Your shouts on Simba Makoni part 2

Former Finance Minister Simba Makoni to contest in presidential elections set for March 29.

Makoni making wine from political grapevine

Third Way: A force in the political parallel market

Updated 13 February 2008

Massive debate surrounds the entry of former finance minister Simba Makoni into the presidential race. Here are some of the contributions so far.

Jacob Rukanda: jrukanda2000@yahoo.co.uk
Mutambara can not stop amazing me, when he came we thought this is the man talking big words like strategies that is plan A,B and Z but whats next now you have finished all your options. You have finished all the options you want now to join Zanu PF (Makoni) but they might not like you because you lack maturity.

This is now like politics of survival, you and your group you want to lean on some one who can extend your like but shame on you. You had three full years to develop your support base but you failed completely and you want Tsvangirai to lend
you supporters through a marriage of convinience but it all failed. Now you were being paid by Mugabe under political finance act its now over. I will congratulate you if you win on 29 March 2008.

Papa Lodza: Mutambara has come out the worst loser in all this. How can you have the leader of a political party who says he was prepared to step down for Tsvangirai and is now prepared to step down for Makoni. What an idiot, he wants everyone but himself to stand for him. If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen and let the real men slug it out.

Itayi Garande: I think many people who are now supporting Makoni are doing it in direct protest to either the MDC or Zanu PF. This is a very dangerous precedent. I think we are missing the bigger picture of judging politicians on their vision of a future Zimbabwe.

To support Simba simply because he brings a 'breath of fresh air' is preposterous. To support him because he breaks the monotomy is dangerous. To support him simply because he is criticising Mugabe is irresponsible.

Let's exercise extreme caution and judge Simba on the basis of his policies, which mind you all, we do not know yet. To argue that both Mutambara and Tsvangirai have not given us their manifestos so we should exonerate Simba from that obligation is not responsible.

I am rather uneasy about Simba Makoni's undeclared Zanu PF supporters. If they do not have the guts to come out now, can we trust them to lead effectively?

Itayi Garande
The Zimbabwe Guardian
www.talkzimbabwe.com

Brian Kagoro: Well , Fellow Citizens, Africans and Zimbabweans!

The business of reconstructing an economy already in tatters ; public institutions in severe dilapidation and public confidence in crisis will -of necessity- be excruciatingly painful. It has to be inclusive of friends and foes alike; of ideological allies and opponnents ;of revolutionaries and quislings alike. The challenge of leadership at this great hour is that ability to accept the pain and discomfort of an inclussive politics.

There are many people we all feel justified to assign to the dustbins of political history; there are others whose illegitimacy we deem almost legendary. Yet as we seek to salvage what remains of the pride of our great nation, we must -of necessity -possess the grace and courage to forgive the unforgiveable ; to restrain justifiable appetites for revenge and retribution; to share with those who treated us like dogs and animals of prey.

The change we hope to see and the new Zimbabwe we endeavour to build will require a different kind of courage...a rare courage ...a courage to embrace diversity and to do so inspite of betrayal. It is a courage to embrace and celebrate our diversity. An acceptance that we are not a political choir and we will not always sing from the same song-sheet. This courage also requires a great measure of integrity.....rather , the ability to critically engage with friends and foes alike.

There are certain principles that we have undermined as we trudged along this course towards political change. In this great enterprise of trying to change governance in our country , we --the change agents ---have remained largely unchanged! We need to see change in ourselves......to become and be the change we wish to see in the world! To change the way we talk to and about each other.

In this instance, the way we talk about our history and our future must reflect an alternative to Zanu PF's exclusionary tendencies. Zimbabwe belongs to all of us and we are all Zimbabweans. We are children both of the past .....but of the present and future as well. Perhaps in the future we could afford the luxury of being divided and separate and resentful. The present challenges and the daunting tasks that await us in the future as we attempt to reconstruct our economy and livelihoods require us to be united. Unity though must be founded on justice...both of the present and future . I take it we can not do too much about our past. But we can arrest the rot we see today and fashion a better future for Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe of the future. Regards Brian Kagoro

Benjamin Chitate: To justify his bid to run for presidency, Simba Makoni claims that he has listened to the voices of the suffering Zimbabweans who want to see change. Evidence at hand so far shows the voices Makoni listened to are those of Ibbo Mandaza, retired army generals Vitalis Zvinavashe and Solomon Mujuru, and retired army major Kambudzi among others. These are certainly not the voices of suffering Zimbabweans. These are the voices of people who were senior army officials during the Gukurahundi madness.

