The party MDC T is now described as follows just because one dictator wants to intellectual rights of the movement. The fact that it now behaves like Zanu PF is politically tragic. It is apt to point out some elements that have distinguished the MDC and note how these have been eroded over the years. At its launch, the party posed as the representative of the social classes affected by Zanu PF’s economic mismanagement. While the participation of the MDC in the coalition brought economic relief, the quest for material wealth by its members at national and local government levels was harmful to its original identity. The fact that MDC MPs also joined in the clamour for perks, and even bizarrely, exit packages before the last election blurred the line between the party and Zanu PF. Often, people would remark then, in exasperation: “They are all the same.” This perception might have, in part, contributed to the subsequent electoral defeat as some could have chosen to settle for a devil they already knew. One other distinction of the MDC has been victimhood. This, of course, was not an ideological formulation but one earned during its political life. Since its launch, the MDC has been the victim of Zanu PF violence. Police spokesperson Charity Charamba claimed the recent outbreak of violence in the MDC confirmed the party had always been violent, thus portraying it as a perpetrator than victim. This is not just an unfortunate political statement by a police officer but it is also false. Historical records are replete with information and images of MDC supporters with wounds, burnt buttocks and broken limbs let alone un-investigated murders of its members. The MDC has thus, over the years, justifiably earned the identity of the victim rather than perpetrator. The image of Morgan Tsvangirai, swollen-faced, with a tattered shirt after he had been savaged on his way to a prayer meeting, confirmed Zanu PF barbarity. However, an almost replica image, this time of Elton Mangoma recently — now as a victim of members of his own party — and other incidents of violence risk changing perceptions.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:25:28 +0000
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