Capturing the ‘Davos Moment’

Cleophas Pedzisa
There is need to capture the Davos moment and seize the opportunity to balance politics with economic development.
The fact is President Emmerson Mnangagwa went to Davos for the World Economic Forum cognisant of the hurdles he would face in the full glare of the international media.

Therefore, he was alert to the imperative of articulating his vision in a manner that resonated with the rest of the globe.

The case was the same in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the African Union Summit.

The mantra at the moment is a developmental trajectory that puts in perspective the elections, confidence-building measures and a determined fight against corruption.

This, though, admittedly is not going to be a stroll in the park since our record shows that the “tantrums” we sometimes threw at the global family of nations call for serious re-engagement.

The nation also needs to be prepared for the harsh realities that even though the global construct sometimes smiles, real economic aid and transactions are harder to come by hastily in the current global economic set-up.

The 100-day plan

It is critical to note that the first 100 days of President Mnangagwa’s Government have been hectic, pointed and full of follow-through processes.

Setting up your own structures after the rule of one person for 37 years has its fair share of challenges.

That in Government offices time management has really improved needs no introduction. To be honest, Zimbabwe is definitely on the cusp of history.

It is apparent that both the pessimist and the optimist are agreed that a different political calling, a different political home was necessary to put a new order in place.

Targets set for Government departments, the anti-corruption drive, and timely interventions all point to a serious Government taking the bull by the horns.

It has hit the ground running indeed, but has also sought the assistance of a parachute to ensure enamel does not get scattered on the ground. Cautionary appointments made so far have shown that there is need to balance between the old and new order.

All indications are that Zimbabwe has turned the corner, is over the hump and history may not judge ED harshly.

The Diaspora

Government should be applauded for arranging to meet Zimbabweans in the Diaspora in all its foreign engagements.

Across the Limpopo, in Pretoria, for example, one can be mistaken for assuming they were in Harare.

Airtime vendors, professional maize cob roasting operators and pirate music vendors are predominately Zimbabweans. Going through Visage Street, Bossman, walking along Peter Mogane, Molege Makinta and Stanza Bopape, our brothers and sisters are busy in one way or another contributing to the economy of South Africa and other countries.

It is, therefore, critical for Government to draw up plans for a soft landing pad for our Diaspora.

In my brief excursion to South Africa last January, I struck a conversation with a Zimbabwean brother who worked for the Harare City Council for 11 years, was with City of Johannesburg for eight months and is now in the Department of Education controlling a stake of US$14 million that deals with infrastructure investment.

In this sector, they are responsible for renovating and fixing rural schools across the country. The main question he asks, “Can I not come and make a meaningful contribution at home?”

In his mind, he speaks of immense energy in project planning terms in Zimbabwe.

He speaks of replicating if not cutting and pasting the Four Ways suburb in South Africa (Four Ways is the fastest-developing commercial and residential hub in northern Sandton, north of Johannesburg, South Africa).

When he speaks of energy in planning, he critically looks at “Mbudzi” roundabout and its connections East, West, North and South of Harare.

He speaks of the energy in Mbare; the major bus terminal, the radio station, the major communicable diseases referral centre and the banking area nearby in Southerton.

With careful land use plans, proper zoning and solid environmental plans, these areas can be developed for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe.

There are many out there who should be able to come back home and put their expertise to good use.

2018 Elections

The fact that most post-2000 elections have had a fair share of controversy makes it imperative that the forthcoming elections meet the basic norms and standards within the region.

President Mnangagwa and his team have done remarkably well to reiterate that elections will be held in a peaceful environment.

The invitation to all political groupings, including Sadc and the European Union, to observe the polls is all the more reassuring.

It is crucial that Zimbabwe — as quickly as possible – does away with the plebiscite and remains focused on economic recovery programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

Access to resources

One disenchanting issue to the wider population in Zimbabwe is the “seemingly” but true inequitable use and abuse of resources.

The new Government should come clean and ensure resources are evenly distributed to the generality of Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans do not demand much except a good life, good weekend and an occasional visit to their rural homes.

They complement this type of life with their good work ethic – hard work.

In this regard, Government should strive to fulfill what is contained in the preamble of the Constitution; the acknowledgement of the “richness of Zimbabwe’s natural resources”.

Leveraging on Ramaphosa

That Zimbabwe and South Africa are neighbours is a fact of life which needs no mention. The fact that President Mnangagwa and South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa are lawyers and coming with a reformist agenda should bode well for the two Republics.

Both President Mnangagwa and VP Ramaphosa are ushering in new brands of development in their jurisdictions.

Both are businessmen with records of being capable negotiators.

It stands to reason that their collaboration should go beyond the photo opportunity in Davos.

The cravats dangled in Davos should be a precursor to very warm and engaging relations between the two countries. Zimbabwe stands to benefit from her warm territorial proximity to South Africa. No country in the world will want to stand shoulder to shoulder with a poor neighbour.

Yes, exciting times are ahead.

Davos and all attendant meetings should bring hope to all Zimbabweans. Let us keep the faith.