People who, like Mugabe, have blood on their hands. Some sections of the army and CIO are also being mentioned. The army and CIO has been Mugabe's repressive machinery since the formation of the MDC. These are the voices Simba Makoni has listened to.

As correctly pointed out by Patrick Laurence in a media story, these Generals are more worried about their waning business fortunes should
Mugabe remain president. "His military credentials aside, Mujuru - whose wife, Joyce, is one of Zimbabwe's two vice presidents - is a fabulously rich businessmen; if Mugabe is allowed to prolong his disastrous rule at the age of 83, Mujuru is a candidate for impoverishment and even retribution".
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn2008021
0090556580C403038

Interestingly, some sections of the media, both local and international, have hailed Makoni as the savoir. The worst thing is that some Zimbabwe so called media houses have turned themselves into election agents for Simba Makoni - shame on Zimbabwean journalism.

Late musician Biggie Tembo's message in his popular song 'Jekanyika' seems not to have sunk into the heads of many political commentators and analysts. Biggie warned against those who turn to embrace any new developments before assessing the consequences "he-e-e kupururudza, kupururudza ngoma isina kupfumbira, buda pachena, jekesa Jekanyika,
chinangwa chako ndecheiko pano panyika".

Biggie Tembo's message is echoed by Brian Kagoro in his recent interview with SW Radio Africa who says "people should avoid simplistic characterizations whether of Simba Makoni, Mutambara or Tsvangirai".

Firstly, people should look at why Makoni has not decided to support the on-going efforts to unseat Mugabe by other opposition forces? He could have asked the opposition what problems they were encountering in achieving the people's goal. He and the generals could have advised on how to dismantle Mugabe's rigging machinery. The fact that he choose to
go it alone shows his interest is more in power than emancipating the suffering people. Every Zimbabwean knows the amount to violence exerted on the people by Zanu PF. Simba and the Generals were part of the meetings which planned the atrocities on innocent Zimbabweans fighting for change - the same chance Simba and the generals want to champion now. They are oppoturnists, simple.

All the same, Simba and his team have the democratic right to contest elections. More importantly, their coming on board, with all the experience of election rigging, will enhance the chances of a free and fair election as they will halt Mugabe's rigging machinery. The
splitting of the Zanu PF vote also works in favor of the oppressed people of Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF and its associates in crime must go, and go now!, Benjamin Chitate.

Alois T. Mbawara: Comrades the unfortunate bit of the struggle that confronts us is that it has been privatised...now we do have people who think they own the struggle...Makoni is any ordinary Zimbabwean like all of us.Therefore he does have the sovereign right to express his political kung-fu...

It is a sad reality but some we have objected to the Zimbabwean crisis like a simultenous equation seeking the value of X and Y...some of the cohesive formulae's might be found in Zanu PF itself. Comradely.

Promise Mkwananzi (Former Zinasu President): If Simba was breaking away to consolidate opposition votes, we would be glad.But now it seems he is there to wrestle votes from the opposition. He is sending the Tekeres to tell our leaders to step down on his behalf. He has not consulted anyone in the civics and we dont know yet what he is bringing with him from ZANU to measure his strength.

Kudzai Mbudzi and Ibbo Mandaza are not from the core of Zanu PF and celebrating them will be celebrating mediocrity. Remember that ZANU once fired six provincial chairpersons and two cabinet minister, the other danger is that those people who assured Simba of support could betray him.

Look at the purging which is already imminent in ZANU.Dont take Chinotimba`s statements lightly ''kana munhu achinge apanduka [tinodela naye].Why did the so called Simba Makoni supporters not come out in the open with him,, they want to weigh politics first.It is unfortunate that before Simba proves what he has to offer apart from Mbudzi, Mandaza and his impressive CV (We already have one, more modern one again, provided by our own Ago), we will not take him seriously.For now the opposition must campaign even more vigorous, under the theory of constant mistrust, the MDC must assume that Simba is a ZANU stooge/spoiler until he proves himself otherwise.

