POV Community Engagement & Education Discussion GuiDe Mugabe and the White African A Film by Directors Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson and Producers Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock and David Pearson

www.pbs.org/pov PoV Letter froM the fiLMMAkers

We have worked together for 10 years — and much of that time has been spent filming in Africa, for which we have a huge passion. We’ve recently been working on short films in Africa; we have been privileged to tell the sto - ries of people who are so poor that they would never have “mattered” otherwise.

We have been in many life-or-death situations with the people we’ve filmed and have cried and laughed with them as we shared some of the most intimate moments of their lives. Be - cause of that, for some time we have been de - veloping and working on ideas for longer-format documentaries set in Africa. The story of Mugabe and the White African is a story that we feel the world should hear.

Much has been reported about the eradication of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe and the Directors Lucy Bailey (l.) and Andrew Thompson (r.) deterioration and subsequent collapse of the Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited country. We have all seen news images of beaten farmers and seen the desperation in people’s eyes as they live in hunger, hopelessness and fear. We wanted to make a film about a big issue like the land reform program policy in Zimbabwe, but in a very intimate and personal way. our subject was Mike campbell, the Zimbabwean commercial farmer who made legal history when he took President Robert Mugabe to the international court of the south - ern African Development community (sADc) in 2007 and won his case a year later.

We believe the audience for our film is sophisticated and can read images and characters. Therefore, there is no commen - tary, and we allow our “characters” to speak for themselves so as to build up a compelling narrative. The film hinges on emo - tional moments in image and sound, so its impact on the memory will last long after the facts have been forgotten. This has been our trademark, particularly in our work for comic Relief. The camera dwells on details — we like shots that are lavish and lingering and show a trust in the relationship with our subjects. This story is epic and at the same time intimate, and the shooting style reflects this. We let the unfolding action dictate the pace, but the feel is cinematic and in the moment.

We have done everything we can to tell this extraordinary story, one that would no doubt otherwise forever have remained a “newspaper snippet.” We want this film to take the viewer to the heart of a historical moment, one that could be pivotal to Africa’s future. The film responds to what unfolds, but at the end of the day we want viewers to be able to make up their own minds.

We completed our film in the spring of 2009. Mike campbell passed away at his temporary home in Harare on April 6, 2011. He never recovered from the injuries he suffered while being kidnapped and tortured by a gang trying to throw him off his farm on June 29, 2008, just two days after the presidential run-off election. Mike was an amazing and brave man. We will miss him.

Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson , Directors

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |2 PoV Letter froM the fiLMMAkers

Producers’ stAteMent our company, Arturi Films, has a slate of fea - ture films in development. The films’ common strengths are that that they enable the audi - ence to go on an emotional journey with the characters in the story. The story of Mike campbell and this fight for justice and the re - turn of law in Zimbabwe immediately struck a chord with us; immediately we felt that it would resonate with a wider audience, espe - cially because Mike was fighting for human rights and against racism. The fact that he was taking this action because his own president was the perpetrator of human rights abuses and the story was based in Africa, gave it a rel - evance and urgency that we don’t come across very often.

We thought that we could bring something unique to Andy and Lucy’s vision for the film. Producers David Pearson (l.) and elizabeth Morgan Hemlock (r.) Financially and creatively, we were willing to Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited take the risk alongside our directors.

Mike campbell was an exceptionally coura - geous man with great dignity and humor. His willingness to allow us to tell his story was important as it gave the world a clear sense of what was really happening in Zimbabwe. it was a great honor for us to work with him, his son-in-law Ben Freeth and the family, and the film is a testimony to Mike’s sense of fairness and desire for justice and the rule of law. Audiences the world over have been touched by the strength of his character and his decency, reflected so beautifully in the Zimbabwe national Anthem:

Oh lift high the banner, the flag of Zimbabwe The symbol of freedom proclaiming victory; We praise our heroes' sacrifice, And vow to keep our land from foes; And may the Almighty protect and bless our land. Oh God, we beseech Thee to bless our native land;

The land of our fathers bestowed upon us all; From Zambezi to Limpopo May leaders be exemplary And may the Almighty protect and bless our land. Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe..

David Pearson and Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock , Producers

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |3 PoV tAbLe of contents credits

5 Introduction Writer 6 Potential Partners Faith Rogow, PhD 6 Key Issues Insighters Educational Consulting

7 Using This Guide background Writers and editors

8 Background Information Kristine Wilton 8 Zimbabwe 10 Mount Carmel Farm Guide Producers, PoV 13 Southern African Development Eliza Licht Director, Community Tribunal Community Engagement & Education, POV 15 Definitions of Racism Jamie Dobie 16 Selected People Featured Coordinator, in Mugabe and the White African Community Engagement & Education, POV 18 General Discussion Questions Design: Rafael Jiménez 19 Discussion Prompts Copy Editor: Natalie Danford 23 Taking Action 24 Resources 26 How to Buy the Film thanks to those who reviewed this guide:

Timothy Scarnecchia Associate Professor, Department of History, Kent State University David Moore Professor, Development Studies, University of Johannesburg Sara Cohan Human Rights Education Specialist

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |4 PoV introduction

Mike campbell (l.) , Ben Freeth (r.) and workers in Zimbabwe, de facto dictator Robert Mugabe has un - on their farm in chegutu, Zimbabwe leashed a “land reform” program aimed at driving whites Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited from the country through violence and intimidation. Mugabe and the White African , a 90-minute documentary, much of which was filmed clandestinely, tells the alarming story of one family of proud “white Africans” who fight back.

