via Diaspora must act to save our country | The Zimbabwean 9 July 2014 by Vince Musewe
Unless we act now, Zanu (PF) will continue to embarrass us while destroying the future of our country as we watch and complain.
Although we continue to criticise and try to point out to Zanu (PF) the way forward, it is clear that whatever we say falls on deaf ears.
Economic and social conditions continue to deteriorate, with many Zimbabweans who could be gainfully employed wasting away their years without achieving anything meaningful. Young people just sit around with nothing much to do, complaining and hoping that things will change.
There is no urgency as far as Zanu (PF) is concerned. I am convinced that Zimbabwe will never develop into a modern and vibrant economy as long as they are in power.
There is a comprehensive economic blue print that was prepared during the GNU called the Medium Term Plan. I read this document last week and was very impressed – it is thorough and realistic about what can be done.
Zimbabwe is not short of ideas. It is short of good men and women who actually want to see this country develop. The politicians are not the people who will take our country forward and as long as we leave it to them, we will remain frustrated as we watch our country degenerate.
Last week President Mugabe said whites cannot own land. That is preposterous, unconstitutional and racist and we cannot afford as a country to have a President like that. Added to this have been comments by Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo that it’s okay for the Harare City Council to spend millions on cars while Transport Minister Obert Mpofu wants to ban kombis, but has no viable alternative to keep the thousands employed and provide safe public transport. State enterprises have now been loaded with incompetents by various ministers. It is a comedy of errors.
Our challenge is that we have men with a village mentality who think governing by decree or banning of this and that is the way to manage the country. There is no doubt in my mind that they have absolutely no idea or appetite to be accountable to the masses, or even to change their management culture – because that is all they know.
On the other side the opposition parties continue to fight for positions and relevance; that is the nature of our politics which will not change unless we get involved.
Zimbabwe needs new political leaders who have good managerial and technical experience. Also important is international exposure to a different way of life, something which is sorely lacking amongst our current politicians. I have found it hugely frustrating to try and get people to think differently, to be more confident and to increase their self-esteem.
The quality of the new Zimbabwe we can create will be determined by what we have experienced elsewhere. This places the challenge of creating a new Zimbabwe on your shoulders, my brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. You can no longer afford to just watch and comment because there is a clear lack of depth in our leadership. We have everything we need to create a modern vibrant and successful economy, including the necessary blue prints on how to do it. All we are lacking are dedicated smart minds who are willing to take up the challenge to change our politics.
I compare these times to pre-independent Zimbabwe where thousands of people just stopped whatever they were doing in order to go to the bush; that is the spirit we need now.
We must now rise up and fight this evil system that Zanu (PF) has created, which will not change unless challenged by many. We cannot leave the fate of our beautiful country in the hands of Zanu (PF) or the MDC for that matter; they will not create the future we want.
I do not like political parties because they miss the point and people soon spend resources and energy on gaining positions and title. So for me establishing a political party is not an attractive proposition at all. Rather I want to suggest that we establish a leadership forum of independent minded and progressive Zimbabweans in the diaspora whose sole focus is to change how elections are run and then nominate good and competent Zimbabweans to run for all leadership positions, starting from the Presidency.
We must nominate the best people for the job – not because they belong to a political party or have done this or that. We must come together based on fundamental values of putting our country first, integrity and service.
We have an opportunity to be the change that we want to see. It might take some time but we have to start somewhere or Zanu (PF) will continue to embarrass us while destroying the future of our country. We cannot claim to be educated and informed and yet allow their nonsense to carry on.
Many of you have commented on my column that I have done enough analysis of the situation and now it’s time for solutions and action. I agree and therefore challenge all of you out there to now step up and be counted.
It is time to stop talking or complaining and act; if not you, who? And if not now, when? – Vince Musewe is an economist and author based in Harare. You may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com
COMMENTS
I largely agree with you Vince on the need for action. My question though is why Diaspora only? There are very competent people still in Zim and these kind of initiatives should be inclusive. Sometimes we have this misplaced belief that guys in the Diaspora have all the brains and solutions to the problems in Zimbabwe.
All you have to do Vince is ensure that the diaspora get the vote. And then the morons will be voted out – and the diaspora will flood back. With their money and the skills they have gained in the West.
Vince, you are so right. The problem is we need a credible leader and that has not been forthcoming. The people now have leader fatigue with all the wrangling and infighting we have seen within any opposition.
