By Features Editor – Charlene De-Oliveira
HARARE, ZIMBABWE (News of The South) – In an era where online interactions are meticulously tracked and dissected, the landscape of free expression has become a precarious terrain, particularly for those in the public eye. Tsvangirai, a Zimbabwean journalism school alumnus, recently articulated this pervasive sentiment, lamenting, “Sometimes I miss being a nobody—or simply that unnoticed fly on the wall. There was a time when I could engage freely online. Like what I liked. Comment honestly. Share views without overthinking the ripple effect.”
This longing for a bygone era of digital anonymity resonates deeply with many navigating the complexities of modern online life. As Tsvangirai observes, in today’s hyper-connected world, “every reaction is watched. A like, a laugh, a pause, or even silence—everything can be interpreted, screenshotted, or judged.” The constant pressure to self-censor and meticulously curate one’s online persona has become a daily reality, driven by the understanding that a single misstep can have profound repercussions.
However, for some, the luxury of remaining a “nobody” is neither an option nor always the right choice. For individuals like the Princess of Harare, a descendant of the late great King Mbari, the line between personal conviction and public responsibility is often blurred. While she admits to politely refusing involvement at times, her actions are ultimately “guided by the notion of having to do the right thing.”
“Sometimes I am compelled to comment or say something when it requires me to be a voice for the voiceless,” she explains, “when there is a public outcry on matters that many people are not well versed and the community continues to consult or question why we don’t say anything.”
This profound sense of moral obligation is not an isolated phenomenon. Across communities globally, certain individuals, by virtue of their lineage, position, or simply their inherent willingness to act, emerge as de facto advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. The Princess of Harare, deeply rooted in the city’s history as a “landlord” through her ancestral ties, frequently receives reports and requests for assistance on pressing issues. The expectation, and often the significant challenge, is that she and her clan will act.
A compelling recent illustration of this civic duty unfolded with the crisis of the Helensvale market toilets in Harare. For approximately six months, these essential facilities were non-functional, inflicting significant distress upon stallholders and community members. Upon being approached by numerous concerned individuals, the Princess of Harare, despite being physically located in the UK, felt an undeniable compulsion to intervene.
“This issue was so distressing and I had to contact Harare City Council and challenge them to resolve the toilet issue and fix the toilets,” she recounts. Remarkably, within a week of her direct engagement, conducted remotely via telephone, the toilets were repaired. The swift resolution left many questioning the “power” she wielded. For the Princess, however, it was less about power and more about principle. “From a humanitarian point of view, when you have to speak out, you have to do it,” she asserts.
This conviction underscores a fundamental truth: while the digital age has amplified the risks of public engagement, it has equally magnified the potential impact of those who choose to speak truth to power.
The Dj Ollah Controversy: A Case Study in Unavoidable Engagement
The Princess’s commitment to public discourse was recently put to the test following the highly controversial Dj Ollah interview, which ignited a significant public outcry and deeply traumatized many Zimbabweans. The incident, deeply disrespectful of Zimbabwean culture and tradition and originating within Harare, her ancestral heritage, presented an unavoidable moment for the Princess to engage.
“It was incredibly difficult not to comment,” she explains, detailing the confluence of factors that compelled her involvement. “Many questions and requests came in, seeking clarification on journalism, media ethics, and professionalism. The fact that it happened in Harare, our heritage, and directly disrespected our culture, was a major concern. There were also numerous requests for information on media accountability, and a clear need to educate many Zimbabweans who lacked knowledge about media ethics and who the gatekeepers truly are.”
Furthermore, the Princess embarked on extensive research to establish the latest media laws, which have recently undergone significant amendments in Zimbabwe, and to thoroughly analyze the entire issue from a legal and ethical standpoint. This proactive approach, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to her community and heritage, exemplifies the burden of voice that falls upon individuals in her position.
In a world where “a lack of participation always goes noticed,” the Princess of Harare’s experience, from the Helensvale toilets to the Dj Ollah controversy, highlights that the decision to remain silent or to step into the fray is ultimately a deeply personal one, guided by individual conviction. Whether one is a “nobody” or a “somebody,” the imperative to act when faced with injustice or urgent need remains a potent force, often transcending the anxieties of digital scrutiny to bring about tangible and much-needed change.
Tsvangirai Mukwazhi is a friend and former classmate of HRH Princess Eugene Majuru from Journalism School in Harare.
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