The Dawn of Zimbabwe's Independence

In a cynical way, 2011 resembles the eve of Zimbabwe's political independence, 1979. Three harsh African dictators fell in 1979: Idi Amin Dada,  Macas Nguema Negue Ndong and Emperor Bokasa I.

Idi Amin, the infamous Ugandan President of eight years was deposed in April 1979 by an invasion force from neighbouring Tanzania consisting of Ugandan exiles and regular Tanzanian troops. The guy has gone down into the dust bins of history as the cruelest ruler to ever come of Africa. In this category, of cruel rulers from Africa, competition is quite stiff, believe me. It estimated that close to 300 000 Ugandans fell through executions, torture and other actions of his regime. After being deposed in 1979 where did he go? He was reported to be living in Libya.

In August 1979, Equatorial Guinea's President, Macias Nguema was deposed by troops loyal to his nephew. He was arrested in a jungle hideout after his opponents accused his government of being responsible for the deaths of up to 50 000 equatorial Guineans. At that time Equatorial Guinea had a population of about 340 000. He was found guilty and executed.

The Emperor Bokasa I of the Central African Empire was overthrown in a bloodless coup. The guy had killed school children who refused to buy uniforms from a store belonging to his wife.

After these dictators had been uprooted, and Ian Smith had played out his puppet show with Muzorewas, Zimbabwe gained its political independence. Today, over 30 years later, winds of change are again sweeping over Africa. Dictators have fallen in Egypt, Tunisia and in Ivory Coast. Dictators are fast becoming an endangered species in the mother continent. Which dictator will be uprooted next?

How did Africa fall into this trap of dictators? So much hope had been aroused by the rise of nationalism and fight for democracy throughout Africa after the Second World War. Disappointingly, the first class of African politicians turned out to be worse devils than the White man. Most turned the office of the President into chiefdom or monarchy and repressed any dissenting voices and brought a reign of terror in their respective countries. Assassinations and coups became the order of the day and the only way up the political ladder. It was into this dirty scenario that the young nation of Zimbabwe was born.

The African Union has been a great disappointment. It has failed to put interests of Africans first, but has only protected dictators. Africa's democracies and economies have failed to grow and develop because too much power has been vested in a single individual and power corrupts. Some of the African leaders have ruled for over 40 years!

What can be done to put Africa back on track and salvage the motherland's dignity?  Devolution of Power and proportional representation is the slogan that ZAPU has been chanting ever since its divorce from the ruling party. Devolution of Power will ensure that economic development is equally spread throughout the country while proportional representation will mean every voice is heard in parliament. Both political and economic power will be equally distributed amongst the various political and social groupings in the country. Under proportional representation, the government is formed by the majority coalition in parliament. A National Executive Authority made up of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, and Provincial Governors will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the State. Gone will be the days when a person runs the country like his private company with the leanest of majority margins as has been the case under 'First past the post' system.

When ZAPU comes to power in the next election a lot of people driven reforms will be implemented. People in Africa need to start enjoying their independence and self government. The time of thecocracy (government by the thieves, for the thieves) is over.

Mpumelelo Ndlovu can be contacted on hlosukwakha@gmail.com