Critics slam directive to buy Mnangagwa biography book

Various political commentators have criticised a recent directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, instructing local authorities across the country to purchase copies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s revised and translated biography, A Life of Sacrifice.

In a memo dated 31 March 2026, Permanent Secretary John Basera (pictured) directed all Town Clerks, Town Secretaries, and Chief Executive Officers nationwide to acquire the book for distribution to local schools.

According to the circular, the publication retails at US$17 per copy, with a discounted rate of US$15 available for bulk orders exceeding 100 copies.

Political analyst Vivid Gwede questioned why the ministry felt the need to compel local authorities to buy the book.

“Biographies, even of political leaders, are personal life accounts that people should read out of private interest and curiosity,” said Gwede.

“Their reading is rarely coerced except in dystopian societies bent on creating a cult of personality.”

Another analyst, Rejoice Ngwenya, described the move as deeply troubling and urged teachers’ unions to approach the courts to have the directive overturned.

“If it is true, then Zanu PF has reached the utmost bottom of the political desperation barrel,” Ngwenya said.

“It amounts to coercion and enforced praise singing. Teachers’ unions must approach the courts to reverse this rogue instruction.”

Another political commentator, Ruben Mbofana, said the directive raised immediate concerns about the misuse of public office to promote what appeared to be a political or personal publication.

“Given the hierarchical nature of Zimbabwe’s public administration, local authorities will reasonably interpret this as an obligation rather than a voluntary initiative,” he said.

Mbofana added that the directive to distribute the book to schools bypasses the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, setting a dangerous precedent in which politically linked content circumvents established educational safeguards.

“Encouraging or compelling public institutions to purchase and distribute a biography of a sitting head of State edges into State-sponsored propaganda,” he said.

“That undermines the neutrality of the civil service and erodes public trust.” *_-Pindula_*