For a problem to be a problem, it has to contain a lie

In life, cutting corners, in order to obtain what is desired, can be the most serious oversight. Corruption is itself driven by desire to cut corners in order to obtain value—without consideration of consequences. But one of the truisms that cannot be erased in this universe is maintained in that: A problem is a problem, only because it contains a lie. Without lies problems do not exist.

Imagine a person whose car is failing to start up in the morning? The person starts attending to brake pads, instead of what causes failure to start the engine? If anyone desires to know the definition of being stuck in a problem, it is behaving like what this driver does. A problem ceases to be one—as soon as the concerned person accurately identifies what causes failure to start the engine.

The army commander has suddenly become the Messiah in Zimbabwe. Our Christian brothers are tripping against each other in seeking to project that what is transpiring is their answered prayer. But the things of God are portrayed in truth, which is what sets humanity free (John 8:31-32).

It may be true that wrong things happened under the leadership of Robert Mugabe. But we have to first look at what caused the wrongness, before supposing that the unelected Mnangagwa can now be the Messiah. Zanu PF unanimously endorsed Robert Mugabe to be the one to stand in 2018 elections.

However, what now transpires is that those same Zanu PF supporters could have just pretended to support Mugabe when the opposite was true? It should be clear on normal human beings, that all problems emanate from falsehood and nothing can be sustained on falsehood. Did the army remove Mugabe from power, because of errors of omission or commission?

Three questions remain unanswered, which in my view, will constitute the cause of more serious problems, in future, for this country. Taking comfort in the prevailing tranquility is like someone convicted to hang—but enjoying and celebrating, before the actual day of his hanging.

The first question is: Which constitution did the Army use to depose Mugabe from power?  Others may be quick to cite Mugabe’s violation of the constitution, all along. But it can only be the misinformed, or the short-sighted, who assume that a wrong can be corrected by another wrong. The author of righteousness declares:

“….Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:39-42) (ESV).

The second question is: Which constitution did the legislators use to reinstate Mnangagwa as vice president? Mnangagwa had been expelled from that position, by the former President? According to the constitution, the position of vice president is not by election. But one gets appointed, or removed by the discretion of the sitting president. The question is, who re-appointed the former vice president back into office—to then assume the executive capacity, after President Mugabe’s resignation?

If this oversight is not a problem now—it will indeed be a serious problem in future. In law, the issue of precedent is a serious matter. Which other sitting president can be safe, in future—after this clear violation of the constitution? This seems to question the calibre of legislators we have in Parliament?

The third and last question is: Which constitution did the legislators use to remove Vice President Phelekezela Mpoko from office? Can the central committee of Zanu PF assume that responsibility, without violating the constitution? But the poignant question should be: What does the constitution say about the removal of the vice president from office?

The current president will, obviously, appoint his two vice presidents, according to the constitution. But, technically, the country would have automatically have adopted three vice presidents, without constitutional amendments.

Technically, Phelekezela Mpoko has not been formerly removed from the position of vice president. People can cut corners and simply remove him, whichever way, unconstitutionally, but obviously, that complicates our already bastardised constitution.

Most countries are in serious problems as a result of deliberate violation of their constitution, or whatever guides their pathetic conduct. Automatically, Zimbabwe is heading towards being listed among such countries. This has got nothing to do with Mugabe or the central committee of Zanu PF.

But this is to do with hundreds of thousands of people, in marches to approve of what the army had done. Unconstitutionally removing an elected President from power. The recent marches served only to entrench Zanu PF into power, and ensure whatever has sustained this country in its current shambles.

Most dubious Christians assume that what transpired is an outcome of their incessant prayers? They do not know what they are talking about, as prayers ought to focus on God’s will, more than sinful desires (James 4:2-4). And God’s will is found only when focusing on truth, more than what falsehood entails.

Some of those Christians may have now woken up to realise that the god they have all along been talking about is not the true God of the universe. Not knowing who the true God is, constitutes the basis of all our problems. Failing to appreciate this reality causes the continuation of fumbling in sordid confusion.

The starting point, in addressing the national problems is knowing the true God. This is why Jesus advised His followers: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all this things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:33). Our greatest challenge is now in finding the best way of coming out of deliberately adopted problems.

Very soon, Zimbabweans will wake up to realise that all our problems were not necessarily caused by Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF, after all. Our problems are caused by ordinary citizens’ failure to appreciate the significance of responsibility. The following posts may serve to further enlighten those desiring to understand more of what the truth entails:

[Only in Christ is order recognized]

[The Zimbabwean story]

[Is there Christian betrayal in Zimbabwe?]

[The Greatest civilization emerging in Southern Africa?]

Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from 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, bringing reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.

The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99

Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com  for $6.99