Zimbabwe Needs Responsible Leadership, Not Political Drama

By Anna Katsande – Political Activist and Human Rights Defender

23^rd  October 2026

Zimbabwe faces serious challenges that require urgent attention, responsible leadership, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Unfortunately, instead of seeing our political leaders concentrating on the problems affecting the nation, we continue to witness political disputes, public exchanges, and statements that raise serious questions about leadership, accountability, and respect for the people of Zimbabwe.

The reported remarks attributed to Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister, regarding Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa deserve public scrutiny. Statements suggesting that the Vice President cannot challenge the President, alongside the use of indirect expressions such as “imbwa inorohwerwa payabira”, raise important questions about the culture of political loyalty being promoted within the ruling party.

As a political activist and human rights defender, I believe that Zimbabwe deserves better than a political environment where loyalty to individuals appears to take priority over the nation's needs. My concern is not about taking sides in internal disputes within ZANU-PF. My concern is about the people of Zimbabwe, whose lives are affected by the decisions, priorities, and conduct of those entrusted with public office.

Leadership Must Be About Service, Not Personal Loyalty

A minister is appointed to serve the nation, uphold the responsibilities of public office, and contribute to the country's development. The position should not be treated as an opportunity to demonstrate unquestioning loyalty to one individual at the expense of meaningful national discussion.

When political leaders appear to suggest that only one person deserves praise, or that questioning the President is unacceptable, they risk creating a political culture in which personal loyalty becomes more important than accountability.

No country can develop properly if its political culture discourages honest discussion and constructive criticism. Leaders must understand that respect for the President does not mean abandoning the right to question decisions, raise concerns, or demand better governance.

In any healthy democracy, leadership should be measured by service delivery, integrity, transparency, and the ability to improve people’s lives. It should not be measured by how loudly an individual praises the head of state or how aggressively they defend a political faction.

Zimbabweans Need Schools, Hospitals, Roads, and Basic Services

While political leaders exchange words and appear to compete for recognition within their party, ordinary Zimbabweans continue to face problems that require immediate attention.

Our teaching and health professionals need decent salaries and adequate resources to perform their function. Our schools need adequate learning materials, better infrastructure, and an environment in which teachers and learners can perform their duties effectively. Children deserve classrooms that are safe, properly equipped, and suitable for learning. Education should be a priority because Zimbabwe's future depends on the opportunities we provide to the next generation.

Our health facilities also require serious attention. Patients deserve access to essential medicines, functioning equipment, adequate staffing, and timely medical care. No citizen should feel abandoned when seeking treatment. Access to healthcare is a human right fundamental to human dignity, and improving the health system should be a priority for any government that claims to represent its people.

Road infrastructure must also be taken seriously. Poor roads affect businesses, farmers, commuters, schoolchildren, and people who need urgent medical assistance. Safe and reliable roads support economic activity, connect communities, and improve access to essential services.

Beyond these issues, Zimbabweans need reliable access to clean water, electricity, employment opportunities, affordable necessities, and a functioning public service system. Families are concerned about how they will meet their daily needs, young people are concerned about their futures, and communities want to see tangible improvements in their living conditions.

These are the matters that should dominate public discussion. The country needs practical solutions, clear plans, and measurable progress, not endless political performances.

Ministers Must Demonstrate Dignity and Respect

Public office carries responsibility, and the way a minister communicates matters. Leaders are expected to demonstrate maturity, professionalism, and respect, particularly when addressing sensitive political issues in front of citizens.

Political disagreement is normal, but it should be expressed in a manner that encourages constructive discussion rather than hostility, humiliation, or intimidation. The use of insults, threatening metaphors, or language that appears designed to silence others can undermine public confidence in leadership.

A minister should be able to communicate firmly without abandoning dignity. Strong leadership does not require belittling others, issuing indirect warnings, or making public statements that turn political disagreements into spectacles.

People should be able to look at their leaders and see examples of responsibility, tolerance, and sound judgment. When leaders behave in ways that appear disrespectful or unnecessarily confrontational, they risk damaging the very public trust they should be working to build.

Respect must not be demanded from citizens while those in positions of authority fail to demonstrate it themselves. It is earned through conduct, honesty, service, and a willingness to listen to people's concerns.

Political Disagreements Should Be Resolved Responsibly

If senior political figures within ZANU-PF have disagreements, they should find responsible ways to address them. They can engage in dialogue, consult one another, and use appropriate party or institutional processes to resolve their differences.

The public should not be turned into an audience for political quarrels that do little to improve people’s lives. Citizens face real challenges, and they should not be expected to spend their time watching political leaders trade accusations while urgent national priorities remain unresolved.

This does not mean that political disagreements should always be hidden from public view. Where matters affect the public interest, transparency is essential. However, transparency should not be used as an excuse for personal attacks or political theatre. The important distinction is between a meaningful public debate about policy and a spectacle centred on personalities.

Zimbabwe needs leaders who can disagree without losing their sense of responsibility.

About the author
Anna Katsande is a human rights defender and political activist based in the United Kingdom. She is in the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also active with the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) and Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO). She can be contacted by email at annastarchihaka@gmail.com