Online Reporter
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu
MODERN-DAY LEADERS are not born — they are made.
In our case, they were forged in the fire of the revolutionary war of liberation.
Despite the attainment of Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, those who took heed of the call to free the country from colonialism understood that the mission was not complete.
Today, we continue to lead.
However, the work remains unfinished.
That is why we rely on our youth to take up the mantle and move our nation forward. Both ZANU PF and the country have enjoyed immeasurable success due to the quality of leadership within the party.
Through its excellent leadership, the ruling party has entrenched discipline and a good work ethic.
We have built “the system” that has been emulated by many.
The ZANU PF leadership shall continue uniting the party and providing guidance, for we are one unit with a single cause, and we shall accomplish it together — united like the mighty fist, which has become our everlasting symbol.
To be a good political leader, one must possess and exercise temperance and have the fortitude to carry the people and their aspirations on one’s shoulders.
Political leaders bear one of the most important tasks: safeguarding the people’s future. Politics must never be for individual gain, but for collective benefit.
The people look to their political leaders for salvation. One must not only be courageous, but also selfless in their pursuit of political office. They should always choose the people first above everything else. After all, politics is a calling to serve the people.
Contrary to popular belief, politics is far from easy. Its path is riddled with many obstacles. This is why many have failed to last the distance, while some of us have continued to thrive.
To be a complete political leader, one must also possess the right kind of ideology, as well as the ability to adapt to the ever-changing political landscape.
Politics is very dynamic, and leaders must have the vision and agility to keep pace.
We are now in an era of evolutionary change. For our movement to last another 50 years, we must never forget how it was conceived and the purpose it serves.
We must always refer to the past and draw important lessons to shape the future.
Comrades will, however, most certainly disagree on the best strategy of attaining our goals, but make no mistake about it, they will never disagree on prioritising our beloved nation and doing what is good for our people.
After all, politics and democracy are premised on meaningful debate and respectful disagreement.
ZANU PF will always be a people-centred party. This is evident in the many projects and programmes we have pursued since independence.
There is no other political party in the world that has pursued the empowerment of its people more than ZANU PF has.
ZANU PF’s leadership, under His Excellency, President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, and even in the previous administration, sought to ensure that empowerment occupies centre stage.
The calibre of political leadership that exists within ZANU PF is unmatched.
This country is blessed to have been guided by such leaders.
The attention the ruling party receives daily, both locally and internationally, testifies to the quality of our leadership.
Indeed, ZANU PF is the citadel of people’s power. As we push our nation forward, let us remember that we have come far, and we still have a long way to go.
Discipline, a strong work ethic and always doing the right thing under the guidance of a capable leadership have been instrumental to our success. We shall achieve even greater things in years to come.
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his own capacity.
