Tinotenda Hove – ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who is also the MP for Chikomba West, has sparked outrage after telling long-suffering citizens that they are “the bosses” — remarks critics say are insulting given the worsening economic crisis and daily struggles facing ordinary Zimbabweans.

In a Monday statement, Mavetera attempted to portray humility by positioning herself as a servant of the people, but her words have been dismissed as hollow rhetoric. “Nhasi ndikuda kumboterera imi muchitaura. Ndingazotadza kupindura mese, but I will read all the messages,” she said.

She went further to invoke President Mnangagwa’s message, claiming government officials are subordinate to the people. “Takanzwi na President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa isusu tirivaranda, varungu ndimi,” Mavetera said.

But her choice of words, laced with condescension, only angered citizens who feel abandoned by those in power. She trivialized their frustrations by jokingly adding: “I just need a comment, advise, but musazotuka muranda wenyu kkkkk.”

For many Zimbabweans struggling with poverty, unemployment, and collapsing services, such laughter-laced statements from a government minister ring cruelly out of touch. Instead of addressing the dire hardships of her constituents, Mavetera’s remarks have been viewed as an attempt to pacify discontent with empty flattery.

Her comments add to growing public frustration with officials who claim to be accountable to citizens while presiding over policies that continue to worsen livelihoods.