Zanu (PF) Urged To Stop In-Fighting, Fix Ailing Economy

Below is a statement from The Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe (CCDZ)

The Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe (CCDZ) is deeply concerned by the ongoing infighting in Zanu-PF which has shifted priorities from the national question and the welfare of the nation at large. We are concerned about the infighting in ZANU-PF because it is the party occupying the seat of government and as such we expect the party to pursue policies that will improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.

The infighting in Zanu-PF is taking place at a critical period when the country is trying to recover from the debilitating economic crisis of the past decade. If the infighting in Zanu-PF continues in a retrogressive manner that threatens peace and stability, economic and political gains achieved during the era of the Government of National Unity (GNU) will soon erode. The political tension and animosity between different ZANU-PF factions will drive away potential investors who will shun Zimbabwe and consider other politically stable environments.

CCDZ notes with concern the use of hate speech and inflammatory language by some high-ranking Zanu-PF officials who occupy key positions in government. The use of such aggressive and intolerant language at rallies and other public platforms is fueling conflict. The recent outbreak of violent clashes at ZANU-PF rallies and meetings in Manicaland, Masvingo and Harare South are cases in point. 

As per its electoral promises and mandate, the governing ZANU-PF party should devote its efforts towards addressing the socio-economic needs of citizens. The government should address unemployment, poor social service delivery-lack of access to clean, safe and portable water, declining quality of education, poor health care and other pressing socio-economic challenges that the country is facing. In line with the country’s new constitutional dispensation, the Government must formulate laws, policies and facilitate the operationalization of national institutions to address the socio-economic needs of citizens. The Government must, among other pressing matters, urgently address issues relating to the ongoing strike by medical doctors.  

As a starting point to a progressive socio-economic agenda, government must concentrate on the following: 

1) Promoting investor friendly policies to attract foreign direct investment and 

resuscitate the ailing economy 

2) Supporting farmers to adequately prepare for the impending agricultural season 

3) Promoting peace and tolerance within communities 

4) Curbing rampant corruption and abuse of public resources and institutions for the furtherance of partisan and selfish political agendas 

5) Expediting the harmonization of laws with the new constitution and strengthening independent Commissions to promote democratic governan