KANHEMA: What effect has the issue of the assassination plot had on the election campaign? MUGABE: When the news came out it generated greater opposition to the MDC [Movement for Democratic Change]. I see that as we go around with our campaign. The swing has been overwhelming toward our party.
The opposition has claimed there would never be a free election in this current environment. How do you respond to that? They are deliberately trying to paint Zimbabwe in turmoil. The incidents which they report to Britain are exaggerated.
Your harsh statements against whites have attracted comments that you’re a racist. Are you? No. I am a proud African. I don’t want insults from anybody. I am proud of being a Zimbabwean, very proud of having led a revolution. And proud also that we extended the hand of reconciliation… It has not borne fruit because the whites have stood aloof, maintaining their racist superiority, not wanting to be integrated into our society, wanting their little schools, wanting their little sporting activities, even institutions.
Do you think the policy of reconciliation was a mistake? We extended the hand of friendship; they are cheating on it. We discovered this belatedly. We were foolish. The white [man] will only support when his interest is served. Deep down he is just going along so he can get the benefit. Deep down he remains a racist. How can you work with people like that? I would rather the lot left this country. The lot of Britons, they are the ones who are incorrigible.
After this election, your term of office is six years. Do you think that is enough time to have completed that mission? The mission is just about completed. The white man has lost most of the land that he controlled. We want to conclude the exercise of acquiring the land. But also empowering the people, ensuring that they have access to the means of production, fertilizer, tillage, seed and even the know-how. Also we must improve their cattle farming. We can do that in two year’s time. And of course I also want to rest. I’ve done very little writing. I want to write, research and produce some works.
There’s been talk that if you win, you might turn over power to somebody else if you are satisfied the land issue has been resolved. No, there is no deal like that. Some think the moment we go, then things will fall apart. Leaders do not emerge just like that. And so there has to be some time for us to ensure that the hand over will be done with care, so that the party will survive. And therefore the programs that we regard as crucial to the development of the people will not fall apart as well.
How do you want history to remember you? Son of a peasant family, who worked hard for his education, was determined as he became aware and conscious of deprivation by colonialism, of political power and the natural resources of land. Consciously aware also that the colonial occupation of Zimbabwe could be reversed.
