in our community. One Bob (Marley) is preaching 'Uprising' while he sings about 'Zimbabwe' the other main boss (he also crossed the quarter century mark) Bob (Mugabe) is fighting it out tooth and nail for a second round. His hound dogs have smelled blood… There is also a mysterious Bob (Nod, Nod) lurking in the background of the state house gardens…
President: Hi Orderly, What do you have for today's briefing? I like these coloured files what's with the colour code?
Orderly: Yes, sir, Mr. President three interesting tales to report about. There is a message being diffused out there by the 'prophet' Bob. I found an old box with my rasta dreads wig of the college days, and a few Marley CDs. The message hitting home is about 'Uprising, Rebel Music, Buffalo Soldier, Get Up, Stand Up, Stop that train, Guiltiness, One Love/People get ready... I note a big link with what the new breed of artists are singing about. The idea of revolution is back and they are hitting back with words & songs!
President: Ha this Marley guy! All we need is another round of shaving those heads! So that's it for the yellow file what about the red one?
Orderly: Sir, this is the last update from the Reuters correspondent in Harare. Both sides have agreed to a direct 'face-a-face' in a second round. The veterans have mobilised and it seems that a few arms and legs will be broken on the way to the polling booth. Old Uncle Bob has decided to dig in and he says not even a cyclone can take him out. Perhaps not even a meteor.
President: This guy is like a tiger. At least he is fighting it out! We will probably have to revert to the same route. He has set a record for inflation. He has made it into the Guinness Book of records can you believe this?
Orderly: He still insists on exercising the option of parachuting somewhere over the Amirantes. He might also be escorted by a C-130 to bring along the Zim Dollars in exchange for safe haven. Otherwise, he will take up the other offers from his other friends. Even Castro has offered him a pad in the Cuban sugar plantations.
President: OK, we'll cross that bridge when we get there… And the green file.
Orderly: Mr. President this one is quite scary. I had the hair on the back of my neck jerk up when I read the contents of this letter. It is handwritten and the profile of the writer borders on a black magic 'dokter'. It talks about some ghosts lurking in the gardens of state house and some mercenary-looking Rambo in green chasing around with a 'baton mazik'…
President: Oh not to worry Orderly. This is the Bob who used to guard the fortress at The Exile. Not to worry my friend - he gives him a wink. We have this one well under control. Many thanks for this to-the-point reunion. I'll take another cup of coffee before we usher in this new Ambassador, from where?
Orderly prompts him: Kosovo Mr. President Sir! Not to be confused with the housing estate…
**** As Orderly takes his leave, the President turns on his ipod with Bob blasting 'Redemption Song' and he hums away, 'O Pirates yes they rob I….'