When ZANU PF embarked on its theoretical liberation struggle campaigns, their vision was to free Zimbabwe from colonial rule and usher in an era of self-determination. However, one critical element was conspicuously absent from their arsenal: capital. Without the necessary resources for weapons, training facilities, construction, and logistical support, ZANU PF found itself vulnerable to external influences, particularly the gradual and pervasive interests of China. This shift in priorities, away from the welfare of the people, has raised questions about whether ZANU PF has unwittingly become a mercenary force fighting for Chinese imperial interests in post-independence Zimbabwe.
To assert its interests and dominance in Zimbabwe, China needed to ensure that ZANU PF remained politically immature. This was achieved by aligning ZANU PF with a political system that stood in stark contrast to capitalism, which might have propelled Zimbabwe toward greater independence. As a result, ZANU PF evolved into the custodian of Chinese infant imperial interests, a role that has persisted to this day.
Political reforms, which would establish a more democratic system in Zimbabwe, pose a significant threat to both Chinese interests and ZANU PF’s primitive accumulation ambitions. Free and fair elections, a cornerstone of political reform, jeopardize the comfortable arrangement between China and ZANU PF. Such elections would disrupt the status quo and potentially lead to a democratic transition in Zimbabwe, challenging ZANU PF’s authoritarian grip and its dream of establishing a one-party state.
A democratically transitioned Zimbabwe would require that the police force transform into a true police service and the military become apolitical, both subservient to the supreme law of the land. This change would safeguard these institutions against perpetual manipulation by opportunistic parties like ZANU PF, which has a history of using security forces for its political ends.
Another casualty of a democratic transition would be media suppression, a tactic favored by ZANU PF. A democratic society places a premium on accountability and transparency, values that are anathema to a controlled and cult-like media. Imagine a scenario where state-owned media reported objectively on how China treats Zimbabwean citizens or exposed government ministers splurging on luxury cars while the country languishes in poverty.
The need for media freedom becomes glaringly evident in a democratic Zimbabwe. An unrestricted press would not only hold those in power accountable but also provide a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and grievances. It would be a powerful tool for fostering transparency and pushing back against the interests of external actors like China.
In conclusion, ZANU PF’s journey from a liberation movement to a seemingly unwitting mercenary force for Chinese interests is a complex and concerning transformation. The alignment with an anti-capitalist political ideology and resistance to political reforms has kept Zimbabwe in a state of political immaturity, with far-reaching consequences for its people. A democratic transition, while challenging, offers hope for a brighter future where Zimbabweans can enjoy the benefits of true self-determination and a government that serves their interests, rather than those of foreign powers.