NEHANDA’S LEGACY: A SACRILEGE IN THE SHADOWS OF ZANU PF
In the heart of Zimbabwe, a striking paradox unfolds as the government seeks to immortalize Nehanda, a fearless icon synonymous with the fight for freedom and liberation. Nehanda’s sacrifice, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her people, stands in stark contrast to the government that now claims her legacy. The party in power, Zanu PF, with its history marred by accusations of tyranny, oppression, and egregious human rights violations, endeavors to align itself with Nehanda’s revered name. This act, far from a tribute, borders on sacrilege, betraying Nehanda’s ideals and the very essence of her struggle.
Nehanda’s resistance was against tyranny, a fight for the dignity and freedom of her people. To associate her legacy with a party criticized for its self-serving philosophy and alleged crimes against those it governs is to misunderstand the core of what Nehanda represented. The juxtaposition of Nehanda’s heroic sacrifice against the backdrop of Zanu PF’s governance raises profound questions about the intention and legitimacy of such an immortalization.
Consider the plight of the ordinary Zimbabwean: cotton farmers paid in groceries, teachers in Hoyo struggling on salaries that barely keep pace with inflation, and the venomous snake bites in Dande, where medical help is a distant hope. These realities underscore a governance far removed from the welfare and consensus of the people. Would Nehanda, a figure of liberation, endorse her remembrance by a regime that seemingly prioritizes political survival over the genuine needs of its citizens?
The erection of Nehanda’s statue by Zanu PF is not an act of homage but a strategy, a diversion from the pressing issues that afflict the nation. It is a ploy aimed at reinforcing the party’s grip on power, distracting from its failures and the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. The statue, instead of serving as a beacon of hope, becomes a symbol of the party’s detachment from the populace’s struggles and aspirations.
The narrative of Nehanda’s legacy being co-opted by Zanu PF is a stark reminder of the party’s attempts to manipulate historical symbols for political gain. The true essence of Nehanda’s sacrifice—her fight against oppression and her vision for a free and just Zimbabwe—is at odds with the actions and values of the current government. The immortalization of Nehanda by Zanu PF is seen by many as an affront to her memory and the ideals she stood for.
Furthermore, this act of ‘immortalization’ serves as a diversion from critical issues such as the aftermath of cyclone Idai, where victims still languish in tents, and the broader humanitarian crises that plague the nation. The resources and attention devoted to the statue could have been directed towards genuine nation-building efforts, reflecting a prioritization of political spectacle over tangible welfare improvements.
The opposition’s potential rise to power poses an existential threat to Zanu PF, promising a return to constitutionalism, rule of law, and a society where governance is transparent, accountable, and aligned with the people’s will. This scenario represents the antithesis of Zanu PF’s current hold on power, which is marked by attempts to thwart such democratic progressions through distractions like the Nehanda statue.
In Zimbabwe, there’s wisdom in the saying that what flies must eventually land. This notion, applied to the current political landscape, suggests that the era of Zanu PF’s dominion, much like regimes of the past, will come to an end. Nehanda’s legacy, true to her prophecy, continues to inspire resistance against tyranny and oppression, embodying the spirit of freedom that no act of political appropriation can diminish. The eventual triumph of democratic values and the restoration of order in Zimbabwe will be the true immortalization of Nehanda’s legacy, a testament to her enduring spirit and the resilience of the Zimbabwean people.
