Online Reporter
Stephen Mpofu
THE mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, “ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, “a country is built by its own people” carries far deeper societal and transformative implications than its pleasant and inspiring wording might suggest.
However, some individuals who are expected to be pillars of economic growth and social development have instead become liabilities, unable to be relied upon to help build a strong nation and a vibrant society, both socially and economically.
A quick assessment, for instance, reveals the extent to which some of our cities are deteriorating.
The decay is so evident that First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has been compelled to mobilise business leaders and local authority officials to combine their efforts and resources in a bid to restore the country’s former Sunshine City and capital, Harare.
Once a source of national pride, the city has fallen into a state of disrepair, with filth, litter and crumbling infrastructure tarnishing its image.
The situation is immediately noticeable to any visitor returning to Zimbabwe 46 years after Independence in 1980.
Similar challenges are evident in Bulawayo, the country’s industrial hub, while smaller urban centres along the major routes are also struggling with poor infrastructure and declining standards.
The situation outlined above speaks directly to the essence of the aforementioned mantra.
During the 396th Ordinary Session of Zanu-PF’s Politburo in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa emphasised that greater unity, hard work, resolve, discipline and fortitude must remain the ruling party’s guiding principles if it is to continue leading the nation forward politically, economically and socially.
Therefore, leaders who make false promises, neglect their responsibilities or engage in corrupt activities should be removed and replaced by individuals who faithfully implement government and party programmes.
Only through dedicated and accountable leadership can society achieve a more prosperous and development-oriented future, while ensuring that the ruling party and its government retain the confidence of the people.
In the President’s own words this week: “our organisation must, thus, continue to adapt and evolve in keeping with the broader socio-political dynamics and changing needs of our communities.
Through the Politburo and all Party Departments, programmes must continue to be people-centred, developmental, practical and impactful, bolstering the mobilisation capacity of the Party as well as the quality of life of our citizens.”
Coincidentally, the sons and daughters of the soil who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle were driven by aspirations that closely align with the sentiments expressed by the President in the statement above.
Their vision was of a free nation built on service, sacrifice, development and the collective advancement of the people.
Therefore, leaders and political operatives who act contrary to these ideals undermine the very ethos of the armed liberation struggle.
Corruption, in particular, stands in direct opposition to the principles for which many gave their lives, and should remain a taboo in the service of the nation.
