Zimbabwe: The game is rigged…

The Security Forces are aware of machinations by some political leaders who are encouraging their supporters to picket around polling stations in the name of “defending their vote”. We also know that some political parties are currently recruiting youths from urban areas, for deployment in some rural areas where they would co-ordinate these so-called “defend the vote” antics. We are, however, aware that these are machinations aimed at inciting violence. This conduct violates Section 90 of the Electoral Act and Sections 8 and 10 of the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act, which prohibit gathering around Polling Stations and any unauthorized congregations, respectively. This mischief must stop. The Security Forces are ready to descend on any persons who will be caught on the wrong side of the law.” – Hon Minister Kazembe Kazembe (21.08.2023)

It is now 48 hours to the polls and the harmonised elections of 23rd August 2023. The ones believing this will be any different than previous elections in Zimbabwe. Well, someone has to say and it could just be me. The incumbent will be (s)elected and he will have a massive majority in the Parliament and within local government. There will be no wave or fanfare. No, there will be delay of final results and they will ensure another term of ZANU-PF at the helm.

There is no signs on the horizon for anything different. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and everyone in the security apparatus is ready. The fear and intimidation. The intense feeling all across the board. While most of the game is pre-fixed and altered to ensure a safe journey of the President and his men.

The ZANU-PF of today wouldn’t risk anything else. It is a formality. The empty promises, the small gifts at the rallies and the buses of voter tourism. Expect more that on voting day and some shady polling stations even. There will be weird tabulations and even anomalies that makes no sense. In the past there been several of dead people voting on Robert Mugabe. So, I expect nothing less to happen in regard to Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The ones believing that he will reform or change anything is oblivious to his reign. Things aren’t getting better and nothing has been done that is substantial. There been some grand corruption scandals and such, but nothing delivered or policy wise that is significant for the citizens. ZANU-PF has the one-party control of the state and uses proxies to look “open” or “sincere”. Which is why this election will make no difference or be a vindication for the citizens.

No, the citizens are just pawns. The rallies and whatnot is nice for a token and looks like an election. However, the ballots and the announced results will be in favour of ZANU-PF. President Mnangagwa will be re-elected and there will be no mercy on the CCC. The MDC-Alliance and whatever else will have no real shot either. The other candidates will just swim out of water and struggle to breathe. That is done with intention by the ones in power. They don’t intend to let other in and if so… they are there as pawns and to play their part like Douglas Mwonzora.

Nelson Chamisa might be a wise man, might be a good leader and the hope of Zimbabwe. Him and his team of the CCC is maybe the future. Regardless of that is the case… ZANU-PF will not let them takeover or get the ability to govern. The ZANU-PF Politburo or other councils will not let that happen. No, Mnangagwa will not risk another exile without a Plan B or a way of returning to prominence. His to old to that and wouldn’t take away the prestige that his finally getting.

We who has followed know that Mnangagwa will be proclaimed and prepared to be sworn-in again. Harare will be tense and there will be open lethal brutality against anyone who defies or resist the announced results. The ones who questions or dares to protest does so with their lives at stake. The authorities and the government will not let go easily. This government has easily killed before and can do so again. The leaders and the ones in office have no scruples to end some civilians lives. As long as they profit and get political capital out of it. That’s what they do and if not… they let activists and opposition leaders go missing. They target the ones who voices of dissent and they don’t mind the ability to silence them forever. While no one will know what happened to them or how their final hours was. That’s what ZANU-PF does and that’s why I have no faith in these elections.

