VICE-PRESIDENT Joice Mujuru’s dismissal together with other ministers yesterday has been condemned and welcomed in equal measure by analysts.
NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER
Some analysts said Zimbabwe “has started a path towards a monarchy through whatever means” with disastrous consequences for the country, while others argued that Mujuru’s ouster was long over-due because the 59-year politician was allegedly sabotaging government development programmes.
Mujuru was shown the door after weeks of disregarding calls to step down by First Lady Grace Mugabe for allegedly plotting to unseat President Robert Mugabe.
South Africa-based Zimbabwean media scholar and political analyst Trust Matsilele said Mujuru’s ouster spells doom for Zimbabwe, although a chance alliance between her and the opposition could bring an end to Mugabe’s three-decades-old rule.
“Zimbabwe has started a path towards a monarchy and the only way this minor clique in Zanu PF will retain power will be through violence, coercion of State actors and apparatus and stealing of elections,” he said.
“The ultimate firing of Mujuru once again confirms a country being governed not by the President, but by his wife.
“The most interesting out of all this is that now Zanu PF is being run by an unpopular cabal, unpopular both within the broader Zanu PF and Zimbabwe at large.” University lecturer Qhubani Moyo, however, argued otherwise, saying Mugabe’s actions were commendable because a President needs lieutenants that he can trust and work with for the country’s benefit.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The President and his lieutenants, especially the Vice-President, should have a high degree of trust amongst themselves if they are to deliver effectively to the people of Zimbabwe,” he said. “Once there is a breakdown of that trust, there is no reason for them to continue co-existing.”
Moyo described Mugabe’s mass purge of his ministers as “good”.
“What President Mugabe did to fire Mujuru and other ministers is very good for this country as it means that we can have people in place that are willing to implement government and party programmes under the leadership of Mugabe.”
