A recent commentary doing rounds in some sections of the media casually dismissed Tendai Biti’s new political initiative as yet “Another stunt from a failed politician. It went on to describe his efforts as an “recycled empty formation.”
Such language or understanding represents a growing tendency in our public discourse, to conflate political success solely with proximity to executive power, dismissing years of service, leadership, and contribution simply because one has not occupied the highest office or their party has not been in power.
This is a fallacy — and a deeply corrosive one at that.
In mature democratic societies, the leader of the opposition is not derided but respected. They are viewed as a necessary counterbalance to the ruling party — the essential alternative voice, a watchdog of government conduct, and the embodiment of democratic plurality.
In Britain, Canada, and across Europe, opposition leaders are granted institutional recognition and are often remembered with the same reverence as heads of government, precisely because democracy thrives not on power alone, but on accountability.
To brand Tendai Biti — one of the most accomplished politicians and legal minds of his generation — as a “failed politician” is not only inaccurate, it is an insult to the intelligence of Zimbabweans.
Mr Biti’s record speaks for itself. As Minister of Finance during the Government of National Unity, he demonstrated exemplary stewardship of our economy.
At a time when hyperinflation had obliterated public confidence, he reintroduced fiscal discipline and stabilised our national finances. Salaries were paid. Revenue collection improved. The economy, albeit temporarily, found its footing.
But Biti’s contributions extend far beyond his tenure in Cabinet. As a legislator, he has consistently brought intellectual depth and moral courage to Parliament.
His work in portfolio committees and during critical legislative debates has been defined by analytical rigour, a commitment to constitutionalism, and a fearless opposition to authoritarian overreach. These are not the marks of failure — they are the hallmarks of statesmanship.
Indeed, the notion that a political career must culminate in State House to be considered successful is not only false — it is profoundly undemocratic.
Many great political figures around the world have never held executive office, yet their influence and service shaped nations. Their voices, in opposition, preserved democratic principles, held governments to account, and inspired generations.
To cast every political reorganisation as a “recycled empty stunt” is to misunderstand — or worse, to deliberately misrepresent — the nature of political activism in difficult environments.
Political space in Zimbabwe is often stifled, fractured, and hostile. That leaders like Biti continue to regroup, to reimagine, and to rebuild in pursuit of democratic change is a testament not to political desperation, but to enduring commitment.
It is time we abandon the reductive belief that power is the only political currency. Opposition is not failure. Critique is not weakness. Dissent is not defeat.
Biti has never abandoned the struggle for justice, democracy, and rule of law. That he continues to stand, to speak, and to lead — even in the face of mockery and political setbacks — is not an indication of irrelevance. It is the very definition of courage.
In the final analysis, history will not remember those who shouted the loudest in triumph. It will remember those who stood firm when it was hardest to do so. Biti belongs in the latter category.
Let us elevate our political conversations. Let us judge leaders by the content of their contributions, not the title before their name. And above all, let us value the indispensable role of the opposition in any democracy worth its name.
Dr Sibangilizwe Moyo writes on Church and Governance, politics, legal, and social issues. He can be reached at [email protected]
