HARARE – Former Botswana President Ian Khama delivered a scathing critique of Zimbabwe’s post-independence trajectory on Friday, stating that the nation remains plagued by “persecution, illegal detentions, torture, and killings” despite 45 years of independence.
Speaking via video link as the keynote guest at the Harare launch of Zimbabwean opposition figure Job Sikhala’s biography, “Footprints in the Chains: The Life Story of Job Sikhala,” Khama declared that the country has been “destroyed in a frenzy of corruption, greed, intolerance and abuse.”
“Now it has been 45 years after independence, since 1980,” Khama stated.
“The only thing that has changed is the name of the country and that of its leaders. The rest remains the same.
“The persecution is still there. The illegal detentions. The torture and the killings. And still many leave the country for the same reasons as before as a result of a new elite who amass.”
The launch event for the 619-page biography, penned by Pastor Munyaradzi Angero Savanhu, drew a notable crowd including opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
Chamisa, who said he was “honoured” to attend, cited the importance of documenting struggles and sacrifices for future generations.
“Was honoured to attend the ‘Footprints in the chains’ Job Sikhala book launch last night,” Chamisa stated.
“Struggles and sacrifices made must be passed on as lessons to future generations. Every account must be recorded and story written. We must write more. Congratulations to Job Sikhala for telling and sharing his life story in written form.”
Authored by Pastor Savanhu, “Footprints in the Chains” chronicles the life of the former Zengeza West Member of Parliament, known for his history of arrests and activism.
Sikhala was acquitted on July 22, 2024, of charges of ‘publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State’ and ‘incitement to commit violence’ after spending 595 days in pre-trial detention.
Prior to the launch, Pastor Savanhu reportedly declined to provide Sikhala with an advance copy, citing concerns about potential leaks.
Savanhu described the biography as “explosive” and “captivating,” suggesting its content delves deeply into Sikhala’s experiences.
Sikhala, who was released on January 30, 2024, after receiving a suspended two-year prison sentence for ‘incitement to commit violence’, has previously claimed to have been arrested 66 times on politically motivated charges over 25 years by the Zanu-PF regime.
Ian Khama has said it loud and clear….