Exploring the Politics of Jecharism in Zimbabwe’s Second Republic

This chapter traces the character and methods of power contestation in the Zimbabwean political space since independence, including during the Second Republic. In doing so, the politics of deliberate systematic sabotage in contemporary Zimbabwe (kudirajecha or Jecharism) is conceptualised and argued to be a key barrier of progress. While this is often associated with opposition party politics, throughout history in Zimbabwe, this strategy has been employed by ruling and opposition parties. Therefore, Jecharism is a politics that negates the interests of the people and the country in favour of politicians’ own self interests of consolidating their hold on power or their ambition to hold power. Hence, in the case of Zimbabwe, there has never been evidence of any benefit that ordinary citizens have gained from Jecharism, only perpetual economic misfortunes and continued suffering. Continuing in this path where self-interest precedes what is best for the country will only result in perpetual conflict and suffering. To move forward, politicians must exercise political tolerance and compromise. However, this does not seem to be the case with reference to the Second Republic under Mnangagwa. Indeed, any ongoing Jecharism on the part of Mnangagwa’s government is bound to minimise the possibility of the development of a formative project which takes democratic transition and consolidation seriously.