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and can only be run effectively in a centralised system of governance, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu said yesterday.
Addressing Zanu-PF party members in Bulawayo, Cde Shamu, who held several meetings with party members from different districts, said the country’s economy cannot sustain a devolved state.
“Our economy cannot sustain a federal state. We are a very small country. When we are centralised we are able to sustain ourselves,” said Cde Shamu, who is also the Minister of Media, Information and Publicity.
“Zimbabwe is a unitary state and we need to explain that to people, the importance of having a Government where we can complement each other in terms of development.”
Cde Shamu’s remarks come at a time when there is a raging debate on what system of governance the country should adopt in the new constitution with MDC formations advocating for a devolved state.
Cde Shamu, who was accompanied by Politburo members Cde Francis Nhema, Cde Lazarus Dokora, Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Cde Absalom Sikhosana, Bulawayo Zanu-PF acting chairman Cde Killian Sibanda and Central Committee members, held 12 meetings with party members in different parts of the city.
During the meetings party members presented their challenges and suggestions on how the revolutionary party could be revamped.
“Zanu-PF is a party that listens to people and we came here to listen to what people want the party and the Government to do for them. What people say is the basis of the policies we make. This is a nationwide development oriented programme that is ongoing.
“People should remember that we are not doing this because we are going for an election. We are a revolutionary party with a clear programme of transforming the lives of our people. We did not go to the liberation struggle for the sake of elections and positions,” said Cde Shamu.
“We are fighting imperialism and we are now in the process of liberating ourselves economically through empowerment and we have to take that mission to its logical conclusion.”
He urged Zimbabweans to be patient and to guard jealously the gains of the liberation struggle, adding that Zanu-PF would remain committed to defending the interests of the people.
Cde Shamu said the socio-economic challenges facing the country are the result of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West at the instigation of the MDC formations.
He pledged to come back to the city with other Cabinet ministers from Zanu-PF to listen to people’s problems.
“Our programme is to enhance the development trajectory of this country and as a party we are not for theory but we walk the talk. We want political mobilisation that is programme based,” said Cde Shamu.
Online Reporter