The courage Mike campbell and his family display as they defend their farm — in international court and on the ground — is both inspiring and harrowing. As an outreach tool, this record of the campbell family’s experiences raises questions about race, racism, human rights, international law, the strength of faith and family and, ultimately, the complex legacy of european colonization of Africa.

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |5 PoV PotentiAL PArtners key issues

Mugabe and the White African is well suited for use in a Mugabe and the White African is an excellent tool for variety of settings and is especially recommended for use outreach and will be of special interest to people looking with: to explore the following topics:

• your local Pbs station Africa • Groups that have discussed previous Pbs and PoV African nationalism films relating to Africa, land rights, human rights Agriculture or international law, including Promised Land, black nationalism The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars british colonialism and Good Fortune. dictatorship • Groups focused on any of the issues listed in the human rights key issues section imperialism • high school students international law • faith-based organizations and institutions Justice • cultural, art and historical organizations, Land ownership institutions and museums Land reform/land use policy • civic, fraternal and community groups Mugabe, robert • Academic departments and student groups at Political power and patronage colleges, universities and high schools race • community organizations with a mission to promote education and learning, such as local racial and class privilege libraries racism reconciliation reparations social justice southern African development community Violence Zimbabwe

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |6 PoV usinG this Guide

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. it is based on a Mike campbell (l.) and Ben Freeth (r.) in the belief in the power of human connection, designed for sADAc court, namibia people who want to use Mugabe and the White African Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues and communities. in contrast to initiatives that foster de - bates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to consider tak - ing action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in in - stances when conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit www.pbs.org/pov/outreach

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |7 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

ZiMbAbWe A worker on the campbell farm watches helplessly as farm buildings burn Located in southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a land-locked na - Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited tion of 13 million people. The population is approximately 98 percent black African and 1 percent white.

Prior to independence in 1980, the nation was known as Rhodesia and was controlled by the British. Attempts to ment preached reconciliation and unity, both between rival overthrow white rule, including ongoing guerilla attacks, parties and between blacks and whites. However, Mugabe began in the 1960s. These attacks, along with united nations increasingly consolidated power; in 1987, the position of sanctions, ultimately led to elections in 1979 and full inde - prime minister was abolished and he became president. in pendence (including the renaming of the country) in 1980. 2000, with his party threatened by the new opposition party During this period of war, Robert Mugabe rose to promi - Movement for Democratic change (MDc), Mugabe initiated nence as the leader of the Zimbabwe African national a wave of land invasions with help from a war veterans’ as - union — Patriotic Front (ZAnu-PF) and became the sociation. since then, he and his party have mobilized vio - nation’s first prime minister. The Mugabe govern - lence and rigged elections to guarantee their own victory.

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |8 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

General elections held in March 2008 reflected foundering process: Landless black applicants living in communal areas support for Mugabe’s ZAnu-PF-led government, with the were invited officially to apply for land of their own. They opposition winning a majority of seats in parliament. MDc filled out forms made available through government or civil opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won majority votes in institutions. The forms were then reviewed to establish eli - the presidential polls, but not enough to win outright. The gibility and priority level, and the applicants were matched subsequent run-off election was marred by violence, intimi - up with farms that had been selected for resettlement. dation and fraud. As a result, Tsvangirai withdrew, and the The farms to be resettled were to be selected according to process was condemned internationally. a convoluted process that would identify a reason that a par - To ensure a degree of international and domestic legitimacy, ticular property had been targeted. Aggrieved landowners the southern African Development community (sADc) — who believed that their land had been chosen arbitrarily led by Thabo Mbeki, then president of south Africa — bro - could appeal to provincial authorities, though once farms kered a power-sharing agreement that left Mugabe as pres - were selected, they could be taken by force no matter what ident and installed Tsvangirai as prime minister. However, the landowner did to appeal the decision. in 2001, Mugabe conflicts have continued. Mugabe, now in his eighties, has retroactively amended the process so that ownership of any publicly called for early elections soon, but there is yet to be selected land was transferred immediately, without even the a new constitution, which was a requirement of the power- possibility for appeal. owners had 90 days to vacate. Blacks sharing agreement. even though no election date has been applying to receive farms often submitted their applications set, most observers already fear a repeat of the extensive vi - not to civic structures, but to the war veterans’ militias oc - olence that followed the 2008 elections. cupying the relevant farms.

