Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 was marked by euphoric celebrations as the late President Robert Mugabe ascended to power. To many, his rise symbolised liberation and hope—yet decades later, the nation grapples with unresolved crises. This raises critical questions: What did those jubilant celebrations truly signify? Has independence delivered its promised rewards?
Biblical wisdom offers insight:
“If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” (Proverbs 29:12, ESV)
This verse captures Zimbabwe’s predicament. While directed at government leaders, its warning extends to all spheres of authority—governments, churches, and institutions. A leader’s reliance on falsehoods corrupts the entire system. But who bears the greater blame: the ruler who accepts deceit or those who propagate it? The answer to this question grants freedom.
The Rot Starts at the Root
Like a tree decaying from within, a nation’s decline begins subtly, from unsuspected sources. Many label Mugabe as having been a dictator, but Proverbs 29:12 suggests a deeper dynamic: a leader misled by those around him. Mugabe’s prolonged rule was sustained not solely by force but by admiration—even among Christians. How did falsehood take hold?
Consider this common refrain from his supporters: “The President isn’t corrupt—it’s the officials around him.” Whether true or not, such claims reveal a dangerous leadership paradox. Democratic leaders are not absolute rulers; their power derives from the people. Yet, by deflecting blame onto subordinates, Mugabe preserved the illusion of righteousness—a comfort to any leader reluctant to accept accountability.
Citizens as the True Rulers
Zimbabwe’s crisis is man-made, but its roots lie not solely with government leaders. In a republic, leaders are servants of the people, not rulers. Proverbs 29:12’s “ruler” may instead refer to the citizens themselves. There is a falsehood in assuming that Zimbabwe is a monarchy. The electorate, misled by falsehoods, empowered a flawed leadership.
Mugabe’s legacy is complex. Unlike history’s notorious dictators, he maintained electoral schedules, though allegations of rigging persist. Yet the deeper failure belongs to voters who neglected to enforce accountability through constitutional means. As the true “rulers,” citizens must discern truth from lies before delegating power.
The Cost of Complacency
When citizens prioritise comfort over vigilance, corruption thrives. Some benefit from crooked officials who shield them from consequences—a mafia-like system where deceit begets more deceit. Zimbabwe’s plight stems not from malice alone but from a collective disregard for Proverbs 29:12. There is no need to assume that this Scripture is not referring to the person reading it. Each should be held responsible for what goes on in the environment.
Mugabe, hardened by wartime struggles, often mistook criticism for enmity. He surrounded himself with sycophants, branding dissenters as adversaries. Yet the greater failure lay with the citizens who, through indifference or fear, enabled his unchecked rule. A responsible citizen is not characterised by cowardice, but by an acute awareness of the consequences of a corrupt system.
The Corporate Parallel: Lies as a Leadership Strategy
This dynamic transcends politics. In business, some leaders cultivate cultures of surveillance, turning employees into informants. Such systems—built on distrust—often backfire. Once employees uncover the deception, they may collude against management. Lies, as Proverbs warns, are a fragile foundation.
Although difficult for some to accept, Christianity, shaped by denominational structures, is often a source of corruption. A common feature among many Christian groups is the exploitation of Jesus’ name for deceptive purposes. Cloaked in religious terminology, it becomes challenging for followers to scrutinise the actions or teachings of religious leaders.
Much like the citizens of Zimbabwe, who abdicate responsibility, leaders within certain Christian Churches are frequently elevated to positions of authority without ensuring their adherence to Christ’s teachings. This underscores why Jesus appeared to prioritise addressing hypocrisy over other sins.
Corruption frequently revolves around personal gain, with excessive emphasis placed on tithing rather than the core principles of Christianity. This fosters a culture of passivity, which, in turn, affects national governance. The distortion of Christianity is a root cause of corruption within governance systems.
Hypocrisy: The Root of All Corruption
Jesus reserved His fiercest rebukes not for obvious sinners but for hypocrites (Matthew 23). Why? Because hypocrisy—the divorce of truth from action—fuels all other sins. Condemning adultery or theft addresses symptoms; confronting deceit strikes at the root. It is essential to recognise that a person baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bears the responsibility of stewarding divine matters on behalf of Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, many converts are misled into believing that baptism into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit signifies liberation from accountability. However, “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked” (Proverbs 29:12, ESV). A true understanding of the essence of Christianity resolves all prevailing challenges in our environment.
The Burden of Collective Responsibility
Blaming leaders alone is a seductive but incomplete remedy. Every citizen shares responsibility for Zimbabwe’s decline. True accountability begins with self-reflection: Have we prioritised truth over convenience? Have we challenged corruption, or profited from it?
Opposition figures, though flawed, at least disrupt complacency. Yet critics often fixate on the shortcomings of such opposition forces, while excusing their own inaction. As comrade Bombshell once proclaimed, no factory manufactures leaders in Zimbabwe. Responsible citizenship demands more than condemnation—it requires active participation in reform.
The Uncomfortable Truth
The truth is often painful. Many trade integrity for temporary security, but history judges harshly. Zimbabwe’s redemption hinges on a return to Proverbs’ wisdom: Only when citizens—the true rulers—reject falsehood can righteous leadership emerge.
The choice is stark: cling to comforting lies or embrace the costly truth. The latter, though difficult, is the only path to renewal.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
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