THE current wave of politically-motivated violence perpetrated by Zanu-PF in the run-up to August 2023 harmonised elections is deeply worrying and requires decisive action.

Zanu PF leaders, supporters and some government institutions like the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are experts at doublespeak.

They and their leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa preach about peace during the day and do the opposite when night falls. Opposition activists are being beaten up and their rallies banned by the police. If Mnangagwa is not secretly inciting violence against political opponents, then he is either an outright weak leader or supporters are irreparably undisciplined and gravely wayward to the point that he cannot convince them to do the right thing.

Since he usurped power from the late former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017, the uninspiring Mnangagwa has made several calls for peace which some have credited for the marked decline in political violence in the country. As the Freedom Alliance we are not convinced. He and his party are yet to walk the talk.

His supporters have been on the rampage. One such delinquent is the Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry deputy minister Barbra Rwodzi who was recently recorded threatening a police assistant inspector investigating a case of electoral violence. She attempted to cow the law enforcement officer, in stark violation of the calls for a peaceful electoral campaign.

This is a dangerous trend, especially considering that Mnangagwa is not only the leader of Zanu PF, but is also the head of State and government. It could be one of the reasons the country will have a disputed election that will prolong the country’s woes.

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Together with the Zanu PF youth leader Tinoda Machakaire, Mnangagwa has vocalised the need for peace, albeit in futility and obvious insincerity. Conspicuously, his lame attempts are being publicly amputated by his own party members and supporters who have evidently neither listened nor obeyed, if he ever intended that they should.

 The reasons could include the fact that Zanu PF members are so used to the hypocrisy of their leaders to the point that they can hardly believe his calls for peace. The record is the same as before, so they know. A close analysis of the history of Zanu PF and its leaders shows that it is an organisation that largely hunts with the hounds while running with the hares. During the Lancaster House negotiations, the leadership of Zanu would talk about unity with PF Zapu in formal meetings, but underhandedly implement sinister resolutions in contrast to the originally agreed positions by  the Patriotic Front, co-led by Joshua Nkomo and Mugabe.

They would later use violence against PF Zapu supporters in the run-up to the 1980 election.  In the same vein, immediately after independence, the then Zanu PF leader, Mugabe, would talk peace in public while secretly committing a genocide in Matabeleland. To this day, Mnangagwa has not acknowledged the genocide and the roles they played in it.

Therefore, it is imperative for Mnangagwa to rise above party politics and be a morally upright statesman. The recent signing of the Patriot Act is not even helpful. He just has to do the right thing, genuinely instruct his party supporters to stop engaging in violence.

If Zanu PF members and the police continue to refuse to obey Mnangagwa’s calls for peace, regardless of how feeble they may be, then he should gracefully resign because he would have failed to lead them.

If he fails to control his party members and ZRP, how then can he positively influence the whole country which does not even buy into his leadership, which is a huge failure? One would hope that Mnangagwa is not pretending to be against political violence in public, yet clandestinely propelling it in his party hierarchy and government.

Ultimately, we in the Freedom Alliance fully identify with the victims of violence, wherever they are in Zimbabwe or the world. The Freedom Charter calls for a peaceful and non-violent government of the people by the people.

By voting violence out of power on August 23, 2023, the people of Zimbabwe would have done a great service to themselves. Zanu PF and violence are one. To get rid of violence, we should remove Zanu PF from office.-Nhlanhla Moses Ncube Freedom Alliance spokesperson

Factors accelerating cryptocurrency adoption in Africa

CRYPTOCURRENCIES offer an alternative financial system for the large percentage of unbanked and underbanked populations in Africa.

Many African countries have experienced high levels of inflation and currency volatility, eroding the value of local currencies.

The cryptocurrency industry presents new job opportunities, ranging from blockchain developers and cryptocurrency analysts to customer support roles in cryptocurrency exchanges.

Cryptocurrency, a digital form of currency, has gained significant attention and popularity worldwide. Its decentralised nature and potential for financial inclusion have made it an attractive option for individuals and businesses across various industries. In recent years, Africa has emerged as a region experiencing a notable rise in cryptocurrency adoption. This article explores the key factors driving this growth and examines the potential impact on African economies of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

Africa has seen a surge in cryptocurrency adoption, with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana leading the way. Individuals and businesses are embracing cryptocurrencies as a means of conducting transactions, storing value and exploring investment opportunities.

Challenges and barriers to adoption

Despite the growing interest, there are several challenges and barriers that hinder widespread cryptocurrency adoption in Africa. These include lack of proper infrastructure, regulatory concerns, limited access to traditional banking services, and security risks associated with digital assets. Overcoming these challenges is crucial in sustaining the momentum of cryptocurrency growth in the region.

Key factors driving cryptocurrency adoption in Africa

  • Cryptocurrencies offer an alternative financial system for a large percentage of unbanked and underbanked populations in Africa.
  • Africa receives a significant amount of remittances from the diaspora. Cryptocurrencies present a faster and more affordable solution for cross-border transactions, allowing families to receive funds quickly and securely.
  • Lack of access to credit is a major impediment to economic growth in Africa. Cryptocurrencies, through decentralised lending platforms, can enable individuals and small businesses to access loans and credit without the need for traditional collateral or intermediaries.
  • Cryptocurrencies provide a more stable store of value, protecting individuals’ wealth from the impact of inflation and economic instability.-Further Africa

 
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