By A Correspondent

In a controversial statement on Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana, made headlines by mocking the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans and praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resilience.

Mangwana, who often defends the government’s actions, posted a statement on social media that has sparked outrage among critics, especially those suffering under the current economic and political climate.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Mangwana claimed that President Mnangagwa was “invincible” and took aim at those who had attempted to challenge his leadership.

“ED HAANA KUCHIPA” (ED is unshaken), Mangwana wrote, highlighting several instances where opposition figures or groups had failed to bring about political change.

He continued, “•They threatened to upend the constitutional order – ED’s still in charge ✅
•They told you 31 March was the D-Day – they flopped ❌
•Vakati tichamhanya – tichipo ❌
The pseudo-revolution flopped.”

Mangwana’s comments were seen by many as a direct dismissal of the serious challenges facing Zimbabweans today. His apparent “celebration” of the country’s political situation, which has seen widespread poverty, unemployment, and a deteriorating economy, has sparked outrage, particularly among critics of Mnangagwa’s administration.

In a country where inflation has skyrocketed, basic goods are scarce, and many citizens struggle to make ends meet, the tone of Mangwana’s message has been deemed insensitive by many Zimbabweans. One social media user responded, “While people are suffering every day, Mangwana is mocking them. This is the kind of leadership that has no empathy for its people.”

Opposition figures have also seized on Mangwana’s comments, accusing the government of turning a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens. “How can Mangwana celebrate while our people are living in abject poverty? This is a government that has no connection with the reality of its people,” said one political analyst.

While Mangwana’s remarks were clearly intended to reinforce the government’s position, they have instead drawn widespread condemnation for their lack of sensitivity to the harsh economic conditions many Zimbabweans are enduring.