Opinion / Columnist
Can money buy Mnangagwa a third term?
13 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's political arena has always been fraught with power struggles and factional battles, but the current succession war between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga exposes a new, disturbing trend: the all-encompassing influence of money in politics. As Mnangagwa pushes for an unconstitutional third term, both factions in the ruling Zanu-PF party are weaponising cash to tilt the scales in their favour. Yet, this reckless splurging in a nation drowning in poverty highlights the moral decay at the heart of Zimbabwean governance.
Mnangagwa's camp, armed with a substantial war chest, has been shamelessly buying support. Tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has emerged as the face of this largesse, handing out cash and gifting luxury cars like a benevolent Santa. The funds, allegedly sourced from corrupt state tenders and contracts, are being funnelled into political campaigns, social media influencers, and even entertainment figures, ensuring the President's message saturates every corner of society.
However, the third term project is not just about power; it is a corruption-fueled enterprise designed to protect the vested interests of Mnangagwa's allies. The use of state resources to bankroll this campaign underscores a dangerous reality: money and politics in Zimbabwe have become so deeply intertwined that they are now inseparable.
The corrupting influence of money in politics cannot be overstated. Once politicians become addicted to the financial rewards of public office, the ideals of leadership and service are abandoned. Honesty and integrity become relics of a bygone era, replaced by deceit, lies, and unchecked corruption. Simon Cameron's infamous quote, "An honest politician is one who when he is bought will stay bought," has never felt more relevant.
Mnangagwa's recent payout of US$1.5 million to war veterans is a case in point. While this move may temporarily secure their loyalty, its long-term impact remains uncertain. War veterans aligned with Chiwenga have already made it clear they will not support Mnangagwa's bid, labelling him a failure and vowing to resist his third term ambitions.
Historically, war veterans and the military have played pivotal roles in Zimbabwe's politics, often acting as kingmakers in internal party disputes. Yet, Mnangagwa's strategy of buying their support risks alienating the very constituency he seeks to win over. The war veterans, like many ordinary Zimbabweans, are disillusioned with his leadership, citing economic mismanagement, rampant corruption, and a worsening quality of life.
Zimbabwe's dire economic conditions—characterised by sky-high inflation, chronic power outages, and widespread food shortages—make the President's extravagant spending even more egregious. The optics of distributing cash and gifts in a sea of poverty are not just tone-deaf but deeply offensive to a population struggling to survive.
Moreover, Mnangagwa's push for a third term is a blatant assault on Zimbabwe's constitutional democracy. The nation's constitution limits presidential terms to two, a safeguard designed to prevent the entrenchment of power. By seeking to extend his rule, Mnangagwa undermines these democratic principles and risks plunging the country further into authoritarianism.
The third term bid faces formidable hurdles: constitutional barriers, internal party divisions, and widespread public opposition. While money may buy temporary loyalty, it cannot buy legitimacy or the trust of a disillusioned populace. Zimbabweans have grown weary of leaders who prioritise self-preservation over service and enrichment over reform.
Ultimately, the corrupting power of money is eroding the very fabric of Zimbabwean society. Politics has become a game for the wealthy and well-connected, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of poor governance and economic mismanagement. As the succession battle rages on, one thing is clear: no amount of cash can mask the failures of a leadership that has lost its way.
Money, for all its power, cannot buy credibility, morality, or the will of a people determined to see change. Mnangagwa's third term project is a glaring reminder of the destructive influence of money in politics—and a call for Zimbabweans to demand a return to integrity, transparency, and democratic principles in governance.
Mnangagwa's camp, armed with a substantial war chest, has been shamelessly buying support. Tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has emerged as the face of this largesse, handing out cash and gifting luxury cars like a benevolent Santa. The funds, allegedly sourced from corrupt state tenders and contracts, are being funnelled into political campaigns, social media influencers, and even entertainment figures, ensuring the President's message saturates every corner of society.
However, the third term project is not just about power; it is a corruption-fueled enterprise designed to protect the vested interests of Mnangagwa's allies. The use of state resources to bankroll this campaign underscores a dangerous reality: money and politics in Zimbabwe have become so deeply intertwined that they are now inseparable.
The corrupting influence of money in politics cannot be overstated. Once politicians become addicted to the financial rewards of public office, the ideals of leadership and service are abandoned. Honesty and integrity become relics of a bygone era, replaced by deceit, lies, and unchecked corruption. Simon Cameron's infamous quote, "An honest politician is one who when he is bought will stay bought," has never felt more relevant.
Mnangagwa's recent payout of US$1.5 million to war veterans is a case in point. While this move may temporarily secure their loyalty, its long-term impact remains uncertain. War veterans aligned with Chiwenga have already made it clear they will not support Mnangagwa's bid, labelling him a failure and vowing to resist his third term ambitions.
Zimbabwe's dire economic conditions—characterised by sky-high inflation, chronic power outages, and widespread food shortages—make the President's extravagant spending even more egregious. The optics of distributing cash and gifts in a sea of poverty are not just tone-deaf but deeply offensive to a population struggling to survive.
Moreover, Mnangagwa's push for a third term is a blatant assault on Zimbabwe's constitutional democracy. The nation's constitution limits presidential terms to two, a safeguard designed to prevent the entrenchment of power. By seeking to extend his rule, Mnangagwa undermines these democratic principles and risks plunging the country further into authoritarianism.
The third term bid faces formidable hurdles: constitutional barriers, internal party divisions, and widespread public opposition. While money may buy temporary loyalty, it cannot buy legitimacy or the trust of a disillusioned populace. Zimbabweans have grown weary of leaders who prioritise self-preservation over service and enrichment over reform.
Ultimately, the corrupting power of money is eroding the very fabric of Zimbabwean society. Politics has become a game for the wealthy and well-connected, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of poor governance and economic mismanagement. As the succession battle rages on, one thing is clear: no amount of cash can mask the failures of a leadership that has lost its way.
Money, for all its power, cannot buy credibility, morality, or the will of a people determined to see change. Mnangagwa's third term project is a glaring reminder of the destructive influence of money in politics—and a call for Zimbabweans to demand a return to integrity, transparency, and democratic principles in governance.
Source - online
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