malvernmugadzikwa
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu
LIES have very short legs.
Malicious reports that ZANU PF had a hand in recent elections in South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana are ridiculous and laughable at the very least.
There is no doubt that ZANU PF is a juggernaut, but I feel at times our reach is overestimated. We neither have the capacity nor intention to participate and influence electoral outcomes in any of our neighbouring countries, and none of our supporters ever fraudulently acquired identity cards to vote in foreign polls.
We do know that ZANU PF is a party accustomed to victory, and we have been winning since independence. However, our operations are limited to within Zimbabwe’s borders. In our history, we have never meddled in any elections in neighbouring countries.
The level of callous hate that our enemies and detractors harbour towards ZANU PF is truly mind-boggling. How is it possible that ZANU PF could try and influence electoral outcomes in these independent, well-governed countries that have independent electoral systems? Not much thought was given in crafting this evidently fallacious narrative, which reeks of desperation.
Our detractors have become desperate so much that they are now resorting to the most ridiculous narratives in a ploy to tarnish ZANU PF’s image.
Our wish is to see a region that is prosperous and fully economically emancipated.
As ZANU PF, we hope to continue influencing positive change and outcomes within the region and beyond. While we did render some support in terms of passing on the message to our sister political parties during elections in Mozambique and Botswana, as well as showing solidarity with them, that is as far as our involvement went with regard to the several elections that have been held in the region in recent months.
There is nothing amiss about that.
Anyone spreading a narrative other than the facts I have just mentioned is clearly trying to mislead people and propagate a message of hate.
ZANU PF is clear in its ways, and we have never deviated from those.
Under the leadership of our First Secretary and President, His Excellency, Cde ED Mnangagwa, we have managed to strengthen our relations with like-minded revolutionary parties within the region.
That is clear for all to see.
As you may have noticed, the friends-to-all-and-enemy-to-none philosophy that has culminated in the engagement and re-engagement policy is being applied not only at Government level but also at party level. Our doors are open.
We will not shy away from those who wish to connect and improve relations, as well as partner with us.
ZANU PF has always been a leader in the region in terms of inspiring positive change.
We have always set a good example as we have embarked on the journey to positively impact the lives of our people.
The results are evident for all to see as we have significantly improved the livelihoods of our people. We have achieved all this under the albatross of illegal sanctions unfairly imposed on us by those who see our agenda to empower our people as a threat to their own interests. Our desire to ensure prosperity among our own people should in no way be perceived as a threat to foreign nations.
The ZANU PF-led Government has no malicious intentions against foreign or Western governments. Our focus remains firmly rooted in attaining economic emancipation for our people.
It is apparent that common sense eludes some of our enemies. They are so desperate that they concoct some of the most ridiculous narratives in a bid to have people in and outside Zimbabwe turn against ZANU PF. It seems they are fearful of ZANU PF’s capabilities. ZANU PF has stood the test of time precisely because it is a deeply principled party that does not waver or deviate from principle.
If it were not for our principled ways, we would have collapsed a long time ago.
We are meticulous and methodical in our approach. Our principles are entrenched in our constitution and are non-negotiable.
This conviction has ensured our longevity. As we continue fending off a barrage of attacks from our detractors, year in and year out, we say let them try. ZANU PF is unmoved, unflinching and remains steadfast. The existential threat to ZANU PF and other like-minded revolutionary parties from our detractors remains ever present.
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF.
Online Reporter