A salute to Mutsvangwa and his storm troopers

Developments in the President Robert Mugabe led ZANU PF Party, in which the war of liberation fighters, have for the first time in post independent Zimbabwe, called on President Mugabe to relinquish power, is not only refreshing but is also a welcome development that should be embraced by all peace loving Zimbabweans. Indeed, there is no doubt what so ever, that President Mugabe has outlived his welcome as head of state of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the sooner he departs the better not only for himself but for the nation as well.

During the 36 years that ZANU PF party has been in power under his stewardship, the war veterans have been his special sword, reserved for crucial battles particularly against formidable opponents. They have not disappointed. The former fighters have executed assigned tasks with utmost precision, total commitment and unquestioned loyalty to both Mugabe and ZANU PF. But today, in the very ZANU PF party which they created and has been the cradle upon which their political careers are underpinned, they are looked upon with scorn, disdain and trepidation by upstarts in the former liberation movement. As a consequence, this has exposed the much cherished liberation legacy, to the vagaries and caprices of strangers and infiltrators, whose idle minds have taken the once mighty ZANU PF party together with its leader, hostage.

Since the expulsion from ZANU PF party, of Christopher Mutsvangwa the war veterans Chairperson and his key lieutenants namely; Douglas Mahiya, Victor Matemadanda and others, several clandestine and devious efforts have been made through the evil hand of political turncoats, to supplant the elected war veterans' leadership with a surrogate and stooge outfit that would unflinchingly sing 'vaMugabe chetechete' even when it is evident that the national task at hand is now beyond his capacity to manage as head of state. Of course the machinations have failed and instead, the war veterans have stood with their leader, Chris Mutsvangwa and his executive, much to the chagrin of Mugabe and those who are urging him to stay on.

I salute Chris Mutsvangwa and his storm troopers for standing firm even under immense adversity. I also wish to congratulate them for boldly speaking out against the continued stay in power of President Mugabe particularly at this juncture when it is clear that he (Mugabe) is the only remaining impediment to all efforts that will move this nation forward.

Mugabe's continued clinging on to power is no longer a concern for ZANU PF only, but a national matter which must be looked at with national eyes. Consequently, the solution to deal with this national crisis must be sought from a collective standpoint. Surely, is it not a shame that a nonagenarian, who hardly can walk should continue to represent this nation both at regional and international fora when the country has so many capable and competent leaders? No; this man must leave the stage now. He is now a disgrace to the nation.

I must acknowledge misgivings expressed by some, who have angrily dismissed the newly found voice of the war veterans against Mugabe as empty rants by a disgruntled lot, bitter over its ejection from the ZANU PF grave train. They further point out that the same war veterans were responsible for various human rights abuses in the country against innocent Zimbabweans, at the behest of Mugabe and ZANU PF. While this might be true, I humbly take it that the realisation by war veterans through public acknowledgements and pronouncements, that they are a national institution which is supposed to serve national not sectional or partisan interests is a sincere and commendable gesture, for which they deserve a pet on the back.

Yes, war veterans might have taken too long to realise that they were not serving national but ZANU PF interests. This, nonetheless, should not stop the generality of Zimbabweans from embracing them particularly where they exhibit unparalleled level of maturity in upholding and enhancing national value systems.

If any significant meaning is to be derived from the adage that says; better late than never, then it must be in the above analogy. Furthermore, Paul, one of the most respected apostles of the Biblical times, who was a known persecutor of the believers, saw light on his way to Damascus to torment the believers and this particular incident changed his entire life so much that from then on, he became a true and reliable messenger of God. We should not despair. Let us give the war veterans a chance.