Online Reporter
Patson Murimoga
Correspondent
Fellow Zimbabweans,
I stand before you today not as a politician, but as a citizen who has witnessed first-hand the spirit of openness and equal opportunity that defines the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting His Excellency in person. What struck me most was not protocol or formality, but the attitude with which I was received. Despite having been at the forefront of speaking critically about challenges in our country, I was not met with suspicion, rejection, or hostility. I was received as a Zimbabwean — one of his children — with ideas to share for the good of our nation.
This experience confirmed what many have come to know: in this dispensation, the past does not disqualify you from participating in the future. It reminded me of the truth in Romans 2:11: “For God does not show favouritism.” When leadership adopts this posture, it opens the door for every Zimbabwean to contribute, regardless of where they have been or what they have said before.
A Warning From Experience: Do Not Be Misled Again
Citizens, I have seen this before, and I feel duty-bound to speak plainly.
I was once on the forefront rejecting the land issue. In 2000,many of us were misled by certain people who told us that rejecting land reform was the way to protect our future. We followed that path, and we saw the consequences. Later, the same pattern repeated when people were misled again on the Senate Bill, urged to reject it without understanding what was at stake.
I share this not to blame, but to warn. When we allow ourselves to be used as tools for other people’s agendas, we delay our own progress. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
That is why I now choose a different path — one of engagement, verification, and building. I urge you, fellow citizens, to ask questions, seek facts, and think for yourselves. Do not let history repeat itself because we failed to learn.
Leadership That Listens: A New Culture of Engagement
His Excellency has consistently communicated that anyone who wishes to come forward with ideas to build Zimbabwe is free to engage him at any time. This is not mere rhetoric. It is a culture shift — from exclusion to inclusion, from suspicion to collaboration.
This approach aligns with the biblical principle of servant leadership. Mark 10:45 tells us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
True leadership is measured by its willingness to listen, to engage, and to create space for every voice that seeks the good of the nation.
When leaders listen, citizens build. When citizens build together, nations rise. That is why I encourage every Zimbabwean, especially those of us in civil society, business, academia, and the arts, to take up this invitation. The door is open. Let us walk through it with constructive ideas, not destructive noise.
The Role of the Youth: You Are the Leaders of Tomorrow
To my fellow young people, I speak directly to you. Zimbabwe’s future rests on your shoulders, and the Second Republic has made it clear that you are not spectators in this process.
1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
We must reject the mentality that says “the country is broken, so I will wait.” Instead, we must adopt the mindset of Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” Your energy, innovation, and patriotism are needed now. Whether you are a student, an entrepreneur, an artist, or a farmer, you have a role to play in achieving Vision 2030.
Patriotism begins with love for your country. Idai nyika yenyu. Love it enough to correct it, to build it, and to defend it with ideas.
Building Together: Unity, Work, and Shared Responsibility
No nation is built by the Government alone. Nehemiah 4:6 records that “the people worked with all their heart” to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. The same principle applies today. If we are to achieve Vision 2030 , it will require every hand and every mind working together.
This means supporting Government policies that promote productivity, investment, and social development. It means rejecting division, corruption, and cynicism. It means understanding that when Zimbabwe prospers, we all prosper, as Jeremiah 29:7 urges: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
We must also embrace the principle in Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Collaboration beats division. Dialogue beats hostility. Partnership beats isolation.
A Call to Action: Show Up for Zimbabwe
Fellow Zimbabweans, the Second Republic has created a space where ideas matter more than history, where contribution matters more than criticism, and where unity matters more than division.
I call on all of us — young and old, in Zimbabwe and in the diaspora — to take responsibility. Let us bring our skills, our resources, and our patriotism to the table. Let us engage respectfully, work diligently, and build consistently.
The future will not be handed to us. It will be built by those who show up. Let us be those people. Let us show up for Zimbabwe.
May God bless Zimbabwe, and may God bless President Mnangagwa as he leads us toward a brighter future.
