By Tendai Matunhu
Citizens have defended the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) against criticism emanating from the participants’ meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Sherwood farm in Kwekwe this weekend.
Citizens said participants of POLAD are patriotic and that opposing each other must not be conflated with enmity.
Posting on his twitter handle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana said, “Opposing each other is not enmity. You can still have amity. You can have a cordial conversation in the national interest where those in opposition are able to present alternative policy positions options. Opposing each other does not mean disloyalty to the nation.”
MDC T Vice President, Obert Gutu twitted, “We don't do POLAD because we want to have tea and scones! No! We are not bragging but the fact of the matter is that we can buy our own tea and scones and in fact, we can afford to book ourselves in any hotel that we want! We do POLAD simply because we love Zimbabwe!
“Scream all the abuse and trash that you like about POLAD, we don't give a damn! We are resolute and focused. We are strategic and we are excited that just about everyone in & out of Zimbabwe is now talking and even dreaming about POLAD. We have got a viable game plan,” said Gutu.
Gutu went on to say, “Some people are always complaining that life in Zimbabwe is extremely difficult. Surprisingly, the very people who complain the loudest are not willing to proffer solutions to the myriad socio-economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. Be pro-active! Don't just complain.
“President Thabo Mbeki appreciates the remarkable achievements made by POLAD. We outlined to him POLAD's achievements profile and he was impressed. To expect Thabo Mbeki to advocate for the disbanding of POLAD is like wishing that one day Lucifer will conquer Heaven. It won't happen,” he said.
Speaking on the same issue in defending POLAD one netizen, known as Effort Makusha twitted saying, “Being political opponents must not mean being enemies. A lot of Zimbabweans are yet to realize this that is why some are shocked by the peace and hospitality happening in POLAD. It is because such people mistake opponents for enemies. President Mnangagwa is doing well in promoting political hospitality.
“You can force a donkey to the river but you can't force it to drink water. As such POLAD haimanikidzwi munhu to join it. Asingadi you are free to stay out but Dialogue via POLAD will continue. No POLAD, no Dialogue. Pasi nemaarrivalists,” he said.
The launch of POLAD symbolises unity of purpose which President Mnangagwa is always preaching so as to move the country forward. SADC and AU have also accepted and endorsed POLAD as a vehicle for solving local problems without external intervention.