Makoni let us down and Tsvangirai did the same several times over. We now have the recent report of Tsvangirai using MDC money for his women and holidays which is going to compound the crisis. Both had the platform to effect change and did nothing.
ZanuPf have the state mechanism to control the ‘povho’ and so long as that system supports them ( or their cronies control such ) we have no chance of change, so a call for action is difficult to implement.
Stupid people organize your party and win the elections then we know how good u are. How many political parties have we had in Zim. U mean all they don’t have brains. From father Zimbabwe to present parties what is your answer to that. Why do you believe everything u are told. Where are the invoices for his holidays. These are just sour grapes, all of u are now wasting energy for wrong reasons.
Its you missing the point, we don’t need new political leaders. We need a leveled playing ground that’s all. We have never had lack of depth, and we have plenty of dedicated leaders ask cde Dzino what happens if you get over dedicated. Never dream that people will do like pre-independent Zim we suffered for nothing maybe we are even worse than before. Even if people do it I am 100% sure u and your kids wont join it you will be somewhere safe waiting to come and take your high position throwing us into history. People don’t want to be used anymore for the benefit of others. Suffering is nothing so long life. I have lots to teach, but I cannot carry on ask people who were involved in the 70s war.
You people u expose your stupidity so much. What those of u who think you are very very good is to organize yourselves like Zanu and take your parties to the top. You are like other people who talk so much bad things about your competitor when u are proposing to a lady.
Well Vince, that is a very good idea. I to disagree with political parties if you part of one you are expected to tow the line whether it is right or wrong. Your outline of selecting certain personalities for what they are able to accomplish for our country should be the way forward. Without creating a problem, i foresee a few issues that would need to be overcome, however with all the aptitude, not just of the Diaspora but of every Zimbabwean i am sure problems such as, how do you arrive at the criteria to be used to select the right person for the job. How do you make it all inclusive across all sections of our society?
Diaspora save the country, when they are excluded from making an impact on the same? How is that possible?
Start by ensuring your whole legal system does not discriminate against those who took the opportunity to escape the rot and decadence of the political mess [and the lawlessness, decline of the economy]. They should not be penalised when they return, nor be excluded from political freedom of expression.
Do not patronise them, ans=d insist they tow a particular party line. That way, real freedom of expression will be entrenched. Unfortunately, I am not holding my breath as this will not come until the real independence of the people has been achieved.
Diaspora save the country, when they are excluded from making an impact on the same? How is that possible?
Start by ensuring your whole legal system does not discriminate against those who took the opportunity to escape the rot and decadence of the political mess [and the lawlessness, decline of the economy]. They should not be penalised when they return, nor be excluded from political freedom of expression.
Do not patronise them, and insist they tow a particular party line. That way, real freedom of expression will be entrenched. Unfortunately, I am not holding my breath as this will not come until the real independence of the people has been achieved.
“Unless we act now, Zanu (PF) will continue to embarrass us while destroying the future of our country as we watch and complain.” Vince Zanu pf at this time and point are in the EMBARRASSING BUSINESS as you hear what the said about the employment situation and when they asked “where are the bodies”(Posted on July 10, 2014 by ZimSitRep) They are in that business and they have the tools to remain there at this moment. What can the diaspora do or even be effective when Zanu holds all the aces. Talk about leaders you have ZUNDE in the diaspora. I don’t see how they can have an impact on what happens in a country that is run by a dictator who does not even permit a person outside the country to cough.
What I do know is that this will be ended by the people that are in the country. Those that are in the diaspora need to give what ever support to those they can at home and be prepared to come in at short notice and invest so as our Grandchildren can get jobs and skills for the future. That is not possible at this time and point because all these thieves will do is wait for you to establish your business, and then take it away by bringing in some stupid legislation. As long as the Temba Mliswas the Supa Mandiwanziras and the Philip Chiyangwas are free nobodys business is safe.
they want the money from the diaspora thats all
and probably abuse the money from people in the diaspora
Diaspora? is a particular group of people that are being asked to assist e.g. if it includes caucasians it will not happen when they see and hear what is happening, eg. targetng their business from the indeginisation perspective and still there are issues with the farms
Vince ,I Am with you all the way. I have been witnessing some movement along those lines the past two months. People are coming up with ideas of coming with an administrative regime that will then pave way for an election carried out with reforms in place. I can see the light .The regime is capitu!aging with Gumbo calling on the opposition to come on board. This being ZANU ,we must never take anything at face value. We should ask for reforms first and not make the same Tsvangirai mistakes.
