By Israel Chiduri| Ever since I received my Zimbabwean ID at the age of 16 I have always been a diehard MDC supporter. 15 years later down the line MDC has been amazed by factions caused by personal vendettas. What causes factions in a political party? Greed, Power, Mismanagement of Funds and Lack of Leadership!
I was at Machipisa when Tsvangirai and crew was arrested in Highfield, I was in Mabvuku when a Marcopolo was torched, I was there when a Coca Cola truck was raided in Tafara, I was there when shops were looted in Mufakose. I was there when civilians exchanged blows with the riot police in Highfield. I have received a few beatings in the past. I used to be that guy who used to attend MDC meetings and demonstrations. I remember being taken to Glen Norah police station with one of my long lost cadre and later released without any charges. Sometimes I relieve some of the moments vividly. Let me put a DISCLAIMER: I have never committed any crime, I have never looted, I was just one of those young fellas who went around “toyi-toying” everywhere making noise. Just a young foot soldier.
Most of my colleagues lost family members and friends. You see when two elephants fight only the grass will suffer. I have so much respect for Tsvangirai, Mutambara, Biti and Chamisa. I still remember the first time I met Raymond Majongwe in Belvedere around 2006, that guy may God bless him, he is a mouthful and troublesome. In that same arena I also remember bumping into Brigadier Rugeje, one tough nut to crack. This is one man who tried an early coup on Mugabe if I am not mistaken. Most people claim to be MDC supporters only to support the party from the terraces. No one should question the legitimacy of my MDC support as what I am about to say will make a few heads roll.
As an orphan I was raised by my half brother who is a hardcore military man. This man served his country with pride and life. He served in Angola, Somalia and DRC but has nothing to show for it. Till today he cannot even afford to buy a car. He only has a rural stand to his name. No wonder why most military guys are turning into criminals. I have seen this government servant at his lowest. His suffering turned into my motivation hence I became obsessed with change.
November 21 2017 will forever be embedded in our hearts. General chiwenga became a household name overnight. We saw all political parties celebrating and embracing each other without stones and sticks. We saw black, indian and white celebrating with each other. Even those who hate us in diaspora celebrated with us. Finally Mugabe was gone, Jonathan Moyo was gone and Grace Mugabe was gone. To be honest, I was surprised, you were surprised and MDC was shocked. This booting was supposed to be done by MDC not by Chiwenga and ED.
Mugabe’s forced resignation has given Zanu Pf an upper hand over MDC factions. Zanu Pf has been amplified and militarized. ED is a military man, Chiwenga is a military man, Mutsvangwa is a military man, Shiri is a military man, Rugeje is a military man, Moyo is a military man and also there is a multitude of promotions within the ARMY, POLICE, PRESIDENTIAL GUARDS and AIRFORCE. These are all Zanu Pf supporters and all the folks are loyal to President ED Mnangagwa. We will also have Chiwenga as VP, watch the space.
With the new Sheriff in town what did MDC do??? Nothing, just rushed to the US to sustain current sanctions on Zimbabwe and also complained about policy plagiarism. As a dedicated Zimbo and MDC supporter I was hurt when Chamisa said “””The myth that sanctions are hurting the people is simply a failed Zanu pf pure propaganda line.The fact is that people are hurt by Zanu pf corruption, mismanagement, zero service delivery, abductions and violence.””” We all felt the effects of sanctions, from trade and credit line sanctions while MDC top management survived on donor funds. How does an economy function when its declined a credit line and trade. No country is an island to itself, it takes the world to raise a country as it also takes the whole village to raise a child.
Zanu pf has now become a beast without using any violence and MDC factions are now running around like headless chickens looking at faults to point at. What happened to our donor money Tsvangirai? Its ok, let bygones be bygones. Tsvangirai is the same like Mugabe, if he cannot handover to Chamisa while he is on his sickbed then how do you expect him to pass on the button when elected? Most people are tired of playing hide and seek. Its not about MDC or Zanu but its about the wellbeing of the people and I think MDC yakutamba ne future yedu manje. Tired of meaningless demonstrations and poverty. Vanhu vaneta, we are tired.
Most Zimbabweans have placed their hope on ED and the new government. I personally think ED will play an integral role in the resuscitation of our failed economy. My stance for MDC still remain unwavere