Itai Zimunya: The discussion of Dr Makoni formally introducing himself as ready to serve Zimbabwe has invited several reactions. Most of this reaction, however seems to be originating from the hip. Unsubstantiated jubilations, mews of doubt and declarations of dismissal are some of these emerging positions. The core of this contribution is to incite all forces to put time to think on the real issues surrounding Zimbabwe, and without personifying the struggle, list the ought to be for Zimbabwe to return to her desired status of a prosperous democracy.

Michelle: Many of us have covered elelction campaigns in rural Zimbabwe. The older ones among us have covered several elections from as far back as the 80's and you you know that it is a big job and takes a lof of resources, especially when you have to cover rallies in remote or hard to reach areas, like Guruve etc. It takes a lot of planning too. Trips by road by chopper etc. The incumbent president has all the state resources at his disposal. Is there time for Simba to fundraise and raise resources that will match or surpass zanu Pf's. Also Zanu Pf has acess to both broadcast and print media which Simba will not be to access. In addtion Zanu Pf has been busy in the rural areas already giving people ploughs- in my mother's village and elsewhere and promised them zvikochikari etc- This might not sound like a lot to us townies but it is somenthing to rural folk. what hope then for a new political party. Vanhu vanenzara. As for MDC - there were lot of big egos there.

Mai Psalm: Comrades just a word of caution- we cant afford to be simplistic. Politics is a gamble, it is a game of wit and of numbers. The urban voter ought not to be fooled.splitting the urban vote will go a long way in further weakening opposition voices in Zimbabwe. What Zimbabwe needs is not just any opposition. Zimbabweans need to get a life, an ideology, an healthy economy and freedom from all forms of opression & exploitation be they domestic or international. Look before you leap!

Comrade Kundayi. africanlion_1@hotmail.comIT IS interesting to note how in America Presidential candidates must present themselves for scrutiny for nearly a year, yet in Zimbabwe people’s desperation can cover any sin in just 51 days. Trevor Ncube confirms my point why desperate times don’t need desperate measures.

Zidane: Urging other opposition leaders to step aside because Mr Makoni is "the new viable thing around town" is too much of an overzealous thing to do for a nation so full of talent. We don't want to go back to 1980, when we created a monster out of Robert Mugabe. An all too powerful leader is what we are trying do away with. I am sure Mr Makoni himself, if elected would want to see a viable opposition from the ashes of MDC. Let, the people make their choices, and not limit them to variety.

Bhinya Muhombe: Many of us are acting as if we don't know Mugabe's tactics. The results for the March 29 polls have already been printed with of course Karigamombe waiting to be pronounced the winner. Why Simba has chosen to cut short his life will always baffle me. Rest assured Mugabe will channel all his resources just to make sure Simba's political life will go no where. African politics is dirty but judging from yesterday's press conference the Dr didn't reveal much at all apart from alluding to 'leadership failure'. I wanted bold statement like 'Mugabe is a tw**t da na da na, achitipa inside story yemuZanu Pf, Time will tell.

Mandla M. Hadebe: If there’s one thing that will get the MDC rushing to the polls, this is it! The mere thought of the already split vote being further splintered by a pretender – Makoni! So the seeds of confusion sown by this move on ZANU-PF’s part – for surely it is a calculated move – will embolden the opposition to launch itself aggressively – no – lurch towards the poisoned chalice! The move is calculated in that no serious contender (if indeed Makoni is such) can make a run for the throne at the 11th hour. Which and what is his constituency? A President without a party? Hearing this (the late assault by Makoni) and fearing oblivion (should they not contest and be replaced by more token contenders) the opposition will take the bait and run, thereby creating a picture of a democratically and fully contested election, which is what ZANU PF needs to gain some credibility. No Kenya scenario there, barring the inevitable rigging that works hand-in-glove with all elections this part of the world.

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