We should not have the same idiotic leaders in the negotiations, that is Mugabe and Tsvangirai. There must be time scales to avoid being used by ZANU as their get out of jail card.
This is about Zimbabwe ,not individuals.
most zimbabweans whould rather be outside than inside they feel unwanted by the zanu government ,not allowed to vote ,not allowed ,to hold dual citizenship, even if its there in the new constitution,SHAME.
I feel so encouraged by this discourse. Most encouraging is the absence of dissenters. Those who just criticise any new idea without offering alternatives. Even those we disagree with, we should allow them to contribute ideas. Even discredited politicians have some good ideas. Even Tsvangirai and some people in ZANU do have some positive ideas. Now we agree, we should not allow ZANU(PF) to be the referee of our future. As of now, Mugabe is trying to pick and choose what part of the new constitution to adopt.
The other day, I heard a very good point, saying we should use Greece’s solution of having technocrats to craft new economic solutions. I couldn’t agree more. Lets not end there, for too long I have noticed in Zimbabwe, we seem to forget to adopt workable solutions that are being used outside the country.
Come on, Zimbabweans are gutless why do you think bob has managed to get away destroying the country for so long. Toothless dogs
you voted this fool into power, now live with it.
Rather harsh from one who calls himself ashamed. I for one never voted for him and I am sure somewhere along the line I heard something about rigging?
Two things:
1) Government’s job is to hv policies in place that permit enterprizing people to effect change. If ZANU only knew. However, the current feel they hv to determine each citizen’s movements and undertakings and citizens hv come to believe their betterment must be delivered by govt. Wrong. But reality. A free people flourish and make their own development within a framework of good govt policies and with adequate govt effort to supply the required public goods.
2) The responsibility for freeing Zim from the political menace is for us all Diasporans and us all. Let us not encourage anyone to think they can have a better Zim without their participation. Or look up to a particular group of people while one sits on their laurels.
Any movement that seeks to make any change to the status quo will need the maximum cooperation of people and in numbers which has always been difficult because most people want to leave action to others ‘who will sacrifice life and limp’ and the rest wait to come out after. To eat the spoils. Lets be united for once! Let’s not be the perennial bystanders in the story of our lives. And let’s not push anyone upfront but rather go head on with monster together. That is our only viable choice.
Ideas are always good for the Nation as a whole. Reality is another matter. Vince Musewe has always been able to get a good debate going with his constructive articles. At the same time others will also contribute using the current situation in the country as a gauge. Before what Vince says can happen the Army and the Police would have to be impartial. They are not. The courts have to be fair. They are not. The legislators must be accountable to the Populace. They are not. The opportunities will present themselves eventually. The doors will open. That is why I think debate amongst people is so important. Timing is of the essence. When the door opens people must be prepared to walk though. The door opened in 2008. Those leaders that were standing at the doorway stood and waited till the door closed. We have seen some resistance in some areas of the community. The fear of the President has always been a factor in restraining people. That will soon end as he gets too old to operate. This will also diminish as the Zanu bigwigs fight to position themselves. The people in the Diaspora are not in a position to successfully influence influence these coming events. If they come back into the country unless they tow the Zanu line they risk being stripped of their assets by the Zanu hawks who are asking them to come back. If they are white their contribution to the country is limited by the restriction that the indeginisation laws bring.Some EU countries are also peeping in to see if they can befriend the regime. This being the scenario at the moment we have to wait for events to overwhelm the Dictatorship.
I am totally agreeable to this kind of approach in solving our problems. Politicians have failed dismally. Collective effort of like minded progressive diasporans will make a difference. Remember that peoiple back home rely on us for survival hence we can with confidence claim to be the ones running that country’s economy. If we put aside racism, tribalism and sexism and respect each and every resident of Zimbabwe, his contributions, his ambitions and his possible role to play in a new Zimbabwe we can then move on and achieve a better society for ourselves and our next generations. No one wants to stay in the diaspora. I can confirm that hardly ady passes without thinking about my future back home.I have achieved a lot in a foreign land BUT still feel I would be better with half what I have here while at home than doubling what I have here. United we will conquer!
