Is This A Changing Of The Guards

Most failures in Change Management are grounded in people’s emotional attitudes to change, and consequently are not necessarily rational in nature. It is there extremely important for the new Inclusive Government to address the issue of communication and information through a thoroughly professional means so that Zimbabweans are on the same page and can buy into the change agenda. 

It was such a shame that while those of us in the Diaspora could watch the proceedings of the signing ceremony live on BBC and Sky channels on 15 September, 08, most Zimbabweans did not even know there was such a historic occasion going on. It is also possible that details of the agreement remains scant to most Zimbabweans because not enough care has been to ensure information filters down to the remotest of our villages and translated into vernacular as well so that every Zimbabwean has an understanding of what has been agreed. There is still an opportunity for the new inclusive government to re-run the proceeding of how it happened at Rainbow Towers in Harare .  

Our media practitioners, some of which are imbedded in party politics may need some reorientation so that our change efforts as Zimbabweans are articulated satisfactorily at all times. This will include areas where the new inclusive government will be failing and areas where they succeed and where the responsibility for outcomes lie. Points scoring and partisan support for individual players is one thing that we need to guard against as Zimbabweans but accountability should the corner stone of the new beginning. It is important to avoid declaring victory too soon even if we need to secure short-term wins in order inspire the people. 

The quick wins that the new government could achieve include issues that may not need resources but just political good will. Such issues include, opening up the media which is in the agreement. The media can promote a battle of ideas if run professionally and it is important for community development. In the past our politics has been focusing too much on individuals and personalities. Local newspapers and community radio stations will help to build vibrant communities where change should actually start from in the first place otherwise the change agenda will only cater for the elite. 

The new government is therefore encouraged to quickly communicate its vision. However, a vision that is communicated through appropriate media for respective audiences (in the rural areas, urban areas and even the Diaspora) is no vision. Gone are the days of arrogant and No comment” interviews by public office holders who owe their positions to the public in the first place. There will be no room for spin because a vibrant media will help the public to see through spin anyway. So, may the work begin!