The government, in its quest to protect its people, mandated COVID-19 vaccines for its workers and encouraged widespread vaccination. This move, while rooted in the intention to safeguard public health, has now come under scrutiny.
The recent admission by AstraZeneca, one of the vaccine manufacturers, about the rare but serious side effects of blood clotting associated with their vaccine, has sent ripples of concern across the globe. It’s a revelation that has left many feeling betrayed and questioning the transparency of both the pharmaceutical industry and their own governments.
In Zimbabwe, where trust in the government is as delicate as the ecosystem of Hwange National Park, this news is particularly disconcerting. The government’s push for vaccination was forceful, with a clear message: “get vaccinated or risk losing your job” . It was a tough stance, one that left little room for personal choice or consent. And now, with the truth about the vaccine’s potential risks coming to light, it feels like a breach of the social contract between the government and its people.
The question that lingers in the air, as palpable as the smoke that thunders over the falls, is whether the government will acknowledge its misstep. Will there be an apology, a public recognition of the oversight? Or will the concerns of the people be swept under the rug, like so much dust in the dry season?
As Zimbabweans, we have weathered many storms. We have faced challenges with resilience and strength. But the issue at hand goes beyond mere policy—it touches on the very essence of trust and care. The government’s silence on the matter is deafening, and it speaks volumes about its priorities.
It’s time for our leaders to step forward and offer more than just words. It’s time for action—for a genuine apology and a commitment to do better. The health and well-being of the nation depend on it. Yet, as the days pass with no word from the corridors of power, one can’t help but wonder: does our government truly care for its people, or are we just pawns in a larger game of political and economic interests?
The skepticism runs deep, and rightfully so. For a nation that prides itself on the spirit of Ubuntu, the lack of empathy and accountability is troubling. It’s a moment of reckoning, a time to demand more from those who lead us. After all, if a government cannot protect its people, can it truly call itself a government at all?
In the end, the call for an apology is not just about the vaccine—it’s about respect, dignity, and the value of human life. It’s a call that echoes through the valleys and the cities, from the highest peaks to the lowest plains. And it’s a call that must be answered. For the sake of all Zimbabweans, let’s hope it is.
P. S Remember Gukurahundi? We are still waiting for an apology from President Emerson Mnangagwa’s Government aren’t we?
