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Mugabe's White Hand Man: The Life and Legacy of David Coltart

Jeremy Cook

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Published in The Odd Man In: Mugabe S White Hand Man

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David Coltart was a white Zimbabwean politician who served as Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture from 2008 to 2013. He was a member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and was one of the few white politicians to remain in Zimbabwe after the country gained independence from Britain in 1980. Coltart was a vocal critic of President Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF government. He was also a strong advocate for human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe. Coltart died in 2019 at the age of 65.

The Odd Man In: Mugabe's White-Hand Man

by Richard Holmes

5 out of 5

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Early Life and Education

David Coltart was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1954. His father was a farmer and his mother was a teacher. Coltart attended St. George's College in Harare and then went on to study law at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. After graduating from law school, Coltart returned to Rhodesia and worked as a lawyer in Bulawayo.

Political Career

Coltart began his political career in the 1980s when he joined the MDC. The MDC was a coalition of opposition parties that was formed to challenge Mugabe's ZANU-PF government. Coltart was elected to the House of Assembly in 1990 and served as the MDC's shadow Minister of Justice from 1999 to 2008.

In 2008, Coltart was appointed Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The GNU was a coalition government that was formed between ZANU-PF and the MDC. Coltart served as Minister of Education until 2013, when he was replaced by Lazarus Dokora.

Criticism of Mugabe

Coltart was a vocal critic of Mugabe and his ZANU-PF government. He accused Mugabe of being a dictator and of violating human rights. Coltart also criticized ZANU-PF's economic policies, which he said had led to Zimbabwe's economic decline.

In 2003, Coltart was arrested and charged with treason after he gave a speech in which he called for Mugabe to step down. Coltart was eventually acquitted of the charges, but the arrest and trial showed the extent to which Mugabe was willing to go to silence his critics.

Advocate for Human Rights and Democracy

Coltart was a strong advocate for human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe. He was a member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. Coltart also served on the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2011 to 2013.

Coltart's commitment to human rights and democracy was evident in his work as Minister of Education. He introduced a new curriculum that promoted human rights and democratic values. Coltart also worked to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe, which had been neglected under Mugabe's rule.

Death and Legacy

David Coltart died in 2019 at the age of 65. He was survived by his wife and two children. Coltart's death was a great loss to Zimbabwe. He was a courageous and principled man who dedicated his life to fighting for human rights and democracy.

Coltart's legacy will continue to inspire Zimbabweans who are fighting for a better future. He showed that it is possible to stand up to tyranny and oppression, even when the odds are stacked against you. Coltart's courage and determination will continue to inspire Zimbabweans for generations to come.

The Odd Man In: Mugabe's White-Hand Man

by Richard Holmes

5 out of 5