Source: Zimbabweans Clash On X Over ZANU PF Rule Vs. Ian Smith’s Rhodesia
A heated debate has unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) among Zimbabweans, as many have drawn comparisons between the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the infamous Ian Smith-led Rhodesian regime.
Some argue that despite Rhodesia’s deeply entrenched white supremacy, the Ian Smith administration was more efficient and less corrupt than the current ZANU PF-led government.
These critics point out that, even under international sanctions following Rhodesia’s illegal declaration of independence, Smith’s regime invested heavily in infrastructure, leaving behind well-developed roads, hospitals, and schools.
In contrast, they claim that much of this infrastructure has deteriorated under the so-called “New Dispensation.”
However, there are strong voices on the other side, staunchly opposing any romanticization of Rhodesia.
ZANU PF chief whip and Gutu South MP, Pupurai Togarepi, has even called for legislation to criminalise celebrations of Rhodesia.
Amidst the controversy, former CCC MP Fadzayi Mahere, known for her progressive views, has refrained from directly engaging in the debate.
Yet, she did share a powerful statement on X, saying thousands of Zimbabweans who fought for the country’s liberation did not do so for the ZANU PF elite to merely replace the colonial elite.
Instead, they fought for the collective empowerment of all Zimbabweans, to ensure the fruits of independence were shared by the people. She wrote:
There is a reason why our esteemed forebears called it a War of Liberation and not a War of Decolonisation. The guiding principle was to free the masses from all forms of repression and not simply to move them from Jail A to Jail B. It is not liberation if one violent oppressor is replaced by another.
Liberation means one man, one vote – not stolen elections.
Liberation means freedom from state-sponsored violence – not replacing a violent Rhodesian Special Branch with your own violent police force.
Liberation means gutsaruzhinji (everyone must eat) – not replacing colonial elites who eat alone with Zanu PF elites who eat alone.
Liberation means respecting the rights and liberties of every citizen – not replacing the repressive Law and Order Maintenance Act with your own repressive POSA or MOPA.
Liberation means ensuring every person has a decent life and equal access to freedom, fairness and opportunity.
The current state of affairs is a slap in the face to our true heroes who fought and lost their lives for the dream of a better Zimbabwe.
You may not respect us, but can you at least respect those who died to destroy what you now represent? It’s a mess. We need new leaders.
COMMENTS
Only an idiot thinks that munangagwa is anything to even be compared by smith… mnangangwa is a clueless fool who is stealing government money and buying luxury cars for his friends while the whole country is in darkness with no electricity
Whatever fine points of unpleasant reality can properly be said about our previous colonizers and exploiters – NOTHING about modern life in the country we now own and don’t control, can suggest times are better for most of – than when Smith held the whip. How many of our people left with the Whites? – WHY ??
We can’t go back prior white settlement and say we start again from scratch and rid ourselves of the colonial past. No we learn from the past and improve that which was built by all people then despite the policies of the day.
If we are allowed different views etc and freedom of expression our country can move forward quickly. We can do it but at present our people are being pushed down by the very same people meant to improve their welfare and more. Again what is the regimes agenda ?? Since you tell us all what you want us to hear , tell us for once what we want after all we Zimbabweans own Zimbabwe not any regime!!!