Victoria Manase, a presenter at Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), caused a stir last week during the Good Morning Zimbabwe show, where she attributed colonial-era abuses suffered by black people to Ndebele King Lobengula, stating that he was lured by sugar. Her co-host, Farai Magada, also chimed in, defending colonialism as a necessary evil that brought modernization.

The remarks made by Manase and Magada have ignited public outrage, especially following a local newspaper’s publication of an image juxtaposing Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu with King Lobengula holding a pack of sugar.

These comments and the image have fueled decades-long stereotypes about King Lobengula, who is often associated with signing the Rudd Concession that paved the way for the colonization of present-day Zimbabwe.

This incident has reignited discussions about the representation of historical figures and the responsibility of the media in shaping public perceptions. It has also prompted a broader conversation about the impact of colonialism and the need for more nuanced and informed discussions about Zimbabwe’s complex history.

The video of the controversial segment has since circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from viewers and further fueling the ongoing debate.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of colonialism and the importance of fostering open and respectful dialogue to address historical grievances and promote understanding among Zimbabweans.

As the country grapples with its past and seeks to reconcile conflicting narratives, the discussion sparked by the ZBC segment underscores the challenges and sensitivities involved in confronting historical injustices while moving towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Zimbabwe.