HARARE – Jenaguru Arts Centre founder and veteran musician Clive Malunga has urged the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to intervene in the country’s political and economic crisis, citing the army’s critical role in removing the late former President Robert Mugabe from power in 2017.
Malunga praised Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, then Army General, for his “bravery in returning to Zimbabwe from China despite threats from Mugabe’s notorious CIO during the build up of the November 2017 military coup.
Malunga contrasted Chiwenga’s bravery with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to flee to South Africa, fearing for his life.
He further asked Chiwenga if he is happy with the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.
“…..it is not wrong for the people to call upon the Zimbabwe National Army to evaluate the strategy they used in 2017. The army brought us into this situation – the army must take us out of it,” he said.
“I have much respect for General Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga because he is a tried and tested freedom fighter.
“True to his credentials as a hero, he didn’t run away or chicken out from returning to Zimbabwe from China even when he had heard that Mugabe’s men were waiting to arrest him upon arrival at RGM International Airport.
“The army took measures to safeguard him and he came back home, much to the humiliation of Mugabe’s notorious CIO. This is what we call bravery. Contrast it with what happened to Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“When confronted with danger, he ran away to South Africa fearing for his life. Fighters don’t run away from the line of fire; they confront the hurdles head-on. That is the main difference between freedom fighters and ex-political detainees or mabhanditi, in street lingo!”
He also questioned whether the current leadership is fulfilling the promises of improved living conditions made during the liberation struggle.
Malunga pleaded with the army to “summon your courage to redirect this nation” and warned that the people’s patience is being taken for granted, citing the examples of the First Chimurenga and the liberation struggle.
“The masses are screaming to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to take responsibility for the situation. We would be naïve to expect help from mars or any part of the world. Our help must come from our people best placed to resolve the situation,” Malunga added.
