NTA is nothing but belling the cat. How do we move from dictatorship to NTA? W Mukori

 The Standard

Rhetoric or reality in Zimbabwe: The failure of the state and the need for a national transitional authority

Standard People

By Ibbo Mandaza | 9h ago

The failure of Zec in 2023 was laid bare even the Sadc Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), but “cured” by the Sadc summit’s congratulations for Zimbabwe holding a "peaceful” election.

By Ibbo Mandaza, Tony Reeler and Obert Masaruare

Now that Zanu PF has again imploded almost irreparably, and with both immanent and imminent threat to the state itself, Zimbabwe faces another moment of uncertainty.

Not least because the other factors, normally attendant to the political process over the tumultuous period since 2000, have declined into insignificance.

The formal opposition lies lame and virtually comatose; Sadc is all but dead and cannot be expected to afford any influence whatsoever.

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Likewise, the so-called international community is consumed with more pressing matters than a Zimbabwe now so remote and marginal.

The economy which, though in permanent crisis and has caused both the growth of an informal sector and the exodus of at least 75% of the country’s professional and skilled population, has so far not been the expected fuel of revolutionary change.

The most disturbing aspects of all this is the growing perception in public opinion, that another coup within the Zanu PF state might redeem the situation, even in the face of almost eight years of evidence that this is the very same regime that has wrought havoc over the last two decades or more.

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Let’s be clear: the replacement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa with Chiwenga may not in the current circumstances yield the political and economic respite that Zimbabwe sorely needs, even if, as is expected, there will be at least an assault on the current unbridled corruption and its consequences for the state itself.

For, it is obvious that the state in Zimbabwe has over the last two decades been depleted of capacity to deliver, let alone possess the fundamentals of a functioning democracy, namely an accountable executive, a vibrant legislature, and a fiercely independent judiciary.

As we have already stated, Zimbabwe is in dire need of a mechanism, a transitional period during which to introspect, reorganize and find itself towards a new beginning, a National Transitional Authority (NTA).

So, what is to be done? Do we stand by, again, as the internecine power struggle rages within a ruling party now virtually shed of any semblance of its liberation credentials, politically and ideologically vacuous, and its securocrat state, not only incapable of political and economic reform, but also threatened with disintegration before our eyes?

The government claims that the country is moving to the prized status of a “middle-income” country whilst most of the citizens are mired in abject poverty.

Last year over 30 000 young Zimbabweans graduated from the 10 state universities with virtually no prospect of employment other than in the massive informal economy, and this year 6 900 youngsters graduated from Zimbabwe’s oldest university, the University of Zimbabwe, to join the same throng into unemployment.

 A recent survey points out that 75% of 1 480 respondents stated that the direction in which the country was going was “very negative”, echoing a similar finding from the Afrobarometer in 2024 where 61% said the same.

Against this background, where does this optimism of the government that the future is rosy come from?

How can the prospects be bright when the ruling party is riven by internal conflict over succession once again? The last time such conflict within Zanu PF occurred the result was a coup.

The great hope at that time was the new regime would undertake the extremely necessary reforms needed to stabilise the economy, dea

Repeatedly stating that we need a NTA without providing a viable mechanism of how we are supposed to move from the dictatorship to NTA is the reason why the later has never happened. The NTA has become the classical belling the cat! 

"Our role is to build, not break; to unite, not divide" said Varakashi4ED. Yeah right! By forcing us all into a mental straitjacket! W Mukori

 @NewsHawksLive: Zanu PF cyber-troops camped at the ruling party's social media troll farm - Varakashi4ED - are trying to intimidate The NewsHawks from fearless reporting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership, governance and policy failures, as well as incompetence and corruption by his regime through cheap propaganda, misinformation and lies, while gaslighting the disenchanted public.

The Zanu PF online warriors - who are breathtakingly incompetent and incoherent in handling public interest information issues and media - are creating and spreading misinformation and falsehoods, often using social media, in a desperate bid to discredit journalists and control the political narrative.

Varakashi4ED, Mnangagwa's hatchet job foot soldiers, amplify the ruling party's political narratives and attack opponents, especially the opposition, civil society, critics, intellectuals and journalists, for a living.

The propaganda and disinformation strategy and tactics are part of a broader, well-documented pattern of political repression and intimidation in Zimbabwe.

Earlier today, the Varakashi4ED released this statement, which tried to intimidate The NewsHawks:

PRESS STATEMENT

By Godwin Nkatha, National Chairman – Varakashi4ED  

25 September 2025

In recent days, social media has been flooded with sensational claims from The Newshawks, a platform under the ownership of @DumisaniMuleya, purporting to expose alleged corruption, factionalism, and mismanagement within the leadership of ZANU PF. 

