In a shocking turn of events, ZANU PF’s relentless pursuit of preserving its grip on power has led to a peculiar revelation – white teenagers donning ZANU PF shirts, endorsing the party’s futile attempt to contest the 2023 harmonized elections. It’s a move that has left many bewildered, as these young supporters hail from a Western democratic state, far removed from the struggles faced by Zimbabweans. This article delves into the motivations behind this unexpected alliance.
To counter the growing popularity of Nelson Chamisa, ZANU PF resorted to desperate measures, seeking support from mercenaries. Under President Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe has transformed into a living nightmare, prompting some to pray that the afterlife’s biblical horrors pale in comparison to the suffering endured by Zimbabweans under ZANU PF’s reign. To put this into perspective, while unemployment was high during Mugabe’s tyrannical rule, the rampant inflation and atrocities witnessed today were far less prevalent. Communities were not forcibly uprooted by the Chinese, nor were locals subjected to forced labor. This isn’t an endorsement of Mugabe’s regime but rather a necessary comparison to underscore the current crisis. Back then, locals weren’t treated as slaves, shot for demanding their wages, or witnessed assassination attempts on opposition figures like Chamisa, which have occurred repeatedly in recent times.
These dire circumstances have made President Mnangagwa deeply unpopular, even among the politicized police and partisan military who are grappling with soaring inflation. Many have turned to armed robberies and the theft of weapons from armories, contributing to corruption within their ranks. Factionalism within ZANU PF has exacerbated the situation, resulting in intraparty violence that has affected rural communities already grappling with food insecurity. Even war veterans, who once believed they held sway within ZANU PF, are now viewed as traitors and enemies of the state.
All these factors have compounded the unpopularity of ZANU PF, an entity deemed both unconstitutional and illegitimate. Even ZANU PF’s attempt to hire a public relations expert specializing in tyranny and authoritarianism failed to improve its tarnished image. Instead, its reputation deteriorated further, necessitating swift action, especially in the face of Chamisa’s resilient and legitimate populism. Chamisa’s appeal, particularly among a swelling tide of supporters, has confounded ZANU PF. Gone are the days when ZANU PF could rely on rural areas as its impervious stronghold. The youthfulness of Chamisa, once attacked by ZANU PF, has become an asset rather than a liability. The fact that Chamisa remains free from diseases associated with gluttony, unlike many ZANU PF officials, or hasn’t made trips to Asia, particularly China, has been exploited by the ruling party to question his fitness for the presidency – a strategy that has left many shocked and disillusioned.
Chamisa has shattered ZANU PF’s assumptions, drawing enthusiastic crowds in stark contrast to the lackluster gatherings that support President Mnangagwa, who often appears as though he’s been resurrected from the graveyards of Mbudzi. The people of Zimbabwe have grown weary of ZANU PF’s sadistic and criminal reign, to the extent that they no longer feign interest or concern. The party’s governance failures have pushed the nation to the brink of a slow genocide, leaving the populace resigned to their fate.
Chamisa’s ability to connect with various segments of society, including women, youth, and traditional leaders, has garnered him widespread support reminiscent of the early days of ZANU PF in 1980. This surge in popularity has forced ZANU PF to seek support from foreign mercenaries, a surprising twist in the country’s political landscape. As Zimbabwe approaches the 2023 elections, it remains to be seen whether this unconventional alliance will prove effective in preserving ZANU PF’s hold on power or if the tide of change will finally wash over the nation.