The Sunday Mail
Ministry of Truth with Cde Jason Zhuwao
I found it of grave importance to vehemently oppose the media blitz that sprung purporting the presence of bad blood between our First Lady, Dr Amai, and the war veterans.
The whole notion of her exhibiting hostility to our liberation war fighters is beyond absurd!
Apart from the obvious fact that she is married to an iconic veteran of the liberation struggle, the Zanu-PF Women’s League leader has repeatedly displayed her unquestionable respect for our liberators, with her honouring of Mbuya Hwiza at a recently held Mbare rally standing as a fine example.
That Amai Mugabe took time to reprimand the few rogue members of the fighters’ group during a speech does not equal to her being at loggerheads with all of them.
Quite the contrary, it speaks of the value she places on our war veterans.
It did not sit well with her to stand and watch the reputation of the honest men and women who brought this nation its Independence suffer at the hands of a few errant individuals.
“Some will say because I went to war, then I have the right to do whatever I want,” said Dr Amai.
At a time when Zanu-PF is fighting corrupt activities and lawlessness, how can anyone find fault with a leader who is speaking out against those who think their political positions place them above the law?
Who really is feeling hard done by her words: the innocent majority or the guilty few? An examination of media reports on the First Lady will reveal that the woman has suffered because of her fearlessness to call out misdemeanours — not just in the opposition, but even within Zanu-PF.
Just like a scolded child, some of those who have the whistle blown on their wrongful conduct then start to pout.
Immature!
One must be responsible for one’s actions and be humble enough to accept correction.
The Bible speaks clearly on this matter: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)
This year has seen Dr Amai making headlines more than any other political figure in Zimbabwe with the most controversial reports being on her alleged rivalry with our Vice-Presidents.
Both VPs are liberation war fighters held in high esteem by the First Lady.
When Dr Amai tours the different regions of our country, it is not to campaign for herself but rather to support and emulate the dedication and zeal that the VPs have given to the nation during their service dating back to pre-Independent Zimbabwe.
Opposition media are in essence criticising her for working diligently.
It is a sad day for African politics when our leaders are denigrated for being active in their respective roles.
However, such is the nature of our environment and one must, as the President put it, “acclimatise to the heat wave of criticism”.
Notwithstanding the media onslaught on Amai Mugabe, let us have a discerning mind to separate truth from fiction.
An example of a simple truth is that this year’s Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is not an elective one according to the party’s constitution.
Knowledge of this simple fact should allow the reader to understand that no matter how much ink is wasted on front page articles on the First Lady allegedly gunning for office at the conference, it is all fiction.
As for the war liberators, do not be swayed by the tactics rolled out to frustrate your cause for this nation’s development.
When the President set up a ministry dedicated to this grouping of individuals, he did so out of reverence for these heroes — both living and dead.
Whilst the enemy seeks to attack, often through divisive methods, let the resolve to remain a united front be greater than his tactics.
There is no bad blood between Amai Mugabe and the war veterans.
If any blood is shared between them, it is the blood lost during the liberation struggle which both the First Lady and freedom fighters have vowed to not allow to have been shed in vain.
Cde Jason Zhuwao is the CEO of the Team Zanu-PF Live, the Zanu-PF organ for mass dissemination of information, research networking and live updating of party current affairs. Cde Zhuwao holds an Advanced Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science. He is reading for a degree in Diplomacy and International Relations and can be contacted at [email protected]
