OPINION

Imprisoned by our 'liberators'

Vince Musewe says fewer than ten men of average intelligence are holding 12 million Zimbabweans to ransom

The evil that men do

The embellished role of those that served in the liberation struggle for Zimbabwe has become an albatross upon our necks.

I cannot believe how our security sector has become so pernicious in their claim as our liberators and therefore our infinite rulers. It is incredible that 33 years after the effect, we continue to be denied that very freedom which they solely claim to have attained for us. My question is always; what freedom?

As I listen to the arguments being presented by ZANU(PF) on why they need to  continue govern us, it continues to show me how man has become so debased and inhuman  in his aspiration to hold onto political power  and acquire personal wealth and comfort at the expense of the simple values of human dignity.

We cannot watch and wait for the army generals masquerading as politicians to act and decide for us what is best.  I have heard calls for them to be fired and for me that would be the right thing to do. Can less than ten men of average intelligence hold 12 million of us at such a costly ransom? In my opinion, our true freedom can only begin when we begin to reject the idea that they have a better plan for us.

The revelations we now hear everyday from Baba Jukwa must surely make us realize how rotten our leadership has become. The evil that permeates our political leadership is just too deep to fathom and I can bet there is worse to come. In my books anyone who supports ZANU (PF) needs their head read.

Besides denying Zimbabweans the freedom they deserve, ZANU (PF) has practically killed the work ethic that Zimbabweans were once so well known for. They have created a society that aspires for instant gratification. The take over of land assets by individuals with no clue on farming or any willingness for hard work is evident as one drives across the country.

The policies of Gideon Gono around 2008 which led to the "burning" of money further exacerbated the situation where an honest day's work was no longer necessary. The indigenization policy that seeks to take over for free that which people have not worked for is the nail in the coffin of hard work, honesty and integrity. We have become a nation of speculators, schemers and traders and it will take some doing to change this culture.

My message to all is that Zimbabwe if we wish the future to be significantly different prom the past, we will have take the responsibility of creating it. We must therefore take the leadership now to create new empowered communities through behaving differently.

For far too long we have just accepted mediocrity and apathy. We cannot give the responsibility of creating a better future for Zimbabwe to the army generals, the police top brass or the intelligence services; they are incapable of thinking beyond their stomachs.

Time and time again we have seen that liberation cannot be given unto us, but must be taken by us. We are our own liberators.

We however must find joy from Hesiod, the Greek poet's words that:  "He harms himself who does harm to another, and the evil plan is most harmful to the planner"

Vince Musewe is an economist based in Harare. You may contact him on [email protected]

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