Mugabe's critiques hate him for his success- MP Maziwisa

Zanu PF MP Psychology Maziwisa has claimed that President Robert Mugabe's critiques hate him because of his success.

"President Robert Mugabe's critics hate him for his success. For selfish and political reasons, the West has over the years put up an elaborate media blitz to tarnish his reputation and to cast him as an irresponsible and indifferent leader. Of course the opposite is true," he said. "Take away the bad publicity, the demonisation, the unfair criticism and suddenly, President Mugabe becomes a far more interesting, significant and distinctive figure."

He said the truth is that several politicians allow themselves to be defined by the landscape in which they operate.

"Only in theory are they independent figures. Unlike them, President Mugabe has been his own person, forged his own course and actually been consistent," Maziwisa said.

"From land reform to indigenisation and economic empowerment to creating an enabling economic environment, it's hard to think of any other leader who has achieved nearly as much economic freedom for his own people under circumstances nearly as difficult as ours."

He said of course President Mugabe is not perfect.

"But it would be foolish to think that he wants to be remembered as a saint. President Mugabe wants to be remembered as a human being - and that makes him more relevant, not less," Maziwisa said.