By Dorrothy Moyo | Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has sparked a social media firestorm that has led to Zimbabweans being labeled as “criminals” by some Batswana citizens. Chin’ono’s critical comments about Botswana’s recent presidential inauguration, where he likened the event to a “ZANU-PF style” celebration, have triggered a backlash that has spilled over to insult Zimbabweans as a whole.
Chin’ono criticized Botswana’s new President Gideon Boko for hosting a grand stadium inauguration and declaring a one-and-a-half-day public holiday, calling it an unnecessary expense for a country facing economic challenges. He expressed disappointment, stating, “It seems many celebrated too soon when they thought Botswana would not hold a ZANU-PF style presidential inauguration.” His comments, intended as a critique of what he saw as wasteful expenditure, have inadvertently turned Batswana’s frustration towards Zimbabweans as a whole.
Batswana Citizens Label Zimbabweans as “Criminals”
Following Chin’ono’s statements, Batswana on social media responded with anger, with some users using his comments as a springboard to generalize Zimbabweans as having a “criminal mentality.” One Twitter user, @LindiMakhoali, posted, “Zimbabwean criminal mentality speaking… Batswana have integrity as a nation. You, on the other hand…” This remark quickly gained traction as other Batswana echoed similar sentiments, accusing Zimbabweans of interfering in Botswana’s affairs and lacking moral integrity.
Another user, @nsegof…, defended Botswana’s celebration, directly comparing Zimbabwe’s political limitations: “We as Batswana asked for this. Unlike you, who can’t ask for anything from your government and be given. Work on having a historic moment like us, and maybe you will understand.”
Heated Exchange and Insults Escalate
As the backlash grew, the comments took an increasingly personal and derogatory tone. Some Batswana not only defended their choice to celebrate but also highlighted the contrast between Botswana’s political environment and Zimbabwe’s. For instance, user @tabanimcgucci commented, “Siyai vanhu vafare (let people celebrate). Imagine removing ZANU-PF from power and then not celebrating with a public holiday because of high unemployment.”
The exchange further intensified as @LindiMakhoali continued with inflammatory comments, including remarks that demeaned Zimbabweans, such as: “Focus on overthrowing your awful government and leave your narratives of Batswana out of your business.” The user later added racial insults, sparking further controversy and widening the rift between the two groups.
The Root of the Backlash: Criticism of Botswana’s Celebration
Chin’ono’s initial critique of the inauguration ceremony focused on what he saw as the economic burden of a public holiday in a nation facing financial struggles. He argued that young African leaders should avoid unnecessary pageantry, especially in a country with pressing economic needs. “Young leaders should abandon unnecessary pageantry that burdens not only the taxpayer but the economy too,” he wrote.
However, many Batswana saw this as unwarranted interference. Tendai Joe, a prominent social media figure, responded to Chin’ono’s comments, pointing out the cultural and symbolic importance of such events. “Botswana’s decision to hold a stadium-style presidential inauguration may seem extravagant to some, but it’s also important to recognize the cultural and symbolic significance of such events,” he said.
For many in Botswana, the inauguration marked a fresh start after 58 years under the same ruling party, and they felt it was a moment worth celebrating. Chin’ono’s critique was perceived as an intrusion into their right to celebrate a significant national event.
Zimbabweans Drawn into the Controversy
Chin’ono’s remarks not only stirred anger toward him but also pulled ordinary Zimbabweans into the controversy. Many Zimbabwean social media users found themselves on the receiving end of the insults, with some expressing frustration at being generalized based on one journalist’s opinion. “Why should we be insulted because of what one person said?” one Zimbabwean user questioned. “We respect Botswana’s choice. Let them celebrate their freedom without us being dragged into the drama.”
This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among Zimbabweans who feel unfairly targeted. They argue that while Chin’ono’s comments were his own, the resulting backlash has unjustly painted Zimbabweans in a negative light.
Cultural and Political Divide: Celebration or Waste?
The public holiday was seen as a way to bring people together and honor a new era, something that many feel Zimbabweans may not fully appreciate given their own political struggles.
Batswana users emphasized this point, with one user remarking, “As long as y’all keep having the same party in power, you will never understand how big this is for us as a nation.”