Leadership - the future of Zimbabwe!

Looking at the current Economic and political woes in the country, everyone is expecting the fall of Comrade R. G. Mugabe, the current President of Zimbabwe.
 
President Mugabe had ruled Zimbabwe for the past 36 years. His democratic principles had been characterised by many as a little bit flawed from the exact meaning of democracy. However since 1990s many vibrant opposition political parties rose, though failed to unseat the veteran leader. Why? Looking at the history of our African culture, a leader has to be trusted by the people and be someone with a strong character. A leader who instils confidence and 'followership' by having a clear vision, showing empathy and being a strong coach. A leader should never bought or use the concept of 'wearing the mask.' As a leader, the only way to engender trust and buy-in respect and honour is to be 100 percent authentically you—open, sometimes flawed, but always passionate about the work of saving the nation. Leadership qualities include one with an unwavering character. One who cannot be moved by anything that mesmerise the eyes. One proverb says that; 'All things that glitters is not gold'. I am like a prophet of our times who see a vision in the midst of darkness. Let us remove an eclipsed mind that has darkened our thoughts. Let us look at each and every candidate who is envying the post of Presidency and see if there are fit for the Presidency. We can hate R.G. Mugabe but telling the truth; 'Who is qualified or fit for the post'.  This is the question that forced me to write this article.

There is nothing wrong on having Morgan Tsvangirai, as the President of Zimbabwe.  However, Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Party had been criticised for being too close to the USA and Britain. According to ZANU PF's arguments, MDC is a tool of US and British imperialism. There is nothing wrong with Capitalism. The MDC conveniently forgot that through their close association with the West, the people of Zimbabwe will not accept Morgan Tsvangirai as the President due to the fear of the 1890 fast track land reform, when the white colonialists took the land from the people, ruthlessly suppressing any resistance. The domination of the MDC by capitalist elements, including the commercial farmers which are the country's largest employers, completely cut its vibrancy off from the landless peasants. MDC and Tsvangirai failed to explain exactly what would happen after he attain the post especially on the land issue. Remember what is happening in Botswana, laws and rights had been switched to suit that of the Capitalist world hence undermining African culture. Botswana is now a darling of the West. The fear of the unknown had struck the people of Zimbabwe to the extent that no one trust the MDC as the saviour in our times. Ladies and gentlemen let us not ignore the fact that we have been under colonial masters before we got independence. So every policy within the MDC needs to be explained clearly rubbing off the idea of being under servitude again. Thus the Tsvangirai team failed to unseat this idea in the minds of the people especially rural dwellers.

Morgan Tsvangirai and his team were once incorporated into the Government of National Unity (GNU). This was a noble idea in the eyes of many, but however it was during this union that Tsvangirai was exposed to be an incompetent leader. During the GNU, Tsvangirai was given every comfort that could be enjoyed by great political leaders in Zimbabwe. That is when his vibrancy dissipate. Some scholars says that, Tsvangirai was assimilated, devoured and drained off all power, only was he left with nothing but only a voice that is still vocal when criticising the ruling party. How can you fight against someone who gives you food and shelter? Do you think ZANU PF and its government are fools who can just leave you in that apartment if you are someone who could threaten their leadership? They could have stripped him nak3d and leave him being fed by an eagle if the Almighty permits. It is from the GNU after effects that led the Tendai Biti faction to break from the main opposition party. If we could ask Tendai Biti what actually happens or why he moved away from the main opposition they could trace everything back to the GNU.  It is the weakness of Tsvangirai that can be spoken of most than his strength. One can say; "When your insight is right, you look like a genius. And when your insight is wrong, you look like an idiot." Also, Morgan Tsvangirai, despite the fact that he is preaching democracy, his party had been associated with unnecessary constitutional amendments as well as violation of the party's laws in trying to safeguard his post as the President of the party. Recently Mudzuri and Chamisa were sworn in for vice Presidents by Tsvangirai whilst violating the constitution of the party. Where is the democracy that you are talking about? A leader should lead by example. The truth is that Zimbabweans do not want Tsvangirai but they just need a change. From party's weakness to personal weakness. Here in Zimbabwean we say; 'chidembo hachivhiyirwe pane vanhu'. No one is certain about the future of Zimbabwe after Tsvangirai took over. Food for thought fellow comrades.

Now talking about the former vice president Joice Mujuru of the People First Party. Mujuru was one of the trusted people to the President. Even before independence Joice Mujuru played a crucial role in the Liberation struggle. However, the relationship got sour during these days and she was expelled from the party and from the government together with some great men and women. Despite the fact that she was born and bred in ZANU PF, she formed a political party to counter or challenge her former boss ('her Father') in the forth-coming Presidential Elections. I now believe that politics is a dirty game. Yesterday you were darlings and today you are now pointing guns at each other. Let me go straight to the point. Joice Mujuru can be the leader of Zimbabwe but however, there are a lot of strings attached to her life that need cleansing before she can become the President of Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans are yet to know Mujuru, it's too early to take Mujuru as the leader of Zimbabwe. What is the difference between Joice Mujuru and those still in ZANU PF? The only difference is that Mujuru was expelled but there are operating in the same river. It's true that imitation is one of the greatest forms of flattery, but not when it comes to leadership—and every great leader in my life, from Mike Tomlin to Olympic ski coach Scott Rawles, led from a place of authenticity (Jeremy Bloom, Fuelled by Failure). From my own opinion a lot need to be considered before voting-in MDC or People First. There is a proverb that says, 'the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know'. As for me am not moved by any enticing words that politicians says concerning the future of our country but actually am moved by character and action. Basing on these two opposition leaders who had vibrant political parties, the future of Zimbabwe is uncertain.

Patrick Imbayarwo writes this article in his own capacity as a student, Contact Details: 0776212330, Email: patrickimbayarwo@gmail.com