War Veteran are preparing to release a highly controversial short documentary titled “We Don’t Bow to the Phillip Type!”, a film that promises to challenge and potentially reshape Zimbabwe’s political narrative. The documentary takes aim at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s liberation war credentials, alleging that he was not the committed freedom fighter many believe him to be. Instead, the film claims Mnangagwa was a Rhodesian mercenary, a “jonny” or late entrant, who joined the struggle only in its final stages around 1977/78 after coming straight from school.
This revelation, if proven, strikes at the heart of Mnangagwa’s image as a liberation war hero, a mantle that has played a significant role in shaping his political legitimacy. The documentary draws on testimonies from war veterans, archival footage, and a recent disclosure from State House, which accuses Mnangagwa of having collaborated with the Rhodesian regime and serving as a “liquidator” — a term used to describe operatives involved in brutal crackdowns on liberation forces during the war.
The narrative presented by the film contradicts the popular view that Mnangagwa was a steadfast fighter from the early days of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. Instead, it suggests that his involvement was opportunistic and strategically timed, allowing him to align himself with the victorious side only at the war’s conclusion. This paints a starkly different picture of a man who is widely regarded as a founding father of the nation.
War Veterans Prepare to Unveil Explosive Documentary Exposing President Mnangagwa’s Controversial Past
War Veteran featured in the documentary emphasize their disdain for this version of history, asserting that true liberation heroes began the fight long before Mnangagwa appeared on the scene. One veteran, recalling the 1964 Gweru Congress — a key gathering of early nationalist activists — stated emphatically, “I was fighting from the very start. Mnangagwa was still a student and closely linked to Rhodesian security forces.” These firsthand accounts underpin the documentary’s argument and aim to expose what they see as a carefully constructed myth around Mnangagwa’s war record.
The film also delves into Mnangagwa’s post-war role, alleging that he acted as a “liquidator,” a figure responsible for suppressing dissent and opposition within the newly independent Zimbabwe. This period is portrayed as a continuation of his mercenary-like role, not as a patriot committed to democratic principles or justice.
Scheduled for release on Sunday at 5 PM on ZimEye, the documentary promises a detailed exploration of evidence, including rare archival documents and interviews with key figures from the liberation era. The producers hope it will spark a national conversation about the true history of Zimbabwe’s liberation and the legitimacy of its current leadership.
As Zimbabwe braces for the documentary’s debut, anticipation is high. The film is expected to ignite fierce debate about national identity, historical truth, and the ongoing political power struggles within the ruling party, ZANU-PF. It also comes at a sensitive time politically, when questions about succession, loyalty, and governance are dominating headlines.
Political analysts suggest that the documentary could influence public perceptions of Mnangagwa’s presidency, especially among younger Zimbabweans who did not witness the liberation struggle firsthand. By challenging the official history, the film may also embolden opposition voices and civil society groups calling for transparency and accountability in governance.
However, supporters of Mnangagwa dismiss the documentary’s claims as politically motivated attempts to undermine the president and destabilize the ruling party. They argue that the documentary is part of a broader campaign to rewrite history and weaken Mnangagwa’s standing ahead of forthcoming elections and internal party contests.
Regardless of the political fallout, the documentary raises important questions about how nations remember and interpret their histories, especially when those histories are intertwined with current power dynamics. It also underscores the challenges Zimbabwe faces in reconciling its past with its present aspirations.
For now, all eyes will be on the premiere of “We Don’t Bow to the Phillip Type!” as Zimbabwe grapples with the implications of its revelations. Whether it becomes a catalyst for national reflection or deepens divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this documentary will be one of the most significant and talked-about pieces of political media Zimbabwe has seen in recent years.
Source- ZimEye
