The Sunday Mail
Prof Moyo
An expert in political and government policy analysis is a person imbued with an in-depth storehouse of information and experience, which enables him or her to objectively make observations and suggestions in the interest of nation-building.
However, some of our political commentators seem to lack insight, breadth and depth aimed at nation-building or advising the executive, judiciary or legislature.
Their aim seems to be working for Western imperialist machinations, which have never wanted President Mugabe and Zimbabwe to succeed in nation-building.
William Shakespeare once said little minds talk about people and great minds discuss ideas.
After President Mugabe’s Cabinet appointments and reshuffle, oh, we were treated to a bumper meal of criticisms on who is who among the appointees and the reshufflees without giving their possible potential contributions in their new capacities or what they could do to improve in their new capacities.
The so-called analysts give the impression that the President does not know what he is doing and nothing positive is ever said about him.
Some even think that Cabinet positions are campaigned for; to influence the President on who to appoint and to what ministerial position.
Appointments are the prerogative of the President; that is why some analysts’ predictions have always fallen flat.
Each appointee has unique potential to contribute towards his or her given assignment. We should, therefore, give them a chance to do their work.
On Professor Jonathan Moyo’s appointment to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, some short-sighted analysts called it a demotion.
Instead, it should be regarded as a promotion considering the magnitude and academic and scientific complexity involved in national youth intellectual development for the present and future of this nation.
There is nothing more important than being involved in the guiding principles of developing the nation as a thinking society — socially, academically and scientifically.
Where else in Africa or the rest of the world have you seen a “Rocket Scientist” minister of experience leading the nation to greater heights and providing the tools of implementing a national economic transformation framework?
Critics might not be aware that Prof Moyo was a major architect of the Zim-Asset blueprint, which requires education and training and scientific development.
As a former lecturer, education administrator and researcher, we are sure he will bring the required synergy in university- government relations and development in higher and tertiary science, technological development and research.
In one of my columns in the not-so-distant past, I wrote about “Critical thinking as the essence of true leadership”.
Some of our political analysts lack critical thinking.
Wisdom and knowledge come from critical thinking recollected in tranquillity. There is need for critical thinking exercises for political analysts so that they may contribute progressive ideas for nation-building.
A lot has been written about critical thinking around the world, but for now I would like to refer our political analysts to Richard Paul’s book “Critical Thinking” and Paul Freire’s “Education for Critical Consciousness”.
Dr Sikhanyiso Duke Ndlovu is a veteran educationist and former Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, and former Minister of Information and Publicity.
