By Zivanai Dhewa
A list of names, among them prominent philanthropists such as Strive Masiyiwa, Trevor Ncube, Thokozani Khuphe, Obert Gutu, Linda Masarira and Themba Mliswa has been circulated on Social Media with an agenda to continue cyber bullying and to cause embarrassment to their persons, with claims that they have lost the respect from the people of Zimbabwe.
The assertions emanate from the fact that the individuals exercised their freedom of speech by speaking against the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe, a situation that has brought dire suffering to the generality of Zimbabweans.
Citizens have protested against the MDC Alliance party for its intolerance to different political views.
Speaking on behalf of the people mentioned in the list while acknowledging their contribution to empowering Zimbabweans from all walks of life, Chibabest Mavisto said that “maybe to you, not every Zimbabwean shares your sentiments. To us they are our heroes, some of them we know them personally and the contributions that they are doing in life to change communities. Remember Twitter is not Zimbabwe.”
Lewis Mathuthu, Zanu PF Deputy Youth League Secretary said, “Why don’t you say they lost your respect instead of dragging Zimbabweans who appreciate the sentiments and work these men are doing.”
Another netzen by the name of Goddie Godwin also castigated the MDC Alliance’s attitude of aligning themselves with anything anti-Government and for drawing enemy lines against those who proffer solutions in line with government policies.
“MDC Alliance sympathisers think Civic Organisations or Pressure Groups fighting is all about dislodging ZANU PF, in reality the likes of Trevor Ncube et cetera fight for people’s betterment. If President ED Mnangagwa’s crew can change current system for better, mission accomplished,” said Godwin.
Dismissing the assertion that the whole of Zimbabwe has lost respect for the men and women on the list, Bekithemba Chinyati said, “Only those few people on Twitter and Facebook yatove Zimbabwe. ndinzwireiwo hama.”
Mukodzi Clemence added that the loss of respect was not from Zimbabweans but from MDC Alliance and its supporters.
“The respect you are talking about is from you and not Zimbabweans, please don’t universalise things remember you are not Zimbabwe,” said Mukodzi
Edward Shana said “as for Temba Mliswa, he has always been ZANU PF. He can’t sympathise with it. In fact he is and that should be respected in a democratic society. If you can specify kuti MDC A supporters, that would do because it’s not true if you are speaking for all Zimbabweans.”
Cyde Tee Chakonza said “so what’s with the list? You discover people you mentioned are the advocates of the goal to dismantle sanctions so when you say they have betrayed MDC, we begin to question the whole agenda of MDC whether it has the people at heart.”
