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NewsDay

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Mutsvangwa, Sibanda: Case of sour grapes

Opinion & Analysis
Reports that axed War Veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa and his predecessor Jabulani Sibanda are closing ranks against President Robert Mugabe— the man they used to hero-worship, and, at least in Sibanda’s case, literally broke limbs for in the outer parts of the country under the guise of “political re-orientation” — made interesting reading.

Reports that axed War Veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa and his predecessor Jabulani Sibanda are closing ranks against President Robert Mugabe— the man they used to hero-worship, and, at least in Sibanda’s case, literally broke limbs for in the outer parts of the country under the guise of “political re-orientation” — made interesting reading.

NewsDay Comment

CHRISTOPHER MUTSVANGWA Their decision to gang up against Mugabe may have few takers because, if truth be told, this is just motivated by bitterness and not the realisation that Zimbabweans need a free democratic space. It could be clearly a case of sour grapes over lost luxuries and privileges.

Is it not true that Mugabe has remained at the helm of the party because of such individuals’ shenanigans? So why should they seek Zimbabweans’ sympathies over a personal matter, in this case a disagreement in a political party?

Indeed, both Mutsvangwa and Sibanda, in their own way, played a crucial role to ensure that Mugabe is where he is today and in as much as they may have a bone to chew with First Lady Grace, they are part of the builders of the system that swept her to near-idol status in the governing party and in government. Surely, they cannot cry foul today and pretend to be angry over what has become of the Zanu PF party.

It is unfortunate that it took Mugabe’s axe for the former foes to understand that they had been used all these years, and we have no doubt that Mutsvangwa already rues the lack of ministerial privileges that goes with the appointment.

Not so long ago Sibanda embarked on a terror campaign in the rural areas where he intimidated people to praise-sing for Mugabe. Yet, in Mutsvangwa’s case, he was ready to take potshots at virtually everyone — including former Vice-President Joice Mujuru — who was perceived to be working against Mugabe.

We believe what has happened to these two men should serve as a lesson to all that today one may be Mugabe’s blue-eyed boy, grovelling to curry favour with the veteran leader, but tomorrow one may as well be thrown into the political dustbin.

There will definitely be little sympathy for these two men, if any, particularly among those well-versed with their history and past activities, which will obviously continue to haunt them. Zimbabweans may be a forgiving lot, but these two men’s sins could be too “bloodied” to be easily washed away.

Both men challenged Mugabe before their dismissal — but it is better for them to admit they had their time in the sun and there is no need to turn the tide of history. They played their part. They should live with the consequences. History will grant them due reward for whatever they have done —whether good or bad.

Zimbabweans are a peace-loving people and it is hoped that whatever their machinations, their activities will not disturb that going forward. Everyone is free to express themselves in whatever way they feel, but they must find peaceful ways to engage each other in their party without disadvantaging the majority.

What happened to them must be a lesson to all war veterans. Your allegiance must never be to an individual, but to the liberation ethos, ideals and values for which many lost lives during the liberation struggle.

Do politicians think they can choose the times into which they can be reborn? It is time we alerted other Zanu PF politicians that the great day of reckoning is nigh upon them.