Z I M B A W E

V I E W P O I N T

Welcome to new Overseas member, Rolf Varga of Zimbabwe. Rolf sends us his greeting and having learned about the situation the club is going through at the moment gives his views on what he and other photographers have experienced, which may just prove 'our' situation isn't quite as bad as we think! After all, as the old saying goes -- "You never know what you have until you've lost it".

"Personally, I find it very sad if interest is flagging because I have been down that road before. I would hate to be there again, especially with something as valuable as this club. Please allow me to give you some details of what we go through in this country not to sound "hard-done by", but perhaps to give encouragement to other members.

Many years ago we had a club called the F8, which held regular meetings in which we would show our work, discuss techniques, and just generally enjoy photography. However, with the onset of the Rhodesian war, and the imposing of economic sanctions, we lost ground either through fatalities or none-availability of photographic materials, which became considered "luxuries" in favour of other war machine necessities. F8 ceased to be.

With the end of the war and the advent of black government an attempt was made to ressurect a similar club this time under the name "Focus". Sanctions had now been lifted and goods began to import once more. BUT, the Zimbabwe dollar sank in value against foreign exchange, almost on a weekly basis, and continues to do so. Photographic materials became so expensive that many members could not contribute regularly, and soon enough the rot set in. Focus ceased to be.

Where do we stand as of this moment? The British Pound sterling is worth Z$65. To give you an idea of what this means, the minimum wage for an unskilled worker is Z$650, per month (YES, ten quid!). A man earning this will be supporting a wife and children more likely than not. True, the cost of living is lower than the UK, nevertheless it makes having a photographic hobby tricky. Those of us with good jobs (photography) are of course much better off, but with a roll of tranny film costing +-Z$200 even the well-off will blanch.

Add to this the possibility of frequent power cuts and water rationing during the unfortunate droughts we seem to have, plus the iniquitous dealings of those who import short-dated, or out-dated materials to sell at huge profit. Our petrol is amongst the dearest in the world, thus making travel around a glorious country full of photographic possibilities, less than affordable.

Boy, do I love this country! Please do not think otherwise, though I may sound grumbling. But can you see what a wonderful thing you all have in the CRC? Please do not let that slip away through lack of support. I believe you have everything going for you. What's in a name? A CRC by any other name will sound as sweet to me.

Well, enough griping. I shall leave this letter and enjoy some sunshine (25deg.C) and a sizzling steak at about one pound stirling (Z$65). No CD4 or SLR or TTL, or whatever that mad-cow thing is called! I guess Einstein was right after all, it's all relative isn't it?