Prof. Jonathan Moyo Faces Fierce Backlash Over ‘Reality Check’ Remarks as Critics Accuse Him of Hypocrisy and Moral Posturing
Prof. Jonathan Moyo Faces Fierce Backlash Over ‘Reality Check’ Remarks as Critics Accuse Him of Hypocrisy and Moral Posturing
Homepage   /    education   /    Prof. Jonathan Moyo Faces Fierce Backlash Over ‘Reality Check’ Remarks as Critics Accuse Him of Hypocrisy and Moral Posturing

Prof. Jonathan Moyo Faces Fierce Backlash Over ‘Reality Check’ Remarks as Critics Accuse Him of Hypocrisy and Moral Posturing

Staff Reporter 🕒︎ 2025-10-20

Copyright thezimbabwemail

Prof. Jonathan Moyo Faces Fierce Backlash Over ‘Reality Check’ Remarks as Critics Accuse Him of Hypocrisy and Moral Posturing

HARARE — A fierce backlash has erupted online following Professor Jonathan Moyo’s recent “Reality Check” commentary, with critics accusing the former Information Minister of hypocrisy and moral grandstanding, given his controversial record during his tenure in government. In a strongly worded response circulating on X (formerly Twitter), an anonymous political commentator castigated Moyo for labelling his detractors “amoral politicians” and “merchants of negativity,” arguing that the former minister — who once oversaw one of the most repressive media environments in Zimbabwe’s history — is in no position to lecture anyone on tolerance or moral integrity. “Irony is writ large when the chief exponent of media polarisation starts pointing at others,” the critic wrote. “Your days as Information Minister stand out as the darkest part of our collective media history. Of all people, you should stay away from lecturing anyone on tolerance because you are narcissistic and scornfully toxic in both public and private engagements.” The critic described Moyo’s “Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)” — his latest political reform proposal — as “toxic, polarising and cynically immoral,” alleging that it mirrors the same authoritarian tendencies he claims to oppose. “Don’t you refer to dissenting voices in your BBI submission as ‘naysayers’ and ‘merchants of confusion’ who should be drowned and silenced?” the response asked rhetorically. “Is that what a tolerant politician does?” The post went further to accuse Moyo of double standards, arguing that his own commentary was steeped in hostility toward those who disagreed with his five-point analysis of Zimbabwe’s progress. “Does calling those who see things differently ‘amoral politicians and peddlers of negativity’ make you any better than those you accuse of being toxic?” the author asked. Turning to the substance of Moyo’s “Reality Check” post, the critic dismissed the former minister’s praise of Kirsty Coventry’s election as IOC President, saying the achievement had little impact on the country’s struggling sports sector. “Coventry’s elevation is nothing to the national sporting fraternity,” the post read, “considering the same ministry failed to fund the women’s hockey team to attend the World Cup after qualifying, while corrupt elites flaunt luxury cars like confetti.” The author accused Moyo of “selective blindness” for celebrating national progress while ignoring the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. “You talk of food security when maize shortages have forced Blue Ribbon Foods to temporarily shut down in Bulawayo,” the critic noted. “How can you claim the economy is thriving when civil servants earn US$230 per month and are cynically promised US$75 bonuses, while spiritualists and cult leaders are rewarded with US$200,000 Land Cruisers and US$50,000 spending money?” The statement went on to challenge Moyo’s reliance on GDP growth as a marker of national development, invoking the late American economist Herman Daly, who argued that GDP often measures the rate at which resources are depleted rather than true societal well-being. “Genuine economic growth reflects in citizens’ pockets — in disposable income, quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” the critic wrote. “You can’t talk of growth when hospitals are collapsing and patients are treated with cardboard casts.” The post also condemned Moyo’s controversial suggestion — floated under his “Breaking Barriers” proposal — to suspend elections for ten years, framing it as an attempt to shield President Emmerson Mnangagwa from accountability. “Your proposal to ban elections for a decade is proof that you know Mnangagwa is unelectable,” the critic said. “That you seek to protect him from the ballot shows you have no faith in the same economic miracle you praise.” In a stinging closing remark, the critic accused Moyo of opportunism and moral decay, implying that his renewed praise for Mnangagwa’s administration was financially motivated. “Enjoy the money thrown at you by Zvigananda,” the post concluded. “You have proven, over the years, that you answer positively — even ridiculously — to anything monetary. We’ll invite you back home once we’ve cleansed Zimbabwe of the corruption and primitive looting presided over by your Tsholotsho co-conspirators. Then, even toxic, mercenary, and divisive characters like you will find a country worth living in.” The heated exchange underscores the deep polarisation that continues to define Zimbabwe’s political and intellectual landscape. While Moyo’s “Reality Check” sought to refocus national debate on tangible progress — such as stabilising food supplies, currency recovery, and global recognition — his critics insist that such optimism rings hollow in a country where inequality, poor governance, and cronyism remain entrenched. As the war of words intensifies online, the exchange between Moyo and his detractors encapsulates the broader tension between intellectual idealism and the lived realities of ordinary Zimbabweans — a divide that continues to shape both the political discourse and the moral psychology of post-Mugabe Zimbabwe.

Guess You Like

Wike Inaugurates Construction Of 600-Bed Hostels For Law School
Wike Inaugurates Construction Of 600-Bed Hostels For Law School
News Investigators/ The Minist...
2025-10-20
Big Tech is pouring millions into AI training for U.S. teachers
Big Tech is pouring millions into AI training for U.S. teachers
On a scorching hot Saturday in...
2025-10-21