In a media-repressive society under the imposition of Zanu PF, it’s easy to spot when something is amiss. The recent surge in prime-time coverage of individuals claiming to have defected from the opposition on national television raises questions. Are these defections genuine, or is it just another attempt by Zanu PF to manipulate public perception? This article aims to shed light on the situation and uncover the truth behind the alleged opposition defections.

Propaganda campaigns involving alleged defections are nothing new. They have been employed throughout history, from the Cold War era to the political maneuverings of figures like Smith and Muzorewa. Such tactics tend to target uninformed, gullible, and politically apathetic citizens. However, the majority of Zimbabweans, especially those who voted for the opposition, see through these schemes. Zanu PF’s attempts to paint a picture of a weakened opposition have repeatedly failed. The opposition, resilient and politically mature, has weathered many storms.

Zanu PF seems to underestimate the opposition’s adaptability. The shocks it delivers, such as depriving the opposition of constitutionally mandated political financing, only lead to innovative adaptation and a resurgence. These repeated shocks are a testament to the opposition’s significance and its ability to challenge Zanu PF’s very existence. The two entities cannot coexist for long, just as light and darkness cannot coexist indefinitely. It’s only a matter of time before light triumphs, and time is running out for Zanu PF, hence the laughable parade of defections.

But are these defections genuine? Some prominent figures, like Timveous or Gutu, have claimed to have defected. To assess their authenticity, one must consider the credibility of the source – in this case, the Auxillia Mnangagwa Television. This paper argues that the defections are as real as the choices presented by this television station. To illustrate, one can recall the incident where a baby was injured by a police officer’s club. The subsequent interview conducted by the same television station lacked transparency and neglected to address the baby’s well-being. This incident exposed Zanu PF’s fear of the power of the masses, leading to damage control through another woman’s interview to cover up human rights violations.

One example alone may not suffice to ascertain the authenticity of the defections. Therefore, consider the ongoing Chilonga crisis, which revolves around the probable loss of ancestral lands and cultural heritage. This crisis also reflects Zanu PF’s fear of the people, evidenced by the recruitment of individuals for interviews, even if they were not directly affected. Such tactics are part of Zanu PF’s damage control strategy, aimed at saving face during interviews and political campaigns. During interviews related to the Chilonga crisis, individuals were coerced into expressing happiness about the loss of their ancestral lands in exchange for alleged job opportunities – a stark contrast to Zanu PF’s unfulfilled promise of creating two million jobs. These so-called defections are nothing more than allegations, revealing Zanu PF’s desperation and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

What drives Zanu PF’s desperation to decimate the opposition? It’s rooted in fear – fear of justice. A peaceful transition of power to the opposition represents a return to the rule of law, equality before the law, and an impartial, independent judiciary. This transition also threatens Zanu PF’s accountability for past human rights violations, including the tragic Gukurahundi. Zanu PF’s fear of losing wealth acquired through illegal means is equally concerning. If the opposition comes to power, there will be an inevitable push for the recovery and return of this ill-gotten wealth to the people. The fate of the crumbling former President Mugabe’s empire serves as a stark reminder of what lies ahead. While nothing has been recovered and restored to the people from this empire, it’s only a matter of time before the people demand the restoration of their wealth.

In conclusion, the sudden prominence of alleged opposition defections on Auxillia Mnangagwa Television in a society subjected to media repression by Zanu PF raises suspicions. This desperation of Zanu PF is rooted in fear – fear of the implications of a resilient opposition taking power peacefully. It represents a return to the rule of law, justice for past violations, and the restoration of stolen wealth to the people. Zanu PF’s attempts to depict the opposition as decimated are nothing more than a desperate campaign of falsehoods. Despite the obstacles thrown its way, the opposition remains resilient and will triumph, just as it always has.