THOSE talking about ageism and maturity in politics must revisit the late former President Robert Mugabe’s 1961 interview, where he was talking about inequality and education. He was already in leadership.
Maturity in politics is not about age, but having wisdom to articulate issues and provide leadership. This ageism must be done away with and be substituted with inclusiveness and possession of skills regardless of one’s age. A president does not need to understand the intricacies of the economy, that is why he is empowered to assign relevant ministers to different portfolios according to their academic qualifications and skills.
Zanu PF was walloped by MDC several times, just like how MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa floored President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2018 election.
Politics is not about how many years one has been into the game. It is about how one articulates their vision and ideas towards driving the people’s aspirations with a sound political team chosen on merit.
I was surprised to hear former Daily News editor-in-chief Geoffrey Nyarota undermining Chamisa during an In Conversation With Trevor interview last week — telling those who care to listen that Chamisa is not mature in politics and yet Mugabe was just 31 when he started participating in mainstream politics.
Zimbabwe is being led by tired people. All those men and women in their 70s with grey hair have brought the nation to its knees.
The Zanu PF leadership in its 70s and 80s has brought more poverty to the people than development.
Therefore, the nation needs a new crop of leaders because the so-called mature politicians in Zanu PF have ruined the country.
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The people want a development-oriented government that is not like Zanu PF, a party which spends millions of dollars in an effort to soil Chamisa’s image.
Since Mnangagwa took over power through a November 2017 military coup, we have been lied to that the country is headed towards economic boom.
Right now, many African countries have held elections despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but those who claim to be mature in politics are avoiding by-elections citing a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Political leaders who claim to be mature in politics are not supposed to waste time fighting the opposition through the State media.
Nearly 70% of the population is living below the poverty datum line under these so-called mature politicians. -Leonard Koni
