Changing political slogans from inciting Violence to promoting Development

Cde Mahiya on the day of the Solidarity march held on 11^th of November 2017 had a point. In vain he tried to explain to the speakers not to say pasi nemunhu (put to the ground) but his efforts fell on deaf ears. Prominent speakers took turns to abuse his plea.

Reflecting on what the comrade was saying I got enlightened. The slogan pamberi na nhingi (I Support) and pasi naningi originated during the colonial war of independence in Zimbabwe where enemies where supposed to be put to the ground or in other words killed. Yes this was acceptable because it was war but the liberation ended but the slogans of getting rid of the enemy still remains to this day.

Isn’t high time we shift from slogans which put people who do not agree with us or who sees things differently to the ground. Pluralist views are fundamental to achieve development. Opposition parties should not be regarded as enemies of the state but parties who have other ideas to make things better in our country.

Political tolerance should be encouraged and diverse ideas permitted to build a better nation. Pasi na Ningi or putting opposition to the ground has manifested in varying forms of violence and regrettably death of people. Why doesn’t  the slogan end with Forward with Development only? Just because one has a different point of view it does not make the person an enemy.

In conclusion the War veteran Cde Mahiya was right. Let’s shift our mentality of treating different views and ideas with militaristic hostility.