Zimbabwe : internally or externally driven meltdown?
Abstract : Zimbabwe is a nation ostracized by the developed world and among the lowest per capita GDP countries in the world. While President Mugabe's governance is now recognized as untenable for the future of Zimbabwe, his choices seem to focus on the impact of external actors fueling opposition undermining Mugabe's capability to govern, causing an ever more autocratic rule, or a perpetual leadership style, against any opposition to maintain his position. A consistent repression of opposition parties or individuals has continued to secure Mugabe's position over more than quarter of a century, using whatever methods he finds necessary. The international community must be more cognizant of post-war leaders, realizing that the leader of an armed conflict overthrowing an undesirable government is not always the right choice for a post-conflict, peacetime leader. Mugabe is a perfect example of the traits and trends such a leader can display that must be recognized early to avoid such a secure entrenchment that a failed leader cannot be successfully challenged by opposition groups to rectify the situation. Mugabe's early rhetoric against the constitution, combined with his consistent willingness to use violence and intimidation securing his power all indicated a leader not ready to forego his title or personal agenda for the good of his nation.
Dynamic Positioning for Survival in Political Marketing Warfare Mugabe’s Manoeuvrings out of Crises in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe became independent in 1980 after nearly a century of British colonial settler rule but soon deteriorated into chaos, repression and economic dilapidation under the leadership of Robert Mugabe. Mugabe engineered a major constitutional amendment that saw him amass absolute power by creating an executive presidency as head of state in 1987. The opposition was tortured and stifled through outwitting and outmanoeuvring them and the ordinary people were intimidated and lived in fear. Despite the many crises faced, Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF continue to extend life in government and maintain a reasonable control of the country. This paper concludes that topmost on the reasons for survival through crises is Mugabe’s ingenuity in political marketing warfare and dynamic positioning of the party in accordance with the appealing themes and its systematic destruction of the opposition through a variety of tools, among them torture, blackmailing, propaganda and through instilling fear into the voters, creation of pseudo political parties, repressive constitutional amendments to ensure supreme power and dominance.
Serum Profiles of Luteinizing Hormone, Oestradiol and Cholesterol and Ovarian Functions in Layer Poultry Birds (Gallus domesticus) Fed Diets Containing Furazolidone
This study was carried out to assess the serum profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in layer poultry birds (Rhode Island Red;Gallus domesticus) fed a diet containing various concentrations of furazolidone (FZ). A total of 40 birds were randomly assigned to receive FZ 0, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg feed (ppm) daily during the pre-laying age, i.e. 13–18 weeks (for 5 weeks). Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals. Concentrations of LH and oestradiol in serum were estimated at alternate weeks using radioimmunoassays. Serum cholesterol levels were analysed by an enzymatic calorimetric method. Furazolidone administration was terminated at the 18th week of age. The birds were sacrificed at 22nd week of age and ovarian tissues were processed for morphometric studies. Serum LH, oestradiol and cholesterol levels were affected by age (p<0.001) and FZ dose (p<0.001). Serum LH and oestradiol levels were lower (p<0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed daily compared with the controls, whereas serum cholesterol profiles were lower (p<0.05) in all FZ-administered groups than in the control group. The mean weight of ovaries having no yolky follicles observed in the group receiving FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day was reduced (p<0.05) compared with the control group. Dosing FZ at 800 mg/kg feed per day reduced (p<0.05) the mean volume of ovaries having no yolky follicles compared with the control group. In birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day, the mean length of the oviduct was reduced (p<0.05) as compared with the control group. Morphometric studies revealed that the mean number of oocytes with diameter in the range 401–800 μm decreased (p<0.05) in birds fed FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day. Initial egg production was affected by age (p<0.001) and dose (p<0.001) of FZ. The mean number of eggs laid by different groups revealed that egg production was reduced (p<0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day as compared with the controls. The present data suggest that FZ causes suppression in serum profiles of LH, oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in Rhode Island Red layer poultry birds. Therefore, great care must be taken with use of FZ in layer poultry birds (Gallus domesticus) with regard to dosage and duration of administration.