These narratives, often lacking substantiated evidence, seek to undermine the credibility of our national leadership and destabilize the progress Zimbabwe continues to make under the Second Republic.

Let it be unequivocally stated: Varakashi4ED stands firmly against corruption in all its forms. 

We believe in accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of national resources. 

However, we also recognise the importance of scrutinizing the motives and integrity of those who position themselves as watchdogs. 

Not all criticism is rooted in patriotism — some is driven by agendas that seek to fracture unity and erode public trust.

As@Varakashi4ED, we will not stand idle while our leadership is smeared with baseless accusations by @NewsHawksLive.

We are a disciplined movement committed to defending the truth, promoting national development, and reinforcing the values of loyalty, unity, and progress. 

Our role is not only to amplify the achievements of our government but also to guide public discourse with facts, respect, and strategic clarity.

We call upon all patriotic Zimbabweans to remain vigilant, to question narratives that sow division, and to stand together in safeguarding the dignity of our nation. Let us continue to build, not break; to unite, not divide.

@oczmk

@edmnangagwa

@marapira_farai

@Jamwanda2

@nickmangwana

@HonJMuswereJnr

@wicknellchivayo

@dereckgoto

End of Statement.”

Varakashi4ED are there to stifle debate, brainwash the public and to deny the people their fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of expression and a free media. And, like all tyrants, they even believe they are doing the nation a great service!

 

“Our role is not only to amplify the achievements of our government but also to guide public discourse with facts, respect, and strategic clarity.

We call upon all patriotic Zimbabweans to remain vigilant, to question narratives that sow division, and to stand together in safeguarding the dignity of our nation. Let us continue to build, not break; to unite, not divide.”

Man is a creature of reason and this attempt to silence us and force us into a mental straitjacket in the name of development and unite is an abomination. 

Zimbabwe is a failed state precisely because we have repeated the same foolish mistakes, corruption have been allowed to grow and spread, because of the lack of open scrutiny and democratic accountability. The economic meltdown and political paralysis - we are stuck with the corrupt and tyrannical  Zanu PF and its equally corrupt and useless MDC/CCC side-kick - have made the country volatile and unstable! And pretending the country is stable and prospering will not change that reality.

Chiwenga's crusade against corruption is phony; when did he have his "Road to Damascus moment"? W Mukori

 @ Chiwenga

“Chiwenga made the remarks during the official opening of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe's annual congress in Masvingo, urging businesses to uphold ethical standards and purposeful leadership.

"However, let me emphasise that this partnership must be grounded on ethics, transparency and purposeful leadership," Chiwenga said. "We cannot and will not tolerate corruption, tender manipulation or unethical dealings that undermine confidence and compromise delivery.”

Corruption has been rampant in Zimbabwe since the country’s independence in 1980. Chiwenga himself has benefit from it. The army had its own Chiadzwa Diamond mining concession as did the Police, CIO and senior Zanu PF leaders. He had his lion’s share of the looted wealth.

So when did Chiwenga have his “Road to Damascus moment” and what brought it about?

Could it be that he is no longer getting his lion’s share of the loot? Or is he trying to win the nation’s political support in the hotting up Zanu PF factional war by championing a cause he knows the people care about? 

The nation was promise zero tolerance to corruption and free and fair elections after the 2017 military coup. Chiwenga and Mnangagwa were in the same faction then and, as we know, they did not keep their promise. What is there to suggest that Chiwenga will keep his promise now? Nothing!

Chiwenga will never hold free, fair and credible elections. Never! Indeed, he too will be looking to looted wealth to help him consolidate his hold on power. It will be very foolish for Zimbabweans to be conned into supporting Chiwenga. 

Our task is to dismantle the dictatorship, replace it with a healthy and functioning democracy by implementing the democratic reforms and not to replace one dictator with another! 

Whilst Zanu PF thugs fight over dominance, been at it for 45 years, Zimbabwe continues to sink deeper and deeper into the abyss. W Mukori

 @ Brighton Matebuka

Chiwenga dramatically took direct aim at President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the firing range for the first time in their epic and high-stakes succession battle.

His "arsenal" was in the form of an explosive "dossier" which allegedly incriminated Mnangagwa alleged state capture kingpins.

He allegedly demanded that they be arrested and queried why that had not been done at that point.

According to multiple reports, so shaken was Mnangagwa the allegedly offered to resign – before making a hasty retreat to the Politburo, where he sought to find succour in familiar and less hostile territory.

What Did Chiwenga Seek To Achieve?

