Mnangagwa among 100 most influential people

Published: 20 April 2018

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been featured on TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People (TIME 100) 2018 list.

Mnangagwa is one of 100 - among other names such as Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna and Prince Harry.

The TIME 100 list features individuals recognised for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions (which explains the inclusion of Donald Trump and other controversial people before him).

Individuals or a group of people are exclusively chosen by TIME editors with nominations coming from the TIME 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff.

Each entrant has a short write-up written by an equally prominent individual, describing what makes them influential.

Mnangagwa is listed in the leaders category, with the write-up on him by Zimbabwean activist, Evan Mawarire of #ThisFlag.

"The elation that greeted the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year reign naturally enough transformed into hopes for his successor. And in his first 100 days, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa spoke of re-engaging, forgiveness, democracy and unity. But though words matter, so does the survival of a system that destroyed the hopes and dreams of generations.

"For four decades, Zimbabwe's new President was the protégé of the dictator he eventually deposed. Mnangagwa says very little of his own volition. He waits for you to speak and only responds when absolutely necessary. As Mugabe learned, he is extremely patient, choosing his moments of response or retaliation carefully. Mugabe described him as a man who does not forgive or forget very easily.

"Maybe that's why for years, Mnangagwa has kept his liberation war nickname, the Crocodile. The undeniable paradox of Zimbabwe's moment of healing is that the doctor was once the butcher.

For the full list, click here.

- BD

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