Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is gaining recognition for his dynamic use of vernacular language, which has influenced Zimbabwean discourse significantly. Known for his role in the 2017 coup, his speeches assertively address issues like corruption while resonating with citizens and social media. Phrases like “Pasi nezvigananda” symbolize the public’s frustration with corruption and represent a shift towards increased accountability in Zimbabwe.
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, known for his critical involvement in the 2017 military coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s lengthy regime, is garnering attention for his vibrant use of language. His speeches are infused with local vernacular and resonate with the Zimbabwean populace, influencing social media interactions and everyday dialogue.
Chiwenga evokes memories of his days as a formidable army general, particularly marked by his decisive actions during the coup. His pivotal intervention at Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport during an attempted arrest significantly influenced the political landscape in Zimbabwe. As he serves in the second highest office today, his spirited rhetorical style reveals a compelling public persona that shapes national conversation.
Recently, Chiwenga’s speeches have stirred audiences with their assertive language. During the burial of national hero Justin Mupamhanga, he vehemently opposed corruption, emphasizing collective ownership of resources: “Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. We must share its God-given bounty, share its bounty equally so no one – not even the weak, the widowed or the orphaned – are displaced or elbowed out by the strong in a mad rat-race to grab unmerited privileges. Corruption has to end,” he stated.
He further condemned corrupt individuals by referencing the term “zvigananda,” historically used to describe opportunists during the liberation war. “Our Vision 2030 is for all of us, not those that you call mbinga. During the war, we referred to them as zvigananda (leeches): those who grow big tummies through ill-gotten wealth and questionable morals! Pasi nezvigananda [Down with leeches],” he exclaimed. This phrase has evolved into a popular cry among citizens, reflecting their frustration with pervasive corruption.
Chiwenga’s straightforward and colloquial approach resonates deeply with citizens and has garnered wide attention on social media. Political analyst Lazarus Sauti remarks, “VP Chiwenga is using statements that reflect and are in sync with the political, economic, and social climate in the country. The word ‘zvigananda’ is now part of our social discourse.” Moreover, his accessible admonition to illegal forex dealers has permeated everyday discussions, with phrases like “Regerai vakomana munoremara” being utilized in various informal contexts.
At a rally before the August 2023 elections, Chiwenga employed vivid comparisons, likening the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to lice. He asserted, “I have heard others here saying down with CCC, let me assure you that there is nothing that it can achieve. You see how we crush lice with a stone – you put it on a flat stone and then flatten it to the extent that even flies will not make a meal out of it.”
Media expert Mlondolozi Ndlovu noted Chiwenga’s distinctive discourse, stating, “Chiwenga belongs to the nationalistic movement, the old crop of nationalists. Though a military man, he was trained as a commissar during the war, and much of his language is very consistent with the discourses of that era.”
Chiwenga’s expressions not only reflect the intricate political and social dynamics in Zimbabwe but actively influence them. By linking terms from the liberation struggle to contemporary issues, he creates bridges between the past and the present. His phrases have evolved into cultural symbols reflecting the call for greater accountability and reform within the nation.
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate economic and political challenges, Vice-President Chiwenga’s colorful language remains a catalyst for discussion and contemplation. Whether appreciated for its sincerity or critiqued as populist rhetoric, his words serve as powerful reminders that language, akin to action, can shape a nation’s trajectory.
In conclusion, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s impactful use of vernacular language effectively engages the Zimbabwean populace while addressing significant issues like corruption and national unity. His rhetoric reflects not only a deep historical context but also poses contemporary relevance as citizens seek accountability and reform. As Chiwenga continues to resonate with the public, his words spotlight the significant role of language in shaping political discourse and public sentiment in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
