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THE landslide victory that Zanu-PF scored in this year’s election left some people, especially its opponents, dumbfounded and others with a fear of the unknown.
The detractors thought, even expected that the economic crisis that engulfed the country in 2008 and before would return. MDC formations claimed that their presence in the inclusive government had improved the country’s economic conditions and were quick to prophesy that nothing positive was going to take place under the new Zanu-PF Government. But, is that so? They spoke of a difficult next five years for Zimbabwe under Zanu-PF. There was a time soon after the elections when newspapers that are sympathetic to them published stories meant to advance that point — that the price of fuel had risen, the stock market was crashing and that South Africa had started a programme of deporting Zimbabweans.
However, the past few months have shown us that the alarmist perceptions would not come to pass. The Zanu-PF Government has started its business on a positive note with genuine expectations that the country is on the path to sustainable socio-economic growth and development. Every minister has been right on the ground seeking to understand better the situation in their respective ministries, while the party itself remains active on the ground. There is that feeling that Zanu-PF is committed to delivering.
In the media industry, for instance some thought the return of Professor Jonathan Moyo as Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister would result in many private media houses closing down. They also thought that with the massive mandate the party got in July, it would seek to settle old scores with those of a different political persuasion.
But the minister has proved his critics wrong. Zanu-PF has also proved the doubters wrong. The doubting Thomases have realised that the Government means business and it is there to serve every citizen’s interest including those who criticise and oppose it. The Government has shown that it wants to embrace everyone in its quest to bring the economy back to normal, even communities to function well as wholesome units. It has committed itself to removing the political polarisation that dragged national development back.
The conciliatory hand has been extended to the opposition; hence it should be supportive and stop sabotaging the country’s development by uttering uncalled for statements which do not improve people’s lives.
The positive attitude which the party and its Government have shown in recent months is in line with President Mugabe’s inauguration speech that they are going to move with speed to spearhead national development as they have the popular mandate of the people. This stance must be applauded by all.
“The new Cabinet will be expected to move with full speed in mobilising adequate inputs,” President Mugabe in his inauguration speech said.
“Equally, issues around electricity and irrigation must be tackled so that this season marks a return to food sufficiency, and anticipates an active winter season which should see us growing part of our wheat requirements again”.
The recent sourcing of agricultural funds, through the President’s initiative working with well-wishers and the Government’s own to assist farmers is a testament that the party is working on the promises it made during pre-election period. It gives hope that other promises would be fulfilled.
Money to support agriculture which some thought was going to be difficult for Zanu-PF to assemble on its own without the help of MDC formations seems to be flowing. The Government recently announced a $161 million support facility to agriculture on top of the $620 million that the Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe mobilised and $100 million that the CBZ pumped into the sector. So on farm support alone, we are talking about $1 billion this season. This is a massive injection of money that must take our lifeline agriculture sector forward after five years of poor public support for farmers.
The combination of the availability of inputs and the rains which are beginning to fall should enhance food security, and obviously boost the economy. Reports by the Meteorological Services Department indicate that that most of the country is likely to experience normal to above normal rainfall this year raises hope that we will have a bumper harvest.
It is crystal clear for Zanu-PF and its Government that the next five years should be used wisely. They know it very well that if they dare sleep on duty like the MDC formations did during the inclusive government era by concentrating on fattening their bellies and entertaining multiple girlfriends, their support would also be impaired hence 2018 would be difficult for the revolutionary party.
People are expecting more as the party promised in its manifesto. The general populace including those who overwhelmingly voted for the opposition parties should, however, be patient as the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The Government has committed itself to addressing the welfare of civil servants who had been relegated to an ignominious status of virtually working for nothing. They had their spirits lifted when President Mugabe himself promised to do that. Already, the Government has paid them their traditional bonus unlike in the past four years when MDCs had to be cajoled to do so. The Government’s position that the lowest paid public sector worker must be paid a minimum $540 monthly, up from $297 is a clear factor that the Government has started well and the future looks bright.
A salary increment is expected in January next year after the presentation of the national budget next month.
Urban housing for low income earners should be delivered in the next five years as well. To that end, the Government has engaged a Chinese firm, Henan Guoji, to build 10 000 low-cost houses. This is also part of the move by the Zanu-PF to fulfil its election promise where it pledged to curb the scourge of homelessness in cities and towns. Zimbabwe’s housing backlog stands at 1,25 million.
More crucially the Government has already crafted and started implementing a five-year economic plan, Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset). The plan would guide Government business until 2018. It has been hailed as a sound and very relevant blueprint which has clearly set-out programmes as well as monitoring and evaluation strategies. In the past, Zimbabwe’s economic plans tended to be good in terms of intention, but lacked on implementation and progress-tracking or lack thereof. This plan is also very honest. It does not pretend that the next five years would be plain-sailing, but indicates that for its targets to be attained, specific socio-economic factors have to be conducive for that.
We are also seeing the Government reaching out to those that have worked against it in the past decade. It has sent emissaries to the International Monetary Fund, for example to seek common ground with the lender and has hosted delegations from Europe where the acrimony of old has been replaced by a willingness to work together. We expect that Europe and the US are geared for a new, mutually beneficial relationship.
The agenda, however, does not forget that for Zimbabwe to be where she is today, it was because of the massive support from countries like China, India and so on. So the cordial economic and political relations with the East are being maintained and deepened.
Speaking about China, the Asian giant has already started funding many huge projects like the sanitation programme in Harare and massive projects to expand the national power generation capacity.
With these positive developments which the Government has done with in the short period of time, it now needs the spirit of togetherness among citizens to lift the country’s flag high. United we stand, divided we fall, says the old saying. Therefore despite our different political backgrounds we must come together as a country.
Online Reporter