This new aggressive land redistribution policy was rife with corruption from the start, with farms given to party insiders Land and economic reforms with no experience in tending fields. even when peasant under British colonial rule and the white minority ruled farmers were the recipients of farms, they often failed to re - Rhodesian government, it was commonplace for whites to ceive proper training. About 20 percent of Zimbabwe’s total seize for themselves the best tracts of farmable land, leaving land area was redistributed, sparking an exodus of white (ex - black peasant farmers to work the remaining swaths and any perienced) farmers, crippling the economy and ushering in tribal reserves. By 1980, when Zimbabwe declared inde - widespread shortages of basic commodities. pendence, approximately 6,000 white commercial farmers several subsequent actions weakened the economy even owned 15.5 million hectares (or 47 percent) of the country’s further, including a costly intervention in the second congo agricultural land; 8,000 black small-scale farmers owned or War (1998-2003), a 2005 “urban renewal” program result - leased 1.4 million hectares; and 700,000 peasant farmers oc - ing in the destruction of the homes and businesses of cupied 16.4 million communal hectares. 700,000 (mostly poor) supporters of the opposition and, in in the first two decades of Mugabe’s rule, Mugabe addressed 2007, the institution of price controls on all basic commodi - this historical inequity gradually, so as not to disrupt essen - ties that led to panic buying and empty store shelves for tial agricultural production completely. Through lawful re - months at a time. The central bank continued to print money distribution, the amount of white-owned land was reduced to pay war veterans and foreign debts, leading to hyperin - by one quarter as blacks bought up farms and the govern - flation, which in turn led to a severe economic crisis that was ment purchased and redistributed approximately 3.6 million only averted by the dollarization of the economy under the hectares of land to 70,000 peasant households. coalition government in 2009. Zimbabwe’s economic insta - By 2000, however, Mugabe’s popularity was waning, as bility continues today. were his government’s financial resources. Legal redistribu - tion had been weakened by corruption and cronyism, and sources: Mugabe found it more and more difficult to keep political BBc news. “Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe strongman.” promises to increase black land ownership. To boost his poll http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/643737.stm

numbers, Mugabe intensified his anti-white rhetoric and BBc news. “Zimbabwe country Profile.” began a campaign of involuntary land seizures. Part of http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm#media this campaign was known as the “fast track”

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |9 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

“Has Zimbabwe’s Runaway inflation Been Tamed?” TIME , March 26, 2009 http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1887809,00.html

Hellum, Anne and Bill Derman. “Land Reform and Human Rights in contemporary Zimbabwe: Balancing individual and social Justice Through an integrated Human Rights Framework.” World Development 32, no. 10 (2004).

Human Rights Watch. “Fast Track Land Reform in Zimbabwe.” http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2002/03/08/fast-track-land-reform- zimbabwe institute of Development studies. “Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Ten Years on: new study Dispels the Myths.” http://www.ids.ac.uk/go/news/zimbabwe-s-land-reform-ten-years-on- new-study-dispels-the-myths

Kinloch, Graham c. “changing Racial Attitudes in Zimbabwe: colonial/Post-colonial Dynamics.” Journal of Black Studies 34, no. 2 (2003).

Klein, Andy. “Mugabe and the White African: Movie Review.” The Christian Science Monitor, August 11, 2010. http://www.csmonitor.com/The-culture/Movies/2010/0811/Mugabe- and-the-White-African-movie-review salopek, Paul. “Mugabe’s Rise and Fall Are Template for Difficult era in Africa’s History.” The Seattle Times, April 3, 2008. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004324059_ mugabe03.html shaw, William H. “‘They stole our Land’: Debating the expropriation of White Farms in Zimbabwe.” The Journal of Modern African Studies 41, no. 1 (2003). smiley, Xan. “Zimbabwe, southern Africa, and the Rise of Mugabe.” Foreign Affairs Magazine , summer 1980.

Mount cArMeL fArM Mike campbell was born on a farm in Klerksdorp, south Africa, into a family that had farmed in Africa since 1713. in Mike campbell in the mango crops the early 1970s, Mike served as a captain in the south African Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited army and fought in the Rhodesian Bush War. in 1974, campbell moved to Mount carmel farm in the chegutu district of Zimbabwe. He bought the 3,000-acre plot and began stocking it with game and planting it with ing much-needed export earnings for the country. More than corn and mangoes. eventually, he opened a safari lodge that 500 people lived on the farm, including workers and their became a popular tourist destination. until three years ago, spouses and children. After a 24-year loan on the farm had the farm boasted 45 giraffes, 300 impala, 150 wildebeest and been repaid, the farm was legally transferred into the family’s 50 eland, as well as waterbuck, warthogs, zebras and game company name upon receipt of a “certificate of no interest” birds. By the end of the 1990s, Mount carmel farm was from the Mugabe government, which had the first purchase the largest mango producer in Zimbabwe, generat - option on any sale.

