By A Correspondent
Taurai Kandishaya, a prominent official within the Zanu PF Youth League, recently made headlines by declaring President Emmerson Mnangagwa the “Godfather of fighting imperialism.”
His statement comes at a time when Mnangagwa’s credentials as a liberation war figure are being scrutinized within his own party.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kandishaya asserted, “World over, President ED Mnangagwa is the most experienced fighter of imperialism.
He started fighting imperialism at the age of 16; today he is 82, and this translates to 66 years of fighting experience.” He further compared Mnangagwa to historical revolutionary figures, stating, “President ED Mnangagwa is the Fidel Castro of the day given his experience and survival.”
Kandishaya’s remarks highlight a broader narrative within Zanu PF, which seeks to bolster Mnangagwa’s image amid internal divisions.
Some party stalwarts have challenged Mnangagwa’s role in the liberation struggle, suggesting that he was integrated into the movement at the behest of Robert Mugabe rather than as a principal player.
This has led to ongoing debates about the authenticity of his revolutionary credentials.
Kandishaya continued to emphasize the significance of Mnangagwa’s contributions, referring to a book titled “BOOK WITHOUT BORDERS,” which he claims contains life lessons relevant across different contexts.
“I take it not as a biography but a dimension of life to those that are poised to achieve,” he explained, reinforcing the idea that Mnangagwa’s life and strategies can serve as a model for resisting neo-colonialism.
In his closing remarks, Kandishaya pointedly referenced the impact of sanctions, declaring, “#sanctionsarecrimesagainsthumanity,” underscoring the party’s stance that external pressures have undermined Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and development.
As Zanu PF navigates its internal challenges and the legacy of its leaders, Kandishaya’s comments reflect a concerted effort to position Mnangagwa as a seasoned revolutionary figure, despite the ongoing controversies regarding his past.
Whether this portrayal will resonate with the party’s base remains to be seen, as the historical narrative of the liberation struggle continues to evolve within Zimbabwean politics.