THE HYPOCRISY THAT HIJACKED DEMOCRACY: SENGEZO TSHABANGU’S POLITICAL ASCENDANCY

In the elaborate ballet of politics, where movements of possibility and compromise usually lead, a darker, more sinister dance often goes unnoticed – the choreography of hypocrisy. This underbelly of political maneuvering has recently spotlighted a new lead dancer, Sengezo Tshabangu, who has swiftly become a contentious figure on the political stage. Bearing the title of a compromised opposition secretary-general, Tshabangu’s entrance into the senate wasn’t heralded by the electorate’s choice but was instead choreographed through an elaborate performance of subterfuge, deceit, and blatant falsehoods.

Tshabangu’s climb to power mirrors a tale of political strategy so cunning, it might even give Machiavelli a moment’s pause. By masterminding the recall of legitimately elected Members of Parliament, senators, councillors, and mayors, he cleared his way to ascendancy, paving the path for himself and his confederates—individuals whom the electorate had previously dismissed. This action wasn’t merely a demonstration of political ambition but represented a calculated coup against the very essence of democracy, executed through the dirty tricks of politics.

The irony in Tshabangu’s rise is as stark as it is bitter. Despite loud objections against the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa and his faction for their imposition of candidates – a critique that held some validity – Tshabangu himself was vaulted into his role through a similar imposition. This hypocritical narrative was supported by a coalition that included the executive, the legislative, the judiciary, and even state security agents. Their objective was transparent: to secure personal advantages for Tshabangu and his allies, as well as for the ruling Zanu PF party.

The underlying hypocrisy in Tshabangu’s political maneuvering symbolizes a larger dilemma that infects the political field. While Tshabangu and his circle might justify their actions as a means to an end, such arguments crumble under ethical examination. Hypocrisy, no matter its guise or justification, cannot serve as the foundation for regaining moral superiority. It corrodes trust, sabotages the pillars of democracy, and ultimately benefits only those who exploit it for personal gain.

The consequences of Tshabangu’s strategies stretch beyond the immediate turmoil they’ve incited. By substituting legitimately elected officials with figures rejected by the populace, a perilous precedent is established. It’s a grim reminder that democracy can be subverted, not only through blatant acts of aggression or violence but through the creeping malaise of hypocrisy and deception.

As the aftermath of this recent episode in political maneuvering settles, the victors – temporarily – are Tshabangu, his accomplices, and the Zanu PF party. However, the true price of their triumph is exacted on the very bedrock of democratic governance. In their pursuit of power, the values of fair representation, accountability, and the electorate’s will have been cast aside, marking democracy as the ultimate victim.

This narrative of ambition, hypocrisy, and the erosion of democracy serves as a stern warning. It beckons us to scrutinize the brand of politics we support and the methods through which we permit leaders to rise to prominence. So long as hypocrisy remains a weapon in the political arsenal, democracy will continue to be vulnerable, a delicate construct constantly at risk of being dismantled by those who seek to exploit it for their own agendas.