By Rudo Saungweme
It is dismaying to note that there are some Zimbabweans who are working hand and glove with their Western handlers to discredit efforts by Government in the implementation of reforms. Reforms’ implementation is on course and those making noise on reforms have their own nefarious agenda divorced from the democratic intent and purpose of the same.
Progressive Zimbabweans are aware of the steps being undertaken by the Government in implementing these reforms and are ready to support the undertaking.
One of those appreciating these efforts is the independent presidential candidate in the 2018 elections, Brian Taurai Mteki who openly came out and acknowledged the efforts by Government in that endeavour. Mteki went to the extent of saying that he is now re-joining Zanu PF because the new dispensation under President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reformed as compared to the previous Government.
The reformist agenda has taken centre stage in the Second Republic and any sensible person can vouch for these efforts which are already bearing fruit.
There are many reforms which have been implemented which include media reforms, political reforms and economic reforms. The media reforms are being reviewed so as to see how they can be improved to achieve best international practice and to align them with the constitution.
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is being repealed and replaced with three legal instruments, which are the Access to Information Bill, the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill and the Protection of Personal Information/Data Protection Bill.
Speaking during 2019 World Press Freedom Day breakfast meeting that was organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe earlier this year, the MISA Zimbabwe Chairperson Golden Maunganidze commended the steps being undertaken by the Government towards media reforms.
“MISA Zimbabwe welcomes steps taken by the Government so far through the three draft Bills as part of its commitment and pledges to implement the long-overdue media law and policy reforms,” he said.
This shows that some genuine Zimbabweans are seeing the efforts of the Government in rebuilding a democratic country.
Pertaining to the mantra of opening the country for business, the new dispensation in 2018 amended the restrictive Indigenisation and Empowerment Act of 2007, which restricted foreign ownership of shares in local businesses to 49 percent.
March 2018, saw the amendment of the exclusionary Indigenisation law from all sectors but the diamond and platinum sectors. Foreign investors are now free to invest in the non-resource sectors without any restrictions as the new dispensation moves to facilitate the transfer of technology, value-addition and creation of employment.
The Government is doing all it can to turn around the economy. It’s only the MDC party which is pursuing its “jecha” narrative to push for regime change agenda which is choosing to give a blind eye to President Mnangagwa and his administration`s concerted efforts.
Amidst the entire hullabaloo about the slow pace the reforms are being implemented by our detractors, lest we forget, reforms are for Zimbabweans and no-one else. President Mnangagwa said as much when he was quoted recently saying “We are not reforming to appease the nations of the world, but because reform is necessary to build the future our people desire. Of course, there is still much work to do, but we are heading in the right direction".
If we work together and appreciate each other`s efforts we will attain our Vision 2030. Our Government is for the people and will do what the people want. President Mnangagwa is not only willing to engage and re-engage the international community alone but also has opened channels for Zimbabweans to find each other through POLAD.
All Zimbabweans should work together for a better Zimbabwe.
