Tendai Ruben Mbofana
We often hear the phrase “Zimbabwe is not a democracy,” as though democracy is a magical condition that either exists or doesn’t, depending on who sits in power.
But this assumption is fundamentally flawed.
A nation does not become a democracy simply because its leaders claim to be democratic or because its constitution contains democratic clauses.
True democracy is not something handed down by the benevolence of rulers.
It is something demanded, fought for, and vigilantly maintained by the people themselves.
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History is a blunt teacher.
Every leader, no matter how progressive or enlightened, harbours within them the potential to become a dictator if left unchecked.
This isn’t a reflection of individual wickedness, but of human nature and the corrupting lure of power.
Even the so-called cradle of modern democracy, the Western world, was once ruled by tyrants and monarchs who wielded absolute power.
Democracy in these countries didn’t sprout from the goodwill of kings or prime ministers—it was forced into being by brave, determined citizens who refused to be ruled without accountability.
Britain, often held as a paragon of parliamentary democracy, endured centuries of authoritarian rule under monarchs who believed they governed by divine right.
The Magna Carta of 1215, hailed as an early democratic milestone, wasn’t a gift from King John—it was a concession wrested from him by barons tired of unchecked tyranny.
Likewise, the rise of parliamentary democracy came through centuries of civil strife, public protest, and bloodshed—not the goodwill of leaders.
The French Revolution, the American War of Independence, the suffragette movement, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement—all are reminders that freedom is never given.
It is taken.
Even today, democracy in the West persists not because their leaders are naturally democratic, but because their citizens have built strong systems of checks and balances—and more importantly, they actively use them.
Institutions such as independent courts, robust parliaments, fearless media, and active civil society organizations exist not as decorations of governance, but as barriers against the slide into tyranny.
But institutions alone are not enough.
What sustains these checks is the vigilance of the people.
A judiciary can be captured, a parliament can be bribed, a media house can be bought.
But when the citizens themselves refuse to be silenced or fooled, democracy survives.
Consider this: even in Britain today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer—or any other political figure—could very well morph into a Vladimir Putin if allowed.
If citizens fail to demand transparency, if they accept lies and deceit, if they watch indifferently as rights are trampled, authoritarianism will creep in.
The strength of democracy lies not in who is in office, but in whether the people are watching—and willing to act.
This is why Zimbabwe’s failure to build a democratic state cannot solely be blamed on its political leadership.
Yes, our rulers have shown time and again that they are more interested in looting national resources than building a better future for ordinary Zimbabweans.
But it is our own inaction, our silence, our fear, and our hope that somehow morality will blossom among our leaders without effort, that has allowed this rot to persist.
We groan about poverty, joblessness, and crumbling services.
We mourn the decay of hospitals and schools.
We complain about corruption and incompetence.
Yet, we remain within our homes, whispering frustrations to one another, occasionally venting on social media, while the looting continues unabated.
It’s as if we believe our leaders will one day wake up, see the damage they’ve caused, and—out of the kindness of their hearts—set things right.
That delusion is the most dangerous betrayal of our national potential.
Nothing in history supports this wishful thinking.
Corrupt leaders don’t wake up and correct themselves.
They are corrected by an awake and fearless citizenry.
Real change doesn’t come through hope alone—it comes through organized, persistent, and courageous action.
If we continue on our current path—shouting in private, murmuring in fear, and waiting for someone else to act—then our suffering will only deepen.
The more those in power see that we are afraid, the more they exploit our silence. And why wouldn’t they?
They know we won’t march.
We won’t mobilize.
We won’t disrupt.
We won’t stand in defiance.
We are the perfect subjects for tyranny.
In reality, we already have the power to demand better.
Our numbers are greater.
Our grievances are legitimate.
Our suffering is real.
But until we overcome fear and complacency, until we realize that democracy will never be delivered to us on a silver platter, we will continue to be ruled with impunity.
Democracy is not determined by the constitution on paper, or the ceremonies of elections, or the slogans of political parties.
It is determined by whether the people themselves are willing to demand their rights, hold their leaders to account, and act when those in power betray the national trust.
Zimbabwe will never become a true democracy until we, the people, say enough is enough—not just with words, but with bold action.
It is not the duty of a president or cabinet to “give” us democracy.
It is our duty to take it, guard it, and never let it go.
Let us stop expecting leaders to do right on their own.
Let us stop crying about poverty while sitting still.
Let us finally rise and demand—not beg—for what is rightfully ours.
Because democracy is not given. It is taken.
- Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/