I don’t know what source Roving Ambassador is using”.The regime is capitu!aging with Gumbo calling on the opposition to come on board”.
Mugabe has made it quite clear that he will not entertain any Government of National unity. Which opposition are you talking of? Come on board doing what? Zanu is not prepared to negotiate with anyone. As far as I see the opposition are opposing each other.
Ian Smith did this to the old generationd the rebelled. The current regime makes Smith look like a saint…and we just watch. What kind of custodians are we for future generations. We are a bunch of irresponsible fools..Just crying crying….Haaaa, Vince you’re damn right man. We are wasting our lifetime just lamenting and then what?
Johnson, Ian Smith was surrounded by countries that were hostile to Zimbabwe. Mugabe is surrounded by countries who back him. Currently the only country that does not back him is planning mass deportations of Zimbabweans. I think Do little is right. The change will come from within.
I do not know what source Roving Ambassador is using”.The regime is capitu!aging with Gumbo calling on the opposition to come on board”.
Mugabe has made it quite clear that he will not entertain any Government of National unity. Which opposition are you talking of? Come on board doing what? Zanu is not prepared to negotiate with anyone. As far as I see the opposition are opposing each other.
Zimbabwe’s problem is they have no credible leaders. The youth that should have been educated post 1980 have only learnt to take or steal and not to create and serve (as a Civil Servant should. The present bunch from the various parties all seem to think it is a job for life and that the job does not come with responsibilities. Zimbabwe will have these same problems for the next 50-100 years until a new responsible generation comes in and really rules with sense and justice.
Vince. Another good article. I believe the diaspora will respond when they see civil society starting to rise inside the country – and people openly saying to ZPF – enough, we want change. Behind the scenes organisation of civil society will be critical, including some (very) strategic alliances that need to be carefully structured and protected. It can happen
The most amazing thing is that the Black Government actually are more racists than the white government. The only solution I can see is if Strive Masiwa can be president and pull us out of this terrible rut that the ruling party has put us through – black/white racist/thieving/thuggery village mentality. What was the liberation struggle for I don’t understand as our dignity has been taken away worse by those who liberated this country. The people are suffering more than ever in the history of this country. What was worse than now in Rhodesia.
“The most amazing thing is that the Black Government actually are more racists than the white government. ”
Why are you amazed at this ? Racism is a universal feature of human nature. It is a part of tribalism, and probably started when the first humans began to hunt in packs and fight other packs.
Like other vices, it can be overcome by conscious effort. Jesus has a lot to say about it in the various gospels.
agree and they are getting away with it
remember its not about politicians in zimbabwe its brutality on those who organise demonstrations ,ask tsvangirai, and chamisa,they were left for dead ,what did we as a nation do? nothing,we have to be prepared for the worst as a nation not only political parties
I like this debate. Vince must understand that ZUNDE is not a political party. It is a movement for Zimbabweans United for Democracy (hence ZUNDE)that was formed to do exactly what Vince is saying. If you mean what you say Vince, make ZUNDE your rallying point for a start if this idea can be kick-started. We do not need to form another grouping or movement. In Zunde we can demonstrate real unity that sticks, and then we can together bring on board our own leaders who can deliver a true democratic dispensation that can be inherited by our children. Yes I agree. to hell with these politicians. They are pushing us back and we are educated enough not to allow this under our watch.
You cant achieve anything without Political parties. Be open and form your parties. Do not ambush people. People want to know the people they choose to be their leaders. Iam of the understanding that the writer is campaigning for a group which is trying to wrestle power from a leader of a political party axactly they have been saying the same. I can see the motive behind this writing and the writer has been doing it in different ways. Come open my dear. You cant rule without first forming a party.The diaspora is supporting the country economically by cash remittances, goods and sponsoring education for children and relatives.
Musewe the attention seeker. The diaspora might be waiting for you to get off your comfortable academic c armchair and lead the barricades. Something tells me you don’t have the guts like most of an effeminate bogus opposition
Vince you are good at what you do, just that many people in SA and other countries surrounding Zim do not know about you. I know you through you analisis and critics thats all. Why don’t you come out of where you are hiding and help us to take our country back. Since you are an economist so you know how to run the economy we will support you as long as comee to South Africa and hold meeting with the Zimbabwe masses. Mr Vince i would also like to point out that as long as you think that we shall win the country back through a vote that will never happen, we need to take it the way Robert Matibili did through the barrel that it finish and klar.