Zimbabwe More Divided And Toxic Under Mnangagwa, Says Advocate Mpofu

Top Zimbabwean lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu says one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s most damaging legacies has been the recalibration of Zimbabwe’s national discourse into a deeply divided and toxic environment.

Posting on X, Mpofu said the current political climate has eroded shared principles and reduced questions of right and wrong to political allegiance.

“One of the unforgivable sins committed by Mnangagwa was recalibrating our national discourse. The Zimbabwe of Mnangagwa is not the Zimbabwe we have always known. This one is deeply divided, polarised, and toxic,” he wrote.

“Our understanding of principles now depends on which side of the divide we stand on. We now label people as evil not because of their conduct, but because of where they belong. Our sense of right and wrong has been reduced to political allegiance.”

Mpofu, who is known for his outspoken commentary on governance and constitutional issues, said despite the polarisation, there remain enduring principles whose validity does not depend on popular approval.

“Yet, despite all this, there are principles and values that many still stand for. Their validity does not depend on popular approval. Some may not be obvious today, but as surely as the sun rises tomorrow, the truth of values that have endured the test of time will eventually stand out like gold,” he said.

He added that while plurality of opinion should be respected, there are lines that must not be crossed.

“There are, of course, lines that must not be crossed in the name of plurality or subjective entitlement to opinion. When those are crossed, crosses must be borne. At the same time, there are legitimate calls that can be made by individuals and professionals without dragging the mob into the matter,” Mpofu said.

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