In a surprising and controversial move, opposition councilors from various municipalities, including the Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, have come under fire for attending a workshop organized by the ZANU-PF School of Ideology. This decision has sparked outrage among opposition supporters and prominent figures, who view their participation as a betrayal of the values and principles that the opposition claims to uphold.
The workshop, which was initially described by Mafume as a Ministry of Local Government event, was later revealed to be a ZANU-PF program. The certificates issued to participants clearly stated that it was a ZANU-PF initiative, further fueling criticism. The situation became even more contentious when it was noted that Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, a known opposition figure, was insulted for choosing not to attend the workshop. Coltart’s decision was praised by many, who saw it as an act of integrity in stark contrast to the actions of his fellow councillors.
Mafume attempted to downplay the significance of his attendance, stating, “Politics is a marathon, not a sprint. The workshop has come and gone. I did not join ZANU nor was I persuaded to.” He further suggested that attending workshops, even those organized by ZANU-PF, does not necessarily imply agreement with the content or the host. However, his justification has done little to quell the anger among opposition supporters, who see this as a severe lapse in judgment and a compromising of the opposition’s stance against ZANU-PF’s authoritarian rule.
Job Sikhala, a prominent opposition leader, was particularly scathing in his criticism. “Integrity has no price. No matter how flies gather in droves, they will never ever produce honey,” Sikhala tweeted, expressing his disappointment in those who attended. He praised Coltart for his decision to distance himself from the “Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology charade,” noting that the backlash against Coltart from ZANU-PF loyalists only confirmed the righteousness of his stance.
The controversy has led to widespread speculation about the motives behind the councillors’ participation. Critics have questioned whether the allure of allowances and other incentives might have influenced their decision to attend. The fact that all opposition councillors attended the workshop, except for Coltart, has further deepened suspicions. Many are asking whether these councillors are willing to compromise their principles for personal gain, a move that could severely damage the credibility of the opposition as a whole.
The fallout from this incident raises serious concerns about the integrity and commitment of opposition leaders who are expected to stand firm against the oppressive tactics of ZANU-PF. Attending a ZANU-PF school of ideology, especially one named after a figure like Herbert Chitepo, who symbolizes the party’s deep-seated ideological control, is seen by many as a betrayal of the struggle for genuine democracy in Zimbabwe. For an opposition that has long accused ZANU-PF of stifling freedom and perpetuating corruption, this participation is a stark contradiction.
The incident highlights a troubling disconnect between the opposition’s rhetoric and the actions of its members. As Zimbabwe continues to face political and economic challenges, the need for a unified and principled opposition has never been greater. The decision by these councilors to attend a ZANU-PF ideological event casts a long shadow over their commitment to the cause and raises the question: can they truly be trusted to lead the fight for change, or are they simply playing into the hands of the oppressor?
