The Sunday Mail
ZANU PF has once again proved beyond any reasonable doubt that it has a solid social contract with the people of Zimbabwe.
Farai Muroiwa Marapira
A social contract is an implicit agreement between the people and their government about what each side provides to the other.
The terms of the agreement can vary widely.
While notions of the social contract have historically tended to focus on things like security, employment opportunities and some form of social welfare to help address people’s needs, social contracts can also include agreements on how communal relations, as well as women’s rights and many other issues, are managed.
In return for these rights, people pay taxes and consent to the authority of the State.
Arguably, a government’s public legitimacy is rooted in the terms of the social contract.
The social contract is a theory that seeks to explain the origin of the State and society.
It is a hypothetical agreement between individuals to live together in a society under the rule of law.
According to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, “Man is born free, and yet we see him everywhere in chains”.
By definition, he says, in the absence of a social contract between the State and the people, modern states could repress the freedom that is our birthright and do nothing to secure the civil freedom.
While the social contract theory does not tell people how they ought to behave, it does provide a basis to understand why society has implemented rules, regulations and laws.
The social contract between ZANU PF and the masses of Zimbabwe has its roots embedded deep in the struggle against colonial, economic, neo-colonial and all manner of imperialistic oppression.
ZANU PF was born out of the revolutionary zeal that has always pervaded our society to always fight for our rights to self-determination, egalitarianism and sovereignty.
This struggle — reflected from as far back as the 15th century when the Mutapa kingdom repelled Portuguese attempts at dominion, to the first Chimurenga and the Second Chimurenga — was based on the idea of a social contract, in which the people of Zimbabwe steadfastly agree to support the revolutionary movement, as it encapsulates their vision, ethos and aspirations.
ZANU PF is unassailable because, through its social contract, it is the repository of the people of Zimbabwe’s revolutionary and patriotic zeal.
Mao Zedong, the Chinese communist revolutionary, believed that a social contract was essential for the success of any revolutionary movement.
He said: “Revolution is not a dinner party, nor an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.”
For a revolution to flourish, sacrifices have to be made. Individual sacrifices are made for the success of the collective.
Therein lies the social contract between the State and its citizens, secured through adherence to laws and fulfilment of all their hopes and aspirations, in return.
Since its inception on August 8, 1963, ZANU PF’s social contract with the people has been successful through the various stages it has evolved as we passed hurdle after hurdle and gauntlet after gauntlet, together.
The first hurdle victory saw the delivery of political independence from colonial repression and subjugation on April 18,1980.
The quest for economic emancipation has picked up speed under the astute guidance and leadership of President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, as he has surprised and impressed friend and foe alike with the economic turnaround policies that have been implemented since 2018.
The recently concluded ZANU PF National People’s Conference marked an important milestone in our party’s commitment to maintaining the already strong social contract with the people of Zimbabwe.
As the ruling party, it is essential that we continue our 60-year-old tradition, forged as the party was created, to maintain open lines of communication, engage with the public and effectively address their concerns.
Conferences provide a platform for ZANU PF to keep this social contract alive, hearty and hale.
True to the vision and thrust of His Excellency, one of the key highlights of this year’s conference was the theme focusing on economic development and social empowerment.
This underscores the President’s and indeed the party’s determination to prioritise the welfare and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.
By addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by our citizens, we seek to create an inclusive, progressive and prosperous nation through fulfilling our social contract obligations.
Furthermore, the meeting was a hub of communication and a vibrant back-and-forth of ideas between the party leadership and representatives of the people through the party structures.
Additionally, during the conference, party delegates had the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with representatives from various sectors of society.
This dialogue allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.
It also served as a platform for brainstorming and formulating practical and sustainable solutions to address these concerns.
It is important to emphasise that any vibrant and successful social contract has to be a two-way street with an uninterrupted flow of opinions, ideas and feedback in both directions.
This is the exact nature of the social contract between ZANU PF and the people, as shown at the recently held conference.
As well as serving as a forum for party leaders to express their consolidated vision for the country, the conference also provided an avenue for all citizens to give voice to their opinions, present their ideas and hold the party accountable.
It was a celebration of democracy and a true reflection of the party’s vision of a successfully run republic.
Indeed, through the auspices of this successful conference, we have shown that ZANU PF, 60 years into the party’s existence, continues to recognise the importance of grassroots engagement and the need to hear voices of the people.
This conference highlighted our commitment to creating an environment where these voices are valued and their concerns taken into account when formulating policies and plans for the nation’s development.
Furthermore, the conference showcased our party’s efforts to promote inclusivity and gender equality.
The active participation of women and youths in various panel discussions and workshops demonstrated our commitment to empowering under represented groups in both the party and society as a whole.
We firmly believe that diversity and representation are crucial for the success and sustainability of any nation.
In conclusion, the ZANU PF conference was a testament to our party’s continued unwavering dedication to the social contract between the party and the people. It once again provided a platform for open dialogue, idea sharing and strategic planning.
Through these efforts, ZANU PF continues to build a nation that fosters collective progress, unity and socio-economic prosperity for all Zimbabweans.
Farai Muroiwa Marapira is the ZANU PF director for information and publicity.
