The End of an Era? Robert Mugabe and a Conflicting Legacy

Arguably, one of the most polarising figures in modern times has
been Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the former President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe. The mere mentioning of his name raises a lot of debate and
often times vicious, if not irreconcilable differences, both in Zimbabwe
and beyond. In an article titled: ‘Lessons of Zimbabwe’, Mahmood
Mamdani succinctly captures the polarity thus: ‘It is hard to think of a
figure more reviled in the West than Robert Mugabe… and his land reform
measures, however harsh, have won him considerable popularity, not just
in Zimbabwe but throughout southern Africa.’ This, together with his
recent ‘stylised’ ouster, speaks volumes to his conflicted legacy. The
divided opinion on Mugabe’s legacy can broadly be represented, first, by
those who consider him as a champion of African liberation, a
Pan-Africanist, an unmatched revolutionary and an avid anti-imperialist
who, literally, ‘spoke the truth’ to Western imperialists. On the other
end of the spectrum are those who – seemingly paying scant regard to the
predicament of millions of black Zimbabweans brutally dispossessed of
their land and human dignity since the Rhodesian days – have
differentially characterised Mugabe as a rabid black fascist, an
anti-white racist, an oppressor, and a dictator.

Drawing on all these
opinions and characterisations, the chapters ensconced in this volume
critically reflect on the personality, leadership style and
contributions of Robert Mugabe during his time in office, from 1980 to
November 2017. The volume is timely in view of the current contested
transition in Zimbabwe, and with regard to the ongoing consultations on
the Land Question in neighbouring South Africa. It is a handy and richly
documented text for students and practitioners in political science,
African studies, economics, policy studies, development studies, and
global studies.