THAT President Robert Mugabe is a charming orator is beyond doubt and there is hardly any logic behind a conflicting argument. His speeches are often characterised by standing ovations and relentless applause throughout.
GUEST COLUMNIST Thom Chimuranga
That, perhaps, is a notable gift we cannot seize from him. But somehow we seem to miss the point.
The standing ovations or relentless applause are hardly an expression of the common man. They are rather an expression of distinguished dignitaries who effortlessly fit in Africa’s most affluent category.
Those affluent men and women with glowing faces polished with modern ointment lack a comprehensive understanding of the real impact of bad governance. Suffice to say, in this contemporary world, charisma is not a satisfactory quality to warrant an individual suitable for the presidency.
Meanwhile, his supposedly moving speeches do not match the reality of things. Far from the glowing depiction he portrays to the international community, Mugabe should take full responsibility for the shocking obliteration of the country.
As a direct consequence of his rule, the country’s population consists of impoverished citizens who have resorted to voting with their feet towards the country’s borders.
Disturbingly, Mugabe, the only Zimbabwean sole ruler since 1980, has presided over the most spectacular economic collapse in modern history. Indeed, to narrate Zimbabwe’s state of affairs is a heart-rending assignment.
- 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
With unemployment soaring to the pinnacle, and life expectancy tumbling to unacceptable levels, Mugabe gives the impression that nothing is wrong.
Even in those circumstances he blatantly fabricates that Zimbabweans cheerfully vote him into power. Obviously, that is the most spectacular deception of all time. Even, in the midst of those circumstances, he is determined to cling to power until his last breath.
At public forums, Mugabe prefers to shift his focus on relatable matters while, in the process, drawing vibrant laughter from affluent men oblivious of the true Zimbabwean story.
For example, during one of the recent United Nations or African Union conferences held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mugabe demonstrated that the state of the country did not bother him.
His persistent exhibition of oblivion towards Zimbabwe’s economy is disturbing. Regrettably, Mugabe lives on the wrong page of history.
His racial discrimination towards whites is a false reflection of the general feeling of contemporary Zimbabweans. Very easily, Mugabe and the First Family could be the only racists in Zimbabwe.
In fact, his recent speech in Addis Ababa only inspired the handful of beneficiaries of his tyranny who are so trapped in the jaws of his dictatorship that they are capable of giggling delightfully when he utters anything.
His focus is never on pertinent matters. For example, a dialogue on his hatred for whites cannot supersede the common obligation to advance a progressive system founded upon economic development, social progression and political inclusiveness.
Secondly, it is highly hypocritical to fight for the equality of black Americans while ignoring the plea of Zimbabweans whose suffering he is solely responsible for. The recent MDC-T march was a good indication that Mugabe has overstayed his welcome.
On the face of it, change is the last remaining hope of the generation. No event can be more exciting than the occasion to replace a selfish government whose domination is orchestrated by one man.
In the same light, Zimbabwe’s independence was a struggle to remove the loathsome British invaders who occupied our land illegally and oppressed the masses.
Sadly, Mugabe applies the same prejudice as Zimbabwe’s previous invaders. In precisely the same fashion, Zanu PF is demonstrating equivalent subjugation under the masquerade of political sovereignty. By systematic comparison, Zanu PF’s destruction has been more devastating than that of the Ian Smith regime.
The previous invaders were brutal colonisers who constructed infrastructure while Mugabe is the purported liberator who destroyed it. Under these circumstances, an enemy who builds is better than a brother who destroys.
In fact, a brother who destroys is the real enemy. Suffice to say, all oppression must be condemned regardless of its appearance.
Surely, it cannot be the will of the people to elect a despot whose controversial political record is defined by 36 years of successive gloom and anguish.
The reality of the matter is that Robert Mugabe was last democratically elected in 1980. His subsequent election victories were never a reflection of the people’s will.
However, other international counterparts declare that the suffering of Zimbabweans is of our own making because our behaviour is not consistent with an afflicted people. By the look of things, that assertion is somewhat incorrect because Zimbabweans are stepping up to the plate.
After all, only Zimbabweans have the judicial mandate to improve the political situation in Zimbabwe. Suffice to say, it is not enough to do nothing about bad governance and rely solely on divine intervention.
Revolutionary parties cannot be removed by all-night prayers.
Thom Chimuranga is a research fellow at an institute of politics and development in Finland. This article was first published at www.khulumaafrica.co.za
