Deaths and Birthdays...

Local schools have shut down due to lack of funds to pay teachers. And, more critically, the two main hospitals have also shut down due to staff refusing to work without medicine and supplies. Further, there is very little clean water available to the masses. This has led to one of the worst Cholera outbreaks the world has seen. Most recent data (March 23, 2009) show 92,432 cases of cholera reported, and 4,072 deaths. This adds to the already widespread HIV/AIDS pandemic that has ravaged Africa the past several years. The average life expectancy for a typical Zimbabwean is only 44 years. Mugabe just recently celebrated his 85th birthday. It is clear that, in Zimbabwe, the “chefs,” or ruling elite, live in the lap of luxury while the “povos,” or the masses they rule, live in complete destitution.