There is a serious fall out between Occupy Africa Unity Square founding member, Dirk Frey and Tajamuka’s Promise Mkwananzi over the failed 1 July 2019 shutdown.
Frey has labelled Mkwananzi an opportunist, sellout, and incompetent cadre, while Mkwananzi has hit back alleging that Frey is a victim of drug abuse who needs assistance.
Below are the two once close buddies posts on social media.
“So I have a bone to pick with Promise Mkwananzi and anyone who likes the taste of his shoes.
We saw the result of an insufficiently organized and undisciplined action in January. People died, many more suffered. The cost was high, and bought us nothing.
When it comes to going up against an established and well-oiled regime like the one we have to deal with, spontaneous and ‘let’s see how it goes’ just doesn’t cut it. Anyone who makes any sort of call or takes part in any sort of action bears responsibility for the consequences, and so has a duty to minimize casualties, provide help for victims but most of all, people involved in such action have the primary duty to put thought and effort into it so that it takes us forward, not backward.
Enter Tajamuka ‘leader’ Promise Mwananzi. In 2016 when Tajamuka formed it seemed like a great idea. Don’t get me wrong. But then a lot of people where jumping on the citizens/social movements idea. They were some of the ones with more reach. However, they didn’t work out. It happens. It’s like businesses. Most go under, only a few keep going and evolve.
At the time, Promise was spokesperson. Wouldn’t act unless cleared by structures and a chairperson which rotated amongst them. Then he got honeytrapped and made a mistake that, although perhaps not entirely his fault, should have been the end of his credibility. Tajamuka went defensive at the time and said it was an internal matter. It was not. That scandal put an end to contributions for everyone, not just Tajamuka. So they had a tribunal and suspended Promise.
They were also part of a general demobilization end of 2016.
I thought that was the last we’d hear of him. Yet he popped up again, calling himself ‘leader’ of Tajamuka, lovely vague yet imposing title. Giving interviews and clamoring for attention. And basically all he and whoever’s left of Tajamuka have done is try recreate their crowing glory, the ShutDown of 2016.
The shutdown, however, was a lucky right-thing-right-time action, and the result of wide consensus and cooperation. Tajamuka played a big role, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it was exclusively their thing, or even their idea.
When we, the citizens, strive to find each other and organize resistance against the regime, we must be aware that there will always be opportunists, sellouts, moles and people who are simply incompetent. If we are to be effective, we need to not only find each other and work together, we must also cut away deadwood. We must avoid and call out those amongst that, for whatever reason, impede progress.
Mkwananzi, with his unimaginative and ill-conceived attempts at remaining relevant, is one of those. I bear no personal ill-will, but his attention-seeking does more harm than good.”
Mkhwananzi made a quick response to the bashing.
“The problem is when you’re high on drugs then do your highness on my name. You sent me whatsaap messages yesterday uninvited saying you support the stay away. Today you want to give me a stupid RACIST lecture over how and how not to prosecute the struggle for the people of Zimbabwe. Go to rehab. JUNK!”