By Nobleman Runyanga
Many Zimbabwean netizens have received with mockery and derision the news of the self-exiled former Zanu PF Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere’s bid to return to Zimbabwe to pursue active politics in Zanu PF with the ultimate aim of replacing President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the party’s 2023 presidential election candidate.
Running under the campaign theme: “The Saviour Pfacha” Kasukuwere’s intentions were made public by former Zanu PF youth activist, William Mutumanje, who is popularly known as Acie Lumumba on his Twitter micro blogging site late last week.
“People (are) asking me what I think will happen, I don’t think anything, I know exactly what will happen! I also know when. Saviour Kasukuwere,” Lumumba posted cryptically on Thursday last week.
Other people, who are believed to be G40 elements, are also propagating the same bid using the description, “Tyson Wabantu” probably to pitch him as a popular politician. The same campaign has seen some samples of T-shirts with the Zanu PF colours bearing the image of Kasukuwere.
Tyson is Kasukuwere’s nick name. In some twitter posts, an image of him wearing Zimbabwe’s presidential ceremonial chain is used, pointing to his Presidential ambitions.
The manoeuvres have, however, failed dismally to move most people. The majority who responded to Lumumba’s post dismissed both Kasukuwere and Lumumba, pointing out their failures, weaknesses and shortcomings.
Some described Kasukuwere as a saboteur who was bent on making things difficult for President Mnangagwa’s administration through sponsoring acts of sabotage in the country.
“Makupenga bamdiki (You’ve lost your marbles, young man). Your Saviour is sending thugs and delinquents to vandalise electricity transformers with the help of insiders to make things worse for President Mnangagwa. We see them. Keep this response safe (for future reference),” responded one Never Masweraseyi.
“(He) wasted his chances by over estimating his importance and influence. Nguva yake yapfuura (His time is over). Akatamba nematsotsi anga apera aida kumushandisa (He was used) to try and regain relevance. Akabhejera bhiza risiro (He is wasting his time). If I were you Acie, ndaimboita steady mbijana. Observe, observe, observe,” twitted Dereck Goto.
Other respondents told Lumumba that Kasukuwere’s comeback bid is a manifestation of many Zimbabweans who were gunning for the country’s presidency.
“Saviour, the country's saviour? Interesting, but I just don't see that plan as plausible. Makava ari kudawo chigaro makawandisa,” said a twitter user who only identified himself as Ramaputsekas.
Some people viewed Kasukuwere as unfit to lead the country due to his record of failure as a former cabinet minister.
“Mashaya umwe here? He (was) probably a good political commissar but his cupboard is full of them (skeletons). What did he achieve as a minister to inspire confidence in his capability as a presidential material? Some have accused him of violence in Mashonaland Central Province. He must come clean on that.
Others dismissed Kasukuwere’s chances of ever landing State power in Zimbabwe as nil.
“Kasukuwere anotonga ari kudiaspora? Asi kana atoita zvepfuti kani?” queried a respondent who identified himself as FactsAreStubborn.
Apart from questioning the message and its substance, social media users also scrutinised the integrity and credibility of Lumumba who, at one time was Kasukuwere’s aide and later on left Zanu PF to form his own ill-fated opposition party, Viva Zimbabwe.
“You are the most inconsistent and clueless person I have ever encountered,” one Ntate Mdluli said.
“He is very consistent when it comes to his welfare. He is very consistent this guy. Pane bag anopaziva (he is very consistent in schemes that bring him money)!” weighed Chaka Chitova.
Some expressed hope that Lumumba was not working for Kasukuwere for payment.
“I hope you didn't eat (sic) the poor fellow's money (while) lying to him. He must focus on rebuilding his life wherever he is. But then being in power and looting is all he knows. Shame. Idya mari dzemarema,” responded Tigere Mhiti.
Lumumba’s integrity was shred to pieces when some people brought in how he used the name of his then ill father, the late national hero, Brigadier General Emile Munemo, who passed away in March this year.
“The problem is that you are always used when in need of cash. The last time you got some dollars to blackmail people when your "father" was sick and this time I think you have hit rock bottom and (you are) getting something from Kasukuwere. Or u might be the next abduction actor?” posted Mdluli.
It is not yet clear how Kasukuwere, a G40 element who was expelled from Zanu PF in December 2017, plans to return to the party and gain enough nominations to win the right to represent the Zanu PF as a presidential candidate in 2023.
Apart from his evident but excitement that his first name, Saviour could be used to run a baseless campaign to the effect that the country needs a saviour, Kasukuwere lacks the political mettle to pose any serious competition to President Mnangagwa who enjoys a lot of support both in the party and the country.
