By Nicholas Ncube
President E.D Mnangagwa in his opening remarks to the ZANU PF Politburo borrowed the wisdom of war time political commisar and educator Air Vice Marshall Josiah Tungamirai.
Tungamirai in his interactions with cadres he would push them into introspection with the words “zvibvunze kuti wakamira sei pauri ipapo.
President Mnangagwa challenged Politburo members and every public office holder to introspect and check if their acrions and thoughts aligned with the liberation ethos, gwara re musangano and nzira dze masoja.
Josiah Tungamirai remains a figure of profound impact in Zimbabwe’s historical narrative, not just as a military leader but as a beacon of ideological clarity. His commitment to achieving true liberation politically and economically resonates powerfully in today’s political landscape. Tungamirai’s insights are vital for present-day leaders in Zimbabwe.
One of Tungamirai’s powerful statements was, “We have won political power but the giant capitalist states still oppress and exploit us day and night economically. Freedom to me means total liberation from political and economic bondage.” This quote encapsulates his understanding that political liberation must be complemented by economic freedom. Today, as Zimbabwe works on Manhize steel which is a continental game changer the country is walking the talk.
Tungamirai’s ideology provides a critical framework for leaders to pursue holistic national development. President ED Mnangagwa has taken steps to unlock value and help the nation realise its potential in the mining , agriculture and production spaces in line with the aspirations and vision of commanders such as Josiah Tongogara, Josiah Tungamirai among many other gallant liberators.
Central to Tungamirai’s revolutionary strategy was his formula, CASSI+R2 T2 VDC, which he believed could dismantle colonial-era divisions. He identified ten vices that perpetuate societal disunity:
- Capitalism
- Ambition
- Subjectivism
- Selfism
- Individualism
- Racism
- Regionalism
- Tribalism
- Village ism
- District ism
- Clique ism
By labeling these issues as remnants of colonialism, he sought to encourage a united approach towards nation-building. Joshua Nkomo Father Zimbabwe did not tolerate Tribalism or regionalism. It is sad to hear people arguing that cabinet or influential positions are occupied by people from Gutu District. That line of thought goes against what Father Zimbabwe stood for it equally goes against the ideology of comrades like Josiah Tungamirai. One’s village or district of origin can never be more important than being a Zimbabwean.
A person from Bulawayo can be Mayor of Masvingo and a person from Mutare can be Mayor of Bulawayo as long as they have a mandate from the people and they are able to deliver on the job.
We are Zimbabweans beyond our tribes and totems , that should be the most important factor.
As President Mnangagwa aptly put it, “Nyika inovakwa ne vene vayo.”
We should remember the words “zvibvunze kuti wakamira sei pauri ipapo,” are you uniting people and contributing meaningfully to national development or do you need reorientation ?
