Political leaders have been condemned by political analysts for their behaviour at the burial of the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi.
Mtukudzi died on Wednesday at Avenues Clinic where he was admitted due to a diabetes ailment. He was buried in his rural home, Madziwa on Sunday. Political Commentator Sithembile Mpofu had this to say:
I think the way Zimbabweans, in general, handled the funeral left a great deal to be desired.
There was little room left for us to discuss Tuku (Mtukudzi) and his legacy; we were left with varying sideshows, ranging from the bizarre to the ludicrous.
There was information about Chamisa being barred from the event which later turned out to be an inaccurate account of events.
Unfortunately, those who had initially put the story out were reluctant to correct their version.
I believe it would honour Mtukudzi’s legacy if we behaved in a manner that left him as the only star of his show. He left us all with the wonderful gift of his music, he deserved better.
University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer Eldred Masunungure said:
It may well be that the cause of that attitude is the toxic nature of our politics and the partisan nature of our politics.
The ruling party and the associated state security agencies interpret issues in a partisan manner; even non-political events including the funeral of a musician as well as the celebration of his life.
The look at everything with security lenses and think of the political profit and loss of everything.
I was pleasantly surprised that he handled himself in a statesman-like manner which I have advocated for.
That I think he is progressively developing into a mature political leader.
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