In a media-repressive society under the imposing rule of ZANU PF, it becomes evident that something is amiss when individuals who were once relegated to the shadows suddenly find themselves in the spotlight on national television. The recent surge in propaganda surrounding alleged defections is nothing new; it’s a tactic as old as time itself. Defections, whether real or imagined, have been utilized throughout history, from the days of the Cold War to the political maneuvers of leaders like Smith and Muzorewa. These strategies primarily target uninformed, gullible, and politically apathetic Zimbabweans. However, for those who have resoundingly voted for the opposition, it’s easy to see through ZANU PF’s feeble attempts to portray a decimated opposition.

The opposition has weathered countless storms and emerged stronger each time. ZANU PF, on the other hand, finds itself increasingly threatened by the resilience of the opposition. The two entities are like light and darkness; they cannot coexist indefinitely. Time is running out for ZANU PF, and their laughable parade of defections is a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable.

But are these defections genuine? When self-proclaimed political heavyweights like Timveous or Gutu are involved, it’s a valid question. However, objectivity is crucial in evaluating these claims. The answer is that these defections are as genuine as the choices offered by the Auxillia Mnangagwa Television, which is to say, not very genuine at all.

Consider the case of a woman whose baby was struck by a police officer’s baton in a moment of excitement. Then, think about the woman interviewed on the referenced television channel, where the fate of the baby seemed to fade into obscurity during the interview. The incident, along with the subsequent propaganda, reveals ZANU PF’s fear of the power of the masses and their attempts at damage control through the use of another woman to cover up human rights violations.

However, one isolated incident may not suffice as evidence. For a more objective perspective, let’s examine another example—the Chilonga crisis. This crisis, with its likely loss of ancestral lands and cultural heritage, is yet another demonstration of ZANU PF’s fear of the people. The party’s attempts at damage control involve busing people for interviews, a poorly thought-out strategy meant to create a favorable impression. During interviews about the Chilonga crisis, individuals were made to express happiness about the impending loss of their ancestral lands in exchange for alleged job opportunities—an ironic twist, given that ZANU PF is yet to fulfill its promise of creating 2 million jobs.

So, the alleged defections are nothing more than allegations, a clear indication of ZANU PF’s desperation and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

But why is ZANU PF so desperate to decimate the opposition? The answer lies in fear—fear of justice. The peaceful transition of power by the opposition poses a significant threat to ZANU PF. It represents a return to the rule of law, equality before the law, and an impartial, independent judiciary. These long-awaited changes would also mean that ZANU PF would be held accountable for gross human and property rights violations, including the tragic Gukurahundi. The fear of facing the consequences of their actions is driving ZANU PF’s desperation, to the extent that they parade hungry people masquerading as defecting opposition members.

Furthermore, the potential loss of ill-gotten wealth as a result of the restoration of the rule of law and a peaceful transition of power is another reason for ZANU PF’s desperation. The people rightfully expect the recovery and restoration of property that was unlawfully acquired at the expense of lives and livelihoods. A look at the crumbling former President Mugabe’s empire serves as a stark reminder of what could be at stake. While nothing from the Mugabe empire was ever recovered and returned to the people due to political complexities and a captured judiciary, the same fate may not await others once the opposition comes to power.

In conclusion, the recent prime-time coverage of alleged defections on the Auxillia Mnangagwa Television, in a society plagued by media repression under ZANU PF, raises suspicions and reveals the party’s desperation. This desperation, rooted in fear of the implications of the opposition gaining power, has led to a flawed campaign inaccurately portraying the opposition as decimated. In reality, the opposition remains resilient and enduring, and just as they have weathered past storms created by ZANU PF, they will triumph once again in the future.