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |10 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

Farm Worker on campbell farm Mount carmel farm: Land reform and court battle Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited The difficulties for campbell and the 500 people living on Mount carmel farm began in november 1997, when the property was listed for acquisition as part of the govern - babwean courts, campbell took his case to the sADc tribu - ment’s land reform program. The acquisition was part of Mu - nal in october 2007, and in March of the following year an gabe’s inequitable land redistribution, under which land is additional 77 white commercial farmers joined the case as often allocated to senior political associates, the elite and interveners. wealthy friends of Mugabe and his government. The man planning to move onto campbell’s farm is one of the coun - Just two days after the July 2008 Zimbabwean presidential try’s former most visible political leaders, nathan shamu - run-off election, Mike campbell, his wife and his son-in-law yarira, previously the spokesman for Mugabe’s ruling Ben Freeth were abducted by militia and taken to a remote ZAnu-PF party. camp, where they were tortured for nine hours. campbell sustained severe head injuries, broken ribs and damage to in 2000, armed gangs of supposedly landless former inde - his lower limbs caused by “falanga” (a method of torture that pendence fighters — urged on by Mugabe, who had “can - involves beating the soles of the feet). His wife, Angela, was celled” all title deeds and declared that all land belonged to forced to sign an agreement that the family would not con - the government — began invading white-owned farms. After tinue its court battle. All three were dumped on the road - the farm invasions began, campbell, his family, their workers side; once discovered there, they were rushed to the and other farmers in the district became the target of unre - hospital. lenting state-sponsored violence and intimidation. The sa - fari lodge was burned down, wildlife slaughtered and campbell’s injuries prevented him from attending the sADc cattle rustled. After getting no recourse in the Zim - tribunal’s final hearing. However, Freeth, despite being

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |11 PoV Background InformatIon

wheelchair-bound and having sustained a frac- tured skull, was able to represent the Campbell case. During this hear- ing, the international court of the SADC ruled that the land re- form program was dis- criminatory and was not being conducted according to the rule of law. Therefore, it granted Campbell and the other dispossessed white farmers the re- turn of their property. However, the Harare government refused to honor that ruling, and Campbell and his family continued to be victim- ized. A year later, a government-sponsored militia burned the Campbell and Freeth homesteads to the ground. Farm worker on the Campbell farm in front Campbell, continuing to seek justice, launched another legal of buildings destroyed by fire action in early 2011. This case sought to compel SADC heads Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited of state, including President Mugabe, to restore the functions of the tribunal, which had been suspended following the rul- ing in favor of the white farmers. Unfortunately, Campbell never recovered from the injuries he sustained from the bru- tal beating, and he died on April 6, 2011 at the age of 79. Campbell is survived by his wife, Angela, their son, Bruce, two daughters, Cathy and Laura, and six grandchildren.

Sources:

Herbstein, Denis. “Mike Campbell Obituary.” The Guardian, April 24, 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/24/mike-campbell-obituary

“Mike Campbell.” The Telegraph, April 8, 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/ 8439131/Mike-Campbell.html

Mugabe and the White African. http://www.mugabeandthewhiteafrican.com/

DISCUSSION GUIDe Mugabe and the White African |12 PoV Background InformatIon

Inside the SADC court, Namibia, during the Campbell hearing SoutHErn afrIcan dEVELoPmEnt Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited communItY trIBunaL

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) The SADC tribunal, which sits in Namibia, is one of eight in- tribunal, the region’s highest court, was established as an stitutions under the umbrella of the SADC. The tribunal has institution of the SADC in 1992, although it only became jurisdiction over disputes between SADC states and disputes operational in August 2005. between persons and member states. A person may only

The SADC’s original objective was the political liberation of bring a case before the tribunal if he or she has exhausted all southern Africa, but its mission has grown to one of pro- other legal avenues in his or her state of residence. Since moting sustainable and equitable economic growth and 2007, five suits have been filed in the tribunal — two con- socio-economic development through efficient productive tract claims against SADC, a contract claim against Zanzibar systems, deeper co-operation and integration, good gover- and two cases against the government of Zimbabwe, in- nance and durable peace and security, so that the southern cluding Campbell v. Republic of Zimbabwe. African region emerges as a competitive and effective player In the case of Campbell v. Republic of Zimbabwe, the tribu- in international relations and the world economy. The SADC nal determined that the plaintiff’s farm was illegally seized currently has a membership of 15 states: Angola, Botswana, by the government and the plaintiffs were owed compensa- Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, tion. The tribunal condemned the seizures as “racist” and as Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South theft on a grand scale. In the course of litigation, the Camp- Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia bells were issued orders demanding that the government and Zimbabwe. cease expulsions from the farm. The government of Zim- babwe not only did not comply with the cease and desist

