Freedom empty without people’s input
The turn of events in Zimbabwe, though inevitable, creates further uncertainty.
That uncertainty shall perhaps remain so for some time even if the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) claim that their action was to ‘pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation’.
Indeed anxiety and concern have been expressed by President Jacob Zuma for the SA Development Community and the EU.
At the time of writing, there were no known cases of violence against the people of Zimbabwe. However, in such a fluid situation, usually the truth becomes the first victim.
Unsurprisingly, the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association lent their support to the ZDF as both institutions have long been rumoured to back Emmerson Mnangagwa in the internecine Zanu-PF succession battles.
The rival G40 faction, led by Grace Mugabe and Jonathan Moyo, openly chided leading personalities in both the military and veteran’s association in their incessant verbal shots on Mnangagwa.
What cannot be denied from the military spokesman’s statement is acknowledging the degenerating political, social and economic situation in Zimbabwe. Ordinary Zimbabw eans, with the exception of Zanu-PF members, have long lost their political rights to decide how their country is governed.
The inept management of the electoral process undermines the democratic participation of citizens. Outright manipulation of electoral outcomes, as happened in 2008 in particular, was evident.
An unfortunate combination of bad economic policies and grand corruption have contributed to the socio-economic decline that has consigned millions to poverty.
Again, the military is correct in pointing out that there are criminal elements that need to face justice. But perhaps it would make sense if those criminals are not selectively identified to the exclusion of others who, for example, looted billions from the Marange diamond fields.
Surely the citizens would be happy to see real criminals behind bars for the rape of their motherland. They have watched as the ruling class rapaciously devoured national wealth while hospitals go without medicines and roads becoming death traps with potholes, and as schools and universities churn out youths with no hope of decent jobs.
There are no factories to talk about anymore in Zimbabwe and the informal sector has become the only mainstay for government revenues, while street vendors suffer harassment and abuse by municipalities and the police.
No amount of goodwill from any quarter, be it the international community or the ZDF, can redress Zimbabwe’s political, social and economic descent without full and active participation by the masses.
In any case, they are their own liberators. All other stakeholders, the military included, can only play a supporting role.
Normalcy in Zimbabwe must mean the restoration of human rights and the democratic rights of all the people, while freeing the country from the factional politics of a monopolistic ruling party.
Hadebe is a senior researcher with the Chris Hani Institute.
‘ ‘ What cannot be denied is the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe