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RDZ position paper on the imperatives of a national democratic renewal in Zimbabwe
24 Oct 2015 at 09:21hrs | Views
RENEWAL DEMOCRATS OF ZIMBABWE
POSITION PAPER ON THE IMPERATIVES OF A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL IN ZIMBABWE
INTRODUCTION
Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ, Renewal or the Party) is a national Zimbabwean political party that espouses democratic ideals in pursuit of a developed and prosperous country. Its foundational pillars are three pronged and categorized as the Social, Economic and Political.
The Social Pillar aims at creating a just and equitable society where everyone is free and secure to develop and advance one`s capabilities. Borrowing from the Indian economist Amartya Seni, in his book Development as Freedom, a developed society is the corner stone of freedom. If a society is developed, then peoples capabilities are enhanced hence peace and tranquility in that society. RDZ shall strive to use this pillar to promote freedoms enshrined in the Country's constitution, such as, freedoms to personal liberty, assembly and association, personal security, human dignity, of expression, from degrading treatment and punishment, from torture, cruelty, from slavery, servitude, forced labour, to equality, language and culture, to administrative justice and fair hearing, political rights, access information, education, of women, food and water and the rights to life for all Zimbabweans.
The Political Pillar aims at promoting issue based politics and a democratic system based on the 10 principles and values of the RDZ as enshrined in its Constitution. RDZ believes in Servant Leadership, Nation Building, Non Violence, Tolerance ,Transparency, Team Work, Free Voting ,Freedom, Justice, Solidarity, Economic Prosperity, Reparations and Respect for human rights.
The Economic Pillar is the RDZ flagship on economic development for the prosperity of Zimbabweans. This pillaraims at creating jobs, reviving industries, economic prosperity of Zimbabweans, promoting tourism, preservation of conservancies and empowering the youth and women in the development of Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVES
Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe is a political party in Zimbabwe formed with the objective of forming the next Government. Its objective is to Renew Hope, Renew and strengthen the Institutions, Change the system of Governance, Build a Strong Nation, Revive and grow the economy and make Zimbabwe responsive to the wishes and well being of its citizens. The RDZ will pursue the democratization of the country, and in particular shall strive for the liberation, empowerment and transformation of Zimbabwe into a modern democratic developmental state that will result in economic prosperity for the people.
IDEOLOGY
The party follows the ideology of Modern NATIONALISM, Social Democracy and Pan Africanism.
Modern Nationalism
The national resources of the country must be deployed, exploited and used for the benefit of all the citizens. These resources include but not limited to minerals, land, wildlife, infrastructure, institutions, rivers and human capital. We embrace the aspirations of the FOUNDING ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALISTS.
In developing our nation we will embrace and work with the rest of the international community while leveraging on our resources to the best benefit of our people.
Zimbabwe has enough wealth for all and indeed future generations if managed properly and shared more fairly and transparently.
Pan Africanism
We are Africans and subscribe to the unity of Africa. We endorse all the noble efforts in the region and in the continent to fight for the Development and economic progression of Africa, its member states and its people. In this regard, we endorse the latter and spirit of the African Union`s vision 2063 in its entirety.
Social Democracy
We believe in the rights of citizens to freely choose their leaders and Government. We believe in mixing of Merit, Representativeness and social conscience. Government should be able to look after the poor and ensure no child will stay out of school because their parents are poor or deceased. Priority will be given to social services. The disabled and the vulnerable must have access to descent livelihoods.
The Party will join Regional and International organizations with other Social Democratic parties. These parties like us subscribe to the notion of democracy, freedom, justice and solidarity.
PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
The RDZ subscribes to and will abide by the following principles and values:
Servant Leadership
Nation Building
Non Violence
Tolerance
Transparency
Team Work
Free Voting
Freedom
Justice
Solidarity
Economic Prosperity Reparations
Respect for human Rights.
Servant Leadership
RDZ will employ open government and servant leadership. Leaders who listen to the people, are humble and associate themselves with the people and offer themselves to serve at the pleasure of the people they represent. Balance representation and merit. Leaders must continuously subject themselves to selection by the people.
Nation Building
We see all citizens as equal irrespective of tribe or place of origin and all citizens are given equal opportunities. The RDZ will promote and do those things that bring the people together and make Zimbabwe a proud nation. RDZ will reclaim the people's dignity. Development will be decentralized. Government will be devolved whilst retaining a unitary state.
Non Violence
RDZ does not believe in the use of violence to settle issues be it political or domestic. Violence is characterized as assault, torture and other physical harm, hate speech, denial of access to food and other humanitarian assistance and psychological subjugation. RDZ promotes dialogue and other peaceful ways of resolving differences.
Tolerance
RDZ promotes tolerance of other people's views, cultures, religions and practices. The Party accepts the rights of association, expression and academic freedom.
Transparency
The Party abhors corruption and will do everything in its power to fight against corruption both in the public and private sectors. RDZ promotes good and clean Governance, accountable government and leadership. The RDZ will set up systems that are people friendly, stable, clear and transparent. Our people remain trapped in abject poverty because of the shameless corruption, greed and selfishness of a few individuals.
Team Work
Decision making is by consensus, with the involvement of all the layers of leadership and the people affected by the particular decision. RDZ has a cohesive leadership and no person has the power to reverse the decision of the team. RDZ says No to big man politics.
Free Voting
RDZ believes in the right of the people to choose their own leaders and to be governed by the party and leaders of their choice. This is achieved through the creation of an environment, which makes it possible for all those who want to register to vote being allowed to do so. To vote in a free fair and credible election devoid of violence, intimidation and rigging. RDZ wants one man/one woman vote, with restricted assisted voting.
Freedom
RDZ will work for the total freedom and subscribes to the Human Rights Charter and the Bill Of Rights of the Zimbabwean Constitution. RDZ fully accepts and will implement the right of association, allowing free political activity and right of expression. In that regard will repeal all repressive laws like AIPPA, POSA, etc.
Justice
RDZ believes in the Rule of Law and constitutionalism. All are equal before the law and cobweb justice is unacceptable, therefore equal punishment for same crime. Justice will not be politicized. The constitution will be implemented both in letter and spirit and all laws that are utravires the constitution will be struck off.
Solidarity
We are human beings, and must accord each other the respect and dignity of the highest order. RDZ believes that Government and society must look after the poor, the infirm, the disabled and the vulnerable. UBUNTU will be practiced. The disabled and the vulnerable must have access to descent livelihoods.
Economic Prosperity
Zimbabwe is very rich in terms of natural resources and human capital. RDZ aspires to convert that into economic prosperity of the citizens. RDZ will create a system that gives dignity to hard work, reward hard work and enterprise, create an ethos for hard work and economic prosperity and security.
Reparations
Many Zimbabweans have suffered on the hands of the state since 1980. The notable episodes include Gukurahundi in the 1980s, Food riots in the 1990s, fast track resettlement of early 2000s, the democratization episodes, Murambatsvina in 2005, Machipisa in 2007, operation vavhotera papi in 2008, New Murambatsvina and Vendor wars in 2015. RDZ will put closure to these through the state paying reparations to the victims. This will also include provision of proper documentation and allow our NATION to move forward without the baggage of the past.
KEY POLICIES
Land
All the people (irrespective of race, tribe or gender) on land must have security of tenure, and therefore must not be moved. The security title must be bankable enabling them to pledge the land as security with financial and other institutions. The security of tenure should enable them to lease, transfer and pass on to their heirs.
Land must be productive, and this requires skills and capital. RDZ government will make available extension services and the private sector will also play a critical role in the provision of both the skills and financing, e.g. through contract farming and consultancy services.
RDZ will put closure on previous land acquisitions through agreeing on compensation to the previous farm owners.
RDZ government will have the right to resettle citizens, provided the new areas of resettlement are not only better, but serviced with schools, clinics, roads and business centres.
Food Security
RDZ will work to ensure Zimbabwe has sufficient food to feed itself within a maximum period of two years.
This will be done through allocating 200 000 hectares for intensive maize production. Part of this land will be new opened up irrigation areas around Tokwe Mukosi dam. Skilled farmers will be contracted to produce maize, so as to achieve a minimum of 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare. This will cost about $200 million and result in maize output of 2million tonnes. High yielding seed varieties will be used.
For the rest of the population, measures will be put in place for easy access to agricultural inputs, extension services and creation of market chains.
In summary food security will be achieved through having the appropriate skilled people planting the appropriate maize seed on 200 000 hectares of land at a cost of $200 million.
Indigenization and empowerment
RDZ has Economic prosperity for all citizens as one of its principles. The current indigenization and Empowerment Act will be scrapped as it has been grossly abused for self-enrichment and looting, whilst at the same time it is a major deterrent for critical foreign direct investment and local non-black investment. This will be replaced with partnerships and job creation. The partnerships will be dictated by business considerations and remain outside of government control. Some of these considerations include what the local partners can provide, capital intensity and size of the project, technology transfers, skills and professions, etc.
RDZ will make it easy for foreigners who invest large amounts to get Residency status and get full citizenship within a year or two of consummating the investment. This privilege will be extended to individuals with special skills not found in Zimbabwe for the country to take off economically.
International Relations
Zimbabwe will belong to the international family of nations. RDZ will pursue international relations that will bring economic and other benefits to Zimbabweans and to keep the world safe and peaceful. RBZ will look everywhere and be multi aligned, to encourage foreign direct investment, loans and grants, scholarships, training, tertiary and technology education and transfers, and the welfare and wellbeing of Zimbabwean citizens in the diaspora.
Education
RDZ will have an education system that allows for private, government, council, community and religious institutions at all levels and be accessible to all. Primary education is a RIGHT. No child will fail to go to school on account of the financial status of their parents or as a result of being orphaned. The state will provide. Special attention will be given to the girl child to receive as much education as possible. All tertiary colleges' students studying in Zimbabwe will be entitled to loans that shall be repaid at reasonable rates upon completion of ones studies to enable other needy students to benefit from the same.
The education system will emphasize the teaching of Mathematics, Science, Technology, citizenship (constitution), entrepreneurship and life skills. There is need to prepare our children for the quantum leap and make Zimbabwe a winning nation.
RDZ will make education a big industry and open up its education system to foreigners, including encouraging many of the foreign universities to have their students reside in Zimbabwe and attending appropriate lessons here.
Education in the 21st century has become sophisticated. RDZ shall strive to maintain a manageable teacher – pupil ratio and educators across the board will be adequately remunerated for their noble work.
Health
RDZ will have a health system that allows for private, government, council, community and religious institutions at all levels and be accessible to all. RDZ will ensure that all citizens have access to primary heath care and are served through local clinics.
All those suffering from communicable diseases have to be treated as a matter of public health. This includes those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Children under 5 years, pregnant women, women giving birth and those aged over 65 years can access free medical attention.
RDZ will create and encourage health tourism. This entails making sure foreign patients not only come to seek very high level medical attention, but they come with their loved ones and also enjoy what the country can offer. This requires development of top-notch medical facilities, fitted with modern equipment and instruments, and manned by well-trained health personnel.
RDZ shall also strive to maintain a patient – doctor/nurse ratio which is manageable and health personnel shall be adequately remunerated according to their skills.
Women
The Zimbabwean women have endured the full force of poverty due to the economic meltdown and cultural practices that look at women as second class humans.
The status quo, women continue to be subjected to:
Physical and sexual violence;
Education and economic exclusion;
Health challenges, childbirth deaths;
Retrogressive cultural practices; and
Discrimination based on gender.
RDZ will work to advance the interest and wellbeing of women and adopt and implement international and regional frameworks such as the Convention Eliminating All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (PACHPR on the RWA).
Women will be at the centre of developing gender-sensitive policies to confront the challenges that face Zimbabwean women. This will provide intervention mechanisms to address the wrongs or injustices of any magnitude. And ensure that women are economically developed and have access education, health, capital and investment.
Youths
RDZ will encourage the growth of youth through entrepreneurship by providing them the necessary support. The youth empowerment projects will be implemented correctly, looking at the viability of their projects and ensuring that youths have the technical ability to start the new ventures and providing mentorship and linkages within the value chain.
Housing
RDZ will make the allocation of stands and construction of Houses a top priority. All people in housing cooperatives' will be given title to their stands. People on housing waiting lists will be allocated stands. This will be preceded by the planning and replanning of cities and towns to be modern taking into account commuting, vending, recreation, sewer reticulation, water, etc. Construction of housing is a serious economic growth trigger, is labour intensive, whilst at the same time providing a critical human need. A house once built provides additional security for funds borrowed or to be borrowed. Citizens will have access to decent housing without the seasonal demolition of houses for political gain. Demolition of houses will not be allowed.
Energy Sector
The country is very short of Energy, which is a major enabler for its development. RDZ will cause the building of new power stations to provide over 10 000MW generation capacity over the next 10 years. These new power stations will be built through mostly Independent Power Producers, Build Operate and Transfer (mostly hydro). These will be spread over Solar 1000MW, Hydro (Zimbabwe's share on the Zambezi) 3000MW and Clean coal technology 6000MW. The regional project of Inga Dam hydro in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be pursued with vigour.
ZESA Holdings will be unbundled into Electricity Generation, Transmission and Systems Control, and Electricity Distribution company. Electricity generators will have the choice to sell directly to electricity consumers, with the Transmission and Distribution entities obliged to convey the electricity at a regulated tariff.
The grid will be upgraded to carry electricity more efficiently and reduce both transmission and distribution losses significantly, and making it e compliant. The maintenance will be enhanced to make the aged plant perform more reliably in the short term.
In the short term, pressure will be released from the electricity grid by encouraging the use of biogas and LPG for cooking and heating purposes. New houses would be fitted with biogas digestors instead of the normal septic tanks, including fitting biogas digestors before discharge into the sewerage system. Solar plants can be constructed quickly too and these will alleviate the load shedding during the day.
Security Sector
The security sector will be professional and RDZ will promote on merit and professionalism. RDZ promotes peace, law and order and an apolitical security sector. RDZ recognizes the role played by the liberation forces and detainees and will review their benefits and uplift their status.
ECONOMIC REVIVAL
The economy is on a free fall, registering negative growth, lack of liquidity, massive job losses and company closures. Revenue collection by government is dwindling by the day and as a consequence government's ability to pay is also disappearing. The lack of disposable income and the general negativity are feeding and strengthening the economic decline. The situation is going to be much worse by the time the next general election will take place. People are now being forced into survival mode ie SURVIVE TODAY TO LIVE TOMORROW. The current Government has shown that it is completely clueless, corrupt and in denial.
In addition to the above policies, RDZ will do the following;
Legitimacy of Government
ZANU PF government has to leave and a new Government put in place through a free, fair and credible election. Conditions for a free and fair election have to be put in place, which include allowing people to freely register as voters and the voters' role being made a public document freely available for inspection and correction. The election process to allow voters to vote freely without violence, intimidation and cohesion and be open for observation by the international community.
Restoration of confidence and bridging the credibility gap
A 91 year old leader does not give confidence for the future. This coupled with the past and present acts of disregarding the rule of law further erodes confidence. The gap between what ZANU PF says and what they do is very wide. RDZ will bring in a younger leader and leadership team to restore confidence and the remove the credibility gap.
Policy consistency and good governance
The policies set out have to be clear and predictable and not be dependent on the whims of the President, ministers and public officials all of whom often contradict each other.
The governance levels will be raised so as to be comparable with the best in the world. RDZ will deal with corruption and run a clean Government.
RDZ will appoint ministers who understand the plight of the people, policy imperatives, need for development and rapid economic growth. Ministers who know the policy choices and their implications in the short and long term. Ministers who will choose the most effective, humane and easily to implement policies. Ministers who will provide leadership to the various ministries and be an effective team together. RDZ will be a knowledgeable and caring Government.
The ministers will be supported by a fusion of the current members of the civil service with new members so as to change the culture, effectiveness and efficiency of the civil service whilst maintaining the critical institutional memory. This will allow for rapid takeoff and acceptance of new ways of doing business.
Security of investment
Security of investment will be given through the respect for property rights and rule of law, abiding by the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements, abiding by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agreements and being a member in good standing of the Multilateral Financial Institutions (MFI), in addition to the scrapping of the Indigenization and Empowerment Act.
Increase Capital and funds Inflows into the country
Inflows into the country are mainly from 5 sources, which are;
i) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
ii) Loans to the Private and Public Sectors
iii) Overseas development Assistance (ODA)
iv) Remittances from the diaspora
v) Exports
To kick start the economy FDI and loans are the most critical and fastest acting. The investment environment has to be attractive by ensuring that the investments are safe, there are good returns, and dividend remittances are guaranteed and employment laws fair. Extra incentives will be given to early worm and those investments that have a large multiplier effect. Loans to the Private sector follow FDIs. RDZ will lower the country risk which will result in lower interest rates and lower unit costs.
Loans to the public sector and ODA result from good government to government relations and the relationship with the MFIs. International Relations and good governance are key to unlocking this vital source of funds.
Creditor countries and the MFIs will be approached for DEBT FORGIVENESS. Zimbabwe's debt burden is too high. Debt forgiveness will be a priority and the savings will be applied towards provision of social services.
Remittances from the diaspora are mostly for supporting families back home. The improvement in the investment climate will encourage the diaspora to also invest back home thereby increasing the remittance flow.
Increase in exports is a result of improved economic activity and investment in the economy. This will be enhanced through creation of new export oriented businesses, reduction in the cost of production, increased value addition, adoption of new technologies.
Public, Private Partnerships and Concessions
There are many projects and areas of cooperating between the Public and the Private sectors. State enterprise will be limited to those services that cannot be profitably provided by the private sector and to strategic investments only. The cooperation with the private sector will be implemented in many areas using Joint Ventures, Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) method, Concessions. Such areas of cooperation include dam construction and operation (e.g.Tokwe Mukorsi), Zambezi Water Project, construction and maintenance of major highways, New Power Stations, Telecoms, Universities, Hospitals, etc.
