The story of Gamuchirai Nhengu speaks for millions of Zimbabweans who have been scattered all over the world as a result of a regime that refuses to change. Her story not only epitomises the predicament of these displaced millions, but rather strangely, even gives hope to the most hopeless scenarios.

As Gamu auditioned for Britain’s premier talent contest X-Factor, only one thing came to my mind. So there is hope after all. Five or so years ago Gamu was fighting for survival in a country where the rule of law has long lost its course. In fact, there is no rule law. I can imagine she would wake up not knowing where her next meal would come from. Yet her resilience carried her through. And when she finally made the great escape to the United Kingdom, a new chapter was opened. The history books were about to be re-written. She must be a very lucky girl. Her destiny is clearly marked, thanks to a combination of coincidence and fate. If she believes in God then it is faith- the kind that moves mountains!

Her story makes a good script. It makes the media people buzz with excitement. The sub-editors have an easy job with a host of headlines to choose from. It’s a typical rags to riches story. That is why all the newspapers continue to highlight that Gamu fled from Robert Mugabe’s regime. That’s the selling point. Even the bookies have made her firm favourite ‘because people will love her story’.

The world must know today that there is hundreds of thousands of young people like Gamu whose stories may never be told. There is probably an eighteen-year old somewhere in the remote parts of Tsholotsho, in South Western Zimbabwe who is on the brink of starvation. There is probably another somewhere in Mt Darwin who constantly suffers physical abuse. There is probably a hundred more who have been turned into sexual slaves because they need money to take care of younger siblings. Zimbabwe is ravaged by HIV and Aids. The results are there for all to see.

So it is important look it Gamu and not only see a sweet, charming eighteen year old on the verge of stardom or ‘the girl with the flower in her hair’. People should be able to see beyond her. She has a bigger story to tell. The story that identifies with millions of Zimbabweans in the UK, in America, in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where an estimated four million have sort refuge.

The political scene in Zimbabwe has remained turbulent, even under a new coalition government. No solution is in sight.