Robert & Grace ... be careful what you wish from the gods

Once they forced Robert to run the party and the country. 
Now they are also forcing Grace to take over. They say be careful what you wish the gods to give you. And we are still wishing to weep for the next 30 years.

Two of the people who helped Robert Mugabe to lead Zanu-PF regretted it shortly before they died.

Enos Nkala and Edgar Tekere fell out with Robert later when – in the case of Tekere, he stood up to rampant corruption within Zanu-PF – while in Nkala's case it was his frankness, which earned him a corner in the dustbin of history.

Both men are buried at Heroes Acre today largely because everybody knew what they did for the country.

So the fact that his wife Grace Mugabe has been pushed into power – for those who know history – should not only come as a surprise but a very frightening development.

When Tekere launched his autobiography A Lifetime of Struggle some years back, he described their faith in Mugabe as 'an unfortunate happening'.

Indeed, Robert had power thrust into his hands. First, was in 1963 when he was given the secretary general post while he was still in Ghana; then in 1973 when the late Ndabaningi Sithole was deposed of power in a meeting held in detention by Tekere, Nkala, Maurice Nyagumbo and Mouton Malianga.

In all these instances, both Tekere and Nkala said Mugabe showed some reluctance, although he would accept the 'will of the people' in the end. Even Grace said she needs to consult first before accepting the 'honour'.

Nkala, who also spoke at the launch of the autobiography said: 'We made the mistake to appoint Mugabe...I do admit I was part of the mistake. He was refusing to take the leadership position he now enjoys. We produced a creature that destroyed this country. I am not saying it out of anger, but this is a fact.'

In a different interview, Nkala also said he fell out with Robert because he told him that he should step down.

'I have hinted strongly to Mugabe that he has made a mistake by staying in power for too long. I told him that he would lose his reputation because issues cannot remain the same, they continue to change and he must change. Because we are frank with each other, I have advised him that he has overstayed in power for too many people’s liking. I have told him that he should rest like me and that I think his wife isn’t that happy – they need to take a rest, doze on the chair during the day, take a drive, and rest.'

And over the years, Zanu-PF has been forcing Mugabe to lead them and the country. He has also accepted the honour, which has become a right. This is why those who tried to stand against him never received any support from the party.

Simba Makoni, such promising talent. He could have done it had he been supported. The same people who stand in the way of every one who wants to chart a new path, stood in Simba's way.

It's not only those who want to challenge Robert for the presidency but even those seen as trying to speak a different language are targets.

While back in the 70s, it could be understood that Mugabe was regarded as the most eloquent and well educated, over the years his stay has been made possible by the fear within the party ranks.

He has become the glue that keeps Zanu-PF together. The voice that can be heard. The godfather of the party. He has become the fear.

It is because of this fear that people in Zanu-PF choose to pick neutralising forces. By picking on Grace, they want to neutralise Joyce Mujuru, who is already fighting for the soul of the party against Emmerson Mnangagwa and Jonathan Moyo.

If Grace accepts to control the soul of the party, the aging men and women in Zanu-PF will kneel before her and she will move them around. She will pick her own people and everybody will support her.

What can stop her from doing that if they are begging her to lead them now when Zanu-PF has no effective leadership? This happened to Robert when Chitepo was assassinated; when Ndabaningi was thrown out. It happened when Zanu had no leadership. There was infighting in Mozambique. Deaths. Confusion and anger.

This is how it is today. Just as it was then. And they are begging Grace to take over. Be careful what you wish from the gods.