Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THERE is no longer any room for political animosity in Zimbabwe as that chapter closed when the New Dispensation took over, a Government Minister has declared.
Speaking during his keynote address at a heritage training workshop for Matabeleland North councillors, which started at a Bulawayo hotel yesterday and ends tomorrow, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said Zimbabweans belong to one country which they all call home. He said as such people who belong to different political parties should not hesitate to collaborate and build the Zimbabwe that they all want.
“I know the politics we inherited from the previous dispensation was one of hatred and this is now a thing of the past. A councillor from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is a brother to me, I must not be afraid to be seen dining and socialising with him or her. An opposition councillor or Member of Parliament must never be afraid of dining or socialising with their colleagues from Zanu-PF. We are all Zimbabweans, after all,” said Minister Garwe.
He said the opposition is always necessary in any environment as it is intended to make the ruling party accountable.
“Let us develop our country collectively, never be afraid to work together, as we can only grow and develop this nation to prosperity together,” said Minister Garwe.
Turning to his prepared speech, Minister Garwe said that educating local authorities on critical matters of nation-building will propel the nation towards achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030.
He said his ministry planned to implement a three-phased councillor induction programme, whereby mayors, chairpersons and councillors would be equipped for their roles as stewards of their respective councils. The first phase, said Minister Garwe, was completed last year in August.
He said Government was aware that during this process, there were significant political divisions between policymakers and staff as well as a limited understanding of basic but fundamental aspects of the nation’s history, identity and polity.
Minister Garwe said as a result the Government saw the need to incorporate a heritage-based initiation course into the training and induction process to ensure local authorities, as the third tier of Government, better understand the national development agendas as outlined in Vision 2030.
“In an effort to improve the capacity-building process of policymakers and staff in councils, the Government deems it essential to include content that will enlighten participants and foster a sense of national pride. It is evident that, frequently in the Local Government sector, meaningful dialogue and initiatives are either derailed or postponed due to the failure of political actors and council staff to grasp the broader perspective, which is a better Zimbabwe for all,” said Minister Garwe.
He said the national development mantra articulated by President Mnangagwa clearly advocates for inclusive development, which requires the combined effort of all Zimbabweans, regardless of background, income, creed or political persuasion.
“Through the assistance of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, the Ministry believes councillors and council staff can better appreciate their crucial role in national affairs and development. Local Authorities complement the Government in the provision of social services, infrastructure development, safety and security, creating an enabling environment for business, among others,” Minister Garwe told councillors.