He sought to send an unequivocal and powerful message to Mnangagwa that a turning point had now been reached in the succession battle – a measure of last resort tantamount to the severing of their long and enduring umbilical chord, or whatever is left of it.

It was an escalatory gesture of monumental consequence and made its mark on all of Mnangagwa physical and mental realm – which was captured in all its pomp and glory via one of the most abiding images of the succession battle – Mnangagwa turning his head and serenely meeting Chiwenga's ice-cold and stern gaze, blow to blow, in broad daylight and close quarters!

The unmistakable message was that of defiance, fearlessness and readiness to engage in mortal combat.

Metaphors were ditched and replaced with direct, uncompromising, menacing and accusatory prose!

The grand prize Chiwenga was seeking was Mnangagwa capitulation from the 2030 choreographed misadventurism and a return to their oft stated November 2017 power sharing gentlemen's pact.

What Did He Achieve?

Whilst he demonstrably shook Mnangagwa to his boots, he effectively let him off the hook and left him to fight another day, a highly dangerous outcome in a finely balanced and high octane succession battle.

You see, "dossiers" don't deliver power, not in Zimbabwe. They help to shape the narrative. The narrative matters afterwards, not before toppling a "King" from his throne.

Of what use is a "dossier" in an environment in which all state institutions are captured? Who orders the arrest? Who makes the arrest? Who prosecutes? How long does that take? Who convicts?

Who sentences? Who enforces the sentence and superintends the jails? You get the drift. At that very moment, having waited for so long to fire the first salvo, Chiwenga needed to be in a position to fire not just the first one, but all salvos in one fell swoop!

Given the stakes involved, a dossier could only be of use as part of a grand scheme of subterfuge, to probe defences, distract and waylay before delivering the coup de grace!

In those corridors of power, you are talking about Russian Roulette of the highest order. There is rarely the luxury of a second take!”

The real unspoken tragedy here is the greatest casualty of these never ending Zanu PF factional wars is the nation. Ever since the nation’s independence, if not long before it, Zimbabwe’s nationalist leaders have fought each other none-stop over political dominance. As soon as one fight is over another one started. 

As soon as Mugabe ousted Joyce Mujuru in 2014, for example, his camp divided into the G40 and Lacoste which he then lost to the latter led by Mnangagwa in the 2017 military coup. The coup solved nothing because the so called “gentlemen’s agreement” that Mnangagwa will hand over power to Chiwenga after serving one term was immediately ignored. 

Zimbabwe is a failed state because the nation’s affairs have been ignored for 45 years and counting because the leaders were too busy consolidating their own power base. And since political loyalty is founded on patronage and not something substantive as ideology or merit it is little wonder no one leader has ever slept ease in his/her bed. How can they when every morning one has to lick one’s finger and check the direction of the political wind - misread it and you are out!

“It is cold out there!” confessed Professor Jonathan Moyo when he misread the political wind and was booted out of the party! He knew what he was talking about. 

The nation had the golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms and end the Zanu PF dictatorship during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Mugabe bribed Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC fiends with the trappings of high offices and they, in return, throw all the reforms out of the window. 

Chiwenga is just as corrupt, incompetent and tyrannic as his erstwhile partner in the 2008 electoral coup and 2017 military coup, Mnangagwa. Pick one from the other is as meaningless a hare picking a cobra or a black mamba! 

As long as Zimbabwe remains a de facto one-party state those factional wars will rage on and the nation sink deeper and deeper into the abyss. One sure way to end the dictatorship will be to stop Chamisa and company conning their brain dead followers participating in the flawed elections only to give Zanu PF legitimacy. That is simpler said than done - how does one reason with the brain dead!

Botswana: from miracle to meltdown, the country's economic collapse in no longer a warning it's a prototype. Who next?

 Paul Hattingh 👇

🔴 FROM MIRACLE TO MELTDOWN: BOTSWANA’S COLLAPSE IS NO LONGER A WARNING — IT’S A PROTOTYPE🔴

1 September 2025

By Paul Hattingh

🔴 BOTSWANA WASN’T SUPPOSED TO FALL — BUT IT DID

For six decades, Botswana stood as the poster child of African stability. No coups. No hyperinflation. No dictatorships. Its diamond wealth was managed with rare discipline. Its governance was praised by the IMF. Western analysts worshipped it as “proof that Africa could work.”

But by mid-2025, that illusion is shattered.

Botswana is now spiralling through a deep economic crisis, a fractured society, a border security collapse — and a leadership vacuum that no election can fix.

This is no longer just a collapse.

It’s a case study of what happens when demography, dependency, and dogma combine.

