Spare a thought for senior citizens

EDITOR — Having actively participated in the Zimbabwe war of liberation, Second Chimurenga, as a war collaborator, I settled for a job at a company in Harare in 1981.

I was happy for a new Zimbabwe and a new job after Uhuru, prospects were high.

Indeed the new Government did not disappoint as new schools were opened and the economy grew in leaps and bounds.

After a working life spanning over 20 years, the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West after the agrarian reform began to have their toll.

We had reclaimed our land, but the white man was not amused. What they forgot is that the land had always belonged to us, people of my ethnic persuasion.

Having left formal employment, I got myself a small car so I could join the flourishing “mushikashika”, micro-commuter operators and sustain myself since the meagre pension stipend is not enough.

I made sure the vehicle is licensed and roadworthy, complete with spare wheel, fire extinguisher and wheel spanner.

However, the traffic police have “spoiled” my retirement.

To pass safely at all roadblocks I must pay money to the ZRP traffic officers.

How shall I make ends meet? Please give us, the senior citizens, a break.

Tondorindo, Nharira, Norton.