Gushungo is still the man

Africa Moyo
There is a constituency – especially in opposition politics – that is still calculating President Mugabe’s popularity on the basis of his age and the surmountable economic challenges Zimbabwe is going through. Times without number, President Mugabe has attracted huge crowds at his rallies, and critics have jumped to claim the supporters were bussed in.
What has never been said is whether Zanu-PF pays the transporters to ferry supporters to the rallies or the supporters mobilise transport in their districts and make individual payments towards the initiative.
February 25, 2017 – the day President Mugabe celebrated his 93rd birthday with supporters and dignitaries from around the world – provided new evidence that the African icon is well-loved beyond the jaundiced opinion of his detractors.
Zimbabweans from all walks of life descended on Matobo Research Station in numbers greater than ever, and you will be hard-pressed to find any among the tens of thousands who did not come of their own volition.
Postal addresses on the several buses parked at Matobo told a compelling story of how far people travelled to share this day with their hero.
Gaza Primary School (Chipinge), Makonde Primary School (Makonde), Chinhoyi University of Technology, Midlands State University (Gweru), Mutare Teachers’ College and Chishawasha Mission Primary (Harare) had buses that ferried people of all ages to Matobo.
The Chishawasha Mission bus appeared to capture the spirit of the day, permanently emblazoned “Mbuya Bona”. Mbuya Bona is President Mugabe’s mother.
Thousands of private cars also lined the road to the venue.
As early as 5am, the number of hitch-hikers swelled rapidly at bus stops in the capital city and along the route to Matobo.
The excitement was also pronounced on the highway as several vehicles with 21st February Movement-related stickers and President Mugabe’s pictures headed to the venue.
At 09:30 hours when I arrived in Bulawayo at Tredgold Building – which is always teeming with people including foreign currency dealers, taxi drivers and fast food fanatics – a carnival atmosphere left no doubt as to where the people’s hearts lie.
Ululation, whistling and loud chants of “Gushungo, Gushungo” filled the air.
Cars and buses snaked their way to Rhodes Preparatory School where the big bash was taking place.
About 10km to the venue, the road became congested and motorists parked their vehicles and walked for the rest of the journey so as not to miss any of the action.
The young, the elderly, the pregnant and some with babies strapped on their backs, trudged towards the venue just “to see President Mugabe for the first time”; joining scores of prominent personalities on the trek to honour the legend.
Organisers of the event had cleared a bush to create a broad path in obvious anticipation of a huge turnout.
A river with significant volumes of water halved the path, and sand bags were used to bridge the path at different points.
Due to the huge numbers, movement was slow, prompting anxious guests to walk right through the water.
“Sengikhipha izicathulo ngingene emanzini ngicaphe umfula,” said an elderly man.
A Kwekwe Polytechnic student who had given a female colleague a piggyback was unlucky to fall into the river. It was all part of the journey, and no spirits were dampened by the wet clothes. Those who could not get seats in the tents, sat elsewhere despite a looming downpour. And when the President took to the podium, there was jubilation.
Well after the function ended, many other guests were still making their way to the venue.
It is all about numbers, and President Mugabe has plenty of them on his side.