Mnangagwa Imposes His Book on Citizens – Eduzim News

By a Correspondent-The ZANU PF-led government has come under scrutiny following a directive urging local authorities to purchase copies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s revised biography, raising concerns over the coercive use of state structures for political promotion.

A letter dated 31 March 2026, authored by John Basera, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, instructs town clerks, secretaries, and chief executive officers to facilitate the procurement of the book titled A Life of Sacrifice.

The communication indicates that the biography—first launched in 2021 and now revised and translated into Shona, Ndebele, and Tonga—is being promoted for widespread institutional purchase and distribution, including in schools. According to the letter, each copy is priced at US$17, with a discounted rate of US$15 for bulk orders of 100 or more.

Basera states that the publisher is appealing for support from “individuals and institutions,” but goes further to “implore” local authorities to make arrangements to procure the book, framing it as beneficial to communities. Critics argue that such language, coming from a senior government official, effectively amounts to an instruction rather than a voluntary appeal.

The move fits within a broader pattern in Zimbabwe where state institutions are often mobilised to advance ruling party interests. Analysts note that local authorities—many of which are already financially constrained—may feel compelled to comply to avoid political repercussions, particularly in a highly centralised governance system where the Ministry of Local Government exercises significant control.

The directive also raises questions about the politicisation of public resources and the boundaries between state and party.While government officials may frame the biography as a historical or educational resource, detractors see it as part of a long-standing tradition of personality cult-building and the use of state machinery to reinforce political narratives.

At a time when many local authorities are struggling to deliver basic services, the prioritisation of book purchases linked to the President is likely to intensify debate over governance priorities and accountability in Zimbabwe.

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