Opinion / Columnist
Reviving the ZANU/ZAPU Unity Accord feeds only one ZAPU stomach: The Vice Presidency
08 Oct 2025 at 13:52hrs |
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ZIPRA war veterans never cease to amaze me. ZANU PF has systematically crushed the spirit of the Ndebele people - eroding the pride that once defined them. The 1987 Unity Accord stopped the carnage, yes, but it also ushered in a one-party state. Joshua Nkomo became Vice President, and a few ZAPU leaders were given ministerial posts. But when those leaders died, their replacements were not ZAPU members. What remains of the Unity Accord is a symbolic Vice Presidency - nothing more.
Today's Bulawayo24 article reveals widening factional cracks ahead of ZANU PF's Manicaland Conference, with calls to revive the Unity Accord and reintroduce a one-party state. Comrade Max Mkandla, a former ZIPRA fighter, proposes a model akin to China or Russia - ZAPU and ZANU cadres jointly steering the country's future.
Coming from a ZIPRA veteran, this proposal betrays democratic principles and reeks of desperation. With VP Kembo Mohadi stepping down, ZIPRA veterans are scrambling to impress Mnangagwa for a VP appointment. It's not about regional development - it's about the stomach.
Max Mkandla could have addressed real issues: ZIPRA properties, the unfinished Matabeleland Water Project, or the lack of development in Matabeleland post-1987. Instead, he polishes Mnangagwa's ego, hoping for a seat at the table.
Who among ZAPU cadres will steer Zimbabwe to prosperity? Why not start by reclaiming ZAPU assets or demanding justice for Gukurahundi? Mnangagwa promised truth and reconciliation seven years ago. Nothing has happened. Advocate Selo Nhari failed. Mkandla won't touch these topics - they threaten his VP ambitions.
Devolution is enshrined in the constitution. Fighting for it is safe and defensible. But ZIPRA has become part of the problem - allowing itself to be disposable. When Geza went viral demanding regime change, ZIPRA commanders were present. What did they gain? Mnangagwa now has files on each of them. He will strike when ready.
War veterans could be improving rural conditions - schools, clinics, roads. Collective effort could attract global support. UNICEF and WHO would assist if there were tangible initiatives. But we've grown comfortable with aid without effort. Africa Aid must be cancelled - it's toxic to development.
Back to the Unity Accord: many Ndebele people resented it. They told Nkomo he had sold them out. After the Fifth Brigade's carnage, ZAPU sought dialogue to save lives. Jetshewa genuinely wanted peace. The killings were unimaginable. The CCTJ documented North Korean-style executions.
Max Mkandla should be educating millennials about this dark history. He should be proposing truth and reconciliation - not reviving a failed accord. By suggesting a one-party state, ZIPRA veterans are saying: let's keep Gukurahundi under the carpet and feed one ZAPU stomach at Mnangagwa's table.
What changed under VP Mohadi's leadership? Apart from sex scandals, nothing. Matabeleland lacks formidable leadership. ZIPRA cadres surface in the media for the wrong reasons. Did Mkandla consult ZAPU President Sibangilizwe Nkomo before proposing a one-party state? What was Nkomo's response?
If ZAPU is a national party, why do people in Mashonaland East respond with "Chii ichocho?" when asked about it? Millennials don't know ZAPU. Its activities are zero on the ground.
Mkandla may genuinely want to fill the leadership vacuum in Matabeleland. But reviving the Unity Accord is disturbing. It never worked. ZAPU was swallowed by ZANU. What remains is a shadow.
Nkomo was accused of capitulating. He rebuked them: "How did I sell you to ZANU? How much money would I have got, licake kangaka?" That's part of his legacy - he struck back when challenged. Leadership then was strong. People spoke truth to power - even to Nkomo.
Matabeleland is permanently injured. The 1979 Grand Plan has come to fruition. If you ask a Ndebele to jump, they ask "how high," not "why." Why revive a failed accord? What collapsed in 1987 cannot be resurrected in 2025.
