A Nations Keeper: Zimbabwe & a lesson for South Africa.

When Zimbabweans gained independence on the 18th of April 1980, I doubt many of them who were jubilant ,at Rufaro Stadium, would have imagined that 35+ years later they would have to revolt ,for the umpteenth time, against the man who had lead their revolution.

The issue of African leadership refusing to hand over power is nothing new in Africa, infact it’s an all too familiar story for most. Just ask the Angolans, Egyptians and a few others.

Zimbabwe ,though, is a more peculiar issue because 1) It’s right next to South Africa 2) Zimbabwe could be a ‘sleeping giant’.

On the wake of the revolution, something seemed quite different, an unfamiliar scene to be honest. There was no bloodshed. Imagine that.

“Zimbabwe has passed it’s second “threshold” for possible success.”

Coups are characterised by bloodshed by their very nature, because obviously removing a standing-president is not without it’s difficulties.

Later that day, I mentioned to a friend that this would possibly set a precedent for future coups, whether initiated by the army and finished by citizens or one’s led by citizens.

Whether my statement was correct is possibly up for debate though. Africa tends to not follow any script.

You see, Africa and the world is littered with despots escaping oppressive leadership. Now if a coup can be conducted without bloodshed that’s even better. As difficult as that is.

Why African citizens still have to deal with oppressive autocratic leaders who think they were ordained by God to rule is beyond me.

Zimbabwe has passed it’s second “threshold” for possible success. It has rid itself of it’s revolutionary leader.

It’s quite interesting to note that not one African country being led by the people who fought for its independence has remained peaceful and without revolt.

The story usually goes like this: You fight for independence, achieve it, (somewhat) and then you have a few years of prosperity that gradually turn into oppression and over-indulgence by the freedom fighters. Eventually revolt by the citizens follows, and thereafter rebuilding and peace. That’s me literally summing it up, and watering it down.

Freedom fighters cannot rule for long without any discontent from the people they rule. The irony is that they never want to relinquish power though (Point me in the right direction if I am mistaken).

President Mugabe was unshaken for 37 years. The man is 93 years old, and was talking about long term plans of his rule. It’s rather unsettling.

But apparently, only freedom fighers can put the country in it’s correct path.

Just as former President Robert Mugabe stubbornly alluded to every time he woke up as President of Zimbabwe, and further sunk his people into dispair and in search of more “fertile” lands. Madness considering Zimbabwe was once called the “bread-basket of Africa”, and had the highest literacy rate during his first few years of presidential sanity.

Whatever Mugabe turned out be though, he sure as hell taught white Rhodesians the meaning of 'guest’.

You don’t come into someone’s backyard steal their land; oppress them, and then after they free themselves you use the old Rhodesian flag as a primitive form of resistance many years later.

We can argue about the semantics of being white in Africa later, but for now, white Zimbabweans (those that remained) are also invested in Zimbabwe waking from it’s slumber. In whatever capacity.

While in South Africa, singing “Die Stem” and brandishing the “beloved” Apartheid flag is a form of resistance. Imagine. Can’t even protest properly. What kind of South African can’t protest?

ANC, what’s good?

Since I’m on this topic of stubborn leadership and stages of rule. Is the ANC even worried that this could eventually spill over to South Africa eventually?

I don’t think so. I’m not ashamed at admitting I’m an ANC supporter, I have my emotional and logical reasons.

Now, my beloved ANC has shown itself to be quite arrogant; self-indulgant and stubborn in it’s pursuit of an even better future for South Africa.

Yes, they’ve done good in certain areas, but that should never be used as a “but…” when reprimanding them for their behavior.

So stubborn infact, that TWO political parties stemmed from it’s loins due to frustration. That’s worrying.

If it’s not corruption scandals, it’s our beloved President not exactly being our Keeper with shady shenanigans, or even turning a blind eye to the cries of the youth.

Look, it’s quite dangerous to assume that because the ANC is a predominantly black party that we can’t, as citizens and black voters, scold it for what is very arrogant behaviour at times.

Comrades, are you listening? Especially the young educated cadres that have often thrown logic on the backburner to defend factions.

We are faction-less, and want what’s best for the ANC and the country.

Zimbabwe is a lesson to be watched closely lest we have an autocratic political party that refuses to relinquish power because “we fought for you”. Which is already in the air if we’re to believe Pres Zuma, remember el presidente saying the ANC would “rule until Jesus comes”? Someone better prepare the plates that are never used and sit in the dinning room then, if they continue to be this arrogant.

Now DA, relax. Besides having anti-black policies and continually showing yourselves to be inept at leading a multi-racial, multi-cultural…anything to be honest, the DA has consistently insulted our intelligence by shoving black faces in our faces (except Lindiwe Mazibuko — she was leadership) to capture votes. Keyword is capture.

Now back to Zimbabwe.

I’m quite excited at the prospect of Zimbabwe rising from the ashes.

It’s hard to focus on the cautionery aspects as of yet — although I believe a strengthening of democratic institutions is important in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean citizens must have their day in sun.

I would expect all investors to look at Zimbabwe with a keen yet responsible.

And Mr Mugabe, in the words of Batman; “You either die a hero, or live long enough to watch yourself become the villian”.

Till next time ✌

PS: My fellow South Africans, stop being shocked that Zimbabweans are “peaceful”, people are literally tired they just want a better day. SADC basically legitimised their oppression.