nHENRY OLONGA

Former Zimbabwean test cricketer.

He made his international debut in 1995, becoming the youngest player to represent Zimbabwe. He helped Zimbabwe to its first ever Test victory in that game. A right arm fast bowler, Olonga was the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe.

Olonga achieved international recognition (along with team mate Andy Flower) in 2003 by wearing a black armband in a Cricket World Cup match to protest against the policies of Zimbabwe's government, led by Robert Mugabe. This act led to a warrant issued in Zimbabwe for Olonga's arrest on charges of treason (which carries the death penalty in Zimbabwe) and forced him to retire from international cricket and temporarily go into hiding.

He has a superb voice and ‘… is an emerging tenor who has long participated in arts festivals … With a foundation that lies in being afforded leading roles in productions such as the Gondoliers, Annie Get Your Gun, and Joseph and his Technicolor Dream-coat, Olonga has recently completed recording a full contemporary pop album with one of the UK’s top producers, Robbie Bronnimann.’ (From http://cdbaby.com/cd/henryolonga).

He is now pursuing a career as a singer and artist

FAITH IN GOD

Henry represents those who realise that there is more to life than the MCC coaching manual - there is the Bible.  ‘I became a Christian when I was 16,' he says. ‘I couldn't have made my protest unless I was sure that it was something God was asking me to do. Now a lot of people blame their actions on "God told me to do it". At the time it was a step of faith. I knew there would be consequences. I didn't know what would happen to me. I just knew I should take action.

As I look back I have no doubt God called me to do what I did. God has always provided for me. I've never been disappointed with him.' (From The War Cry – The Salvation Army Newspaper).

NATIONAL TREASURE WEBSITE

Suddenly it struck me as I watched him on the news last night that Henry Olonga lives here, and thus is definitely a man whom I see as a National Treasure. I hope the situation in Zimbabwe changes soon, and I will have great delight removing him from the site as he returns home. Until then, it is an honour to have him here.