The ManicaPost
Chinemburu Shumba: Post Correspondents
The ongoing “war” of accusations and counter accusations between the revolutionary ruling party, ZANU (PF) and its strategic constituency of war veterans makes interesting reading.On one hand, ZANU (PF) is accusing the war veterans of indiscipline while the war veterans, on the other hand, are accusing the ruling party leadership, especially the so-called “Young Turks” of lacking grounding in the party’s liberation ethos and practicing unprecedented corruption.
The war veterans also accuse the Young Turks of seeking to elbow them out of the mainstream party and high jacking the fifty-three year old party for their own selfish ends. This war has resulted in the suspension and expulsion of several war veterans from the party. It might therefore be deduced that the control of the heart and soul of the party is at the centre of all the mudslinging.
I believe that while there could be merit in both sides’ arguments, ultimately the biggest loser in their on-going war is the party and the people of Zimbabwe. ZANU(PF) stands to lose the support of this critical constituency which sacrificed their lives to face the murderous Smith regime.
That war veterans are an influential constituency in the political discourse is not a secret. It therefore becomes important that ZANU (PF) leaders, starting with the First Secretary and President, Cde Robert Mugabe, take time to reflect on the strained relationship between the two. President Mugabe’s legacy is inextricably linked to the stability and prosperity of the ruling party.
It therefore makes sad reading that the President would leave behind a divided ZANU (PF) taking into account that his status as a world statesman was built on the ZANU (PF) platform. While some politicians in ZANU (PF) could be planning for a post-Mugabe era, it is incumbent upon the First Secretary to stamp down his authority and call the warring sides to order.
ZANU(PF) stability is directly linked to the stability and prosperity of Zimbabwe. The outside world is aghast with the bloodletting and trading of insults by senior ZANU (PF) members. The party’s secrets have been thrown into the public arena for all to see, and in the process rendering the revolutionary party a laughing stock. In such a scenario it makes it difficult for the outside world to invest in our economy due to fears of political instability. Both parties need to appreciate this if they have the interests of Zimbabwe and its future at heart.
On their part, war veterans need to appreciate that they are subject to the dictates of the party. In as much they fought for the liberation of the country, making extortionate demands for each surviving war veteran is simply not sustainable.
Zimbabwe’s economy cannot sustain such an expenditure on a single constituency.
Such demands just portray our esteemed war veterans as just people who are interested in their own welfare at the expense of the general welfare of the nation. It is important that war veterans appreciate that they are part of this economy which is struggling due to sanctions, sabotage and droughts.
If the fighting continues, the nation will continue to suffer from the tag of instability while ZANU (PF), on its part, might continue losing members. The Norton debacle is an uncomfortable reminder of the “bhora musango” kind of politics that some party members would rather promote at the expense of reconciling their differences with their fellow party members.
A key demand by war veterans is that the party should address the scourge of corruption. Indeed corruption is a cancer that needs urgent attention. The war vets demand for action on corruption has resonated well with the generality of all Zimbabweans who are struggling to put food at their tables. That some politicians are seen to be living ostentatious lives while the majority is suffering has put a dent on ZANU (PF) legitimate claim to power.
It is therefore necessary that concrete action be taken against people, ZANU (PF) members included, who are found to be corrupt. This will go a long way in legitimizing the call by the leadership for everyone to tighten their belts in these difficult times.
In conclusion the interests of war veterans and those of ZANU (PF) are not mutually exclusive. The execution of the bitter liberation war laid a strong foundation that cannot be broken by the quest for sweet benefits of office. President Mugabe needs to act to protect his legacy from being obliterated by power hungry individuals masquerading as revolutionaries.
