Jestina Mukoko: Portrait of a ‘terrorist’- Rashweat Mukundu

Portrait of a terrorist became one of the most controversial documentary characterisation of President Robert Mugabe by the BBC at the advent of Zimbabwe’s independence. Mugabe was, then, in his heydays as a liberation hero. The characterisation, to many, was supposedly misplaced as it sought to fulfil a long held view of Mugabe by his detractors. In other words, the framing of his persona only went as far as fulfilling preconceived views of Mugabe as a blood thirst if not crazed Marxist. The realities of the immediate post independent 1980 however showed a wholly different Mugabe. One who strode the western capitals, riding the Queen’s horse drawn carriage, and winning awards and recognition world wide. Discussion on this characterisation today might be as controversial as when it was first put out into the public arena. Many who thought otherwise then, might as well be convinced the other way, now. This however is not the subject of my writing.

This week we saw another ‘terrorist’ being granted bail and freedom after three months of torture. This is a ‘terrorist’ with a difference, one wholly created by President Robert Mugabe’s government out of the blue and to serve political ends. For those who have read Frantz Fanon, Wretched of the earth (Pitfalls of National Consciousness), Jestina’s travails might aid a better understanding of the psychology of the post independent African nation state. Especially the behaviour of a visionless and clueless leadership, one that seeks power for its sake. Fanon explains in vivid language how the formerly oppressed outdo the former oppressor at oppressing, the majority of people.

Jestina Mukoko is free at last, but battered to breaking point. Jestina was a legend in broadcasting in Zimbabwe the time I was growing up. She remained one in civic society. More so because many others were not prepared to do the work she was doing. Talking openly about the violence in Zimbabwe. She today, by a twist, not of fate, but of deliberate planning, became one such victim of this state orchestrated violence. Having had the chance to work with her and the group of civic activists in the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), the organisation that she leads, one is left wondering how on earth such a grouping can, of all things, be accused of terrorism. The grouping involves old men and women, who at some point, I struggled with the whole day, discussing how to compile reports on politically motivated violence, identify and talk to ring leaders from all parties, and act as peacemakers. These are men and women, who in the best of times would rather concern themselves with their farming, their goats and cattle and in the wildest of dreams, hold a gun. Jestina humbled herself to work with the so called ordinary women and men and ZPP never conducted business in the cover of darkness but what ever activities ZPP carried out where out in the open. Their reports and work accessible to all who wanted to see. Their office out in the open. Apart from vile sadism one cannot put any explanation to the three months of torture, denial of freedom that she went through. We had senior government officials, the likes of AG Johannes Tomana, portray Jestina as one of the most dangerous persons in Zimbabwe, a terrorist. I dare say Jestina has never held a gun in her hand, and I bet she does not know the shape of a grenade.

In the struggle over meaning making and making the stupid sound sensible and common sensical, the world terrorism is unfortunately accorded a new meaning by the Zimbabwe government, to mean anyone who opposes its policies. A terrorist in Zimbabwe is either an opposition supporter, a human rights activists or a white farmer. The skills in torture and propaganda that the Mugabe government learnt in Ian Smith’s jail are being put to good use, albeit against their own citizens. Whatever the freedom that Jestina might have now, will not take away the scars that she physically and emotionally will live with for the rest of her life. This trauma has not only been confined to her but her family and colleagues. It seems within ZANU PFs scheme of things the message has hit home. What more ace is there to play now and who is next? We can only wonder. //End//