Zanu (PF)’s tune throughout its manifesto revolves around indigenisation and economic empowerment. The party believes that Zimbabwe’s prosperity and economic transformation will come through indigenisation and that young people and other Zimbabweans can look forward to the creation of jobs, economic empowerment and revitalisation of the industries through this.
“Only the Indigenisation and People’s Empowerment reform programme can meet the goals of the people. There’s no other alternative. Therefore, Zanu (PF) will unapologetically intensify the implementation of this programme over the next five years in order to meet the goals of the people,” says the manifesto.
Although it does not utterly dismiss the concept of indigenisation, the MDC crusades on the basis of devolution of power and what it terms the JUICE (Jobs, Upliftment, Investment, Capital, Environment) strategy, which is an economic plan to transform the economy.
“The MDC economic plan will elevate Zimbabwe into a stable, growing and inclusive economy based on the rule of law. We will, from our first day in office, mobilise financial and technical support to kick-start our economy. We will commit to supporting entrepreneurship, agricultural productivity and re- industrialisation through cluster-based development. We are blessed with a beautiful and fertile land that must be cultivated and responsibly managed to ensure it provides for future generations,” says the MDC manifesto.
Investment
As Zanu (PF) nourishes the idea of sovereignty, independence and patriotism in every sector, it shuns the involvement of western countries in Zimbabwe’s economy, insisting that these countries have led to the country’s economic meltdown. Conversely, the MDC welcomes international investment with intent to normalize Zimbabwe’s relations with the international community and its repositioning as “ready for business” via investment.
While both parties realize the need for policies to reduce poverty among the youth, the need for employment creation, and the importance of youth participation, the MDC echoes the need to depoliticize the Zimbabwe Youth Council and the Youth Development Fund, enhancing entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Zanu (PF), on the other hand, is committed to fostering a youth that is patriotic, has a proud sense of belonging and is prepared to defend the national heritage and to create jobs through the indigenisation programme.
Past success
Both parties have also reflected on some of their achievements in their time of power with the MDC speaking about how they revived the economy and led to four years of economic growth following 10 years of economic contraction, reducing inflation from an eye-watering 231million per cent to less than 10%. On the other hand, Zanu (PF) brags about bringing independence 33 years ago and leading the liberation struggle.
Do these manifestos address the main issues that need attention? How relevant are they in addressing the challenges being faced by the Zimbabwean youth? Are these manifestos economically, socially and politically viable? These are important questions that youths need to seek answers to as they decide how to use their hard-won vote. – Youth Forum Information and Publicity
Post published in: News