Former Minister Jonathan Moyo attacked veteran South African journalist Sophie Mokoena about what he described as a “splitting and misleading” commentary on Victoria Falls.
Mokoena, the international news editor for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), gained Professor Moyo’s anger after posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “Zambia is the home of Mosia Tuniya.”
In a fierce response, Professor Moyo accused Mokoena of using her influential platform to spread propaganda. She noted that her posts do not coincide with the values of Africans she often defends online.
“Here we are abusing our journalistic position to do cheap propaganda. Professional news reporters and true pan-Africanists will know that Zambia and Zimbabwe are home to Mosio Athunya.
In what he called “stubborn and verifiable facts,” Professor Moyo said, while the two countries share the wonders of nature, the Zimbabwean side offers the most panoramic and uninterrupted views, offering up to 16 perspectives and symbolic sections, including Main Falls, Devil Cataracts, and dangerous points.
“It is a common cause that Zimbabwean side prefers most visitors, especially first-timers, because it offers a wider and more dramatic view across two-thirds of the 1.7-kilometer wide waterfall,” he said.
Moyo has admitted that Zambian side offers a unique and intimate experience, especially during the dry season when accessing adventure activities like Devils Pool.
However, he argued that Zambia’s views only cover about a third of the waterfalls, and could be overwhelmed by low waters.
Professor Moyo sought unity and balance in storytelling, and argued that waterfalls should not be politicized.
“Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are home to Mosioatunya. This is not just a true African truth. It is a beautiful expression of nature,” he said.
