Mugabe and Mandela: A Common Heritage
To understand the answer, we have to go back forty years, to the struggle waged by Robert Mugabe, who is still acknowledged by some as Zimbabwe’s revolutionary hero. Mugabe was an icon to black South Africans, a man who had been able to achieve freedom for his country while their own leader, Nelson Mandela, was still imprisoned by the apartheid regime, with no hope of release in sight. Mugabe represented a ray of hope for South Africans, who yearned for the independence and freedom that Mugabe had been able to achieve in Zimbabwe. Indeed, the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC) was able to take refuge from the South African military across the border, where Zimbabwe provided safety and succor.
A Shared Vision That Went Awry
By the time Mandela became the elected leader of South Africa, most of the world already acknowledged Mugabe as a tyrant. However, the gratitude many South Africans felt towards him, especially those loyal to the ANC, was unshakeable. Despite Mugabe’s despotism, the bond between South African leadership and Mugabe’s regime held through Mandela’s tenure and has continued through the current presidency of ANC leader, Jacob Zuma.
Changing Politics in South Africa: The Emergence of Divergent Attitudes Toward Zimbabwe
Perhaps all South Africans are delighted by Mugabe’s resignation, but if so, they are not all expressing that delight in equal measure.
For the old guard, represented by President Zuma and the traditionalists committed to the ANC, it would be difficult to suddenly repudiate a man they supported throughout his rule. But the opposition Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) sees it differently. For them, Mugabe’s ouster is a signal to Zuma, whose presidency has been accused of systemic corruption.
Then, there’s South Africa’s policy towards Zimbabweans who cross the border. Officially, they are welcome. But impoverished refugees from their northern neighbor have not been warmly received by average South Africans, who already suffer from disastrously high unemployment. Refugees willing to work for lower wages have sparked some of the most awful violence in the country since the end of apartheid.
Those South Africans rejoicing most loudly at Mugabe’s resignation hope that new leadership in Zimbabwe will strengthen its economy, make it freer and more productive, and give Zimbabweans a reason to return to their homeland. Any new leader, some say, will be an improvement over Mugabe.
New Leadership but an Uncertain Future for Zimbabwe
But, don’t hold your breath. The newly installed president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was Mugabe’s enforcer. He has promised free and fair elections next year. Whether or not he represents a brighter future for Zimbabwe, and for its relationship with its neighbor to the south, remains to be seen.
—
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join like-minded individuals in The Good Men Project Premium Community.
◊♦◊
◊♦◊
Get the best stories from The Good Men Project delivered straight to your inbox, here.
◊♦◊
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
The Good Men Project is an Amazon.com affiliate. If you shop via THIS LINK, we will get a small commission and you will be supporting our Mission while still getting the quality products you would have purchased, anyway! Thank you for your continued support!
Photo: Getty Images