In nations plagued by poor governance, the populace often bears the heaviest burden. In Fathers of Nations, Comrade Melusi exemplifies how citizens endure immense suffering under incompetent leadership.

One immediate effect of failed leadership is widespread poverty. At 1:30 p.m., Chaminuka Restaurants is practically deserted, hosting only Melusi and Longway. People avoid dining out unless foreigners cover the expenses. The restaurant, empty and forlorn, resembles a mourning hall. Zimbabwe’s crumbling economy, orchestrated by the reckless leadership of the “bomber,” leaves citizens destitute. Melusi, visibly gaunt from hunger, is forced to supplement his meal by consuming Longway’s leftover steak and mashed potatoes. Unable to afford rent in the suburbs, he relocates to the slums where most urban poor reside. Their discontent with the ruling government is evident. Clearly, failed leadership fuels widespread destitution.

Ethnic discrimination is another consequence of weak governance. Zimbabwe’s major ethnic groups, the Shona and Ndebele, are supposed to be treated equally, even in the national anthem. However, the new Shona-led government refuses to appoint Melusi minister, citing his Ndebele origin. Furthermore, the government dismisses the leader of Melusi’s group, accusing him of plotting a coup after a weapons cache was found. In protest, the Ndebele launch anti-government demonstrations, attacking ruling party supporters. The regime retaliates brutally through the Gukurahundi, eradicating the Ndebele insurgents. Although both groups had historically fought alongside each other against colonial oppression, the Shona leadership now regards the Ndebele as enemies. Failed leadership fosters tribalism, resulting in the marginalization of minority groups.

The consequences of poor leadership extend to violence and loss of life. During the crackdown on Ndebele protesters, numerous innocent civilians are killed. Melusi narrates the harrowing death of his wife, strangled and left splayed on the kitchen floor as a form of psychological torment. The failed government is directly responsible for such atrocities, demonstrating how citizens’ suffering intensifies under misrule.

Electoral injustices further highlight the effects of incompetent leadership. Despite economic collapse and mounting public discontent, the ruling leader manipulates elections to secure a 99% victory. Melusi’s New Independence Party (NIP) contests the presidency but is defeated unfairly. Even transition efforts aimed at establishing a peaceful handover fail. Consequently, the populace loses faith in democratic processes. Failed leadership perpetuates electoral fraud, deepening citizens’ grievances.

Oppression extends to the urban poor, who are evicted from slum dwellings for opposing the government. The Murambatsvina campaign forcibly removes residents without prior notice or alternative housing. Although the government claims the initiative combats crime and disease, in reality, it punishes those who oppose its rule. Melusi recounts how he was “chewed up and spat out” by this cruel policy. Poor governance breeds intolerance and indifference toward citizens’ welfare.

Economic mismanagement exacerbates hardships. Rampant inflation erodes incomes, leaving citizens struggling to meet basic needs. Melusi is compelled to leave his modest suburban home for the slums, masking his despair behind a fragile smile. Failed leadership leaves citizens vulnerable to economic instability and social dislocation.

In conclusion, poor governance subjects citizens to a cascade of interrelated problems. Through the experiences of Melusi in Fathers of Nations, it is evident that ineffective leadership leads to poverty, ethnic discrimination, violence, electoral manipulation, forced evictions, and economic hardship. Ultimately, the people endure immense suffering as a direct consequence of incompetent rulers.