The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube
RASTAFARIANS continue to confront the discrimination they encounter from different sectors of the community due to their beliefs and physical outlook, the Diasporan Representative to the continent, Trevor Hall has said.
This sentiment came from the Rastafari International Gathering (RIG) which was held in Malawi to mark the 50th anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I’s visit to the country on its independence in 1965.
Zimbabwe was represented by 10 members who joined about 500 pilgrims from countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Jamaica and Ethiopia.
“The delegates bemoaned resistance from certain quarters in levelling the playing field for “natty” (dreadlocked) children in schools and colleges and adults in workplaces and other stations of the community.
“The biggest victory for the global Rastafarian community has been to gain constitutional acceptance in their different countries of abode.
“But challenges of discrimination still occur in many places while being widespread in others,” recounted Hall, also known as Ras Jabulani.
Hall said the occasion had helped Rastafarians to align themselves with new global dynamics that included intra-group trade and international commerce.
“For the first time, this year’s gathering featured a trade fair and academic forums. We noted that among our members we have various skilled people which will enhance our social networking.
“We now have two traditional chiefs in Malawi, legislators in a few African countries, a judge in the United Kingdom (UK) and a medical doctor from the Caribbean for instance.
“The gathering in Malawi accorded us the opportunity to renew contacts and chart an economic direction for the well-being of our community,’’ added Hall.
“Activities during the week-long gathering were centered on Emperor Selassie’s visit to Malawi, which was the first to the country by a foreign head of state, and memories came from speakers who interacted with him on that tour.
“We had a developmental symposium at Zomba’s Chancellor College Faculty of Social Sciences (Theology Division), we had part of the programme there which was closed by a musical gala featuring Malawian and international artists in Blantyre,” the Jamaican said.
Ethiopia will host next year’s event which will be the third Rastafari International Gathering to be held in Africa since 1983.