It is just procedure and with dire consequences. Lives will be taken and people will be scorned for life. There will be use of lethal force and use of brutal intimidation of the ones who dares to oppose it. That’s why you know the game is rigged and Mnangagwa will see another day. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Peoples Patriotic Party (PPP) – Special Endorsement of CIC Advocate Nelson Chamisa as Presidential Candidate during 23 August 2023 Harmonised Elections in Zimbabwe (20.08.2023)

Zimbabwe: Saviour Kasukuwere – Statement on Recent Acts of Political Violence (14.08.2023)

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum – Five years on, no redress for the 1st August 2018 shootings (01.08.2023)

Zimbabwe: Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) – Disqualification of 12 CCC Byo MP Candidates an Unconstitutional Attack on the Will of the People (27.07.2023)

Zimbabwe: Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) – ZBC, State Media Reporting Unconstitutional & Biased in Favour of ZANU PF (25.07.2023)

Zimbabwe: ZANU-PF is willing to spend a fortune on a publicity stunt…

I wanna call Zimbabwe one of my homes and I wanna give back to the people in Zimbabwe; that’s what we (with President Mnangagwa) have been talking about today, you know just helping the country of Zimbabwe. The President is unbelievable. He is for the people and I told him he has my support 100 percent, so we need him brought back here, one is for a great cause, one is for the people” – Floyd Mayweather (13.07.2023)

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa met with retired American boxer Floyd Mayweather at the Zimbabwean State House in Harare. The retired boxer arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 13 July 2023” (MDN News, 14.07.2023).

That Floyd Mayweather took a flight and posed as a former boxer in Harare is just fine. It is something could have done on his own accord and organized through “The Money Team” (TMT). Alas, that wasn’t the case.

The ZANU-PF and their handlers spent a massive fortune and expenses to host the former boxer. They used his profile and influence to aspire young voters. While Mayweather himself has been in a lot of controversy and court cases of late. So, the ZANU-PF really knows how to pick-em.

Mayweather has been shilling crypto-currencies, NFTs and selling questionable products to his fans. While doing all sorts of questionable activities at best. It is just like ZANU-PF knows how to pick a fellow brother from another mother.

If Mayweather was there as a private entity or an individual on a vacation. Then there would be no hoopla or any sort of outcry. It would just be a celebrity visiting Zimbabwe and taking a few snap-shots in Harare. However, that wasn’t the bargain of this trip.

No Mayweather was flown in, paid and gotten vast amount of money to play the tunes of ZANU-PF. He did this as a business venture and to boost the ego of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Just so he got the pictures and the crowds surging. Because, the ZANU-PF can’t really promise anything new or say they will deliver.

The 2nd Republic is more of the same old, but with the horrific oppression and use of the state machinery to silence dissidents. The ZANU-PF don’t care and they will use all means in the books to take out or ensure the demise of the ones who opposes it.

So, it is very telling that Mayweather got a script and had to the dance. He earned easy money and could easily take a flight back to United States of America without having to feel the real pressure or troubles of the Republic. He was there only to spice up things and give the impression of greatness in the eyes of ZANU-PF.

However, this isn’t a good look for Mayweather or ZANU-PF. They are both losers here. Because, ZANU-PF isn’t solving any of its problems. The state which is crippled, lacking of basics and not having any sort of remedy to make change. A military government which isn’t willing to budge or listen. Only decree and bamboozle the citizens. That’s what it does and this up coming election will only solidify this… Peace.

Opinion: ZANU-PF’s solution to things is to build statutes…

The nation is futher advised that in recognition of the roles played by Cde Robert .G. Mugabe and Dr Joshua M.N.Nkomo , who selflessly dedicated their lives for the Liberation of Zimbabwe, Cabinet approved the erection of statues in Harare. The statue of Cde R.G Mugabe will be erected at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while Dr.J.M.N. Nkomo statue will be erected at the trumpet Interchange at the intersection of Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo and Glenara Roads. In honor of the late nationalist and First black medical doctor and physician and first Vice President of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), the late Dr. Tichafa Parirenyatwa, a statue will be erected at an appropriate entrance to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals” (Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, 11.07.2023).

You know a state by what its messages. We know that the President and his elites are steady eating. They are living lavish and large. These people have estates, farms and whatnot while others cannot afford transportation or the basics, as inflation and lack of currency bites. That’s just a mere fact, but it doesn’t stop there.

