Zimbabwean tribalism is a very slippery subject which is difficult to pin down and in some circles it is broadly perceived to be a closet discussion. I must congratulate Ngwenya and Ndlovu for sharing their views on tribalism and its justifications.
Debating about such issues and demystifying myths should be viewed positively; it is a step in the right direction. To be honest, it is fair to say one debate was too emotional and the other more scholastic. Against this background this article challenges these thoughts. It thereby draws attention to realism and basic ethical principles.
Having been born in Bulawayo, educated in Bulawayo then Plumtree and worked in Harare then Bulawayo my view on this subject is a realist one, meaning that it is a practical understanding and an appreciation of the nature of my surroundings, rather sexed up and idealised views. What’s more is that reality exists independently of our thoughts or beliefs. In the case of the justifications for tribalism they are false regardless of the complicated explanations.
Both articles made sound academic definitions of the term tribalism which I would summarise as the organisation by tribe or strong attitude, behaviour, belief to one’s tribe. Despite the accuracy of these definitions, their relevance to Zimbabwean tribalism is debatable. When Zimbabweans talk about tribalism, do they refer to these sharp emotional and academic explanations? My answer is no.
When Zimbabweans talk about tribalism they broadly refer to the biased violations of ethical principles which are supposed to be enjoyed nationally. This can be summarised by the golden saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". The other extreme is the discriminate tribal hatred and accusations by the1980s victims and pseudo victims. With this in mind let’s turn to the rhetorical re-description and catachresis shown in the misplaced discourse of tribalism and politics.
In many ways the response by the government of Zimbabwe to address and redress the 1980s suppression can be broadly viewed as appalling. Moreover the unbalanced economic development and opportunities across Zimbabwe adds fuel to the question of equality. This failure of Zimbabwe’s governance structures to provide a democratic, fair and equal society has resulted in desperate and reckless responses from opportunistic individuals.
In light of recent developments, there is need to dislodge three misconceptions underpinning tribalism. Firstly the argument of blaming and totalising the responsibility of the dreadful 1980s atrocities to a particular tribe is false; secondly the idea of planting extreme separatist ideologies is a train smash recipe and lastly it is misleading to assume that if one belongs to a particular tribe he/she automatically affiliates with a particular political party.
The 1980s atrocities happened under the watch of a Zimbabwean Government which means the decision makers of that Government should held accountable. It is not rocket science to find out from those responsible then, who did what and who gave what order. Getting to the bottom of this is a victory for Zimbabweans not a particular tribe. Falling for false divisive arguments only makes the perpetrators get away with it because energies are devoted to fighting and blaming each other.
After the Great Father Zimbabwe, we have not seen any politician from the southern part of Zimbabwe of such high calibre with a great charisma. The good news is that there is going to be one. How do I know? Because change is the only constant in life, politics has been controlled for a long time in the North. However the emergence of the separatist movement seems to go against what is going to organically happen.
The assumption that if one belongs to a particular tribe he/she is obliged to support a particular party is also false. Political parties should not be confused with tribes because not everyone from a particular tribe has political appetite. Lastly the values of political parties should not be confused with tribal values, the two are very different.
To conclude tribalism and its justifications in Zimbabwe are personal misconceptions normally inherited from tribalistic families. What’s more is that tribalism is on its death bed and of course those who believe in it are seriously trying to resuscitate it by seeking public endorsement. However Intermarriages, tolerance, appreciation, respect, modernity and new attitudes from the young are the final nails to its coffin. To tribalists the mask is slipping and it is all downhill..........
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