At the very core of the Zimbabwe crisis is the absence of a national vision, identity or even national institutions that stand apart and above politics. What exists currently, owing to Zanu (PF)’s 1980s attempt to convert Zimbabwe into a one-party state, are national institutions that have gradually and systematically been subverted to extensions of the party.
Consequently, such institutions align themselves, not with national interests, or the best interests of all Zimbabweans, but rather with the interests and dictates of a single political party.
So deep and pervasive is Zanu (PF)’s pollution and subversion of national institutions that one is hard pressed to find a symbol, emblem or institution that all Zimbabweans are able to rally around and proudly associate with on the basis of it being Zimbabwean.
Wherever one looks, politics is ubiquitous and has a corrosive influence, sharply dividing Zimbabweans on political lines. Aspects of our history, such as the liberation struggle where there was national effort, have been privatized by one political party and have become the basis upon which select members of that political party claim all manner of entitlement. Relentless efforts have been made to rewrite history and erase the contributions of other parties such as ZAPU and glorify the exploits of a single entity.
Professionalism sacrificed
Professionalism has been sacrificed in favour of comradeship. As a result you find that national institutions such as the Zimbabwe National Army, that are highly professional, battle to control senior officials such as Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba who dabble in politics in apparent contravention of the Defence Forces Act but without repercussions.
I say subversion of national institutions is at the heart of the Zimbabwe crisis because in Zimbabwe it is not a failure to uphold the rule of law that is the problem, but a clear unwillingness, on political grounds, to do so.
If the Zimbabwe Republic Police political leadership was willing and committed, they have the capacity and resources to investigate and apprehend perpetrators of political violence and bring justice to victims. Unfortunately respect for the rule of law is one of the victims of subverting national institutions.
A national identity
Without the full restoration of the impartiality and independence of national institutions, any attempts to find common ground and forge a national identity will be futile. Focus now should be on forging a national identity that transcends Zanu (PF) or any other political party affiliation.
Until we learn, as Zimbabweans, that first and foremost we are Zimbabweans, we are one people and one nation, we will not be able to talk multi-party democracy and development. Party politics should not be taken too seriously. Political differences should be tolerated and when it comes to national institutions – professionalism should take precedence. When that happens, we would have taken a major step in addressing the Zimbabwe Crisis. – Dewa Mavhinga, Regional Coordinator, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
Post published in: News