Who do we believe?

The Zanu (PF) lynch mob, headed by one Jonathan Moyo, has worked itself into a frenzy – demanding the arrest of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Minister Jameson Timba for calling President Robert Mugabe a liar.

Jonathan Moyo
Jonathan Moyo

If these gangsters don’t want their leader to be labelled as such, then he should stop telling lies about what really happened at the recent SADC summit.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai have given varying accounts of what transpired at the meeting. Both cannot be right. The SADC executive secretary, Tomaz Salamao, has confirmed Tsvangirai’s version. As he is a neutral participant, it seems logical to take his word for it.

It is also blindingly positive to all that Mugabe’s memory is beginning to play tricks on him. When he cannot even remember the name of the person with whom he is engaged in a rather brisk exchange of views, surely we cannot rely on him to recall accurately what happened last week.

Memories fade faster when one gets old. It happens to all of us. What is strange is how all the younger people in Mugabe’s delegation seem to be suffering from this collective amnesia – or should that be selective amnesia?

Perhaps it’s catching. If the lynch mob does not want people to “insult” its leader, then Mugabe should lead by example and not insult others. There is an old Shona adage which goes: “Gudo guru peta muswe kuti vadiki vakutye.” Roughly translated: The big baboon should keep his tail folded – otherwise the youngsters might play with it (implication: disrespectfully).

Mugabe’s speeches are laced with insulting descriptions of MDC politicians. He regularly refers to Tsvangirari as Chamatama (fat cheeks). The Prime Minister has never responded in kind.

When Mugabe speaks as leader of Zanu (PF), or when he is being divisive, then he opens himself up to attacks by his opponents. When he learns to be a statesman, speaking and acting on behalf of all Zimbabweans, then and only then can he expect to be respected. He can’t have it both ways.

Post published in: Editor: Wilf Mbanga

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