Opinion / Columnist
Miss Zimbabwe pageant is not militarized
29 Apr 2015 at 16:33hrs | Views
It is an oversimplification for a rather complex issue by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) to argue that the Miss Zimbabwe pageant has been militarized. The MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu, has shown that he is narrow minded, myopic and lacks in the national vision.
The MDC-T has condemned the involvement of soldiers and Zanu-PF officials in the Miss World Zimbabwe pageant, saying the event was apolitical. There were no guns at the pageant; moreover soldiers are citizens of the country so we do not see any problem with their participation at the pageant.
It is a known fact that the Miss Zimbabwe pageant is primarily a beauty contest for young, beautiful, patriotic and intelligent ladies. It is naïve and a misinterpretation of reality to say that the event was used as some form of political and\or military forum where politicians exploit the pageant to score some cheap political points.
The involvement of the military in the pageant has in fact given it the much needed and expected glamour and glitz that is ordinarily associated with such contests the world over. The involvement of soldiers in the coronation process is just an appreciation of the contest. It did not start with Zimbabwe as many countries do the same; so it is high time that the opposition MDC-T ardent supporters should humble themselves not to sit on their laurels and start participating in national events.
It should be known to the nation that the organizers of the pageant are well known individuals and corporate companies including the government. The mere fact that the event was organised by Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga, wife of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga does not mean that the pageant has been militarized. The organizer is a civilian and she has the passion for beauty contests. The lady is merely exercising her democratic right.
It now becomes a fascinating paradox when a party in the name of MDC-T which purports to be fighting for democracy is now championing for discrimination and seclusion of some people in society. It seems the revolution is now devouring its children. The noise being made by the MDC-T supporters through their spokesperson, Gutu shows now that the party has run out of ideas. Please may you concentrate on how we should implement our economic blue print Zim- Asset so that we end the economic problems bedeviling the country.
This is a democratic country so please may Madam Chiwenga continue doing the work which you are doing, do not be discouraged by these political malcontents and failures. To MDC-T supporters you are very free to organize and attend such events.
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Stewart Murewa can be contacted at stewartmurewa@gmail.com
The MDC-T has condemned the involvement of soldiers and Zanu-PF officials in the Miss World Zimbabwe pageant, saying the event was apolitical. There were no guns at the pageant; moreover soldiers are citizens of the country so we do not see any problem with their participation at the pageant.
It is a known fact that the Miss Zimbabwe pageant is primarily a beauty contest for young, beautiful, patriotic and intelligent ladies. It is naïve and a misinterpretation of reality to say that the event was used as some form of political and\or military forum where politicians exploit the pageant to score some cheap political points.
It should be known to the nation that the organizers of the pageant are well known individuals and corporate companies including the government. The mere fact that the event was organised by Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga, wife of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga does not mean that the pageant has been militarized. The organizer is a civilian and she has the passion for beauty contests. The lady is merely exercising her democratic right.
It now becomes a fascinating paradox when a party in the name of MDC-T which purports to be fighting for democracy is now championing for discrimination and seclusion of some people in society. It seems the revolution is now devouring its children. The noise being made by the MDC-T supporters through their spokesperson, Gutu shows now that the party has run out of ideas. Please may you concentrate on how we should implement our economic blue print Zim- Asset so that we end the economic problems bedeviling the country.
This is a democratic country so please may Madam Chiwenga continue doing the work which you are doing, do not be discouraged by these political malcontents and failures. To MDC-T supporters you are very free to organize and attend such events.
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Stewart Murewa can be contacted at stewartmurewa@gmail.com
Source - Stewart Murewa
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