ZIPRA veterans should be alarmed by the rise of General Chiwenga. What emotional injuries will he bring if he becomes president? Silence is surrender. Mkandla isn't even addressing the danger of Chiwenga's ascendancy.
The people pushing for Chiwenga are mostly Shona - many unaware of Gukurahundi. Ironically, Shonas were victims too - during farm invasions, Operation Murambatsvina, the 2008 elections, and the 2018-2019 shootings. If a nation can forget atrocities this easily, I give up.
Today's Bulawayo24 article reveals widening factional cracks ahead of ZANU PF's Manicaland Conference, with calls to revive the Unity Accord and reintroduce a one-party state. Comrade Max Mkandla, a former ZIPRA fighter, proposes a model akin to China or Russia - ZAPU and ZANU cadres jointly steering the country's future.
Coming from a ZIPRA veteran, this proposal betrays democratic principles and reeks of desperation. With VP Kembo Mohadi stepping down, ZIPRA veterans are scrambling to impress Mnangagwa for a VP appointment. It's not about regional development - it's about the stomach.
Max Mkandla could have addressed real issues: ZIPRA properties, the unfinished Matabeleland Water Project, or the lack of development in Matabeleland post-1987. Instead, he polishes Mnangagwa's ego, hoping for a seat at the table.
Who among ZAPU cadres will steer Zimbabwe to prosperity? Why not start by reclaiming ZAPU assets or demanding justice for Gukurahundi? Mnangagwa promised truth and reconciliation seven years ago. Nothing has happened. Advocate Selo Nhari failed. Mkandla won't touch these topics - they threaten his VP ambitions.
Devolution is enshrined in the constitution. Fighting for it is safe and defensible. But ZIPRA has become part of the problem - allowing itself to be disposable. When Geza went viral demanding regime change, ZIPRA commanders were present. What did they gain? Mnangagwa now has files on each of them. He will strike when ready.
War veterans could be improving rural conditions - schools, clinics, roads. Collective effort could attract global support. UNICEF and WHO would assist if there were tangible initiatives. But we've grown comfortable with aid without effort. Africa Aid must be cancelled - it's toxic to development.
Back to the Unity Accord: many Ndebele people resented it. They told Nkomo he had sold them out. After the Fifth Brigade's carnage, ZAPU sought dialogue to save lives. Jetshewa genuinely wanted peace. The killings were unimaginable. The CCTJ documented North Korean-style executions.
What changed under VP Mohadi's leadership? Apart from sex scandals, nothing. Matabeleland lacks formidable leadership. ZIPRA cadres surface in the media for the wrong reasons. Did Mkandla consult ZAPU President Sibangilizwe Nkomo before proposing a one-party state? What was Nkomo's response?
If ZAPU is a national party, why do people in Mashonaland East respond with "Chii ichocho?" when asked about it? Millennials don't know ZAPU. Its activities are zero on the ground.
Mkandla may genuinely want to fill the leadership vacuum in Matabeleland. But reviving the Unity Accord is disturbing. It never worked. ZAPU was swallowed by ZANU. What remains is a shadow.
Nkomo was accused of capitulating. He rebuked them: "How did I sell you to ZANU? How much money would I have got, licake kangaka?" That's part of his legacy - he struck back when challenged. Leadership then was strong. People spoke truth to power - even to Nkomo.
Matabeleland is permanently injured. The 1979 Grand Plan has come to fruition. If you ask a Ndebele to jump, they ask "how high," not "why." Why revive a failed accord? What collapsed in 1987 cannot be resurrected in 2025.
ZIPRA veterans should be alarmed by the rise of General Chiwenga. What emotional injuries will he bring if he becomes president? Silence is surrender. Mkandla isn't even addressing the danger of Chiwenga's ascendancy.
The people pushing for Chiwenga are mostly Shona - many unaware of Gukurahundi. Ironically, Shonas were victims too - during farm invasions, Operation Murambatsvina, the 2008 elections, and the 2018-2019 shootings. If a nation can forget atrocities this easily, I give up.
Source - Nomazulu Thata
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