My open letter to the powers that be
Dear Mr President,
My name is Humphrey Chiranda, an ordinary Zimbabwean whose life has been adversely affected by politics of the day and the corruption going on in our country. Like every patriotic citizen, I try to live a simple yet honest life. I try not to engage in any criminal activity. In that way I can say I am a law abiding citizen and a proud alumni of the University of Zimbabwe.
However, the reason for this open letter Mr President to you is not to describe who i am but a response to your address this morning which called for unity of purpose while guarding and cherishing our country. To these I stand in unison with you. However, there are some areas in which I strongly disagree with you. As such, I will detail them below:
Mr President, Sir! A leader who fails to see where he is erring is a true defination of a bad leader rather every administration governing on behalf of the citizens who elected it has a mandate to be open to scrutiny and slow to anger but i failed to get note of this in your address rather it was chillingly threatening. As i write this I am petrified but my empty stomach and bleak future that lie ahead should i remain in Zimbabwe are telling me to pour out my heart to you. Why point fingers, Mr President ? Honestly, in this age you continue disregarding the intelligence of the Zimbabwean people, these are ordinary people raising simple but pertinent points which I believe should you take time to listen-your administration will have a smooth operation yet you chide and call them detractors for raising such. You lowly think of them indeed, so you think their actions came to be, because of external influence, really?
The corruption that goes on unabated, hunger, soaring prices, nepotism, stifling of our voices, police brutality, the murder of the innocent 7 in August 2 years ago, abduction, torture and killing of innocent people whose only crime is to tell you your misgivings among others are the very same things pushing Zimbabweans to speak up. You once remarked that you’re a listening president, if this is still true please why can’t you take time and pay attention. Perhaps you will see that we are fighting the same enemy . All these have made people aware of how rotten our country has become. Exposure to good governance, in well run and developed countries opened our eyes really. I categorically state that our demanding of a better Zimbabwe is legitimate and has nothing to do with foreign powers.
Please stop giving us a middle finger
We only want a functioning Zimbabwe
Patriotism is not being loyal to you Mr Mnangagwa or ZanuPF government. Patriotism is a love for country, critique government policies, as well as question if your actions are for the betterment of country. That is patriotism.
I am a patriotic Zimbabwean. I love Zimbabwe but I do not support your party neither am I impressed by how you have tried to run this country. We only ask for a better Zimbabwe, a Zimbabwe where after criticising your policies or you no one comes in the middle of the night looking for me.
I want a Zimbabwe with running water, well manicured roads-a Zimbabwe with constant supply of electricity. A Zimbabwe with a functional healthy system- where health officials are well remunerated together with teachers. Is that too much to ask?
Do I have to be called a traitor or unpatriotic for asking such questions. Mr President, am I a dark force when I vent my fustration on social media about the maladministration in this country? Am I an economic saboteur when I complain of the corruption going on in your government at the very moment?
If these questions warrant an arrest so be it. All I want is a better Zimbabwe, a Zimbabwe where all people regardless of race, political affiliation, tribe or religion are free to express their views without fear of reprisals.
Disgruntled Citizen
Humphrey Chiranda