Personality Politics Ruining Zimbabwe

There is no doubt that Zimbabwe's opposition politicians are hungry for success. They are trying their best to do something that will make them hugely successful and hugely popular in the eyes of the public.

Probably the biggest political success of the last few generations was the liberation struggle to shake off the shackles of white minority oppression. That was a struggle to end a clearly defined system of repression, racial discrimination and exploitation.

It was struggle that shaped the psyche and culture of the country immernsely. The concept of national hero was born out of it. Songs some recorded, some never recorded mushroomed heaping all sorts of accolades on those who fought in the liberation war. Zimbabwean culture being typically African, everything revolves around song and dance. Moments of sorrow are marked by song, moments of joy are marked by song, times of hard work pass easily through song.

It is patently obvious that the liberation struggle is the yardstick opposition politicians are measuring themselves by. Their rhetoric, their demeanour and even their commemorations are all steeped in language reminiscent of the liberation struggle. Talk of fallen heroes, talk of the struggle has sought to elevate what is a mere ruckus over leadership change, and the excessive stay of one man in power, into liberation struggle of sorts.

The first clue that talk of liberation is misplaced is that the antagonist and protagonist revolve around persons not systems, much like a cheap action movie. True liberation struggles like the American Civil Rights movement, have systems as the antagonist. True liberation struggles do not have one person as an irreplaceable hero.

Our own liberation struggle has heroes like Jason Ziyapapa Moyo, Hepert Chitepo, Leopold Takawira, Ndabaningi Sithole and others who did their part but their removal was never considered a threat to the very struggle itself. The American Civil Rights movement had heroes ranging from Medgar Evers to Martin Luther King Jr. The deaths or removal of these individuals changed nothing. It did not alter the system or the need to dismantle the system.

Contrast that with Zimbabwe's politics today. Everything is revolving around two people, Mugabe and Tsvangirai. The departure of Mugabe would pull the rug from under much off the opposition rhetoric and strategy. At the same time Tsvangirai is handled like a rare egg because there is no other person with the brand-power to take his position in Zimbabwe politics. What kind cause is it, that merely revolves around a person's brand-power.

I always lament that this kind of personality politics has served nothing but to draw energy, time and resources away from substantive issues. There is no more proper assessment of the development needs of communities. This has been substituted by assessments of who they support.

Youths are mobilised to bludgeon opponents and not to partake in community projects. Youths are plied with intoxicating substances not career enhancing skills and knowledge. These are hallmarks of opportunistic tactics not visionary strategy.