VIEW POINT: Mnangagwa’s ‘We please ourselves’ statement, hollow posturing amid Zimbabwe poverty
By Norman Mwale [The PenPusher]
In a recent address at a world government summit in Dubai, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged delegates to “we please ourselves”, a call to action that rings hollow amidst the dire economic and social landscape back in his own country.
As the country grapples with grinding poverty in the majority, crippling corruption, and a widening chasm between the ruling elite and the masses, Mnangagwa’s words reek of tone-deafness and underscore the administration’s disconnect from the struggles of ordinary Zimbabweans.
On the surface, the sentiment expressed by Mnangagwa appears innocuous, even laudable – a plea for collective responsibility and stewardship.
However, in the context of Zimbabwe’s current travails, it is nothing short of a masterclass in doublespeak.
The president’s statement belies the harsh reality of a government mired in corruption, with allegations of graft and embezzlement swirling around his inner circle.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has revealed that the country loses over US$2 billion annually to corruption, a staggering figure that dwarfs any potential impact of external sanctions.
Moreover, Mnangagwa’s call for self-sufficiency and responsibility comes as his government faces mounting criticism for its poor handling of the economy.
With unemployment exceeding 90%, inflation, and frequent power outages, the average Zimbabwean is struggling to make ends meet. The president’s emphasis on “pleasing after ourselves” rings hollow when juxtaposed with the opulent lifestyles of the ruling elite, who continue to flaunt their ill-gotten wealth amidst widespread poverty.
The government’s track record on accountability and transparency is abysmal, with key institutions such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the judiciary seen as ineffective because of politicisation and manipulation by the regime.
The recent inclusion of controversial businessman and billionaire Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the Zanu PF Central Committee has raised eyebrows, with many viewing it as a move to consolidate power and shield corrupt individuals from accountability.
Mnangagwa’s statement also glovers over the growing discontent within his own party, with factions vying for power and influence. The president’s attempts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limit have sparked fierce opposition, with critics accusing him of clamping down on dissent and entrenching corruption.
In conclusion, Mnangagwa’s call to “we please ourselves” is a misguided attempt to deflect attention from the government’s failures and shift the blame onto the very citizens he is supposed to serve.
As Zimbabwe teeters on the brink of chaos, what is urgently needed is not platitudes, but concrete action to address the rot of corruption, ensure accountability, and deliver tangible benefits to the suffering populace.
Anything short of this will only exacerbate the crisis and further erode the legitimacy of the ruling elite.
