Open letter to Rt Air Marshall H. Muchena.
As a young citizen of this country, I write in response not only to a well-earned rebuttal towards Sabhuku T. Mliswa, written under your name, but generally, to many other issues you’ve dutifully raised since the introduction of CAB3.
I write as a young Zimbabwean who identifies both as a student of history and as someone admittedly opposed to ZanuPF governance since becoming politically conscious.
I make that concession so as to clarify both my political persuasions, and disillusionment with your approach.
Without delving much into history, I write to you having observed a pattern.
Firstly, towards the 2023 elections, in a directed attack at the Opposition, Gen Chiwenga bullishly threatened to amend the current constitution, pursuant of trivial Zanu PF political agendas.
Secondly, on a series of his first interviews, Blessed Geza [MHSRIP] claimed that the “nationalist” class of ZanuPF, singling out Mugabe and Mnangagwa after him, have had their turn as presidents.
Geza further claimed that: “..us the real war veterans…” are next in line.
Although Geza’s grievances, which citizens outside ZanuPF correctly identified with, eventually outgrew [or at least were packed to seem so], mere succession contradictions within ZanuPF, the agenda seems to remain so.
Your series of letters, Gen Muchena, are doing the same.
I put it to you, Gen Muchena, that your emphasis on collective history and current identity not only as liberation war fighters but proud ZanuPF leaders and members are a cause of concern.
Though this is your democratic rights, I can’t nevertheless help but feel uncertain.
That uncertainty comes from tragic lessons learned from history, particularly the events of 2017, where the likes of Patrick Chinamasa and Amb Mutsvangwa eventually demanded that the exit of RG Mugabe was a “Zanu PF internal matter”
Never mind how many 🇿🇼ns had played diff roles.
To that end, Gen Muchena, I put it to you that your series of correspondence have failed to do the following
(i) Put a clear and unequivocal message that what’s actually at stake isn’t ZanuPF succession no party constitution, but the state constitution and democratic processes.
In fact, although there is very little to be done about what has transpired in the past, the reality is that CAB3 is a continuation of partisan power consolidation.
Resolving this would demand re-emagining 🇿🇼 outside party loyalties, as the liberation struggle envisioned.
(ii) Secondly, Gen Muchena, your series of correspondences thus far make no attempt to set a nationalistic and holistic push back against autocratic entrenchment.
This has been consequntiated by your over-emphasis on being “ZanuPF,” making some of us feel like outsiders.
(iii) Thirdly, Gen Muchena, your letters, struggle & consequently fail to paint the 🇿🇼 you envision should CAB3 fail, specifically should Mr. Mnangagwa not be on the ballot in 2028.
The political problems bedeviling 🇿🇼 won’t be resolved by simply having an election in 2028.
Again, I make the concession that we can not do much about history.
Yet that being the case, the man-made crisis we find ourselves in today (which we shouldn’t waste) demands that we be clear about what must happen next.
🇿🇼 simply needs to return to democratic legitimacy.
As you dutifully reject CAB3 and demand a referendum, can you Gen. Muchena join calls for the total implementation of the current constitution and and time-bound commitments towards a credible electoral process?
One which you colleagues in the security forces today will respect.
(iv) Fourthly, can you and team, Gen Muchena, as war veterans and ex-senior gov officials inspire calls for replacing the individualistic #Vision2030, with a National Vision born out of an inclusive dialogue.
We are a country where gov dialogues with citizens through violence.
It is my reflection and belief, Gen Muchena, that such an approach as highlighted by those 4 points, conspicuously absent from, and/or downplayed in your letters thus far, will bring clarity on what you are representing.
As a country, we are tired of false battles.
enkosi!
