Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS should reject calls for demonstrations and instead embrace dialogue, peace and unity to safeguard the country’s development gains being realised under the Second Republic, ZANU PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Tino Machakaire has said.
His call comes as opposition-sponsored groups seek to mobilise demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), despite repeated assurances by Government that citizens are free to raise concerns through established constitutional and institutional channels.
In a statement yesterday, Cde Machakaire said Zimbabwe’s future lies in constructive engagement and collective responsibility rather than confrontational politics that threaten national peace and economic progress.
He said under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has entrenched an open-door policy that encourages dialogue with citizens, while accelerating infrastructure development, economic modernisation and programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
“Zimbabwe is a nation built on the values of unity, peace, dialogue and collective responsibility,” said Cde Machakaire.
“At this critical stage of our country’s development, we must remain focused on building a better future rather than engaging in actions that have the potential to reverse the progress we have made.”
He said Zimbabweans should utilise available platforms for engagement before considering demonstrations, adding that Government remains committed to listening to citizens and addressing their concerns through constructive dialogue.
“As Zimbabweans, we must not rush into demonstrations and protests without first exhausting the available channels of engagement and dialogue with Government.
“The Second Republic, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has always maintained an open-door policy, where citizens, communities, organisations and various stakeholders have the opportunity to engage Government and State institutions on issues affecting them.”
Cde Machakaire said dialogue remained the most effective way of finding lasting solutions to national challenges.
“The Government remains committed to listening to the concerns of the people and finding lasting solutions through constructive dialogue.
“Challenges faced by our nation can only be addressed when we come together as Zimbabweans and seek common ground through conversations guided by patriotism, respect and a shared desire to see our country prosper.”
Cde Machakaire said the prevailing peace and stability had enabled the Second Republic to implement transformative development projects across the country, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, hospitals, dams and other strategic infrastructure that is improving service delivery and creating opportunities for communities.
“Zimbabwe is on a development trajectory, with significant investments being made in infrastructure development, modernisation and the improvement of people’s livelihoods,” he said.
“Roads, schools, hospitals, dams and other critical projects are being developed across the country as part of efforts to create a better Zimbabwe for present and future generations.”
Cde Machakaire said such progress could only be sustained in an environment characterised by peace, stability and national unity.
He said demonstrations that degenerate into violence and destruction only undermine development efforts and prejudice ordinary citizens whose livelihoods depend on a stable economic environment.
“We cannot allow ourselves to destroy the very infrastructure and national assets that are being developed for the benefit of our communities.
“Development requires peace, stability and co-operation from all citizens. Every Zimbabwean has a role to play in protecting the progress that has been achieved and ensuring that our country continues moving forward.”
Rejecting confrontational politics, Cde Machakaire said Zimbabwe had entered a new era in which dialogue, inclusivity and unity were driving national development.
“As a nation, we must reject the politics of confrontation, division and destruction. Protests that result in instability, violence and the destruction of property do not provide solutions to the challenges facing our people.
“Instead, they create further suffering and setbacks, particularly for ordinary citizens who depend on a stable environment in which to work, do business and improve their lives.
“Division belongs to the past. Confrontational politics is a thing of the past. The Second Republic has placed unity and dialogue at the centre of national development because we believe that Zimbabwe’s future can only be secured when its people work together.”
He urged young Zimbabweans to remain vigilant against attempts by “self-serving political elements” to exploit them for activities that undermine national interests.
