Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino, Zimpapers Politics Hub
HISTORY is filled with people whose ideas ignited change in their communities, nations, and continents — often when they were young.
Today, many keep talking about Patrice Lumumba, who led his country’s independence from Belgium, became Zaire’s Prime Minister at age 34 and was murdered by the CIA at 35. South Africa’s Steve Biko is remembered as a flame of consciousness who was a thorn in the comfort of Apartheid before he was beaten to death while in custody and died at age 30. The same goes for Burkina Faso’s Thomas Isdore Sankara whose anti-imperialist policies led to his assassination at the behest of France in 1987 at age 37; Guinea Bissau’s anti-colonial hero and nationalist Amilcar Cabral who was shot and killed at the age of 48.
Scarcely a day passes in Zimbabwe without mention of the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara, his heroism, his military prowess, and his charismatic, people-driven legacy.
This was the man who at age 35, took command of Zimbabwe’s biggest politically conscious guerrilla or peasant-backed ZANLA army that pierced the heart of the colonial Ian Smith regime. At a young age, his sacrifices moved the locomotives of history.
In his youth, Gen Tongogara managed to emphasise the need for the critical role guerrilla warfare and military confrontation played in the liberation struggle. His emphasis was on the relevance of a military strategy, grounded in revolutionary theory, which complemented efforts that were made by nationalist leaders in advancing the cause for independence.
While in the position as the ZANLA Commander, he also had a gift to look at the actions of counter-revolutionaries, reactionaries, divisive and opportunistic elements that sought to undermine the progressive revolution.
These qualities, as confirmed by peers, intellectuals, academics and former Rhodesians, made him a committed military revolutionary, deeply involved in the pivotal political transformations that culminated in the formation of the Zimbabwean nation-state. Gen Tongogara was not merely an observer; he was a driving force in the remarkable journey to dismantling colonialism and white supremacism in Rhodesia.
Gen Tongogara, at the time of his death (on 26 December 1979) aged 41, lived a life of fulfilment that was premised and sustained on ideas. He was an articulate guerrilla leader whose logical arguments not only threatened white racism through his infusion of military strategy and political awareness, but also emboldened fighters on various fronts. At the Lancaster House Conference in 1979, he was described as a “moderating force”.
Youth’s crisis of purpose
When Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote the world’s most important and famous political pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto, they were aged 29 and 27. The Communist Manifesto has been translated into a forceful work of scientific analysis that remains relevant today, over 175 years after it was first published in 1848.
If one compares the contemporary youth with those of Gen Tongogara’s generation, it would appear as if the ones of today are lacking in terms of grounded ideas, bravery and sacrifice. They are not doing much for society to impact it positively and turn around the fortunes of where they come from through organised work.
It was Ernest Becker in his book The Denial of Death who remarked that: “The problem of modern society is precisely that the youth no longer feel heroic in the plan for action that their culture has set up.”
The biggest challenge this poses to youth, especially those from Zimbabwe, is in establishing the purpose and meaningfulness of what they truly stand for. What ideas do they really want to stand for, or stand for? How evangelical are their ideas, and what capacity do they have to convert new members?
There are many spheres for one to be vibrant in terms of ideas, or for them to make meaningful and impactful contributions. This could be in addressing the impact of climate change, pioneering research in understudied areas, interpreting economic realities, standing up for women’s and children’s rights, and also pushing advocacy around child marriages. Many things to work for.
All ideas that thrived and all people who stood for the right ideas when they were young, like Gen Tongogara, also had obstacles. They did not focus on the obstacles, but the broader goal for the majority of the population. In doing this, their priorities were not pushed by the need for economic rewards.
From the intellectual articulations of Marx and Engels, and the courage of Gen Tongogara, young people can gain valuable insights into how to tackle societal challenges through bold and critical thinking. They can discover the strength that comes from collective, organised efforts and appreciate the significance of committing oneself to a cause that transcends personal interests.
Statue for Gen Tongo
Is it an acceptable suggestion to erect a statue in memory of Gen Tongogara, the military strategist who Zimbabwe will always talk about? The site where it can be erected is a subject that can be entertained by the responsible jury.
If plans to have Gen Tongogara’s statue approved, one day, his statue will help Zimbabweans remember him collectively by creating a strong connection with the past. Such a revolutionary act will be valuable as an educational resource in honouring the sacrifices he stood for. Already, Gen Tongogara has inspired and will continue to inspire future generations, providing a place for communities to come together, reflect and celebrate their victories. Above, having his statue will contribute to Zimbabwe’s national identity while encouraging important conversations about its values and history.
Who can refuse the memory of a man who, in his words, expressed sacrifice even at the cost of death when he said: “I am fighting to see an oppressive system crushed. I don’t care whether I’ll be in the top echelons of the party. I’m dying to see a change in the system, that’s all.” It is this passion that has to be remembered for his desire to see black people free from the shackles of colonialism.
As they say, old soldiers never die; they simply fade away. Gen Tongogara’s legacy lives!
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