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My fellow comrades, the constitution-making process continues to concern me deeply. We must never misrepresent people’s views in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The shenanigans continue with all sorts of devious tactics being employed in the now obvious attempt to smuggle in foreign interests in the supposedly “people driven” new Zimbabwean constitution. As the people’s party, which so bravely fought for the liberation of Zimbabwe, we are obliged and dictated to by our consciences to continue protecting the interests of the indigenous people of Zimbabwe.
The first point of interest and indeed something which was very disturbing was the continued tussle over the release of the national statistical report, which was again not availed in time for adequate perusal by all interested parties.
It emerged that most delegates to the all-stakeholders’ conference, were issued with the reports when they were already in session and that obviously presented challenges to the resultant final document. However, as a party, we are glad that most of the issues diagnosed by our Politburo have been presented. Our representation was very articulate although it most certainly would have been better had the national statistical report been issued earlier and prior to the conference.
Although the constitution-making process left a lot to be desired, I would like to assure all our cadres that the party has been vigilant and remedial action taken, for the sake of the millions of Zimbabwe people whose interests we represent. Whatever transpired during production of the July 2012 Copac draft constitution is now water under the bridge.
We have had vigilant citizens at the fore, insisting that people’s views must be included in the new draft constitution. A draft that expresses the will of the people will never be an issue for Zanu-PF and the party will speedily engage in a referendum. However, any document that deviates from the views of the people will be stiffly resisted, in fact fought to the bitter end. It spells doom to the entire process and we believe that there are our sons and daughters who are educated in the systems that are able to adequately take up the cause of Zimbabwe legally and on whatever other platform is available. We are on course.
The second matter that I would like to highlight is the great news that we now have an election set for March 2013. His Excellency (President Mugabe) has set the record straight in this regard, in spite of all sorts of dates being bandied about by the media. It is with utmost relief that we can now well and truly plan for a post GNU-Zimbabwe. The inclusive Government has overstayed the hospitality of the people and we now bid it farewell.
The GPA has brought numerous problems with it, not least the management of challenges related to policy differences and inconsistencies in implementation. The creature is limping and is unstable. It is nothing but a millstone around the necks of the Zimbabwe people. The President is mindful of the fact that the Zimbabwean people long for a stable governing structure to emerge, which government can only be achieved through an election process.
I am pleased to state that our party has warm and cordial relations with sister countries in the Sadc region and the African Union in general. The relationships form an anchor for current governing system by virtue of the bodies being co-guarantors of the GPA. That notwithstanding, the right of the Zimbabweans to go for polls in terms of or consistent with the current Constitution brooks no interference. The issue of elections is a Zimbabwean issue; Zimbabwe has always held successful elections whenever they were due since 1980, consistent with its Constitution.
Comrades, we should then adopt civilised ways of mass mobilisation where the principles of moral persuasion call the tune. Violence is unwelcome. We should be prepared to face reality, tell people the truth, admit our failures, outline our success stories but however, above all we should proffer a remedial plan to overturn the challenges and failures of the past, so that the people will be able to give us as the revolutionary party, an extension of the mandate to once again successfully establish and run the next Government. As we head for this crucial and decisive election, we must ensure we adhere to internal policies and rules governing the conducting of elections. The party, through its respective organs, is in the process of coming up with internal electoral rules to govern conditions under which primary elections will be conducted.
We will do away with such practices that have been very costly to the party such as imposition of candidates, which has resulted in disillusionment to party loyalists and has been very costly. The party will descend heavily on those figures that promote imposition of candidates and practise corruption in spite of their political height and weight. There is ever increasing need for the party to be much disciplined, for it is this discipline that has always set Zanu-PF apart from other parties.
Comrades, Zimbabwe can produce adequate food for the nation. We pray for God’s favour, for abundant rain and for a productive and successful agricultural season. We once again were left dumbfounded by Minister of Finance Mr Tendai Biti’s lack of understanding of the key drivers of the Zimbabwe economy in his non-allocation of sufficient resources to agriculture, the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy. Our ever-caring and compassionate leader, His Excellency President Mugabe recently launched the Presidential Well Wishers Input Scheme, a programme that avails resources and inputs to our farmers. With the critical worldwide food shortage, it is imperative that Zimbabwe attains food security, and we are grateful to his Excellency the President for having the foresight to provide ample support to farmers. This is one of the very reasons that the GNU can only be deemed dysfunctional, when the President has to take upon himself the role of agricultural financier.
At the recent opening of the Fifth Session of the Seventh Parliament, His Excellency President RG Mugabe touched on pertinent issues in his keynote address. In declaring the dates for the next elections, His Excellency reiterated that parties must pursue a non-violent path and that no acts of violence will be tolerated. Indeed this is the note that I want to end this newsletter on, the positive message from the leader of our party who continues to provide sterling leadership and direction. The party must continue to benefit from his wisdom, quality and principled leadership style. Who else can claim to have remained steadfast in advancing the people’s cause in spite of an onslaught of attacks by the West? Let us learn to be as principled and as focused so that Zimbabwe may well and truly be a country that is headed for great success and prosperity.
May all party members and indeed all Zimbabweans have a restful, peaceful and meaningful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Remember that Christmas is about love and peace; that is the spirit we desire to see prevailing in the party. As you rest, plan for the coming year; decide that you will contribute to the overall prosperity of the nation. Together we can do it.
Long Live President RG Mugabe!
Long Live Zanu-PF!
Forward With The People!
*This is an abridged version of an article by Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, Zanu-PF National Chairman, published in his monthly newsletter, The People, November/December issue.
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