Zimbabweans mock Mbudzi Interchange renaming to ED nickname “Trabablas”

Zimbabweans are mocking the government’s decision to name the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wartime nickname, “Trabablas”.

The announcement, made during a post cabinet briefing on Tuesday, has sparked widespread criticism and ridicule.

“Cabinet considered and approved the naming of the “Mbudzi Traffic Interchange Roundabout”, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi as the Acting Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names.

“Cabinet wishes to advise that upon completion, the ‘Mbudzi Interchange will be named ‘Trabablas Inter-change’ in recognition of the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” Information Minister Jenfan Muswere told journalists.

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti slammed the decision, stating that it validates his claim that the current government is the worst in Zimbabwe’s history.

He stated: “We have always argued that this is the worst government in the history of governments. Daily the regime manufactures empirical data to validate this claim. How did we get to such a low point?”

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also weighed in, sarcastically remarking that Zimbabwe is often a joke, even at the best of times.

“Zimbabwe is often a real joke, even at the best of times. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his cabinet have agreed to name the under-construction Mbudzi roundabout after his nickname, “Trabablas.”

Pro-democracy activist Obey Sithole questioned the cabinet’s priorities, suggesting that they are more focused on producing comedy skits than addressing the country’s pressing issues.

“Reading an update that Mbudzi Inter-change will be named Trabablas Inter-change provides sufficient evidence to conclude that the cabinet in their entirety are watching too many skits and have since resolved to compete with Comic Elder, Frets, Moojaya etc in producing skits,” Sithole stated.

Once completed, the US$88 million project is expected to alleviate congestion and improve road safety.

The construction of the Mbudzi Interchange is being undertaken by a consortium of local and international companies.

Work began in 2022, and despite some delays caused by funding challenges, the project is now reportedly 80% complete.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona recently reiterated that the interchange will be commissioned in early 2025.