We should not work against the national interest

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu

National consciousness is critical for any country.

As Zimbabweans, we must embrace our shared identity, belonging, culture and experiences.

Such an approach provides the base on which we will build the nation that we so desire.

Zimbabweans should be conscious of the unique realities of their nation.

National consciousness has been widely regarded as the essential ingredient in creating a nation.

But the mere act of creating a nation should not and must not be the end.

There is much that is required if people are to fulfil their aspirations.

The nation needs to prosper, but it must do so through the support of its people.

The people are the ones who carry the nation on their backs and usher it to prosperity.

This resonates with the popular saying: “It is not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”

A nation’s success is born out of the toil of its people for the benefit of future generations.

Without great sacrifice, a nation will not go anywhere.

This nation was born out of sacrifice.

It is now incumbent upon the youth to take the country forward and ensure that we free our people economically.

There is little time to waste as the world is moving at a faster rate than we can keep up.

We have a lot of catching up to do, so it is prudent that we act decisively to guarantee our future.

The young ones learning from the seasoned veterans should put themselves in a position where they work to the best of their abilities to uplift our nation and ensure that our people are in a better state, socially and economically.

This is why His Excellency, President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, came up with Vision 2030 as a challenge to us all to strive to improve our nation and the livelihoods of our people.

Our people need to be conscious of this fact, that whatever the ZANU PF Government conceives is meant to benefit them and improve their lives.

The people are the ones who will drive a nation towards prosperity.

By the same token, the people are the ones who can affect the nation’s progress.

Our people must not work against the national interest.

Self-harm can be devastating.

This is why self-consciousness is critical.

A nation is its people. This means the people are the ones who make up the nation, and are responsible for its successes and failures.

There shall come a time when we will be required to name what we did to prosper the nation.

We should not, comrades, be found wanting in that regard.

So, as we carry out our daily activities, we should not work against the national interest.

We should at all times seek to protect it, instead.

Our fate is in our hands.

There is no point in pursuing lost causes and acting to the detriment of the nation.

Most of us assume that the responsibility of carrying this nation forward lies with the politicians who are voted into office, but this is far from the truth.

It is the average Zimbabwean who bears that responsibility.

Zimbabwe has an abundance of great talent, resources and opportunities.

We are blessed beyond measure.

We must be alive to the endless possibilities in our beloved land.

Our people should not be blinded or sidetracked into situations that do not benefit them.

They need to be conscious of the fact that all that matters is Zimbabwe, including the prosperity of its people, and nothing else.

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his own capacity.