5 lessons to learn from the Zimbabwe crisis

1. There is no such thing as a half coup 

It was a confusing and at first frightening thing to observe days earlier– the army moving into the capital Harare, talks of the military taking over. There was no bloodshed, no upheaval, and no chaos. The action followed the sacking of the country’s Vice- President the week before. Then the question – is this a coup? Zimbabwean officials were at pains to explain that it was not. The term “soft coup” started circulating because although the army intervened there were negotiations and dialogue taking place with President Robert Mugabe –even while he was being shown the door. Except Mugabe stared at the door but refused to walk through it. He addressed the Zimbabwean people on Sunday evening talking about the economy going through a “rough patch” and the need for the country to work together. That was about it. A coup by all accounts would have seen Mugabe and his family already ousted from the country and the military being firmly in control. If that was the intention, it was a big fail. So lesson learned – a coup by any other name is not a coup and will not result in the overthrowing of a government. 

2. The will of the people must always be respected

Zimbabweans have taken their time in voicing their concerns, dissatisfaction, and wishes for their country openly. There are reasons for that. Chief among them the fact that protesting in the streets is not the norm – the Zimbabwean police force has earned quite a reputation for acting with brute force when people dare take to the streets. From the top officials dealing with the current crisis one can also deduce that there’s a very distinct notion that the letter of the law must be followed, at least now (let’s not pretend that this has always been the case) But while there are talks of impeachment, parliament then getting involved and that process to be followed – the Zimbabwean people expressed themselves very clearly on the streets at the weekend. They were in a celebratory mood – taking down Robert Mugabe signs and pictures – clearly stating that it is time for him to go. This action could well propel people to take to the streets again and again until their voices are heard. 

3. Presidencies aren’t monarchies

Robert Mugabe has been Zimbabwe’s first citizen for close on 40 years. He is not the only African president who has clung to power in this fashion, year in and year out. In his latest political move, sacking his Vice-President almost paved the way for his wife, Grace, to be able to take over the reigns. Such is the trend in some African countries, that power is centered around one particular family and that that power is protected at all cost and for as long as possible. Research done in 2015 indicated that at the time, the continent had 6 leaders who’ve been in power for three decades or more.

4. Strong opposition politics are crucial

The main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe, has been very quiet while the current crisis unfolds. It’s leaders have been quoted in various publications – reacting to what is happening but not visibly leading any of the protests, or addressing any of their constituencies. This does not bode well for opposition politics in Zimbabwe going forward. If they are not strategically involved in any of the discussions or decision making about how things must change now, it means the country’s main party, ZANU-PF, holds all the political cards. This is not the time to sit things out. 

5. We need people-centered leadership on the continent 

It is perhaps a debate that South Africans know all too well - the debate that focuses on the plundering and looting of state coffers, while very real socio-economic ills plague the ordinary people of the country. As with the Zimbabwean example, it is a situation that perhaps will be tolerated for some time but it is not a situation that will be perpetually ignored. The continent needs ethical leaders, who will obsess about building, expanding and nurturing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and free thinkers. We are not yet there - Because for far too long, absolute power has corrupted absolutely.