Give Makoni a Chance

Something has been whispered about how the Prince of Makoni performed as SADC’s Secretary General and head of the Energy and Finance ministries, but if past failures are the only reason to prevent Makoni from standing then no candidate would qualify.
As Makoni steps forward to present himself as a Presidential candidate without responding to insults directed him by his detractors, he breathes fresh air into Zimbabwean politics. Makoni has been silent since the speculation on his political intentions started in the media and those of us who were not sure of his approach asked why he had been so silent. There is no smoke without fire. It might now be concluded that he was listening and calculating his move. In politics a day is too long, as long as you do your maths right. Makoni certainly made some wine from the political grape vine and his reputation preceded him indeed.
Makoni waited for the Movement for Democratic Change factions to announce their strategy (or lack of it as we know) to avoid being accused of causing divisions within the opposition. He comes at a time the MDC cannot blame anyone, even Mugabe for dividing them, apart from their greedy and self importance. Eddie Cross strangely thinks Zimbabweans will find some solace in knowing which MDC faction has a bigger following rather than win the elections. Talk of the Pot calling the cattle black.
There is always enough space for all Zimbabweans who wish to help their country yet the space has been shut out to those extra pair of hands who could make a difference. You cannot have any significant role in the MDC or Zanu PF unless you were there when they formed the parties or went to war. We cannot all be born at the same and same place, and God has a purpose for each and every one of us when the time comes.
It is my view that in Zimbabwe we have people who have now personalised the available political and civic space, call them power sharks and these power sharks are preaching one best way to bring about a New Zimbabwe, or maintaining our sovereignty. What eludes the power sharks is the simple fact that, change cannot come about when the same old people are doing what they have always done because they will always get what they have always got.
Simba Makoni offers a new beginning and opportunity for all Zimbabweans locked out by the power sharks of Zimbabwean politics. The good thing about Makoni is that he is not into politics for money and he has never been a career politician. Zimbabweans will not be surprised with cheap shots at him by the usual suspects. Structural thinkers will argue that the Makoni initiative has no structures, even though it is clear that the ground work was done sometime ago that is why the rumour circulated anyway, what has happened now is just an announcement of the state of play. When the MDC was formed it went into elections in 2000 with no functional structures, in some cases candidates were simply appointed to stand.
As Makoni offers to work with people across the political divide he has assured a new approach to Zimbabwean politics. It is about where you were or where you come from it is about what you bring to serve Zimbabwe and it is this servant mentality which we now need not the chef mentality. Zimbabweans across the globe are already asking how we can help to bring about positive that is inclusive, tolerant, and accommodating and a change which will put the people first. With Makoni joining the race, the March 2008 Zimbabwean elections will never be the same again.