Leave First Lady alone

Political life has become so difficult for almost every former ZANU-PF official who was expelled from the revolutionary party for various reasons, which among others, include fanning factionalism and gross indiscipline.

Former ZANU-PF Mashonaland Central youth chairman, Godfrey Tsenengamu is among other former ZANU-PF officials who were dismissed from the ruling party last year for indiscipline. Tsenengamu lately made screaming headlines in the private media attacking the First Lady, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe over the sentiments that she made whilst she was addressing ruling party supporters in Buhera last week.  

As it stands, Tsenengamu is a futile politician who has tasted sour grapes since his expulsion from the revolutionary party. Quoted in a local private press, Tsenengamu claims that the First Lady should not talk about the issue of succession in her speeches. However, as the mother of the nation, Dr Mugabe has the right to air her views. More so, it is her constitutional right to speak freely.

"What I want to tell you is touch not the successor," Tsenengamu was quoted in the private press.
 
It is really disheartening to hear such a statement from someone who is not even in the ranks of ZANU-PF. Who then is Tsenengamu to pose such a threat to the First Lady? It is indeed an insult to the First Family as a whole.  It really boggles the mind to see people who are no longer part of the ruling party trying to pose empty threats on party leaders. It is known that ZANU-PF has its party officials who are responsible for the goings on in that party. If Tsenengamu has a bone to pick with ZANU-PF and its officials, he should go to its party offices and do the proper procedures rather than waffling and demeaning higher authority in the press.

President Mugabe made it clear on the succession issue. During his interview with ZBC, the Head of State rightly noted that the people from the revolutionary party must see and be convinced that such a person can be a good successor. In that vein, Tsenengamu should just shut his mouth and leave the ruling party to handle its party programmes.

Truth be told, the address by First Lady to ZANU-PF supporters in Buhera did not attack any specific official by name on the issue of succession. In her speech, First Lady's emphasis focused mainly on the issue of unity.  Dr Mugabe just warned power-hungry bigwigs against stirring up divisions in the party. As the nation approaches to elections, it is wiser for any political party members to be united. As the saying goes, ‘united we stand and divided we fall.' It is quite convincing that the First Lady delivered essential message which hammered mostly on unity among party members.

To add on, Tsenengamu threatened that if Dr Mugabe continued with her meet the people rallies, ZANU-PF will be history. Contrary to his words, the revolutionary party which was formed well before other opposition parties, will never become history. Most opposition parties that were formed after ZANU-PF are nowhere to be found in the political field but the ruling party remains intact.  In fact, it is him, Tsenengamu who is soon to history in the political arena and not the revolutionary party.

However, Tsenengamu and his cronies should be reminded that the political roots of the ruling party are so deep that no one can uproot it. If Tsenengamu is trying hard to find a way back to ZANU-PF, this must be done without tarnishing other people's reputation.

Moreso, it's a shame that Tsenengamu, who is seeking political mileage, was inciting war veterans to revolt against the President. The freedom fighters must resist being roped in, in Tsenengamu's nefarious plots. One would wonder how on earth the freedom fighters will go against their leader.

Insulting the First Family is a big chargeable offence. The decision by Zimbabwe Republic Police to arrest Tsenengamu is noble and should act as a big lesson to all those people who have intentions of embarrassing the leaders, let alone the First Family.    

Dr Mugabe must be cherished for supporting needy families nationwide. At her rallies, the First Lady donates food stuffs including cooking oil, rice and maize. Most families are in need of food, hence the donations by First Lady are welcome. It's true when they say one does not need a reason to help people. First Lady should be encouraged to continue meeting with the people and showing her unwavering support towards deprived families.