How can we resolve the leadership crisis?

BY ZWIDE KA LANGA
Various parties have expressed concern over the dearth of patriotic leadership within the Zanu (PF) ranks in much the same way as some did of the Rhodesia Front in the 60s and 70s. The problem then, and today, was the lack of analysis of what the opposition leadership were offer

ing in terms of patriotic leadership. Hence we ended up with a more brutal black dictatorship replacing a white dictatorship.
What has the opposition and civic groups offered in terms of what they stand for that is relevant and practical to the average Zimbabwean? Even more important, what principles, practiced as well as preached, have the opposition and civic groups offered?
We all know that Zimbabweans are divided along ethnic and racial lines. What have the opposition and civic groups offered in terms of a united Zimbabwe where all the groups have a stake in the future? Please note that people do not eat or pay school fees with democracy or a new constitution.
The focus should be how a new, democratic, constitution is going to deliver an environment for individuals to make a living and access food.
Vice president Joseph Msika, a Shona leader in Matebelaland, allegedly chastised Ndebeles for being “imgodoyi”, which translates to a dog that just follows anyone who is not their owner without even knowing where it is going (some may come up with a better translation). At the core of the Zimbabweans’ apathy is the lack of clear and principled leadership in the opposition that is continuing with a lot of rattle and hum but no clear direction and vision.
We as Zimbabweans need to define the bedrock of a long-term unity of purpose in our struggle.
For example: What would motivate me as a white Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of racialism? (Note: the lack of political action from the opposition and civic groups following the assault of Trudy Stevenson could be argued was racially motivated. Additionally, the lack of strong condemnation of racialist/hate speeches from the Zanu (PF) regime have not been universally condemned by the opposition).
What would motivate me as a Karanga Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Masvingo? (Note: Masvingo is the most populous and geographically central province with the greatest national monument-Great Zimbabwe, but has never been acknowledged or appropriately represented on the national scene. To make matters worse, as Karangas, during the “civil war” we lost the most number of fighters in the ZANLA forces under unclear circumstances).
What would motivate me as an Ndebele Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Matebeleland and the Midlands? (Note: Matebeleland and Midlands have not only been sidelined, but acts of genocide have also been carried out against their populations when they have never voted for Zanu (PF).).
What would motivate me as a Zezuru Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Zezurus after what my ethnic folk have done to the other groups and the country over the past 26 years? (Note: that some people have already resorted to heap blame on Zezurus, as a group, for our current quagmire).
What would motivate me as a Coloured Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Coloured? (Note: that Coloureds have been “transparent” when it came to minority rights due to the apartheid legacy that dictated their status as being the buffer between the “Africans” and the “Europeans”).
What would motivate me as an Asian Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Asians? (Note: that the Asian businesses that have been the bedrock of SME-Small & Medium Size Enterprises, have been attacked without respect to property with no protection or condemnation from any quarter).
What would motivate me as a Manyika Zimbabwean to fight Mugabe when I am not sure if the opposition is any better in terms of equitable treatment of Manicaland? (Note: Manicaland is one of the provinces that have been sidelined in terms of social and cultural development and representation in national government).
Zimbabweans, we need to all join the march to our liberation but we need to make sure that we are all marching to the same drum that is for liberation for ALL not liberation for some as done in 1980. That opposition light at the end of the tunnel may not be the exit but a high speed train about to decimate us like the rest of Africa.
My intention is to stimulate a wider discussion through which we all can develop a strategy for true liberation for EVERY Zimbabwean – a bedrock of unshakeable principles to which WE ALL have to subscribe and commit.

Post published in: Opinions

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