I would like to share my admiration for the current leader of the combined MDC, Nelson Chamisa. I particularly like to congratulate him for having wisely handled a potentially divisive case—arising from Mwondzora and Mudzuri—for whatever the cause. Nelson Chamisa could be the leader of my liking. I look forward to seeing how he handles Khuphe’s situation, after the recent verdict from the courts—before I could give him my hundred percent mark.
Sadly, there are some people within the MDC, who appear to be close to Chamisa, yet, actually, showing to be more dangerous than those from ZANU PF. I am referring to those like the one whose name was not mentioned in the media—who recently took a dig at Adv. Matinenga, for having given his opinion on Mwondzora on matters of constitutionalism—after the death of Tsvangirai.
The problem within the MDC appears to be the adoption of the bad culture of ZANU PF. Interestingly, while so many people think that Mugabe had been good leader in the early years of his rule, and only changed later—some of us knew that the country was headed for disaster, as early as 1979. This was when Mugabe declared that he preferred exclusivity, after the Lancaster House conference. Yet having successfully stood as Patriotic Front at that conference? Obviously, one cannot be far from wrong to assume that most of those people crying “Chamisa chete chete” are former staunch supporters of Mugabe.
Apparently, the majority of those who voted for Mugabe in 1980, were driven by his idea of exclusivity. Which is what, actually, led to the Gukurahundi disturbances. While Mugabe is now history, the best that can be learnt from his story are the consequences emanating from his principle of exclusivism. Everything bad about our country can be traced, solely, to Mr. Mugabe’s style of leadership—which is ensconced in exclusivity.
The politics of exclusivity is popular to most people, even within the MDC. But, the current leader in MDC appears as best disposed to handle it—if given a chance to remain as leader. While it cannot be disputed that Morgen Tsvangirai should be given an iconic consideration, there are so many questionable things done by Tsvangirai—unnecessarily subjecting the Zimbabwean people, even in their current conundrums.
Of course, I understand that Tsvangirai should not be burdened with the sins of ZANU PF. But, as the Zimbabweans looked up to him, for corrective measures, his leadership, at his time, became questionable. I still hold him accountable for having not done anything, concerning the army General who woke up to say stupid things that had nothing to do with the constitution of Zimbabwe, in year 2002.
I, also, find it difficult to forgive Tsvangirai, for failing to do anything, after the people had overwhelmingly voted for him in year 2008. I would have excused him, if he had taken the stance adopted by Nelson Chamisa, and failed in courts—than what he did to ignore the courts—preferring to politically deal with the treacherous Mugabe. The courts should have been considered, first, before tackling Mugabe, politically.
Let alone the stupidity of influencing the entire MDC party populace to side with the junta—supporting the coup—to illegally removing Mugabe from power. Only a foolish opposition politician could assume that the ZANU PF aligned army would be reasonable enough—to remove Mugabe for the opposition MDC to take over.
But the Khuphe saga is another classic example of a miserably bad leadership in the MDC party. Whoever the guy from Gokwe—should, actually, be commended for having sought the courts to correct such foolish behaviors—as necessary to restore sanity within the MDC? This is just as the ordinary people had high hopes in the MDC as an alternative to what currently prevails in the country’s skewed political leadership.
My piece of advice to Nelson Chamisa is to accommodate that Gokwe person, Khuphe, even including Matemadanda—who deserves to be heard—for whatever prompted him to support Monzwora, when in ZANU PF. As mentioned earlier on, Chamisa appears as capable to handle these challenges for a united MDC party leadership. Now that the Ncubes, Biti, and Sikhala are back in the MDC fold.
My other piece of advice is that Nelson Chamisa should not assume that his pastoral position is alright to project as a political campaigning tool. I am aware that many people support him for his religious posture. But, it is wrong to mix the two. Is Chamisa’s natural calling in the Church ministry or in politics?
That distinction needs to be clarified. One cannot have it both ways. He doesn’t lose his Christian faith, even when in politics. But it is wrong to claim being a pastor when in politics. May his advisors please help the young MDC politician to understand that there is nothing to be gained by using pastoral precepts to advance political agendas?
Otherwise, the MDC party has a good future, with Nelson Chamisa at the helm. Madam Khuphe can be easily persuaded to understand this viewpoint. MDC is going through the current debacles, not out of Chamisa’s or Khuphe’s mistakes—but the mistakes of the late Morgen Tsvangirai’s sins. There is need to be highly objective in the MDC leadership.
Nelson Chamisa should, at all cost, avoid those praise singers, declaring “Chamisa chete, chete!!” Those are not good supporters at all and should be avoided at all costs. They are potentially poised to bring the MDC down to the abyss. Had it not been for the age, Mugabe would agree with me totally. His praise singers were his worst political enemies—not the Junta, necessarily.
Let us encourage our High Court judges to remain astute in delivering reasonable verdicts. Most people, within the MDC blame Munangagwa for the outcome of the recent verdict. But I do not blame ZANU PF, or the justice system. If anything, Justice Mushore should be commended for being reasonable in abiding by the MDC constitution.
Let the MDC also be careful of some of the Newspapers—especially those seemingly showing support for the MDC leader. The Newspapers have a right to write as they please, but the MDC should not make decisions on the basis of what comes out of the Newspapers—whose aim is focusing on reporting confusion—to make high sales of their newspapers.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.
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