There is absolutely no doubt that Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF have lost the popular support of the people of Zimbabwe. And the more they become intransigent, the more they become vicious and try to repress people, the more it turns people against them, and the less chance they have of ever holding onto power.
This quote highlights the inevitable decline of authoritarian regimes that rely on suppression rather than genuine support. When leadership refuses to adapt or listen, fear and resentment among the populace intensify, ultimately leading to their downfall. It underscores the importance of legitimacy and the damage caused by repression, illustrating that alienating the people weakens even the most entrenched power structures. Empathy and engagement are crucial for sustainable governance, as vice-like control only accelerates resistance and loss of authority.