That is the belief of Rodrick Chimombe (37), a Zimbabwean businessman who aspires to future political office. The founder and owner of Cape Town-based company, Rod Timber Products, believes politics and the economy should go hand-in-glove.
“We are a company that specializes in manufacturing timber products that include playground structures, outdoor wooden decking, gazebos and assorted types of timber fencing.
“I have always been an ambitious person and I know that one day I will be at the summit – both as a politician and as a businessman. Nothing beats the power of ambition if the route taken is the correct one. What you aspire to be is what you will ultimately become if you pursue it with passion and proper guidance.”
Having been hounded to South Africa a few years ago because of his membership of the MDC, it is about the political field that he is more concerned.
“The challenges facing our country were largely caused by the seed of fear planted inside the hearts of most people by Zanu (PF),” said the Marondera-born Chimombe.
“The only way things can change is when better political leaders, inspired by the will to serve the people, are voted into office. From the look of things, that kind of change is imminent if the people of Zimbabwe can protect their votes and make sure that political transition is fulfilled and honoured.”
He believes the forthcoming election holds the key to the future. “The time to pursue personal prosperity will come, but for now, I would like to urge my countrymen to put aside their differences and play a crucial part in changing the political discourse, as this will be a make-or-break election. Now is the time for all of us to be patriotic and put our nation ahead of everything else.”
He said the Zanu (PF) reign had, during the past three decades, turned an erstwhile united and prosperous country upside down through the destruction of its humanity and economic prosperity.
Citizens should strive for an end to the breakdown of law and order and the polarisation that has destroyed the country’s social fabric. Having gone through some of the worst forms of political victimisation at the hands of state security agents, Chimombe is still feeling the pain from the experience that saw him turn his back on his homeland while it burned.
“I did not want to leave without helping solve the problems afflicting my country, but the decision to leave was the best one I could take at the time because I was going through political hell at the hands of political vampires that forced me to migrate to South Africa. That still pains me,” he said.
“But I have not lost my focus and if anything, this has given me more zeal to work towards a better Zimbabwe for future generations. My involvement in Diaspora political activism is one way of contributing to the struggle and this will keep growing till we get the Zimbabwe we want.”
But where does he get the inspiration, considering that a number of fellow activists have thrown in the towel once they settled in their more peaceful and prosperous foreign bases?
“My political career has always been inspired by the late Leanmore Jongwe and all other MDC heroes that have died or been persecuted trying to solve our political and economic problems.”
He was persuaded by Tonse Nkomo to join the MDC at its formation when he was 23. He has served in various positions in the party and says he has walked a long winding political journey and gained experience on how to serve the people.
Post published in: News