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THE Zimbabwean Government as currently constituted derives its mandate from the July 31 2013 elections resoundingly won by Zanu-PF to put an end to the inclusive government that followed the inconclusive 2008 elections that led to a negotiated government with the opposition. Emboldened and re-invigorated by the victory, the Zanu-PF party has vigorously implemented an economic turnaround programme, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset). The economic blueprint, itself gleaned from the party’s election manifesto of last year, was the focal point of the 6th National People’s Congress that ended in Harare yesterday.
This is as it should be since party policy should direct Government operations and it is our view that congress’ focus on the economic performance of the country was quite apt at a time when the country’s different sectors have faced challenges that can only be overcome through sustained implementation of remedial policies such as the ones enunciated at the just ended indaba.
The theme of congress was “Accelerated Implementation of Zim Asset”. This is what the delegates and the generality of Zimbabweans expect to see after the congress.
Though there were leadership changes here and there among those charged with working with President Mugabe to carry through his vision, what we should never lose sight of is the overall objective of taking Zimbabwe forward economically, for which Zimbabweans reposed their faith in the President last year and congress also re-affirmed its support for him this past week. While the task of turning around the economic fortunes of the country shall not be a walk in the park, it is quite refreshing to see several committees charged with overseeing cluster objectives under Zim Asset showing so much clarity on what was expected of them and what they had already achieved since the start of implementation in October last year.
The next four years should see us reaping rewards of the economic blueprint if it is implemented with the same clarity with which it was being pronounced at congress. As the country enters the agricultural season, it should be with renewed vigour and optimism and not trepidation since all should be ready for the Food Security and Nutrition Cluster to deliver on its key objectives of ensuring the country is self-sufficient and also has a lot more to export into the region and beyond. It is our hope that other clusters shall also rise to the occasion especially the infrastructural development one and the value addition and beneficiation one, so that after a successful agricultural season our industries can then add value to the agricultural products.
Zanu-PF’s mobilisation capacity, as the majority party, around the country should be put to good use and also revamped to ensure that the noble objectives of congress filter through to all corners of the country. Also, petty differences over jockeying for positions in the run-up to congress should never be allowed to hamper the smooth implementation of programmes or influence some party or Government officials to exclude others in programmes meant to benefit all Zimbabweans. We urge unity of purpose and reconciliation going forward so that Zimbabweans drive their economic turnaround and also safeguard their national sovereignty under the banner of “Team Zimbabwe”. We urge those that have been deployed by the ruling party to various portfolios to seriously discharge their mandate since our people expect results, that can only come if we steadfastly put our shoulder to the wheel in pursuance of the greater vision of a prosperous and peaceful Zimbabwe whose resources are controlled by Zimbabweans.
Online Reporter