In a turbulent journey that saw me traversing the path from Zimbabwe’s political unrest to the cold prison cells of the United Kingdom, I have come to embrace the essence of fighting for justice and transparency, akin to the valiant spirit of the historical figure, Nehanda. The tale of Nehanda resonates with a selfless sacrifice for the liberation of her people from the shackles of tyranny. However, the recent move by Zanu PF to immortalize this heroic icon through a statue echoes nothing but a sacrilegious act, desecrating the very essence of what Nehanda stood for.
The narrative spun by Zanu PF serves as a stark antithesis to the values embodied by Nehanda, portraying a tale of irony that transcends the borders of the absurd. For instance, the plight of a humble cotton farmer or a diligent teacher in Hoyo, Mash Central, encapsulates the stark contrast between the glorification of the past and the grim reality of the present. The narrative extends to the medical distress in Dande, where the venom of a snake bite metaphorically embodies the venomous grasp of corruption and neglect that has gripped the nation.
The government’s move to honour Nehanda through a statue stands as a glaring testament to misplaced priorities, providing a cold stone edifice amidst a sea of pressing issues begging for attention. The glorification of Nehanda through a statue by a government mired in allegations of corruption and oppression is nothing short of irony. It serves as a diversion from the dire humanitarian crisis witnessed in the aftermath of the destructive cyclone Idai, where the victims still languish in tents, awaiting the elusive hand of aid.
The masquerade of honouring Nehanda is an act of deception engineered to divert the gaze of the populace from the deep-rooted issues festering within the nation. It’s an attempt to veil the eyes of an already beleaguered populace from the grim reality of a nation in distress. The need of the hour is not stone edifices, but a robust framework that addresses the pressing issues of economic turmoil, political repression, and social injustice.
Nehanda’s spirit of resistance against oppression epitomised a quest for a just and free society. The honour she truly deserves is not in stone but in a government that embodies the will of the people, one that prioritises the welfare of its citizens over political grandstanding. The Nehanda statue, as presented by Zanu PF, stands as nothing but a hollow tribute, a mockery carved in stone amidst a nation yearning for true liberation and justice. Through this narrative, the call for a legitimate, people-centric governance reverberates, resonating with the undying spirit of Nehanda, who championed the cause of freedom against tyranny.
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