Zimbabwe’s current problems can only be solved internally, and locals ought to find each other to turn around the economy and ensure political stability, says Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Gladys Kokorwe.
In an exclusive interview with The Zimbabwean last week, the top diplomat discouraged Zimbabweans from depending on other countries to accomplish their goals.
“No amount of outside intervention can solve Zimbabwe’s internal problems. The people should unite and work together to revive the economy. We are all waiting for the country to be the breadbasket of the continent again,” she said.
At one time, Zimbabwe had the second biggest economy in the SADC region after South Africa.It was renowned for excellent agricultural production and Harare headed the SADC food and agriculture section.
However, a controversial fast track land redistribution exercise that displaced hundreds of thousands of commercial farm workers led to a sharp fall in food production.
Kokorwe urged Zimbabweans not to be divided along political lines. “It is acceptable that people belong to various political parties. What is important is building the nation. Fighting one another through party politics will not build the country. Whether one is Zanu (PF) or MDC, the fact is that you are all Zimbabweans at the end of the day,” she added.
Since the formation of the MDC in 1999, the country has been politically polarised, as Zanu (PF) cracked down on supporters of any perceived political opponents, leading to widespread violence and massive human rights abuses.
The ambassador said SADC’s efforts in assisting Zimbabwe needed to be complimented by the government’s cooperation.
“SADC can help but there is more that can be done by Zimbabwe. SADC needs cooperation from the people and countries that need help,” she said.
For several years, SADC has been mediating in the Zimbabwean crisis, but its efforts have been met with resistance, especially from Zanu (PF) hardliners reluctant to weaken the party’s grip on power, and the access to enormous wealth that goes with it.
Kokorwe said it was important for Zimbabwe to speed up the constitution-making process so as to pave way for free and fair elections as soon as possible.
“Zimbabweans should learn from my country when it comes to elections. During election time there is peace and everything goes on in the normal way, without violence. I believe that as soon as Zimbabwe has elections, things will be back to normal,” she said.
Kokorwe applauded the bilateral relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe, which has seen several joint commissions sealed in the last two years. “The development of relations has seen the two countries co-operating in various areas, including trade, animal disease control, agriculture, defence and security. “We will continue to assist Zimbabwe – but it does not mean we can solve its problems. If we don’t help our neighbour what will happen when our country is on fire?” she added.
The two countries recently reached an agreement whereby Botswana would provide a P500 million credit facility to revive Zimbabwe’s ailing industrial sector. “The line of credit will assist Zimbabwe as it has no access to international lenders like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It is vital that industries are resuscitated to create employment,” said the ambassador.
The credit facility is being bankrolled by commercial banks that get a guarantee from the Gaborone government. This follows an appeal from SADC leaders to make funds available to assist industry to recover. Zimbabwe cannot get credit from lenders like the IMF and the World Bank because it defaulted on loans from those organizations about a decade ago.
Post published in: Africa News