Hopewell Chin’ono has called out businessman Mudiwa Hood for allegedly misleading young people about the realities of success, particularly regarding the role of hard work versus political connections.
Hopewell, who also identifies as a businessman, took to Twitter to engage Hood on what he described as a harmful pattern of gaslighting that makes young people feel inadequate in their own pursuits.
“I ordinarily don’t engage in personal fights between people, but you have posted a lot that makes many young people feel unnecessarily inadequate,” Hopewell wrote, referencing Hood’s posts which he believes paint an unrealistic picture of success.
According to Hopewell, the portrayal of success in Hood’s online presence neglects the role that connections, particularly political ones, may have played in his rise.
As part of his broader critique, Hopewell challenged Hood to be more transparent about his financial dealings, particularly in relation to taxes.
“Since you are a businessman, how much tax did you pay in the last financial year to ZIMRA?” Hopewell questioned, encouraging Hood to share such details to offer a clearer understanding of his financial journey.
In his own business dealings, Hopewell shared that he personally paid $47,000 in taxes in the previous financial year, offering this as a benchmark for transparency and fiscal responsibility.
“I paid US$47,000 in taxes in the last financial year to ZIMRA, which you are welcome to verify with them,” he said, pointing to his own financial commitment to the country’s tax system as a sign of accountability.
Hopewell’s post highlights the need for business figures like Hood to acknowledge the full scope of their journey, including any political or other forms of assistance that might have played a role in their rise to success.
“It is important for you to be transparent about your journey and acknowledge any privileges or connections that may have contributed to your achievements,” he urged.
He emphasized that portraying an image of success solely based on individual hard work, without recognizing the influence of political or personal connections, could mislead young people.
According to Hopewell, this leads to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy among young entrepreneurs who may not have the same access to such connections.
“You should stop the habit of gaslighting young people, making them feel inadequate when, in fact, you have risen through your political connections,” Hopewell continued, urging Hood to recognize the broader picture of success.
Hopewell concluded by expressing his frustration with individuals who, in his view, mislead others with unrealistic portrayals of success. “We cannot stand aside and watch young people being misled by crooks like you! Please STOP IT!” he implored.
This exchange between Hopewell and Hood underscores the ongoing debate about transparency in business and the importance of acknowledging all factors contributing to one’s success, including the impact of political and social connections.
While both men are recognized figures in Zimbabwe’s business and entertainment landscapes, the dialogue raises questions about the ways in which public personas shape the aspirations of younger generations in an often complex business environment.
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