DISCUSSION GUIDe Mugabe and the White African |13 PoV Background InformatIon

Elize Angula, a Namibian lawyer, is part of order, but it also failed to comply with the final decision. Mike Campbell’s legal team Though Zimbabwe is a member of the SADC, it replied that Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited the tribunal has no force and refused to recognize it as a le- gitimate body of legal authority. Sources: Following Zimbabwe’s non-compliance, the SADC effec- tively shut down the tribunal in May 2011, citing a need to re- Amnesty International. “SADC Tribunal Struggles for Legitimacy.” http://blog.amnestyusa.org/justice/sadc-tribunal-struggles-for- view the tribunal’s role and functions. legitimacy/

“Mike Campbell.” The Telegraph, April 8, 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics- obituaries/8439131/Mike-Campbell.html

Southern African Development Community. http://www.sadc.int/

Southern Africa Litigation Centre. “For Mugabe’s Sake: SADC Leaders Sabotage the SADC Tribunal and Undermine the Rule of Law.” http://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/news/item/ Press_Release_For_Mugabe_s_Sake_SADC_Leaders_Sabotage

DISCUSSION GUIDe Mugabe and the White African |14 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

definitions of rAcisM in the united states and other West - ern nations, definitions of racism re - flect a history of slavery and colonization by caucasians of peoples of color. in this context, the term racism has been used to mean:

- Prejudice, i.e., the belief that one race is superior to another (typical in the rhetoric of hate groups, or the every - day use of racial slurs or jokes);

- individual discriminatory acts based on skin color or other racial traits (e.g., a landlord refusing to rent to members of a particular racial group);

- institutional policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race (e.g., Deputy Attorney General Advocate Prince Machaya, redlining to prevent blacks and other Lead council in President Mugabe’s legal team, at sADc court minorities from securing mortgages for properties in certain Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited neighborhoods);

- institutional polices that unintentionally reinforce or create discrimination based on race (e.g., basing school funding on “Africa for Africans” rhetoric, blacks alone are entitled to the property tax assessments, resulting in perennial underfund - protections and benefits of government, while whites are ei - ing of schools in poor neighborhoods where minorities are ther denied citizenship entirely or relegated to second-class overrepresented). status based on their race alone. some people define prejudice as separate from racism, re - in discussions of the film, some people may see Mugabe’s serving the latter term for those who actually have the actions as a continuing response to the damages of colonial power to act on or institutionalize injustice based on their racism, and under those circumstances they may reserve the beliefs. term “racist” for actions taken by whites. others will see Mu - gabe’s race-based policies as being no different from white in recent years, justifications for racial inequity based on sci - discrimination against blacks and will think the term “racist” entifically identifiable characteristics used to distinguish one accurately describes Mugabe’s policies. race from another have largely been discredited by DnA and other evidence. The absence of a scientific basis bolsters the source: arguments of those who see race as a social construct de - PBs. “Race: The Power of an Illusion.” signed to benefit some groups of people at the expense of www.pbs.org/race/ others. in Western countries, this social construct has resulted in white privilege, a condition in which all whites — even those who actively oppose racial discrimination — benefit from the existence of racism. in Zimbabwe, because Mugabe’s government ostensibly rep - resents and is run by the country’s black majority, his dis - criminatory race-based policy to combat historical race-based injustices has turned common Western constructions of racism upside down. in Mugabe’s

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |15 PoV bAckGround inforMAtion

Selected People Featured in Mugabe and the White African

Mike and Angela campbell owners of the Mount carmel farm

ben and Laura freeth

Mike and Angela campbell’s son-in-law and daughter

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Selected People Featured in Mugabe and the White African

Zach and claire freeth

Ben Freeth’s parents

elize Angula and Jeremy Gauntlett

Attorneys for campbell and Freeth

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |17 PoV GenerAL discussion Questions

Immediately after the film, you may want to give people a few quiet moments to reflect on what they have seen. If the mood seems tense, you can pose a general question and give people some time to themselves to jot down or think about their answers before opening the discussion.

Unless you think participants are so uncomfortable that they can’t engage until they have had a break, don’t en - courage people to leave the room between the film and the discussion. If you save your break for an appropriate moment during the discussion, you won’t lose the feeling of the film as you begin your dialogue.

One way to get a discussion going is to pose a general question, such as:

• if you could ask anyone in the film a single question, who would you ask and what would you ask him or her? • What did you learn from this film? What insights did it provide? • if a friend asked you what this film was about, what would you say? What are the key themes? • describe a moment or scene in the film that you found particularly disturbing or moving. What was it about that scene that was especially compelling for you?

