I would like to share a vision or what I call an alternative perspective to the New Zimbabwe that is imminent considering both age and inevitable discord within the ruling party over succession, ideology and tact (G40 vs Crocs). It would be unwise to attempt envisioning this New Zimbabwe without giving context and acknowledging the tumultuous history and the systems (new and old) that shaped the Zimbabwe of the past 35 or so years.
One that has became unbearable for many, ideal for a few and alien to those who fled to the Diaspora seeking social and economic refuge. The ‘one party state’ mantra of a young energetic Mugabe, his party’s disdain for a multi party democracy and outright disregard of difference, pluralism and alternative views (all on record historically or otherwise) stand out for me. In this dark era one risked being labelled a sell-out, puppet of the West, unpatriotic all summed up as ‘zvimbwasungata’, a derogatory term coined by the man himself, describing those that dared to differ with him.
Many former nationalist amongst them Nkomo, Sithole, Mangena, Zvobgo, Tekere, Tongogara, Mujuru and more who dared oppose this warped vision of a post independence Zimbabwe faced the wrath of the powerful, self appointed emperor of the Zimbabwean people. Over time the unfortunate outcome was that our country and its post 1980 systems of governance, the judiciary and legislature were cowed as they submissively created a cult like figure, a demigod of sorts.
One whose stature got conflated with state leadership, one that instinctively rewarded blind loyalty and turned a blind eye on the liberation war principles of democracy and by extension the base desire for morality as long as one bowed and submitted to the master. A repressive system both at state and party level was created, sometimes buttressed by legislation to instil a sense of legitimacy as it persecuted those that dared to differ and stand against the status quo, ‘moments of madness’ indeed I must say.
Unfortunately for the emperor, this grip on power saw many adversaries thwarted, some wounded, some humiliated some even got burnt literally, creating a mass of silent but angry critics and enemies that are waiting in the shadows to capitalise on the weaknesses of the incumbent and any cracks in the system (state and party). What does this lurking disaster and impending chaos mean for a new Zimbabwe that I want to propose? What does it mean for those that were mislead to believe in the invincibility of the master.
What would happen to their extremely warm cups of tea (borrowing for Gwede Mantashe’s analysis of power in SA), when the source of warmth (power) is taken off through natural means or incapacitated due to inevitable natural processes of ageing, what then? Several confusing, related and some unrelated events/attempts from within and from outside the ruling party that we are witnessing today are an indication of the growing uneasiness that is prevailing as the various forces have realised the crashing reality of a Godly inevitability that is looming.
As such the so called witches of Dotito have been chastised, the activists amongst us made to disappear during broad daylight, the gullible masses are also being rallied to prepare Dr Amai using state resources for who knows what, whilst the Crocs (Lacorste) on the other side are clandestinely reintegrating Zimbabwe or at least their interests to the West undercover of the dark and laced with pseudo-reformist diplomacy.
The sum of all this turbulence is a ruthless contest for power (political and resources) Â and a recognition of the unavoidable post-Mugabe era, one that will either preserve the status quo, redefine a new trajectory altogether or one that can potentially take us back to 2001/8 (God forbid).
Having briefly scared the living wits out of your psychic, now I want to turn to my proposal which might sound unthinkable, it could be spelling out an unpalatable mix of polarised ideologies, ideas and beliefs that are poles apart and incapable of being bridged by any sort of deliberation or shared value of sorts. Biti has been toying around with the idea of a Transitional Council that must assume the functions of the state and stabilise the economy and put together systems in preparation for a democratic transition.
His idea as much as it sounds alien to the Zimbabwean political landscape, is an idea nonetheless that has potential in reshaping a new Zimbabwe but with serious alterations to some of his basic assumptions. The model of the GNU was a great lesson that the opposition would not want to entertain at all, even though I feel that some insecure ZANU PF reformists are secretly hoping for another stint of stability that would allow them to legitimately regroup again.
This premise will not work for reasons known to all, given the unfortunate mix of outcomes of the GNU era and the unbelievable 2013 elections. However the solution to this uncertainty in my view lies at the confluence of Biti’s Technical Transitional Council (TTC) and the idea of a Grand Coalition (GC) being pedalled by clergies, opposition leaders and the masses out there.
