Mugabe at 92; a failed statesman

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Robert Mugabe who turned 92 on Sunday for a long life.  We also take note that although Mugabe should be enjoying the twilight of his life, it is unfortunate that instead, he has left a severe trail of destruction.

It is saddening to note that it is the young generation, which will have to clean up President Mugabe's mess which he has created over the last 36 years as President of Zimbabwe.

At 92, Mugabe cuts as a lone figure in leadership. 100% of all men and women of his age have long retired and are enjoying their remaining years of life in comfort, sharing their lifelong wisdom with grandchildren and thus ensure posterity.

That Mugabe is still clinging to power and is at the centre of Zimbabwe's current challenges in his old age is regrettable and unacceptable.

For an old worn out man of his age to be caught up in the raucous cat fights for power that are in ZANU PF is a pity, it becomes horrific if the old man thinks he can solve the problems he has failed to in 36 long years that he has been in power.

To put into perspective the disaster that has been Robert Mugabe's rule facts need to be considered, in 1980 the GDP per capita was nearly $600 and in 36 years it has shrunk down to $260.

The manufacturing sector, which shows the level of industrialization, contributed 22.1% of the GDP which was the second highest in sub-Saharan African after South Africa but today the sector has shrunk to less than 10% of GDP.

In 1980 industrial capacity utilization stood at 83% but after 36 years of ruinous policies and lack of economic vision it is now less than 34%.

The social indicators are more appalling and reveal a state in crisis. Unemployment stands at 92%, with 98% of youths employed in the informal sector, 49% of Zimbabweans are malnourished and 83% are living on less than US$1 a day while 65% are regarded as living in extreme poverty.

On the political front Mugabe has fared no better. Since 1980, Zimbabwean elections have been haunted by the twin demons of violence and rigging starting from the Gukurahundi cleansing attempt which was designed to create a template for a one party state, through the madness of the 1990s when the state used extreme violence on workers and students to the electoral violence of the 2000s, Mugabe has left a trail of blood.

This is the disaster which Mugabe has left for the country and at 92 years it is certain that he will not live to see the worst side of his ruinous rule.

As the PDP, we argue that the biggest problem facing Africa at the moment is leaders who over stay in power for the sake of power itself and President Mugabe is the chief priest of this evil sect and it has able members in despotic patriarchs such as Pierre Nkurunzinza of Burundi, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Idriss Deby of Chad, Paul Biya of Cameroon and Joseph Kabila of the Congo.

It is therefore, not surprising that these despots and their admirers across the continent shower Mugabe with praises as 'a great leader' less for any practical benefit he has brought to Zimbabwe but more for the enduring precedents he has set on how to cling to power up to the grave.

As the PDP, we reiterate our call for a coalition of democrats to over throw the moribund ZANU PF regime and replace it with the National Transitional Authority (NTA), which will stabilize the country and level the electoral field and deliver a Zimbabwe to the people.