Why ‘Mugabeism’ is still in place

Real change will only come to Zimbabwe with electoral reforms and unity among the opposition in order to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF’s long-held position of dominance. A panel of prominent Zimbabweans told a Gordon Institute of Business Science forum that despite the initial euphoria following last month’s resignation of Robert Mugabe after 37 years as the country’s President, only genuine political and economic reforms would ensure the long-term renewal of the country’s fortunes. Professor Arthur Mutumbara, Zimbabwe’s former deputy Prime Minister and leader of the MDC, explained that despite Mugabe’s ouster, ‘Mugabeism the system is still in place’. City Press reports that he called the departure of Mugabe ‘Part One, whereas the departure of Zanu-PF from power will be Part Two’. Albert Gumbo, secretary-general of opposition party The Alliance for the People’s Agenda, called the coup to force Mugabe’s resignation ‘a well-choreographed event’, adding that ‘the military created a window of hope’.