admin
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN September 2018, President Mnangagwa declared that under the New Dispensation, Government was working towards building a new Zimbabwe, a country with a thriving and open economy, capable of creating opportunities for investors and employment.
He said in that regard, the Government would leave no stone unturned in transforming Zimbabwe into a knowledge driven and industrialising upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“It is, therefore, critical that as a country, we position ourselves to maximise on the goodwill of our people and the rest of the world. This calls for us to break from the past and move along a commonly shared vision to take forward the destiny of our nation.
“My Government has, therefore, developed Zimbabwe’s vision beyond the next decade.
“In this regard, I am pleased to unveil our Zimbabwe Vision 2030. Vision 2030 reflects the collective aspirations and determination of the people of Zimbabwe towards a prosperous upper middle-income nation by 2030,” said President Mnangagwa.
The objectives of Vision 2030, President Mnangagwa said, align with those of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s 50-year vision (2013-2063), and also take into cognisance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030).
He said the importance of Vision 2030 lies in its strategic framework for guiding Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory through specific, actionable plans.
This strategic framework, emphasising a clear national vision, resonates deeply with this year’s Independence Day celebrations theme, “Zim@ 45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030,” highlighting the nation’s collective aspirations and determination to forge a prosperous future.
Just as China’s Chinese Dream under President Xi Jinping has served as a powerful national vision, driving its rapid development, Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 can similarly function as a “Zimbabwe Dream.”
This dream encapsulates the collective aspirations of the Zimbabwean people for a prosperous and modern nation, fostering a sense of shared purpose and national unity.
This commitment to deepening cooperation with China, embodying the ideals of economic growth, social progress and national pride — the ‘Zimbabwe Dream,’ rooted in Vision 2030 — aims to inspire citizens to actively participate in the nation’s development, mirroring the unifying force of the Chinese Dream.
Notably, this move comes as Zimbabwe celebrates its 45th year of independence, a journey in which China has been instrumental since the country’s liberation struggle.
Relations between China and Zimbabwe trace their roots to the liberation struggle, during which Beijing supported the war for independence from its early stages in the 1960s.
A key historical moment occurred when China extended military training to Zimbabwe’s first cadres, enabling them to execute the war of independence. This war was partly inspired by the Chinese liberation movement, which culminated in their independence in 1949 under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong.
Recently, Zimbabwe’s historian Ms Phyllis Johnson said:
“The first group of five recruits for the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) went to China for six months of military science training on September 22, 1963, led by (President) Mnangagwa.
“A second group, who had received basic training in Ghana in 1964, went to China in 1965 for advanced training as instructors.
“Early in 1966, Josiah Magama Tongogara led a group of 11 to the Nanjing Academy in Beijing, where they trained in mass mobilisation, strategy, and tactics, returning to Tanzania later that year.”
According to Ms Johnson, Cde Tongogara, who became commander of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (Zanla), “learned in China that it was vital to mobilise the people, and it was that lesson which shaped Zanla’s future strategy.”
As Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence, a milestone made possible in part by China’s early support, this national vision can provide a clear roadmap and a compelling narrative.
A closer look at the Chinese Dream provides a workable example, positioning Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 as an ideal roadmap for economic development.
The Chinese Dream, with its emphasis on national rejuvenation, prosperity, and strength, has demonstrably guided China’s rapid economic ascent.
Similarly, Vision 2030, with its focus on industrialisation, knowledge-driven growth, and improved living standards, offers a clear and strategic pathway for Zimbabwe to achieve sustainable economic transformation.
By drawing parallels with the Chinese model’s success in fostering national unity and driving targeted economic policies and acknowledging China’s assistance in Zimbabwe’s independence journey, Zimbabwe can leverage Vision 2030 to create a compelling national narrative and implement effective strategies, propelling the nation towards its ambitious development goals.
Both the Chinese Dream and Vision 2030 emphasise national rejuvenation and economic prosperity. The Chinese Dream aims to achieve the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”, while Vision 2030 seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
As expressed by President Xi’s writings in his books Governance of China and its sequel, the Chinese Dream concept is aimed at building a moderately prosperous society and realising national rejuvenation.
President Xi made clear his ambition when he attended an exhibition themed “Road towards renewal” at the end of 2012.
Since then, it has become a buzzword both at home and abroad.
According to President Xi, “achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the greatest dream of the Chinese people since the advent of the modern times.”
President Xi emphasised that China’s rapid economic ascent was achieved through home-grown solutions rooted in its own culture, values, and philosophy, rather than borrowed, alien models.
The hard work that makes the Chinese Dream come true is aptly summed up in the popular Chinese saying that goes: “Empty talk harms the country, while hard work makes it flourish”.
This saying serves as a crucial message to Zimbabwe that without a shared and clear national vision like that embodied in Vision 2030, no country can liberate itself from the shackles of poverty and backwardness.
This vision, and the hard work it demands, is cemented by the enduring relationship between China and Zimbabwe, a relationship forged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, where China’s support laid the groundwork for the nation’s independence and its pursuit of a prosperous future.
Speaking at a Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) event recently in Bulawayo, the institute’s researcher, Dr Ronald Chipaike said under the Second Republic, the relationship with China is critical in achieving the ambitious vision for the country’s development.
“The benefits of the China-Zimbabwe partnership are wide-ranging and have a direct impact on the lives of everyday Zimbabweans. With China’s support, Zimbabwe is poised to take a giant leap forward in its journey towards a more prosperous and secure future,” he said.
Online Reporter