Jonathan Moyo faces backlash

Former Information Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has come under fire from critics who accuse him of hypocrisy and political opportunism following his recent statements on tolerance, governance, and national development under the "Breaking Barriers Initiative" (BBI).

In a scathing open letter circulating on social media, critics accused Moyo of being "the chief exponent of media polarisation" and described his recent moral posturing as "ironic and self-serving." They said his tenure as Information Minister remains "the darkest part of Zimbabwe's media history," citing his alleged role in fostering division and intolerance in public discourse.

"Of all people, you should stay away from lecturing anyone on the need for tolerance in public discourse," the letter read. "You are narcissistic and scornfully toxic in both your public and private engagements."

The statement alleged that Moyo's so-called Breaking Barriers Initiative - which he has promoted as a framework for unity and progress - was itself "toxic, polarising, and cynically immoral." Critics noted that in his BBI submissions, Moyo referred to dissenting voices as "naysayers" and "merchants of confusion" who should be "drowned" and silenced, questioning how such language aligned with his calls for tolerance.

"Does calling those who see things differently 'amoral politicians and peddlers of negativity' make you any better than those you accuse of being negative?" one commentator wrote, pointing to what they called the "contradictions in Moyo's political sermons."

Moyo also drew criticism for his comments on Olympic gold medallist and Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, whom he praised amid news of her potential election to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency. Detractors said Coventry's elevation offered "little to the national sporting fraternity," given government's failure to fund the women's hockey team to the World Cup after qualification.

"The failure to fund the women's hockey team is a serious indictment of Mnangagwa's administration," the critics said, accusing Moyo of ignoring widespread corruption while "overblowing personal achievements" linked to government figures.

The letter also challenged Moyo's claims of economic growth under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, citing persistent food shortages, factory shutdowns, and poor wages. "You can't talk of economic growth when civil servants earn US$230 per month and are cynically promised US$75 bonuses while traditional healers are rewarded with US$200 000 Land Cruisers," the letter said.

Critics further described Moyo's recent proposal to suspend elections for 10 years - as part of his BBI framework - as "a cynical attempt to shield Mnangagwa from electoral defeat." They argued that the suggestion reflected Moyo's acknowledgment of the president's "unelectability" due to worsening economic and social conditions.

"Your proposal to ban elections for 10 years is enough evidence that you reckon Mnangagwa's unelectability because of the rot he has presided over," the statement continued.

Moyo, who has been based in Kenya for several years following his fallout with the ruling Zanu PF, has in recent months attempted to rebrand himself as a reform advocate through online discussions and policy proposals. However, his critics say he remains "a toxic, divisive, and mercenary character," accusing him of aligning with any political faction that offers financial or political advantage.

"You have proven, over years, that you answer positively, even ridiculously, to anything monetary," the letter concluded. "Enjoy your stay in Kenya - we will invite you home after we deal with the corruption and primitive looting presided over by your Tsholotsho co-conspirators."

Moyo has not yet publicly responded to the latest wave of criticism.