THEMATIC OVERVIEW
“Support or Starve” – Zanu PF’s ‘weapon of mass coercion’
The “support or starve” tactic which is employed by Zanu PF as a means to coerce members
of the opposition into denouncing their parties in order to access input schemes, food aid as
well as other relief support and opportunities is telling in and of itself. The unscrupulous tactic
betrays a sense of desperation on the part of the ruling party which finds it with no option but
to enforce disenfranchisement as it metes out punishment on those who dare to oppose it.
It is common cause that when an opponent resorts to depriving targets of opportunities or
resources; denying them their constitutionally-protected rights, this often signifies loss of
options on the part of the perpetrator. Force, coercion and deprivation are high up on the list of
last resort measures which are clutched at when dialogue, persuasion and positive
engagement have failed.
When and if a party or organisation is attractive enough in terms of its ideals, programmes and
in delivering for the people, coercion is not necessary. It is only when there is nothing to attract
the masses with, that desertion occurs and then, of course, coercion is deemed necessary.
As the cropping season approaches, the “support or starve” mechanism as a modus
operandi has roared into life and will soon be approaching full bloom. This is the time
registrations for input schemes are done. Seed, fertiliser, agricultural loans as well as other
food aid meant to buffer people from last year’s dry summer are up for distribution. While these
are meant to be national, in a clear case of Zanu PF supporters being deemed ‘more national’
than others, as is the case year in year out for the past 15 years, members of the opposition
are not likely to benefit much.
The message is clear: support or starve. Support the ruling party or starve; if you do not render
your support, through buying a membership card; attending meetings; or altogether
denouncing opposition leaders, then you may surely starve.
Such a premise raises the stakes for would-be opposition supporters. Sustained opposition
becomes only for those that can withstand the pressure; the disenfranchisement; and the
deprivation. Not the meek, because “starvation”, can and indeed be unleashed on those who
don’t comply. As many in the outlying areas and high density areas across the country have
lived to attest to. Government or Presidential support has been accessed only by those who
toe the Zanu PF line.
3