THEY say, a writer is never at a loss for words, but today I do not know how to begin to pay tribute to a man who shaped my thinking and discourse the last few years.
For some reason, Cde Alexander Kanengoni took to calling me and each time we interacted he would caution me: “Do not forget where you came from.”
More often than not, in my writings I would identify with the American society and he would be quick to say, why do you write saying us (America), you are the descendant of a proud people, who built the Great Zimbabwe and your writing and orientation should depict this rich history.
I remember in 2008 our interaction increased greatly as we debated on then Senator Barack Obama’s chances of becoming the first black president.
At first we were both of the idea that he did not stand a chance, being black, with a strong link to Africa and of course his opponent, Hillary Clinton, had several things going for her; white, woman, wife of former President Bill Clinton.
Who did not like Bill Clinton, hell I would vote for her, because I like her husband, but as we delved more and more into Obama’s politics, we agreed that Obama was more white than black in his politics.
He said all the right things to attract the minority vote and at the same time assured the white establishment that he would not rock the boat.
That was probably one of the times we were agreed on an issue.
According to Cde Kanengoni, I was a bit too liberal for his liking; well I thought he could be too rigid in his ‘old guard’ views.
While I tended to be swayed and would see things from his viewpoint, he was consistent in maintaining that whatever one believes in has to be shaped by what is good for Zimbabwe.
The friendly banter of the old versus the new characterised our conversations.
He was always giving me homework; read this book, read that book.
The last book he told me to read is Angela Davis’ Women, Race and Class.
With each book came a new discussion, understanding, wisdom and of course an appreciation of the man.
That is how I will always remember Cde Kanengoni, his zeal to encourage me to remove my ‘American blinkers’, to realise the faults in my community and how I can change or perpetuate the slavery of my people.