Michael Chalk Author and Publisher

05/11/2024

Barry and I last saw each other 50 years ago. Great to catch up again.

30/10/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/6ail9xl

Explanation about how the name of the book, A Moment of Madness, came into being.

21/10/2024

A Moment of Madness by Michael Chalk

There has been a delay in the expected publication date of my latest book, A Moment of Madness

01/10/2024

08/09/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/7cxQ8eN

This post looks at China's ambitions in southern Africa.

04/09/2024

Introducing 'A Moment of Madness' https://wix.to/z1hRbjm

25/08/2024

Great dinner with some old PE school friends last night. From left to right - Socs Cappas, Barbs Chalk, Chris Cappas, Will Rooke, Dave Jackett, Libby Jackett, Mike Chalk, We went to a French Restaurant in Balmain called L’Auberge du Bout du Mond – the Inn at the end of the World. Very nice. Like good wine, age is perfecting us all!!

11/08/2024

Here is a copy of the latest blog to be posted on my website. If you would like to find our more about myself and my books please go to my website – click below.
https://www.authormichaelchalk.com/

Is an African Spring on the Horizon?
President Mnangagwa’s legacy.

Greetings, fellow Zims, Rhodies, and Shamwaris,

I recently came across an insightful article by Tafi Mhaka, a columnist with Al Jazeera.

In the article, Mhaka highlights a significant shift occurring across Africa, noting,
"Young Africans from Kenya to Nigeria and from Uganda to Zimbabwe are taking a stand against corruption and inequality, demanding greater accountability from their leaders and advocating for inclusive, responsive, and transparent governance. They seek the advancement and protection of human rights and civil liberties, along with equitable access to decent employment, housing, and financial stability."

Mhaka’s article reflects the growing clamour across large parts of the continent for genuine democracy and improved governance. He observes that the current climate in sub-Saharan Africa is reminiscent of the Arab Spring over a decade ago, when calls for democratic reforms and better governance spread from Tunisia across the Middle East, sparking significant protests and a regional democratic awakening.

While Mhaka’s article might seem alarmist and sensational, it details numerous instances of poor governance and dire living conditions in many sub-Saharan countries. Zimbabwe is notably mentioned, including the recent arrest of opposition leader Jameson Timba and 78 other activists for holding an unauthorised political gathering. Mhaka also criticises President Emerson Mnangagwa's recent authoritarian warning against any form of "mischief" as Harare prepares to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government summit on August 17th.

As President Mnangagwa prepares to assume the SADC chairmanship for the next year, it is understandable that he would want to showcase Zimbabwe’s progress under his leadership since 2017. However, his efforts to obscure the deep-seated issues within the country by constructing a few highways and staging a superficial attempt to address the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s are unlikely to deceive discerning Zimbabweans or delegates to the SADC summit.

That said, building highways and attempting to bring meaningful closure to the victims of the 5th Brigade killings in Matabeleland are worthwhile objectives. However, if President Mnangagwa believes these conveniently timed initiatives will positively recast his political legacy, he is sorely mistaken.

If the President genuinely aspires to leave a meaningful legacy, he must address three critical areas: eradicating corruption and nepotism, upholding the rule of law at all levels, and allowing democratic principles to operate freely in Zimbabwe, without intimidation, arbitrary arrest, or detention.

Yet, such changes are unlikely. Implementing them would threaten the current power structures, expose many in the ruling class to criminal investigation and potential imprisonment, and disrupt the lucrative and unmerited positions held by many of the ruling elite.

28/07/2024

ZIMBABWE'S DIASPORA

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/QeHg9PH

Greetings fellow Zims, Rhodies & ShamwarisI have recently finished reading John Padbury’s fascinating book titled The Battle for Hurungwe. Toward the end of the book, I was captivated by the following quote attributed to a lady called Barbara Abrahams:-“When people can no longer call a land thei...

20/07/2024

Will ZANU-PF's rule continue until donkeys grow horns?

Greetings fellow Zims/Rhodies/Shamwaris.
If you want to know what the ZNA thinks about this question, you may wish to check out my latest blog - see below.
https://www.authormichaelchalk.com/post/zanu-pf-will-rule-until-donkeys-grow-horns

PS - the sequel to The Unravelling should be available within a couple of months. It is called A Moment of Madness. If you would like to be automatically advised when it is released, please subscribe to my blog - click below.
https://www.authormichaelchalk.com/blog

Cheers

Mike Chalk

15/07/2024

It doesn't take long for those with a creative bent to get stuck in!!

30/06/2024

Rainbow over our house this afternoon

27/05/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/rNF6xQv

During the colonial years of Rhodesia, the population was neatly packaged into clearly defined primary groups: whites, blacks, and coloureds. Various secondary groupings also existed, typically based on tribal affiliation, country of birth, or religion.For no particular reason—apologies to Forrest...

01/05/2024

Tracy Chapman & Luke Combs singing Fast Cars 26 years later. And still so good. And she is so cool. Imagine having a mother or grandma like her.

(OFFICIAL FULL PERFORMANCE) Watch LUKE COMBS & TRACY CHAPMAN perform "FAST CAR" live at the 2024 GRAMMYs. Get a full-access pass to the 2024 GRAMMY Awards he...

27/04/2024

Free for 48 hours

Don’t Miss Out - eBook format of The Unravelling available free of charge for 48 hours!!

16/04/2024

Remembering 44 years on!!

This is a promo video for The Unravelling.