By Innocent Moyondizvo Nhira
ZANU-PF supporters in Zimbabwe are a confused lot. During Robert Mugabe’s rule, they would chant “VaMugabe Chete Chete”, meaning Mugabe was the only one meant to rule until donkeys grow horns. But when their former Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was fired, they celebrated his ouster. Just a week later, Mugabe was ousted in a military intervention dubbed “Operation Restore Legacy”, and the same supporters cheered his downfall.
This paradox raises an interesting question: are ZANU-PF supporters truly loyal to their leaders, or are they craving for change? It seems that even they are unsure. Their actions suggest that they are torn between their loyalty to the party and their desire for something new.
This confusion is not unique to ZANU-PF supporters. Many Zimbabweans are eager for change, but fear of the unknown and fear of each other hold them back. As one observer noted, “the most people who truly believe change is inevitable are ZANU-PF members, and they are craving for change, unfortunately, they fear each other”.
The history of ZANU-PF is complex, with many of its leaders having been part of the nationalist movement that fought for independence. However, over the years, the party has become synonymous with authoritarian rule and repression. Many of its supporters are now disillusioned with the party’s leadership and are seeking a new direction.
The rise of student activism in the 1960s and 1970s played a significant role in shaping the nationalist movement in Zimbabwe. Many of the country’s leaders, including Mugabe, were part of this movement, which emphasized the importance of education and intellectualism in the fight for independence.
However, as the years went by, the party’s leadership became increasingly authoritarian, and the ideals of the nationalist movement were forgotten. Today, many ZANU-PF supporters are left feeling disillusioned and confused, unsure of what the future holds.
As Zimbabwe continues on its journey towards democracy, it is clear that change is inevitable. The question is, will ZANU-PF supporters be able to overcome their fears and embrace this change, or will they continue to be caught between loyalty and desire for something new? Only time will tell.
