The Sunday Mail
Happy new year dear readers!
We are already seven days into the new year. Time is flying.
This calls us to action.
There is no time to waste if we are to achieve better results in our individual and collective ambitions.
Editor’s Brief
Victoria Ruzvidzo
But, as we start the year, to succeed there are certain habits and mindsets we need to leave behind so that the country can realise its full potential.
This habit of always denigrating our country and speaking negatively all the time does not take us anywhere.
Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if we seek to build or proffer solutions in a more progressive and pragmatic manner?
We all know that badmouthing our country only attracts negative headlines.
We need progressive institutions to take the country forward in 2024
We get poor rankings because of some people — Zimbabweans at that — who exaggerate the state of affairs.
It is not helpful and Zimbabweans need to desist from this. Instead, we need to rebrand our country.
Institutions such as Harare City Council seem to be going out of their way to make sure service delivery continues to degenerate.
Mounds of garbage, burst sewer pipes and water shortages have become the norm.
I was really surprised last Saturday that the local authority has such manpower when at least eight municipal officers pounced on me because I was not properly parked.
I tried to explain to them what was happening, but two of them had already jumped into the car. They took me to Central Stores.
I tried to negotiate with their bosses, but three hours of negotiations produced nothing. I was prepared to pay, but I felt I was being punished for not offering a bribe.
I then got to hear a lot of stories about how they will not take anything less than US$50 and that if you are locked in at Central Stores, you can pay US$100 and walk.
All this is happening when the city is burning.
If they applied half the energy they demonstrated on Saturday, then there would be no litter anywhere in the city. And there would be no muggings and no burst sewer pipes.
Everything would be in order.
What I experienced on Saturday was the exact opposite of what we have known City of Harare to be. They seemed to be drooling at the potential earnings from their “kill”, but I was not going to let them have their way.
It cost me US$68 and more than three hours of back and forth.
Losing three hours of one’s precious time is not a joke; it disrupts an entire day.
Come on City of Harare! You can do better!
We need progressive institutions to take the country forward in 2024.
Play your part and play it well.
We cannot have you dilly-darling as this has caused many to fail to see the bigger picture. The problems we see today can be short-term, but demand patience and endurance. The same challenge had seen many adopt destructive tendencies that kill a seedling because they are too impatient and they do not see the fruit yet. Nurturing that seedling will result in much fruit in due season.
Selfishness
This goes hand in hand with greediness.
It is an attitude about me, myself and I.
We then make decisions and employ strategies that are harmful to others.
For example, some make millions from dealing in drugs, yet this affects the abusers and takes socio-economic development backwards.
In fact, in 2024 and beyond, this country can ill afford this.
Let our conscience be our guide.
Lethargy
You cannot wait for the Government to do everything for you as its role is to create an enabling environment for individuals and businesses to thrive.
The Government sets policies, provides infrastructure, et cetera, to create a good environment for the private sector and its citizenry to operate.
It does not come to our houses to force us to seize opportunities.
This is something we must do deliberately and by ourselves as vene venyika.
Our economy will do well and exceed targets set and envisaged if we all give it our best.
We need to apply our minds and participate.
We must also pray for our country so that we have the right spiritual girding. President Mnangagwa has emphasised the need to pray for our country and that the church plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development. Therefore, we can achieve more if we are backed by the heavens.
We need wisdom and guidance so that we do not build in vain.
The Word of God, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The Malaysians are renowned for applying the concepts of smart partnerships and the prosper-thy-neighbour mantra.
We can apply these among ourselves as stakeholders and produce amazing results.
Singing from the same hymn book perfects a tune and produces the melodious environment that the economy needs.
Zimbabwe has immense potential in its belly and we will speak about it to no end, but it is about time we did our all to transform potential into reality.
Yes, indeed, 2024 is a new year, but the year can only be new if we adopt new approaches, habits and winning strategies.
Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo!
In God I trust!
Twitter handle: @VictoriaRuzvid2; Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; WhatsApp number: 0772 129 972.
