All President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government have done in their few months of administration has been nothing, but putting lipstick on a pig, says political satirist and activist Samm “Cde Fatso” Monro.
By Kennedy Nyavaya
Since taking over from Robert Mugabe last November, Mnangagwa has been trying to do it differently from his former boss’ way of doing business, but Cde Fatso believes it’s all just propaganda.
In an interview with The Standard Style last weekend, the Magamba Network co-founder explained why their function to keep checks on power is more important now as the nation readies for crunch polls this year.
“I do believe there is a bit more space to work in under this new government, but it is not the freedom that we fought for. It is still the same ruling party with some cosmetic changes,” Cde Fatso said.
“The important thing is to use this time we have to push to make sure that we have free and fair elections and that young people get out there and vote because the more young people get out there and vote, the more difficult it will be to rig.”
A number of events over the next couple of months are lined up to mark Magamba Network’s 10 year anniversary. The arts organisation started operations on November 1, 2007. “We had big plans for it [the decade anniversary], but of course that month the state had bigger plans for us,” he said, recalling how during November 2017 Magamba TV project officer Martha O’Donovan was arrested, Moto Republik [arts hub] offices were raided and computers were confiscated.
“Then the coup also happened, so we decided to deal with that and celebrate a few months down the line,” Cde Fatso recalled, adding that their harassment was a sign they “are doing something right”.
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Over the years, the Magamba team has been, as their name suggests, heroes of freedom of speech and expression having brushes with the law countless times, but they will not be deterred from doing “the right thing”.
“What keeps us going is the knowledge and realisation that we are doing something right. We get so much support from our audiences, viewers and young people who watch our shows, so it’s the everyday recognition that keeps us going,” explained Cde Fatso.
their plan this year is to grow in leaps and bounds while continuing to push the boundaries of speaking truth to power.
But, with such a daring spirit, is he not afraid of the consequences, like state repression?
“I cannot say I have never been afraid. I think in doing the work that we do if you do not have some level of fear, then I think it means you are not conscious of your situation and I think doing what we do we have to be fully aware of the risks that are there,” he said.
From threats, arrests, attempts to demolition the Magamba premises and raids that they have endured, Cde Fatso says fear comes last.
“The key thing is not allowing fear take over who you are and what you are about. It’s about having the courage to believe that what you are doing is right.”
When asked about what he would consider mission accomplished in the movement’s quest, the multi-talented artiste said:
“Building a new political culture that is radically participatory and involves us in making decisions and the question about when I will be satisfied I think it’s constantly demanding more accountability, delivery from whoever is in power.”