The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) is gearing up for elections. That is on the horizon and its important to look good ahead of it. Like in the past, the predecessor also made statutes and other public rallies surrounding some patriotic installation. Now in the 2nd republic things haven’t really changed.

Yes, Emmerson Mnangagwa wears a scarf and allows the flag to be everywhere. However, that’s the only reform he did and it shows. His promises ahead of previous elections is forgotten and the ZANU-PF party is busy re-issuing them. Hoping the villagers and everyone has forgotten them too.

That’s why they are now making statutes of the fallen comrades. Mugabe who went from a hero to a zero and Mnangagwa came back from exile to topple him. Alas, we are supposed to forget that part and call him a hero now. The goblin of ages is now praised by the crocodile. You cannot make this one up. The Lacoste is showing G-40 some love. All love aren’t lost, apparently…

We are just seeing how busy-bodies are kept pre-occupied these days. This is surely to make nice publicity and also “galvanize” the troops. Regardless, the ZANU-PF should look into the incapacitation of civil servants and other government workers. They find policies and measures that helps people in their daily lives. Instead they are doling away funds on pretentious nonsense, which isn’t helping anyone. Well, it will help the brother or sister who gets the government tenders to build or design these. Alas, those are a chosen few and not the plenty. The ZANU-PF should think of the plenty and not of the few. However, we know the priority… Peace.

Zimbabwe: Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) – CCC National Campaign Mega-Launch Rally Unlawfully Banned (08.07.2023)

Opinion: Mangaliso Ndlovu mind your language…

Zanu PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Mangaliso Ndlovu, mocked the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party and compared them to cockroaches, sentiments that evoked ‘painful’ memories of the Gukurahundi genocide that occurred in the region in the 1980s. “Matabeleland South province is well organised, we don’t even have a single independent candidate here in Zanu PF while there are others who are confused. We wonder if they are a Convention for Confused Cockroaches because what happened during nomination day shows you can’t give them a chance to lead a village, now what more if they are to lead a country,”” (CITE Zimbabwe, 02.07.2023).

You know your run by a ruthless lot when one of them can utter these words. A leader of a Province and a man with a title said this. It was no random people in the streets or anything like that. It is still a person with power and prestige. A provincial chairperson has a say and his words matters.

Mangaliso Ndlovu uttered words that is resounding in conflict. Ndlovu had words that are a reflection of genocidal sentiment. Where one person is supreme and the other a mere insect. That’s when you distinguish between two individuals, one is the epitome of manhood and the other is a vermin. That’s what his initially saying and doing it so blatantly.

That’s why I want Ndlovu to mind his language. He needs to reflect on his words. This isn’t about the elections or campaigns. No, this is about how words matter and how they reflect on your surroundings. These sorts of words and ideas only bring violence and destruction. There is nothing good coming out and calling people “cockroaches”. No, nothing good comes out of that.

It is easy… Ndlovu could have dismissed the party program or policies the CCC is campaigning on. He could have blasted Chamisa and the CCC over how it is organized. That is something he could have done, but calling them out like this is a disregard for their existence.

Mangaliso Ndlovu should know better and his mother should given him a few lessons. There is enough history and bloodshed to know the dangers of certain rhetoric. Even if you disagree with someone and doesn’t partake in their believes. You can still act with some sort of respect and dignity. It is unjustified and unreasonable when you speak like Ndlovu did.

He should know better and he should retract it. Secondly apologize and take a moment to breathe. His just acting it all out and trying to sound like a big-man. However, it is just foolishness…. And a tragedy.

We can clearly now see what sort of future the ZANU-PF is fostering. When the likes of Ndlovu is rising through its ranks. This is what the ZANU-PF has to offer. The sort of blatant disregard of its opposition and no consideration of their plight. Instead his just coming with rhetoric that can endanger and ensure violence, if it is implemented. This is a dangerous sentiment and this is why people have to call him out on it.

It is just sad… really sad… and the people of Zimbabwe deserves better men than this. Peace.