This mix of the two concepts has the potential to create a stable political, economic and electoral environment that can slowly transform Zimbabwe into the democracy that we are all yeaning for. Having said that, it is not without its challenges, for starters who will convene it, who will lead it and related to that, what will be the matrix of power and whose ideologies will prevail over others?
I have chosen to take a safe starting point, using the new constitution as the point of departure. Though I am not convinced that this constitution is perfect since it reflects conditions in certain parties as national positions, I believe nonetheless that constitutional experts like vaMagaisa, Professor Ncube and vaMudhuku and others will concur that it offers a sufficient basis for transforming Zimbabwe based on its progressive Bill of rights, state Institutions or Commissions, the separation of powers between the judiciary, parliament and government. In that case it should then be the guiding document that the Grand Coalition should depart from.
On the Matrix of power, it will be challenging to propose who leads and who follows but looking at the status quo now, ZANU is certainly not united, the opposition is fragmented but also has some formidable leadership and structures that can be relied on. A Tsvangirai, Mai Mujuru and Munangagwa alliance is unlikely but my gut feel tells me that we need a makeshift leadership of some sort, one that will be tasked to ensure Zimbabwe’s transition into a democracy with the least cost on human life.
One that will have the responsibility of taking Zimbabwe forward based on constitutionalism, respect of human rights and one that will ensure prosperity for all its people. In this scenario we might not need ‘bloody’ and contentious elections at all, but serious political deliberations with SADC and some other bodies facilitating the talks and shaping the outcome.
However for known reasons if ZANU PF opts to go it alone as they did in 2013 (kwakufudza mombe dzavo vega musango imomo), the current socio-economic results, shocking as they may, are an indication that they have lost steam and that they will eventually crash on their own excess and weight.
In that case a Mujuru/Tsvangirai led coalition is the only way, preceded by the 2018 elections but supported obviously by the technical abilities of the Bitis, Ncubes, Makonis, Madhukus and relying on the war credentials of the Dabengwas, Gumbos, vaMutasa and others including the moderates from the Post Congress ZANU PF to ensure peace and stability.
A clear distinction between the leadership will have to recognised, giving definition to terms such as Head of State and Head of Government . A lean, technical cabinet and a streamlined parliament that activates constitutionalism, reforms oppressive state organs, develops an economic resuscitation framework beyond party lines.
This transitional authority will take a limited mandate, one of reframing the new Zimbabwe, its ideology and its state systems. In my view it should also have a limited life, 4 to 5 years at least, in which it will lay the foundation of a desirable, progressive future for Zimbabwe. And in the spirit of innovation and to minimise redundancy and recycling of old failed ideas I would also propose that none of the leaders (at least the top 4 of this coalition) whose sole purpose will be to redefine a new Zimbabwe the Mandela way, will be allowed to stand for any elections afterwards.
Thus allowing young innovative Zimbabweans between the age of 30 to 60 a chance to contest leadership based on their ideas and strategies for a new Zimbabwe in line with the constitution, the new vision created by the transitional council and above all its people, the electorate both in Zimbabwe and the Diaspora. A truth and Reconciliation Commission will also come in handy in healing our people from the oppressive past without focusing on retribution and also ensuring compensation and public apologies for the victims to ensure some lasting restorative justice prevails.
Never again in this New-Zimbabwe that I envision will we see power being transferred from husbands to wives or to cruel friends without putting them through a gruesome process of public scrutiny and judgement based on their merits and public appeal. This proposal needs to be actioned now, the pussy-footing antics by our leaders today will not take us anyway.
Zimbabwe needs collective minds now that ever, it requires a collective strategy and a collective vision that transcends years of self imposed isolation, political ideology and affiliation. The self defeating rhetoric and abuse of state resources and state systems by a few at the expense of millions who by the way also have a legitimate right to those resources and systems that they are being systematically denied needs to be undone permanently.
This transition is a precondition to further the bright vision of redistribution that vaMugabe has started, but in the confines of a democratic, just and progressive Zimbabwe where the rule of law is supreme. We have the potential to reclaim our jewel of Africa status, using our fertile land and mineral resources as currency for reconstruction and development, all we need is selfless leadership, one that is prepared to forego their self and party interests for those that will benefit the masses of Zimbabwe.
This is just an alternative opinion; my vision of a New Zimbabwe…don’t be scared I am unarmed. #Actnow to safeguard our shared heritage and prosperity as people of Madzimbahwe.
Post published in: Opinions