Day by day the true colours of the Zanu (PF) regime are coming out. For a few weeks, these colours have been camouflaged by the beautiful colours of the MDC formations in the inclusive government. But, rina manyanga hariputirwi (the truth will out).
Mugabe's latest move of redefining the Ministry of Information,
Communication Technology, headed by Nelson Chamisa of the MDC, is
classic example of the level of insincerity that Zanu (PF) has in its
participation in the government of national unity (GNU). Mugabe transferred the communication function to the Ministry of
Transport, which is headed by Nicholas Goche, a diehard Zanu (PF)
cadre. Prior to this development, Chamisa had had a clash with Webster
Shamu, who is responsible for the Ministry of Information and
Publicity, over control of some of the parastatals in Chamisa's
ministry. As per the definition of the various portfolios under the
so-called global political agreement (GPA), Chamisa was the rightful
minister responsible for such agents as Tel-One, Net-One, Zimpost and
Potraz.
To the uninitiated, there does not seem to be any reason for fights
over these largely loss-making state companies. It is however,
necessary to note that these are all powerful centres of power and
information control. For example, some of these structures have the
responsibility of allocating broadcasting frequencies, monitoring and
intercepting electronic messages into and out of the country, as well
as providing crucial links with the outside world. To have these
critical functions overseen by an MDC minister has given Zanu (PF)
sleepless nights. Initially, Zanu (PF) thought that it had scooped the
jackpot by insisting of having control of the dubious ZBC and ZTV, but
later it realised that it had conceded to the MDC raw power, at least
in the area of information control and technology. Mugabe's desperate
move is therefore aimed at recovering some of that clout from the MDC
and restoring it to his moribund political party.
Prime Minister Tsvangirai has already indicated that he will not accept
this self-serving redefinition of these Ministries, and he is expected
to act swiftly to ensure that Mugabe's unilateral action is reversed
forthwith. Failure to get this done urgently will demonstrate the MDC's
weakness in the inclusive government. Indeed, since the formation of
the inclusive government, Mugabe has acted like he won the March 2008
presidential elections. This has to be stopped. He went ahead of the
other two principals and appointed provincial governors and permanent
secretaries. This is an outstanding issue that has still to be
resolved. Then there is the issue of the allocation of diplomatic
representatives which has also not yet been resolved. But this latest
stripping of Chamisa's ministry is an affront to justice and must be
firmly dealt with urgently. Kana chabvondoka ngachibvondoke (Let the
chips fall).
The old man has to be cut down to size. There are also rumours that
Mugabe has refused Tsvangirai permission to reside at State House
arguing that he uses that place as an office. This is unbelievable.
When he was Prime Minister, Mugabe used to stay at State House. He has
since built himself a mansion in Borrowdale Brooke. He can also use the
Munhumutapa offices. Why then should Tsvangirai not occupy State House?
These are clear indications that all is not well in the inclusive
government. Those that have money observe these developments and
hesitate to assist Zimbabwe at this critical time when the nation is
desperate for financial assistance to turn the economy around. Zanu
(PF) needs to be told that it cannot have its cake and eat it. Chamisa
must have his ministry restored as soon as possible. Alternatively, the
MDC must seriously reconsider their participation in the GNU under
these circumstances.
By John Makumbe
Post published in: News