“I suffered for Zimbabwe and therefore I am entitled to political power”; this has been the mantra that we have heard since the armed struggle and look where it has led us.
Incompetent leaders
There is the belief that, because we have personally sacrificed for something, we are therefore entitled to positions of authority and political power, regardless of our competency. For me, that is the reason why today, Africa is suffering from poor and incompetent political leadership.
Our case in Zimbabwe clearly demonstrates this, and we are even at a stage where individuals are refusing to let go, simply because they feel that they were appointed by God to cause the suffering that we have gone through. That is not acceptable.
As long as we think sacrifice entitles us to leadership positions, we will continue to get people who may have the courage to confront things and challenge the status quo, but who are not competent leaders.
I heard some really silly stories of why people think they are entitled to be elected. “I did this and that project so you must elect me,” said one lady I know. Others think that by giving out gifts and food at rallies, they are therefore qualified to lead.
Politically backward
This has shown how politically backward we still are. For goodness sake, how can we give someone the responsibility to create our future simply because they started a chicken project or gave out airtime vouchers at a rally?
People like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi will always remind me of true leadership. They sacrificed for principles and for the benefit of all without necessarily expecting to benefit personally, or to be worshipped for the role they played.
Of course, we have our own leaders here in Zimbabwe who deserves respect. These are the thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans who sacrificed during the liberation struggle but today are hardly heard of. We have war veterans who are mostly unrecognised today and who suffered tremendously during the war. They were fighting for a free Zimbabwe and not for a position. Unfortunately their sacrifices have been derailed.
Personal values
As we move into a new political dispensation, we need to be circumspect on issues of leading our country into the next generation. We must be clear in our minds as to what personal values are required to lead a new Zimbabwe. – Vince Musewe is an economist based in Harare; you may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis