This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
November 21, 2017, will be remembered as the day President Robert Mugabe stepped down from power after almost four decades of rule, following immense pressure from the military and members of his own party, ZANU-PF.
As Mugabe's resignation was announced, many across the world hailed the peaceful nature of the coup, a rare sight in most military takeovers. Soldiers were seen mingling freely with civilians and even dancing, a stark contrast to the usual scenes of violence associated with such events.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful transition lay a complex web of sycophancy and dictatorship that had crippled Zimbabwe's potential for greatness. Mugabe's wife, Grace, 41 years young and once his secretary, exemplified the definition of opulence spending that comes with absolute power.
Arrogance, privilege, and entitlement consumed Grace Mugabe, making her untouchable and unaccountable. This attitude is not unique to her, but rather a symptom of a broader problem plaguing Africa - the presence of sycophants who believe their actions are beyond reproach and above the law.
The case of Zimbabwe's ministers, who were found with millions of dollars in their homes while millions of citizens languished in poverty, is a stark reminder of the dangers of sycophancy and dictatorship. It serves as a warning to despotic regimes in Africa, but also highlights the challenges of breaking the curse of incompetent leadership.
As President Emerson Mnangagwa assumes office, the world waits with bated breath to see if he will break the cycle of incompetence or perpetuate it. Only time will tell.
