The ManicaPost
Chenai Mutasa Post Correspondent
With the growing overtures for national dialogue from all quarters and the local clergymen recently making the same propositions, it’s encouraging that ZANU-PF hasn’t been bullied into an unholy alliance with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
Insofar as President Emmerson Mnangagwa very much wants a reformist outlook, most progressive Zimbabweans feared that the opposition could exploit the situation and cow him into negotiations under the guise of stabilising the economy.
However, President Mnangagwa has remained steadfast and stuck to principle over expediency. He has refused to budge, insisting on fixing the economy step by step, contrary to power sharing as proposed by the youthful, inexperienced and excitable MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, whose basis for dialogue is somewhat centred on his political expediency.
Most people have been hoodwinked to believe that the MDC has the “Big Idea” to turn around the economy. Well, just like they had evidence to prove that election results were tampered with, it is beyond doubt that they have solutions aplenty to solve the country’s economic problems once they are in government!
The basis for dialogue is the truth and respect. The two virtues which have proved to be elusive within the MDC as a party. Dialogue has never been one with imported agendas, international interferences as well as preconceived conditions.
Who then sets the conditions and the agenda? It is from this background that it is increasingly becoming evident that MDC does not want dialogue, but they are just a bunch of individuals scavenging for relevance and attaining power through the back door.
Beyond stage-managing national crises, political bickering, destructive protests among other concocted agendas , national dialogue appears the best alternative for progressive Zimbabweans to come together and resolve Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and political afflictions.
Zanu-PF and the differing opposition parties ought to engage in dialogue, dialogue pursued on respect and recognition of President Mnangagwa as the legitimate leader as this is the only roadmap towards a united, peaceful Zimbabwe.
Amidst the country economic challenges, it is of paramount importance that all avenues be explored to hastily resolve these ills facing the country by putting the people first, but never to be mistaken for a legitimacy crisis, which is but the opposition (MDC-A) construct having failed to prove their perceived victory with the Constitutional Court, a discussion better saved for another day.
To salvage the country from chaos, President Mnangagwa, on January 22 2019, called on political parties, churches and civic society leaders to participate in a national dialogue with churches mooting their own national dialogue process with the sole purpose of inclusivity and hope for a brighter Zimbabwe.
There is clearly a strong need for a national dialogue between the major political players in the country’s politics as this can facilitate a united front in dealing with the problems facing the nation hence President Mnangagwa launching four dialogue initiatives, namely the Political Actors which currently involves about 17 political parties that participated in the 2018 elections who all have negligible electoral support.
The intent is to build a national political consensus. Surprisingly, the MDC party boycotted the dialogue, dismissing it as a public relations exercise controlled by the ruling Zanu-PF. So what does this really say about the MDC as a party ready and willing to fix the country. From the foregoing, the answer will be nothing as beyond clinching power the MDC party is clueless in solving the country’s problems.
Likewise the Presidential Advisory Council was established this January to provide ideas and suggestions on key reforms and measures needed to improve the investment and business climate for economic recovery. Another negotiation forum intended to provide dialogue. Clearly, President Mnangagwa is for ) dialogue!
The Matabeleland Collective is yet another one of the many dialoguing foras created aimed at building consensus and an effective social movement in Matabeleland to influence national and regional policy in support of healing, peace and reconciliation in this region. Not surprisingly, the MDC through pressure groups such as Mtwakhazi has attempted to exacerbate divisions within an already weakened civic movement by regionalising what should be viewed as the national issue of the Gukurahundi and attempts at reconciliation by the State.
Another one of the dialoguing platforms created has been the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) which was launched in June, whose functions, as set out in an Act of Parliament, include the requirement to consult and negotiate over social and economic issues and submit recommendations to Cabinet; negotiate a social contract; and generate and promote a shared national socio-economic vision.
Clearly, President Mnangagwa is for dialogue for he has created many avenues to see through that dialogue is facilitated in an effort to achieve Vision 2030, and it would take only a fool not to realise the stumbling block towards dialogue in this country.
Why set conditions for dialogue if all we want is a common goal — productivity and prosperity of Zimbabwe?
