By Noah Mangwarara.
Harare, Zimbabwe. – (News of The South) – Following the recent political developments in Zimbabwe, one involuntarily enters into deep thinking and speculation on what will become of the beloved country a year down the line. There is every reason to explore both extremes, in as much as one would want to remain highly optimistic of the bright days ahead. The excitement prevailing presently could be short-lived on the one hand and probably the beginning of great things to come especially on the economic, political and freedom fronts on the other. One wouldn’t want to be regarded as a prophet of doom given the aura of the moment; dampening the spirits of people who have suffered for so long is the worst thing than can be done though pushing aside the worst case scenario would likewise be detrimental considering that the very system that perpetuated and fed the brutality of the former chief executive is the same that is likewise propelling whoever shall assume the highest office in the land.
One immediately stops to reflect on the statement by the minister of cyber security on the day of the sacking of Robert Mugabe as the first secretary and party president followed by the recalling of the same from government; having said the goings on are an internal party affair that do not warrant the establishment of an inclusive interim government to stabilize the country. Maybe it’s a statement that was said without much thought or probably it never represented the position of the party. Whatever the case, herein lies the country’s predicament with the excitement that has been generated amongst the opposition politicians having been watered down instantly upon such a pronouncement. The castles that were being built in these politicians’ minds came down crumbling right in their faces. With the nature of our politics being populist in nature and driven mainly by groupthink mindset, the moment such an assertion as the one made by the minister is followed through without in-depth consideration on the repurcations could lead to a worse off predicament to the already suffering masses.
As things stand; following the purges in Zanu (PF) and the general instability caused both in the party and government plus the somehow disjointed opposition, operating in a country without an economy, the only logical strategic move is to form a highly inclusive interim political animal almost in line with the 2009 to 2013 era. At least it has been proven that an arrangement like that brings sanity to the country. Such an administration will restore the lost pride and confidence in the eyes of the generality of Zimbabweans and the international community. With all eyes on Zimbabwe currently, one slipup will carry with it highly negative consequences. At this stage, one is bound to ask whether the sacking of Mugabe and subsequent replacement by his right hand man of half a century would bring any meaningful change which benefits the ordinary Zimbabwean. Change for the sake of change won’t help improve the well-being of the man in the street. With Zimbabweans being aware that the leader can be toppled by the masses when they unite, the likelihood of more protests cannot be ruled out. There are many dissenting voices whose concerns can only be addressed by taking the various stakeholders to the negotiating table.
It is my humble submission that anything short of an inclusive government will not solve the political dilemma presently prevailing. The common enemy in the minds of many has been Robert Mugabe and the cabal that had run amok in looting and destroying the economy. Shortly after the collapse of the Mugabe rule and agenda, then Zimbabweans will wake up to be haunted by unrelenting ghost in the form of the Zanu (PF) system. Weeding out twenty people from the party without quenching the very fangs of Zanu (PF) is only a half done assignment. The dilemma at hand is akin to a hunter who has just survived the jaws of a hungry lion and upon jumping into the river to cross to safety on the other side realizes that crocodiles are waiting in anticipation for a heavenly given meal; the proverbial jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
With elections just a few months away, the events of the last few months have totally drained the system of resources and energy such that thinking of the election is only an exercise in futility; to prove what, no one knows. It is the unity that the Zimbabweans displayed in fighting the tyranny of Robert Mugabe which is demanded in the next many months to follow. Our failure to grow and have foresight of where we are headed can probably lead to loss of lives which we have somehow managed to avert during the transitory process to dispose of the strong man of African politics. The recovery path agenda should be tabled as a matter of urgency without being blinkered by selfish motives as been displayed by the previous leader whose fight to retain the presidency is unprecedented in modern civilization. We were taught that humans become more considerate and generous as they grow older but what we have experienced in the country is a first of its kind – power is more sweeter than we think, l presume.
Zanu (PF) cannot go it alone at this point in time. They might think they are strong and united but the ugly head of factionalism might emerge more fiercely if the internal affairs are not handled with wisdom. With due cognizance of the fact that they went to war and brought independence, they ought to likewise come to terms with the fact that real freedom requires the contribution of every Zimbabwean regardless of colour of skin, political or religious affiliation. After all, more than 70% of the population is comprised of individuals who were born after the bush war; a generation of men and women who require solutions to the present challenges without a continued reference to how someone fought the war of liberation. Everyone must be involved in the rebuilding of the country which hasn’t experienced meaningful development for a number of years now primarily because of the corruption and inattention to real problems bedeviling the economy. It is only reasonable for all and sundry to be involved in the rebuilding of a better and prosperous Zimbabwe.
Noah Mangwarara is a Leadership Expert & Motivational Speaker who has authored a number of inspirational and leadership books.
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