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Mnangagwa in King Lobengula jibe

by Staff reporter
03 Jun 2024 at 03:32hrs | Views
President Emmerson Mnangagwa stirred controversy this week when he made a joke about the revered Ndebele King, Lobengula, suggesting he was ignorant.

Speaking at Makumimavi Primary School in Chivhu while commissioning 17 schools, Mnangagwa recounted a historical event where King Lobengula allegedly killed a man who showed him his reflection in a mirror, indicating ignorance of innovation.
Mnangagwa encouraged young people to embrace new technologies, contrasting them with the actions of "old men" like King Lobengula. The statement caused discontent among the crowd, leading to interruptions in his speech.

This incident echoes previous controversies, such as when national broadcasters suspended presenters for denigrating King Lobengula. Mnangagwa's tendency to make dry jokes and publicly critique subordinates has become notable, as seen in his recent interaction with Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuku, where he embarrassed him by offering him money for a new suit during a public event.

Source - newsday