Lessons drawn from the Extension Cable Affair

By Brian N. Sigauke

Last week, the nations of Zimbabwe and South Africa were left enthralled by the events that occurred in a posh hotel in Johannesburg between a First Lady and a model. Since this story is in the public domain, I will go for the jugular and spare you the agony of the details.

Higher office does not guarantee good behaviour– My understanding of the critics of the First Lady was that she should have kept her emotions in check because she is a President’s wife. That general feeling is correct, higher office has responsibilities but emotions are subject to the owner. Therefore the notion that behave this way or that because you have a big post is neither here or there.

It is lonely at the top– Apostle Paul teaches that, who ever aspires for higher office does a good thing (1 Timothy 3:1), however, be prepared to be lonely and be subjected to the rut of protocol. Do this, don’t do that- kind of life. There is no one to cry to, a shoulder to lean on, or a confidante to pour out to etc. The end result is bottled up emotions which become a time bomb just a spark away from exploding.

Down at the bottom, you are nothing if you do not play your cards well– This model had a chance to become a millionaire overnight, but she spurned it! In Shona we would say, ane shayi rehurombe which means she has a poverty demon. Had she been wiser, she would have gone for a out of court, media and public opinion settlement, and demanded millions, then nursed her stitched gush and ego quietly.

There is a thin line between good and bad morals– In this modern world, when you are “trampled” by a rich person, you are viewed as a saint or hero. But common sense tells us that associating with addicts makes you one. Again,  i turn to a Shona adage, adziya moto wembavha imbavha! Which means, if you warm a thiefs fire, then you are also a thief.

Not everyone who offers assistance is a friend or has the same agenda as you– This model has found out the hard way that not everyone who offers help is a friend. Some offer help in order to boost their Curriculum Vitae or ego or profile. That sixth sense should tell you that this is right, this is wrong. In Christiandom we call it the Holy Spirit, our helper who makes us know all things.

If you find yourself in a fight with an elephant, be prepared to be exposed– There are two lessons drawn from this point. Firstly, if you find yourself in a battle with a “big” person, seek peace at the start or run if they are too aggressive to talk. Secondly, should you have the guts to go all the way, then be prepared to be exposed, vilified and finally crucified. Every little dirty secret will be dug up, every bad habit of yours will be siphoned out to the public glare.

In conclusion, it is not a crime to get angry but it is a crime to be violent. Anyone could have reacted the way the First Lady did and unleashed a cable or even a weapon and with disastrous results. Thank God, no one died! I pray that the First Lady and the Model will meet outside the lens of the media and public eye, and make up. After all life goes on!

You can visit Brian Sigauke’s blog Toreketa Zimbabwe