To Zimbabweans, Ndabaningi Sithole was always a hero, with or without the endorsement of ZANU-PF and its leaders, writes Professor Arthur Mutambara, former deputy prime minister of Zimbabwe.
Heroism is earned and not conferred.
ZANU-PF is not qualified to make or unmake Sithole’s National Hero status.
More specifically, Emmerson Mnangagwa (given his limited, frivolous, and undecorated involvement in the liberation struggle) is not qualified to speak on Ndabaningi Sithole’s heroic contributions to the liberation of Zimbabwe.
He is unworthy to untie Ndabaningi’s shoes.
Throughout his life in independent Zimbabwe, Sithole suffered persecution and harassment at the hands of ZANU-PF and its government.
His key tormentors were Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Sithole died while going through a treason trial.
Hence the fraudulent charade and vote-buying gimmick at Freedom Farm today must be condemned with the contempt that they deserve.
Ndabaningi Sithole is a National Hero with or without ZANU-PF endorsement.
*The author of this article is Professor Arthur Mutambara. The views expressed by Professor Arthur Mutambara are not necessarily those of The Bulrushes
