By Rudo Saungweme
It is such a shame to note that some Zimbabweans rejoice over the ailment of their fellow Zimbabwean. Government detractors are making noise on social media about Vice President Constantino Chiwenga`s medical consultation at a South Africa hospital indicating that he must have consulted at a local hospital in Zimbabwe. Really one has to bear in mind that a person has the right to choose a hospital he or she likes.
A handful of Zimbabweans in South Africa mobilised themselves to demonstrate over the health of a fellow brother. Where is our Ubuntu? Zimbabweans are known for covering each other backs especially in times of need and the behaviour demonstrated by these MDC demonstrators in SA is un-African.
The embarrassment is even worse because after these handful Zimbabweans made noise at the hospital in Cape Town, the Western Cape Health Department refuted the claim that Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga was being treated at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital.
The fact that many Zimbabweans in Cape Town snubbed the protest and only a handful participated shows that not everyone in the Diaspora is vying to tarnish the image of the country.
Government detractors had even to go to the extent of lying that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members were also involved in the protests. This was a blatant lie as netizens were quick to respond that the video circulating on social media was that of EFF members hailing Zanu PF Manifesto which was launched mid last year.
The EFF also issued a press statement denying these allegations yesterday. The press statement reads “The EFF notes with great concern some reports on social media to the effect that we have mounted an assault on a local hospital which is said to be treating a high level official from our sister nation across the Limpopo, Zimbabwe. There is also a video circulating on social media alleging that our gallant supporters are marching outside the aforementioned hospital and protesting the presence of our said brother in our country.”
EFF is a South African far-left political party which was started by expelled former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President, Julius Malema.
The Government detractors have been peddling damaging fake news in the name of democracy on social media in a bid to tarnish the reputation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
On 14 to 16 January the Government detractors had to use the Internet to instil fear in Zimbabweans mobilising people not to engage in their day to day activities. Citizens were told that if they are found going to work they will receive adequate torture which suits them. The protests which led to six people losing their lives, the destruction of shops, people’s property and looting in shops led to the temporal closure of the Internet by the Government so as to restore peace and order.
The MDC party led by Nelson Chamisa is also part of the propaganda machinery on social media. The party has been using social media platforms to call for anarchy with Charlton Hwende, the MDC MP for Kuwadzana East leading the pack in subversive statements.