Mike campbell (r.) and Ben Freeth (l.) with some of the workers on their farm in chegutu, Zimbabwe Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |18 PoV discussion ProMPts

Laura Freeth and child, on their farm in Zimbabwe nationalism, Land and the Legacy of Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited european colonialism • Ben Freeth says, “This case is a direct challenge to Robert Mugabe and his government. But it’s also a challenge farm after Zimbabwean independence (and didn’t simply in - to the rest of the world. We want the world to wake up to herit it from european colonizers)? the injustices of what is happening inside Zimbabwe. We • Why might Mugabe be so focused on redistributing want people to face the problem, to face the real issues at land ownership? What is the relationship between owning stake.” in your view, what are the “real issues” and why are land and power? they a challenge not only to Zimbabwe, but “also a challenge • campbell is, by all accounts, a model employer. He and to the rest of the world”? Freeth think of their workers as a community and are con - • Mugabe frames his anti-white policy as a reaction to cerned that if they lose the farm, their workers will lose their the damaging aspects of the legacy of British imperialism: livelihood. nevertheless, they own the land and have more “Africa for Africans, Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. The land is power than their employees. so what is the distinction, if ours. it’s not european. it’s our land.” He argues that removal any, between being an excellent employer concerned with of whites achieves “justice for his people; sovereignty for his the well-being of one’s workers and being paternalistic (i.e., people.” in what ways does taking away land from whites taking the prerogative of determining what is best for some - begin to redress historical injustices and in what ways does one else)? How is the employer/employee relationship af - a racially determined policy simply continue to embed insti - fected by the historical context in which it occurs (which, in tutional racism in government policy? in the campbell’s this case, is a legacy of white europeans discriminating case, why might it matter that they purchased their against black Africans)?

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |19 PoV discussion ProMPts

Laura Freeth with the women who work for her • campbell says, “if we win the case, the whole land re - by embroidering as part of her linen business form program in Zimbabwe becomes illegal. Then every Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited farmer that’s been kicked off his land has got the right to come back to his farm!” in your view, is this a desirable out - come? Why or why not? should those whose land rights race and identity stem from British rule get their farms back, or only those • Attorney elize Angula uses the label “racist” to describe who, like campbell, acquired their land after independence? Mugabe’s policy prohibiting whites from owning farms, ex - • What do you make of the encounter between Peter plaining, “if we were to lose this case, Africa will have a pres - chamada and Ben Freeth? (chamada is the man who shows ident that says, ‘You can discriminate on the basis of color, up to claim the farm, saying the government has given it to of race.’” Does her view match your own understanding of him.) chamada says, “The land belongs to the black peas - the term “racist”? in your view, does it provide support for ants. it is ours! The government took it from you people to completely “color blind” policies? if not, under what circum - redistribute it to the black poor majority… This country will stances would it not be racist to treat people of different never be a colony again.” How does Freeth counter this ar - races differently? gument? How would you? • Angula says, “Mike is a true African completely. And what i like about Mike is that Mike doesn’t try to be a black

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |20 PoV discussion ProMPts

sADc court papers stating Mike campbell V Robert Mugabe, African. He is a white African. He will talk about things that President of Zimbabwe happened in his experience as a white African.” Why is Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited African identity an issue for the campbells and Freeths? What do you think Angula means when she commends campbell for not trying to “be a black African”? What do you favor, they still wonder if they will be safe on their farm. in learn from the film about the construction of racial, ethnic your view, under what circumstances do international courts and national identity? have appropriate jurisdiction? What is the source of their au - thority? What processes should be used to enforce their de - • Freeth approaches his situation with a universalist view cisions? of humanity, explaining that Mugabe’s desire to drive white people out of Zimbabwe is “wrong because we are all chil - • explain how the court case exemplifies the saying “Jus - dren of God.” Who benefits from this view of humanity? tice delayed is justice denied.” if justice for white farmers is Who might be harmed by it? How might a Mugabe sup - impossible under Mugabe, should other nations respond? if porter react to this view? How might it help or hinder so, how? Which factors determine whether or not other prospects for reconciliation? countries should intervene? • Jeffrey Jowell says, “Democracy is not only about what the majority of the people think; it’s also about protecting seeking Justice fundamental human rights, making sure that you can’t do • campbell and Freeth seek justice in an international certain things to individuals.” Where do you see examples of court in namibia on the grounds that Zimbabwe is a sig - this interpretation of democracy and where do you see ex - natory to the southern African Development commu - amples of democracies falling short of this ideal? nity treaty. Yet after receiving a judgment in their

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |21 PoV discussion ProMPts

fighting injustice • Freeth says, “i think we have been put here for a purpose. And we must carry out that purpose for which we were put here.” What values are they fighting for? if they suc - ceed, how will those values strengthen or weaken Zimbabwe?

