The Sunday News
INFORMATION, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo yesterday dug into former education minister and MDC senator David Coltart for his attempt to belittle the country’s 35th Independence anniversary.
While the rest of the country was in celebratory mode for attaining 35 years of freedom from white colonial rule, Mr Coltart who served in the Rhodesian forces took to twitter to demean the country’s freedom from oppression of his former paymasters.
The lawmaker shared a link to a story in yesterday’s Daily News which described Zimbabwe’s independence as “Bleak freedom” as he buttressed his overtures to downplay the country’s freedom.
Professor Jonathan Moyo swiftly responded to the post and ploughed into Mr Coltart, reminding him that he was the least qualified person to comment on Zimbabwe’s independence since he had served in the Rhodesian forces during the colonial era.
“We can count on you to be negative even on this special Zimbabwean day Zim@35. Don’t you have any shame,” tweeted Prof Moyo.
Mr Coltart attempted to justify his post saying “Don’t shoot the messenger — that was a retweet of what others, indeed, I would suggest, the majority, feel”.
But Prof Moyo would have none of it, urging Mr Coltart to respect the majority of Zimbabweans who were celebrating Uhuru day.
“There you go again you of all people are speaking for the majority on this day! Plz learn to respect others,” Prof Moyo said.
One Luckson Moyo joined in the conversation trying to save Mr Coltart’s face by calling on Prof Moyo not to blame the former BSAP police detail for his past sins but the information Minister was unrelenting.
“His negativity on this day is unwelcome & even insulting given his history as a Selous Scout,” tweeted Prof Moyo.
Mr Coltart’s attempts to deny having served in the oppressive Rhodesian regime were also futile as Prof Moyo refreshed his memory.
“It’s not a lie but a fact that you served in the Rhodesian Forces! You only found human rights in Zim. BSAP & Selous Scouts were evil creatures of one evil Rhodesian force. You dwell with the past of others as if you’ve no past!”
The MDC member was forced to climb down on his initial attempts at denying his role in the colonialist regime and admitted that he served in the Rhodesian forces.
“I have never denied doing service in the BSAP as an 18-year-old,” Coltart conceded.
Prof Moyo responded: “Tell us about serving brutal Rhodesian Forces. It’s one thing not to deny your past & quite another to be silent about it”.
