Brightface Mutema
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently, broke the news that brought melodious echoes to every progressive Zimbabwean who cares about unity and prosperity in a bid to move our nation forward economically.
Without trying to add or subtract from what he uttered, the President said that he was inviting leaders all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside their differences and come together. He went on to say what unites Zimbabwe is stronger than what could ever divide her. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first.
Sounding progressive as he did, still there are some who are obsessed with the big brother mentality that is so retrogressive and one starts to wonder whether they are for the people or against the masses.
Zimbabweans should start realising the riches that comes with a united rather than a divided nation. We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.
I read with utmost awe and astonishment the reaction of MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa to the clarion call for an all-inclusive dialogue. As I went through Chamisa’s series of responses, it left me to challenge him not to be politically gullible but rather be level headed. The call for dialogue was not directed to Chamisa alone but to all stakeholders who care to build Zimbabwe. So why did Chamisa hastened to lay down some pre conditions for the dialogue?
Let us girdle our loins, this is no longer the time for us to continue holding on to political differences and retrogressive demands at the expense of the masses and the economy. For how long can we allow our political differences and the elections hangover to get the better of us?
The country is reeling under the brunt of economic challenges and political polarisation that needs to be fumigated. But can this be achieved if we continue to pull in different directions even in light of the call to unity?
This leaves one to question if some politicians are for the people or they ride and rejoice on the suffering of ordinary citizens. This is a challenge to Nelson Chamisa and all those who doubt the sincerity of President Mnangagwa in calling for dialogue to give it a chance.
The economic situation now needs everyone to put their hands on the deck and steer the country forward. It is agonizing to see a fellow country man living on a dollar per day while we have avenues to improve our lot as a united nation.
Unity of purpose is needed more than before. In unity the country can rediscover its past glory. As Zimbabwe we risk losing a whole generation to the harsh reality of the economic quagmire. Just for goodness sake, let us expedite a national dialogue to save us from the jaws of the stinging economic doldrums.
It is disheartening how some citizens are rejoicing in the increasing cost of living while they display tantrums on efforts for a national dialogue. What really do we need Zimbabweans?
With all honesty, dialogue is needed as soon as yesterday so that we can save our beloved nation. Men of robes should seize the latest call by the President to catalyse dialogue as they had earlier on attempted.
As Lady Smith Black Mambazo puts it, “Let us preach unity the gospel, humility and tranquillity! If we become together as one, without trying to throw spanners on our way to stardom, in the twinkling of an eye we can rediscover our lost mojo. But dialogue is the panacea!
