Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, she described Zimbabwe’s current situation as a crossroads. “The people, parties and government can decide to grab the opportunity to push towards freedom, democracy and the rule of law and to improve relations with the rest of the world,” Jossiaze said, adding that it was not up to her to judge the leadership qualities of Zimbabwe’s politicians, but it was the duty of the people who should choose the right person to put food on the table at the next elections.
The Dutch government was willing to “improve relations with Zimbabwe alongside positive and concrete steps on the Zimbabwean side” she said.
Uncertainty still hangs over the crafting of a new constitution, to which the Netherlands has provided financial support through the United Nations, that would lead to democratic elections. And President Mugabe is under fire for using security arms to maintain a strong grip on power and siphon revenue from the diamond mines for his Zanu (PF) party’s gain.
The Netherlands, Jossiaze said, is still fighting to ensure peace, freedom, development, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe, “many of the same values that we stood for” during the country’s fight against colonial rule.
While a new constitution would be a positive development, she said, it would be equally important to ensure that it was well-enforced. She urged Zimbabweans to “stop political bickering and start rebuilding a country in which every person’s rights are respected”.
On the media, Jossiaze said while the coalition government had brought forth some reforms, “to be honest this has not been far reaching” as media laws “continue to gag the free flow of information”.
Since 2009, several newspapers, among them The Zimbabwean, have been granted a licence by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. Two radio stations have also been registered, but this is considered window-dressing as they are seen as sympathetic to Zanu (PF) and Mugabe. “There is definitely scope for opening up the media environment. What are the politicians afraid of?” asked the Ambassador. The top diplomat is convinced that Zimbabwe can be self-sufficient if it manages its resources well. “The bottom line is that Zimbabwe does not need aid. It needs a government that is accountable and it needs transparency in terms of natural resources,” she said.
A recent Global Witness report indicates that the Zanu (PF) side of the GNU is using money from the diamonds fields, that should be going to the Treasury, to oil the operations of the Central Intelligence Organisation, which analysts say is preoccupied with propping up Mugabe.
Jossiaze added that it was not up to her to judge the leadership qualities of Zimbabwe’s politicians, but it was the duty of the people who should choose the right person to put food on the table at the next elections.
Regarding investment, her country was adopting a wait-and-see attitude, even though Dutch companies were interested in doing business in the country.
“It is too early to say that we are confident in doing business in Zimbabwe. What I do like is that the Dutch are willing to come here and have a look. Of course they will not be impressed by the investment climate because of the rule of law, and property rights,” she said.
She expressed reservations regarding the indigenisation policy that entails forcing foreign owned companies to cede 51% of their shareholding to locals, doubting if the ordinary person – who should be the ultimate beneficiary – would indeed benefit.
Jossiaze said the on-going seizure of conservancies in the Save Valley that has seen more than 200 Zanu (PF)-aligned individuals benefitting which undermined the economy and disempowered local communities that were dependent on them for their livelihoods. “The current seizures are undermining the future of this country. I am worried about the Dutch investors but to be honest I am more worried about people living in those communities (for)…they have nowhere to go (and) they are losing out,” she said.
Post published in: News