• campbell says, “i wouldn’t like my grandchildren to, one day in the future, say, ‘You know, my grandfather had a farm in Africa. But a few guys came along and said ‘boo’ to him and he packed his bags and ran away and left the farm.’ i’d rather they had the impression that we fought for the farm, whether we keep it or lose it. At least we’ve tried our best.” How would you describe the legacy that campbell is leaving his grandchil - Mike campbell in the sADc court, namibia dren? Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited

• claire Freeth asks, “Do you just walk away? Do you just do nothing, or do you stand for what’s right and what you believe is right for other people?” Zach Freeth adds, “if good Moving toward reconciliation men do nothing, then evil will prevail and you have to fight • Mugabe says to whites, “our present state of mind is the evil.” Have you stood up and fought for things? What? in that you are now our enemies.” Who benefits most from de - what situation would you be willing to do so? claring whites to be “enemies”? can you think of ways that • Angela campbell explains how her family’s faith sus - the Zimbabwean government could address race-based his - tains them, saying, “There’s no manmade thing we can trust. torical wrongs without making whites into “enemies”? The law, the order, the police — everything has been torn • Ben Freeth and attorney Jeremy Gauntlett see Mu - away, ripped away from us. And so we’ve actually been left gabe’s land reform policy as a power grab that provides pa - in a wonderful position, really, of just trusting God for every - tronage opportunities for Mugabe’s relatives and supporters. thing.” How do these people draw strength from their reli - Assuming that this is true, how does it complicate the task gion? of those who believe in the need for land reform policy that • Would you describe the campbells and the Freeths as more equitably distributes land ownership to blacks? How heroes? Why or why not? might people seeking justice and equity separate out the corrupt aspects of Mugabe’s government from legitimate ef - forts to redress historical inequities? in your view, would it have made a difference in campbell’s case if the Mugabe government had turned over the farm to campbell’s em - ployees rather than delivering it to someone else as a pa - tronage reward? Why or why not?

Additional media literacy questions are available at: • What might white farm owners like the campbells do www.pbs.org/pov/educators/media-literacy.php to help redress historical inequities without acquiescing to the notion that whites should not own land?

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |22 PoV tAkinG Action

• Follow up a screening of the film with a panel discus - AfrIcA AcTIOn sion or teach-in on the historical legacy of european colo - http://www.africaaction.org nialism in Africa. Africa Action is the oldest human rights organization fo - • convene a study circle to look at reconciliation strate - cused exclusively on Africa. in partnership with activists and gies that nations such as south Africa have used to heal from civil society organizations throughout the united states and longstanding social inequities or human rights abuses. iden - Africa, Africa Action is working to change u.s. foreign policy tify race, gender or ethnic inequalities that have existed or and the policies of international institutions in order to sup - do exist in your community. consider applying what you port African struggles for peace and development. have learned about reconciliation to your community. AMnEsTy InTErnATIOnAL • examine how south Africa and other African nations http://www.amnesty.org have addressed land redistribution issues in pursuit of racial equity. use what you learn to inform the creation of a set of The Take Action section of the Amnesty international web - recommendations for Zimbabwe. site allows visitors to sign up for Amnesty international’s Zimbabwe blog to receive emails when new postings, in - • investigate historical land ownership policies in your cluding news and actions, are available. community. Look at who was prevented from owning land in particular places; the consequences of exclusionary owner - InTErnATIOnAL crIsIs GrOUP ship policies on subsequent generations; and possible reme - http://www.crisisgroup.org dies for the resulting inequities. The international crisis Group is an independent, nonprofit, • Find out the current u.s. foreign policy approach to - nongovernmental organization committed to preventing ward Mugabe and Zimbabwe. Let your elected representa - and resolving deadly conflict. tives know what you think the policy should be, particularly in relation to whether or not Mugabe should be removed by AfrIcAn cOMMIssIOn On HUMAn AnD force, arrested and/or tried for human rights abuses. PEOPLEs’ rIGHTs • Join local community groups and national organiza - http://www.achpr.org/english/_info/news_en.html tions that are advocating to end ongoing human rights vio - established by the African charter on Human and Peoples’ lations in Zimbabwe. Rights, which came into force on october 21, 1986, the African commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is charged with ensuring the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights throughout the African continent.

IDAsA http://www.idasa.org/donate/take_action The Take Action page of the idasa website provides ways to get involved in building democratic societies in Africa, in - cluding promoting the African charter on Democracy; sign - ing up for the Right to Know campaign; getting involved in a reflect circle; joining a study tour; and subscribing to the idasa newsletter.

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |23 PoV ResouRces

FILM-RELATED WEB SITES What’s Your POV? Original Online Content on Share your thoughts about POV Interactive (www.pbs.org/pov) Mugabe and the White African by posting a comment on the POV Blog The POV Mugabe and the White African website www.pbs.org/pov/blog or send an email to [email protected]. www.pbs.org/pov/mugabe includes a photo gallery of images taken during the filming of the movie; a timeline of Zimbabwe’s history Zimbabwe and the progression of land redistribution under Mugabe’s rule; bios of the key players in the film; a film ALL AFRICA update; and a map of the Campbells’ Mount Carmel farm http://allafrica.com/zimbabwe and the surrounding region. As with all POV film websites, This news organization specializes in covering Africa and is viewers can also access a video interview with the a good place to find recent news about Zimbabwe. filmmakers and participate in a live chat the day after the premiere broadcast. Educators may record the film and BBC NEWS. “ZIMBABWE COuNTRY PROFILE” show Mugabe and the White African in their classrooms http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/ for one year following the broadcast. Additionally, video country_profiles/1064589.stm clips from the film are available for streaming along with A good starting place for general information about Zim- the free lesson plan. All viewers can download and print babwe, including historical overviews and links to current out the free discussion guide for background information, news stories. discussion questions and tips for screening Mugabe and the White African at community events. FREETh, BEN. Mugabe and the White african London: Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2011.

