The Sunday Mail
Dr Philip Chiyangwa
President Mugabe and I are basically of the same family. He is my elder brother.
The Gushungo clan emerged from our forebear, Newuteve. We were then divided into two families — Chidziva and Beperere — both Newuteve’s creation.
Mugabe is from the Chidziva scion while I am from Beperere.
The President has been favoured by the Lord to lead.
He has excelled beyond any human in history in terms of political authority and using the same for the good of his people.
Indeed, Zvimba produced a gem of a leader.
In today’s world, which other leader has ever given his people land, value, without them having invested even a single dime?
It is only President Mugabe who has given us such opportunity.
He listens and responds positively when you put your wishes across to him clearly.
I remember when he requested to meet me sometime in 1994.
Then, I had founded the Affirmative Action Group and he was keen to learn about this new concept and our objective.
Pamire, Obert Mpofu, Kasukuwere, Muvirimi and I went to see him at Zanu-PF headquarters. And from that meeting emerged what would be a much stronger AAG.
He had blessed us and given us firepower.
A month later, I lost a daughter in a swimming pool accident. He postponed a crucial meeting when he learnt of this tragedy and came to our home. Cabinet ministers were there, too.
He paid his condolences and even attended the burial with his entire Cabinet. He also visited my friend whose child had also died in the same Jameson School swimming pool disaster.
At the burial, President Mugabe supported affirmative action and took a swipe at its opponents. Dr Nathan Shamuyarira later reassured me that the President fully backed the AAG.
Affirmative action rests on two pillars: Defending what blacks have and advocating for more. The AAG has become that vehicle.
It has also become a factory for producing national leaders such as Kasukuwere, Nhema, Savanhu, Chapfika, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and Supa Mandiwanzira . . . the list is endless.
Lessons from President Mugabe
My brother is a socialist. He is not a money man. Those who try to impress him using money and material things will find him unmoved.
That is just who he is — a socialist.
He regards highly those who create conditions for others to flourish.
When you sit to discuss matters, he can look through you in an instant.
His mind is like a computer — he analyses you straight away, even before you start talking up to the point you finish.
This is the kind of gift he has.
I have learnt that one should not turn oneself into a fool in front of that man by trying to appear clever.
During my stint as Zanu-PF provincial chair, I would present proposals I would have spent weeks working on.
He would point out the weaknesses and propose better solutions.
That is the kind of person we are talking about — a moving computer, a deadly one for that matter.
No kid gloves
We grew up takawanda muGushungo clan and he is one man who has excelled beyond anyone’s expectations.
No one from our clan has ever done that. Of course, we had vazukuru anaChikerema, anaWillie Musarurwa.
No one can reach that level as he is in a class of his own. He is a teacher.
I am into property and also hold the largest shares in Zeco, a company listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
I am the chair, so the President is always keen to know progress. Business is one area where he is very proud of me. He calls me businessman every time we meet. I am not too much of a visitor, though. I only go to see him when I have productive things to discuss. President Mugabe does not have a lot of close relatives in politics because he wants people to make their own sacrifices; make their own way up.
He doesn’t clear the way for you. He only helps when he realises your potential. That is his strict rule.
I am a Zanu-PF Central Committee member and one would be surprised if I reveal the battles I have had to fight.
I never went to him to ask for any favours. I fought very hard and I have scars to prove it.
Interview and transcription by Senior Reporter Lincoln Towindo
