Gay Today: World

Gay Professional Defends
Biased President Mugabe

By David Karanja
Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

Herbert Mondlani is a Zimbabwean gay man who lives in a country where homophobia is the norm. The popular view in Zimbabwe is that those who engage in gay relationships do so because of financial inducements from white Zimbabweans and foreigners. But Mondlani, has shattered this myth.

An accomplished media professional, he has been a sub-editor with The Herald, the country's leading daily newspaper, Public Relations Manager for the National Railways of Zimbabwe and Information Officer with UNICEF, Zimbabwe. Today he is the Public Relations Officer for the University of Zimbabwe.

Last October Mondlani came out in the open to acknowledge that he is gay. This followed the death of Siphangilizwe Nyathi, his lover of 8 years.

The family of Nyathi, who committed suicide, prevented Mondlani from attending the funeral or even contributing to the expenses.

He approached a senior politician to intervene with the family but all was in vain. Policemen ejected Nyathi's gay friends from the cemetery.

Mondlani's sexual orientation became known in Zimbabwe when he put up a message of condolence for Nyathi in two newspapers. He later admitted to the press his long love affair with Nyathi.

Mondlani would be expected to be very bitter after his experience. But he betrays no bitterness. He sees Zimbabwean homophobia from a philosophical angle and attempts to understand what motivates President Robert Mugabe, who, during the last few years, has been engaging in gay bashing, describing homosexuals as "worse than dogs and pigs".

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Mondlani sees the president's outburst within the broader context of African culture, which is hostile to homosexuality. "From a political angle, as long as the majority of the people are anti-gay, we can't expect the government to be on our side. Otherwise, I think the president's personal views are tolerant," he says.

Early last year, he broke away from the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) after he differed with its members' approach in the struggle for gay rights. He felt that its campaign lacked regard for the nation's cultural environment.

"The way GALZ is propagating its concepts is what made me quit the organization, although I attend some of the gays' meetings and parties," he says.

Mondlani feels that the best strategy is to educate people first to dilute their anti-gay sentiments. When they begin to understand the issues, he says, they will be able to appreciate the need for gay rights.

Mondlani vows to continue fighting for gay rights.

"President Mugabe is our inspiration. His sacrifice during the liberation struggle is what is inspiring us to fight for our cause," he says.

In his condolence message for Mondlani following Nyathi's death, Keith Goddard, GALZ Program Manager, said of him and his deceased lover:

"Nyathi and Mondlani became the focus of attention, being two black, professional men who were highly articulate and in a stable and loving relationship."

Mondlani reinforces this view: "In my personal experience, I have never seen how my sexuality affects people. I go to church. I am a Christian. I am a professional who contributes to the country's development and has always been open."

As the campaign for gay rights in Zimbabwe gains momentum, Mondlani is an inspiration to those who are still in the closet.