Ben Freeth has published a book of the same name, chroni- cling his family's fight to keep hold of their farm after it was claimed by Mugabe's government.

u.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE “BACkgROuND NOTE: ZIMBABWE” www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5479.htm This overview includes general information about Zimbabwe as well as summaries of U.S.-Zimbabwean relations and Zim- babwe foreign policy.

ZIMBABWE www.gta.gov.zw The official web portal of Zimbabwe provides information on the country from the government’s perspective.

DISCUSSION GUIDe Mugabe and the White African |24 PoV resources

Member of President Mugabe’s legal team human rights and international Law at sADc Tribunal, namibia Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited HUMAn rIGHTs WATcH “WOrLD rEPOrT 2011: ZIMBABWE” Land reform www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2011/zimbabwe This links to the organization’s current report on the status HUMAn AnD cOnsTITUTIOnAL rIGHTs of human rights in Zimbabwe. For information about previ - “ZIMBABWE GOVErnMEnT AnD fArMErs ous years, search “Zimbabwe” on the organization’s home - LOckED In LAnD rEfOrM DIsPUTE” page. http://www.hrcr.org/hottopics/zimbabwe.html Though somewhat dated, this web page includes conven - sOUTHErn AfrIcAn DEVELOPMEnT cOMMUnITy ient links to documents central to land reform in Zimbabwe. http://www.sadc.int The website of this coalition includes information on mem - POV. “PrOMIsED LAnD” ber states, land reform policies, the tribunal and the official www.pbs.org/pov/promisedland decision in the campbell case. especially useful on this site for a previous PoV film on this topic are the links and background information on how south Africa and other regions of the world have handled land reform issues.

DISCUSSION GUIDE Mugabe and the White African |25 hoW to buy the fiLM PoV

To order Mugabe and the White African for home use, go to www.mugabeandthewhiteafrican.com

Produced by American Documentary, inc. Major funding for PoV is provided by PBs, The John D. and and beginning its 24th season on PBs in 2011, catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, national endowment for the award-winning PoV series is the longest- the Arts, The educational Foundation of America, new York running showcase on American television to feature the work of state council on the Arts, new York city Department of cultural today’s best independent documentary filmmakers. Airing June Affairs, FAcT and public television viewers. special support pro - through september with primetime specials during the year, vided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and sciences. PoV has brought more than 300 acclaimed documentaries to Funding for PoV’s Diverse Voices Project is provided by the millions nationwide and has a Webby Award-winning online se - corporation for Public Broadcasting. Project Voicescape is a ries, POV's Borders . since 1988, PoV has pioneered the art of partnership of Adobe Youth Voices, PBs and PoV. PoV is pre - presentation and outreach using independent nonfiction media sented by a consortium of public television stations, including to build new communities in conversation about today’s most WGBH Boston and THiRTeen in association with WneT.oRG. pressing social issues. Visit www.pbs.org/pov. American Documentary, Inc. www.amdoc.org POV Digital www.pbs.org/pov American Documentary, inc. (AmDoc) is a multimedia company PoV's award-winning website extends the life of our films online dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary with interactive features, interviews, updates, video and educa - stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in tional content, as well as listings for television broadcasts, com - mainstream media outlets. AmDoc develops collaborative munity screenings and films available online. The POV Blog is a strategic-engagement activities around socially relevant content gathering place for documentary fans and filmmakers to discuss on television, online and in community settings. These activities their favorite films and get the latest news. are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation. POV community Engagement and Education www.pbs.org/pov/outreach Join our community network! PoV films can be seen at more than 450 events across the coun - www.amdoc.org/outreach/events try every year. Together with schools, organizations and local Learn about new lesson plans, facilitation guides and our other PBs stations, PoV facilitates free community screenings and free educational resources and find out about screenings near produces free resources to accompany our films, including dis - you. Joining our network is also the first step towards hosting cussion guides and curriculum-based lesson plans. With our your own PoV screening. community partners, we inspire dialogue around the most im - portant social issues of our time. You can also follow us on Twitter @PoVengage for the latest news from PoV community engagement & education.

Front cover: Mike campbell (center right) and Ben Freeth (center back) with some of the workers on their farm in chegutu, Zimbabwe Photo courtesy of Arturi Films Limited

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