And the lesson is brutal.

🔴 THE FALL BEGAN QUIETLY — THEN SUDDENLY

In October 2024, Botswana’s ruling party, the BDP, lost control for the first time since independence in 1966. The left-wing UDC coalition, led by Duma Boko, swept to power — promising wage hikes, welfare expansion, and a new economic model “for the people”.

But their timing couldn’t have been worse.

Global diamond demand had already tanked.

Lab-grown diamonds and synthetic alternatives had gutted the export market.

Botswana’s economy, 90% dependent on diamonds, had no second engine.

Within six months:

GDP growth fell by over 5%

Foreign direct investment evaporated

Youth unemployment breached 38%

Capital flight intensified

The pula (currency) began a quiet slide

This wasn’t a policy failure.

It was an ideological suicide.

🔴 BORDER COLLAPSE AND ARMS FLOWS: THE ZIMBABWE-SOUTH AFRICA EFFECT

From early 2023, border posts with Zimbabwe and South Africa saw an explosion in unregulated crossings. But under the UDC, border enforcement was deprioritised — in the name of “regional solidarity”.

The result?

Illegal firearms began pouring in

Armed robberies rose over 120% in rural towns like Molepolole and Maun

Insider leaks in early 2025 confirmed that state security officers were complicit in smuggling networks

Cross-border gangs from Bulawayo to Musina are now active in Gaborone

Botswana, once known for its rule of law, now wrestles with organised crime rooted in its own institutions.

This is not “unfortunate.”

This is textbook state failure.

🔴 DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE BROKE THE SOCIAL CONTRACT

In 1991, 98% of Botswana’s population was Tswana. The country functioned as a de facto ethnostate — united, coherent, trust-based.

But by 2022, that number had fallen to 79%.

Two key trends drove the collapse:

1. Surging immigration from neighbouring failed states

2. Crashing birth rates among the native population — from 6.1 to 2.1 children per woman over 30 years

And under UDC policy, the state encouraged open inclusion without cultural integration.

No assimilation. No social guardrails.

Just fragmentation.

Botswana’s historic strength — unity — is gone.

What remains is a patchwork society with no shared centre.

Exactly what globalist models prefer.

And precisely what destroys nations from the inside.

🔴 A POPULIST ECONOMY WITH NO INDUSTRY

With diamond revenue shrinking, the government had two choices:

Reform the tax base, diversify exports, and attract industrial investment

Or… print promises, subsidise idleness, and gamble on ideology

They chose the second.

Minimum wage laws were hiked despite inflation

Public sector hiring surged without productivity

New social grants were issued without revenue

By Q2 of 2025:

Botswana’s budget deficit hit 7.9% of GDP

Treasury bonds were downrated by Moody’s and Fitch

No major foreign firm announced new operations in over 18 months

And what did the leadership do?

Blamed “Western sanctions” and “economic colonialism”.

The script is old. The results are identical.

Zimbabwe 2.0 has begun — quietly wearing Botswana’s skin.

🔴 FROM GLOBAL ROLE MODEL TO REGIONAL RISK

By mid-2025, Botswana is no longer admired.

It is now a regional liability:

Once Africa’s cleanest government → Now accused of internal corruption and elite profiteering

Once praised for public health systems → Now facing rural medicine shortages and clinic closures

Once a peacekeeping donor → Now receiving foreign crime surveillance aid from SADC

The nation that once tutored others in governance now needs rescue from the very decay it used to warn against.

🔴 THE BLUEPRINT OF COLLAPSE — AND WHO’S NEXT

Botswana’s meltdown is not a unique tragedy. It is a repeatable formula, already visible in:

South Africa: demographic instability, failed border control, criminal capture

Namibia: rising youth disillusionment, Chinese debt leverage, urban collapse

Zambia: deep rural poverty, foreign mining control, escalating political tension

The formula is simple:

Depend on one resource

Allow uncontrolled immigration

Destroy national identity

Replace merit with ideology

Ignore border sovereignty

Elect redistributors instead of builders

And the result is always the same:

collapse — first moral, then institutional, then irreversible.

🔴 FINAL WORD: BOTSWANA IS NOT AN EXCEPTION ANYMORE. IT’S A TEMPLATE.

Botswana’s story should haunt every African who still believes their country is immune.

Because collapse doesn’t always start with war.

Sometimes, it starts with an election.

The African miracle has ended.

And the fallout has only begun.

I do not write this as a foreign analyst. I write it as a warning. Because what happened to Botswana — is already happening to South Africa. And unless truth replaces ideology, this entire region will burn.🔴

There are many lessons for Zimbabwe to learn from this! What are they?