Zimbabwe: Who Owns Zimbabwe's Opposition? Politicians, Journalists or Zanu-PF?

Zimbabwe's political landscape is marked by a complex relationship between the ruling party, ZANU-PF, and its opposition. The opposition space has evolved into a political marketplace where parties vie for influence, activists occupy portions, and civil-society organizations operate. Journalists and media institutions sometimes cross over into this arena, blurring the line between journalism and political activism.

This situation presents a paradox: ZANU-PF has at times acted both as the government and its own challenger. The ruling party's understanding of politics as not just about controlling government but also controlling the political conversation sets it apart from its rivals. Journalists, while obliged to scrutinize government, risk becoming participants in the contest for influence when they begin prescribing leadership changes and campaigning for political configurations.

ZANU-PF's fragmentation has led to factional battles within its ranks, with ruling-party figures sometimes adopting critics' language and positioning themselves as victims. The result is a political oxygen consumed by the party, pushing genuine alternative formations further into the political margins.

The career challenger, although not necessarily someone with years in opposition, becomes problematic when dissent is treated as an occupation rather than a route to governance. Competing only on the critique of government without proposing viable alternatives resembles announcing a mission to Mars without providing a functional spacecraft.

Robert Mugabe's controversial "Madhuku strategy" highlights the issue of permanent political crisis creating careers and identities dependent on the crisis. This question should extend beyond political challengers to government politicians as well.