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Emmanuel Murema
Herald Correspondent
President Mnangagwa’s proclamation, “The Voice of the People is the Voice of God”, delivered during his inaugural address in November 2017 at ZANU PF headquarters encapsulated the political, social, and economic philosophy that later guided his administration and Zimbabwe’s future. This statement signalled a deliberate shift from a state-centred development philosophy to a people-centric approach, prioritising the interests of the people.
The people-centric governance is embodied in President Mnangagwa’s Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo philosophy, which provides guiding principles for personal behaviours, work ethics, personal conduct, political engagement, social responsibility and communication ethics.
This philosophy reflects a profound sense of collective responsibility, shared identity, inclusive nation-building, self-determination, self-reliance, and homegrown solutions to Zimbabwe’s challenges.
Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi is a doctrinal pronouncement with a philosophical meaning that shapes the perceptions, and behaviours of Zimbabweans and influencing their attitudes toward nation-building.
It emphasises the importance of shared identity and mutual purpose among Zimbabweans (Vene/Abanikazi), rising above ethnic, political and socioeconomic divisions.
President Mnangagwa’s Nyika philosophy recognises that, solutions to Zimbabwe’s challenges lie with its Vene/Abanikazi (citizens). Vene/Abanikazi are key to achieving food security, economic independence, energy self-sufficiency, political stability, and civic harmony.
The philosophy promotes resolving social and political differences through dialogues, fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual understanding.
In demonstration of his commitment to this philosophy, President Mnangagwa established the Political Actors’ Dialogue (POLAD), a platform facilitating diverse perspectives and opinions to contribute to nation-building.
At its core, Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo philosophy provokes a consciousness of development nationalism, rooted in the reality that Vene/Abanikazi have capabilities to achieve development and overcome poverty.
Zimbabweans can author their development trajectory, crafting local solutions to problems.
President Mnangagwa’s doctrine posits that Zimbabweans, possess the ability to define and execute development interventions that address the country’s needs.
The philosophy transcends the realm of national economic development, embracing a more expansive paradigm that encompasses the cultivation of civic harmony and peaceful coexistence amongst Vene/Abanikazi.
This philosophical doctrine emphasises the imperative of resolving socio-political disparities through dialogical engagement, in so doing fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual understanding, and reciprocal respect.
In prioritising the values of peaceful coexistence and civic harmony the philosophy seeks to create an environment conducive to the flourishing of Vene/Abanikazi, actualising the vision of a Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Economy and a harmonious Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa’s declaration brazenly challenges the longstanding polarisation that has historically hindered Zimbabwe’s progressive discourses.
Additionally, effectively eradicating the detrimental legacies of colonialism and post-independence politics that have held the nation back.
The declaration, “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo,” provides a clear direction and directives to various stakeholders, including the media, educational institutions, civil society, and political entities.
This call to action emphasises the imperative of forging a shared agenda that transcends individual ambitions, aligning with the philosophy of self-determination and national responsibility embodied in the philosophy.
The philosophy offers insights into the importance of navigating the complex socio-political landscape with sensitivity, awareness and a deep understanding of the nation’s historical and cultural context.
This means drawing lessons of commitments to self-determination and self-liberation from the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who went to war with a colonial system that systematically dispossessed them of their land and forced them into non-productive land.
Zimbabwe continues on the trajectory of growth and development; the socio-political environment is a critical factor in influencing the nation’s prosperity.
The Nyika Inovakwa nevene/Ilizwe lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo philosophy which translates to “a country is developed by its citizens,” is a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering Zimbabweans to take ownership of their nation’s development.
This philosophy is rooted in the principle of self-determination and national responsibility, emphasising the importance of Zimbabweans working collectively to achieve a prosperous upper middle-income economy and debt-free future.
The philosophy provides a nuanced framework for achieving a unified national agenda, characterised by deliberate conduct, effective citizenship communication, strategic craftsmanship and conscientious progress. In prioritising the values of civic harmony, mutual respect and collective responsibility, this philosophy seeks to create an environment conducive to the flourishing of Zimbabweans.
In harnessing the collective potential of Vene/Abanikazi Zimbabwe has unlocked it latent capabilities. The nation’s suited for purpose human capital, an array of resources ready and ripe for value addition, and lucrative investment opportunities, collectively provide a light illuminating the path towards a more prosperous, harmonious and self-reliant nation.
The philosophy presents a paradigmatic shift in the nation’s development trajectory, one that prioritises the agency, creativity, and innovation of Zimbabweans. This inspires and guide Zimbabweans, fostering a culture of self-reliance, resilience and collective ownership of the nation’s destiny.
For any country to develop there is need for a national consciousness and patriotism in its citizens, that shapes the literature and curriculums which produces good citizens, Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi balo is such a philosophy as it instils humanism that inherently create a willingness in people to work hard and understanding that Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans and no one will carry and guard the national interests more dearly and jealously than Zimbabweans themselves.
This philosophy confirms that in any African society the community/the people are at the centre of African life and that no subcultural values surpass being the people. This forms the basis for a collective responsibility among Vene/Abanikazi because what happens to the individual happens to the whole community (I am because we are, and therefore, since we are, therefore I am).
Individuals, families and communities are the initiators, main assets and main beneficiary of development (Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo.
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