Drawing inspiration from Joshua Nkomo’s profound speech at the funeral of Jason Ziyapapa Moyo in January 1977, one cannot help but reflect on how far Zimbabwe has strayed from the ideals that defined the liberation struggle.
Nkomo’s words were a tribute to Moyo’s sacrifice and a rallying cry for unity, justice, and selflessness. Yet, the present political reality stands in stark contrast to the vision of unity and progress articulated in that solemn moment.
Today, we witness a ruling party unwilling to relinquish power, rumored to be considering extending the election cycle to 2030 by two additional years.
This maneuver, which betrays the democratic principles fought for by Nkomo, Moyo, and countless others, raises critical questions: Where do the poor stand in this political game? What can be done to resist this blatant consolidation of authoritarian control?
A Nation in Decline
Nkomo’s speech at Moyo’s funeral was both a lamentation and a challenge.
He spoke of Moyo’s selflessness, his dedication to a united Zimbabwe, and his vision for a free and just society. Nkomo warned that Moyo’s death must not signify the death of the ideals he fought for.
Yet, those ideals have been eroded. The unity that Moyo and Nkomo championed has been replaced by division.
The promises of independence; land reform, equality, and economic empowerment; have been distorted into tools for maintaining elite control.
The government, clinging to power through undemocratic means, has weaponised poverty to suppress dissent, leaving the poor voiceless and marginalised.
The Poor as Victims and Agents of Change
Nkomo’s emphasis on unity was not just a philosophical ideal but a recognition of the power of collective action.
However, the current regime exploits poverty to fragment and weaken communities.
The poor, who bear the brunt of economic mismanagement and corruption, are left with little recourse.
Their struggles are dismissed, their voices ignored, and their potential as agents of change stifled by systemic oppression.
But history shows that the poor can be powerful agents of resistance. Just as the liberation struggle relied on the collective efforts of ordinary Zimbabweans, so too can today’s struggle for democracy and justice.
Learning from the Past to Confront the Present
Nkomo’s eulogy for Moyo reminds us that the greatest tribute to the sacrifices of liberation heroes is to embody their principles.
Extending the election cycle to 2030 is not just a political maneuver; it is an affront to the legacy of Moyo and Nkomo.
It is a step toward authoritarianism that must be resisted with the same resolve that defined the liberation movement.
To resist, we must:
- Rebuild Unity: Nkomo’s call for unity remains the most potent weapon against oppression. Communities must unite across ethnic, social, and economic divides to challenge the ruling elite’s manipulation.
- Educate and Mobilise: Civic education is essential to empower citizens to understand their rights and recognise undemocratic practices. Grassroots movements must be strengthened to amplify the voices of the marginalised.
- Leverage Modern Tools: Social media and technology can be used to expose injustices, mobilise support, and create networks of solidarity locally and globally.
- Demand Accountability: Zimbabweans must call for adherence to constitutional principles and resist any attempts to undermine democratic processes. International allies can also play a role in applying pressure on the regime.
A Call to Action
Nkomo’s eulogy was clear: “Pick up everything [Moyo] did and use it to free Zimbabwe.” This is the duty of every Zimbabwean today. The fight is no longer just about resisting an election extension; it is about reclaiming the soul of the nation and honoring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for its liberation.
Let us remember that Moyo fought not just for the independence of Zimbabwe but for the liberation of its people—black and white alike—from systems of oppression. His work, as Nkomo declared, “must live,” and it is our responsibility to ensure that it does.
Nkomo’s speech is not just a reflection of the past; it is a roadmap for the present.
The ideals of justice, unity, and selflessness must guide our actions as we confront today’s challenges.
Shall we let the sacrifices of Moyo and Nkomo be in vain, or shall we rise to the occasion and reclaim their vision? The choice is ours, and the time is now.