“An evil remains an evil whether practiced by white against black or by black against white. Our majority rule could easily turn into inhuman rule if we oppressed, persecuted or harassed those who do not look or think like the majority of us. Democracy is never mob-rule. It is and should remain disciplined rule requiring compliance with the law and social rules. Our independence must thus not be construed as an instrument vesting individuals or groups with the right to harass and intimidate others into acting against their will. It is not the right to negate the freedom of others to think and act, as they desire.”
– President Robert Mugabe addressing the nation on the eve of Zimbabwe’s independence, 17 April 1980.
That was then, where are we now? Did he voluntarily go back on his word or did circumstances force his hand? Happy Independence Day
Zimbabwe.
Logic.
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Tongayi Masvikwa is a corporate attorney practicing commercial litigation and dispute resolution in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Follow him on twitter @DiscipleofLogic.