y stalwarts. But then of course they applaud every word he utters.
“They are part of us in the entity we call the nation and no politics can ever make them alien,” said Mugabe, although it was not clear whether, indeed, there were any MDC members in his audience.
This is a welcome departure from the norm, whereby Mugabe never fails to use every public occasion, including national days, funerals and other non-political events, to vilify the opposition.
We have always maintained that speeches made at state occasions should emphasise the common values of Zimbabweans. We should celebrate our diversity, and not resort to hate speech and incitements to violence against those who may not agree slavishly with our viewpoint. This has never been the case in Zimbabwe.
At this week’s ceremony Mugabe reportedly said: “And therefore, that realisation is very important – that there must be occasions (when) we must be together.” We couldn’t agree more.
However, Mugabe went on to say: “After all, we eat together don’t we.” With this we absolutely do not agree. Thanks to the dictator’s vicious and inhuman politicisation of food aid during the past decade and more, most Zimbabweans are no longer able to eat at all.
It is this that makes his unctuous statements about unity particularly distasteful and makes us wonder what he is up to now.
We are inclined to agree with Tendai Biti’s analysis that the wily old tyrant is up to no good – trying to create a smokescreen to divert attention from his utter contempt for the Mbeki mediation process and his determination never to allow democracy in Zimbabwe while he lives.
It is also proving extremely difficult to find any MDC members who have actually received any of the giveaways.
If Mugabe means what he says he should be making every effort to engage the MDC, and civic society, in trying to find a solution to our country’s problem.
“It is God’s will that you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone; love the brotherhood of believers, fear God.” 1 Peter 2;15-17
Post published in: News