The Private sector will bring in the much needed cash into the areas normally funded through the fiscus, thereby releasing Government to cover more social aspects to improve the welfare of the people. The Private sector will also bring in the craft competence to implement the projects more efficiently and at less cost, increase investment absorption capacity and bring in new technologies. Joint ventures like the mining and processing of coal by Hwange Colliery can be over an open ended period, BOT and Concessions will be for specific periods. The Batoka Power Station will be built on a BOT basis and ownership passing on to the state after 30 years.
There are public owned enterprises that are a drain on the fiscus and not strategic, like Air Zimbabwe. These will be sold for good value in a non-partisan manner, which empowers citizens.
Private sector, Informal Sector and Vendors
The RDZ will facilitate the growth of an entrepreneurial spirit and attitude, which will manifest through all the levels from the vendor to the largest corporates, and across all sectors from Agriculture to Tourism. The private sector meets specific needs whilst employing efficient means of producing goods and services and the state must play a facilitating role to make this happen. The greater part of the wealth of a country is in the hands of its citizens. The Private sector is the engine for economic growth and job creation. The RDZ will enact laws that recognizes fully the dignity, worth and wellbeing of the employees.
The RDZ will make it simple and easy to establish new businesses, movement from informal to the formal sector and put in policies that make it easy to do business. This includes creating a favorable tax regime, training, access to loans and capital and attracting new investments. RDZ will create revolving funds for the informal sector and vendors. More important, RDZ will create an environment where it is easy to start again because entrepreneurship requires continuous trying.
The RDZ will facilitate the provision of appropriate business premises and market stalls for the informal sector operators and vendors. RDZ will put laws that facilitate linkages within the value chains and with formal business. RDZ will decriminise the operators in the informal sector and vending.
Financial services sector.
RDZ will regulate the financial services sector to make it strong and become an important enabler for economic growth. A strong financial services sector is critical to support private enterprise, informal sector and vendors.
RDZ will remove the current requirement for banks to have a large statutory capital base. There will be small, medium and large banks. What matters more is the loan to capital ratio, the quality of its book and the nature of the business of the bank, its purpose and target market.
The Reserve Bank will ensure there is competition and free enterprise and the highest corporate governance in this sector.
Tourism and Conservancy Preservation
Tourism shall be a key component in the development of Zimbabwe. The current tourism environment has been politicized and made a preserve of the few. RDZ envisages to develop the tourism sector for the local communities first were the tourist attractions may be located. RDZ will ensure that tourism shall benefit the local communities, the country and an improvement of the tourist sites not forgetting the preservation of the environment.
Conservancies shall be preserved in their natural form. Security shall be upgraded in these conservancies to curb on poachers and other nefarious activities in the sector. Licenses' to operate the conservancies shall be granted on merit and not on political, tribal or religious grounds.
POSITION PAPER ON THE IMPERATIVES OF A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL IN ZIMBABWE
INTRODUCTION
Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ, Renewal or the Party) is a national Zimbabwean political party that espouses democratic ideals in pursuit of a developed and prosperous country. Its foundational pillars are three pronged and categorized as the Social, Economic and Political.
The Social Pillar aims at creating a just and equitable society where everyone is free and secure to develop and advance one`s capabilities. Borrowing from the Indian economist Amartya Seni, in his book Development as Freedom, a developed society is the corner stone of freedom. If a society is developed, then peoples capabilities are enhanced hence peace and tranquility in that society. RDZ shall strive to use this pillar to promote freedoms enshrined in the Country's constitution, such as, freedoms to personal liberty, assembly and association, personal security, human dignity, of expression, from degrading treatment and punishment, from torture, cruelty, from slavery, servitude, forced labour, to equality, language and culture, to administrative justice and fair hearing, political rights, access information, education, of women, food and water and the rights to life for all Zimbabweans.
The Political Pillar aims at promoting issue based politics and a democratic system based on the 10 principles and values of the RDZ as enshrined in its Constitution. RDZ believes in Servant Leadership, Nation Building, Non Violence, Tolerance ,Transparency, Team Work, Free Voting ,Freedom, Justice, Solidarity, Economic Prosperity, Reparations and Respect for human rights.
The Economic Pillar is the RDZ flagship on economic development for the prosperity of Zimbabweans. This pillaraims at creating jobs, reviving industries, economic prosperity of Zimbabweans, promoting tourism, preservation of conservancies and empowering the youth and women in the development of Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVES
Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe is a political party in Zimbabwe formed with the objective of forming the next Government. Its objective is to Renew Hope, Renew and strengthen the Institutions, Change the system of Governance, Build a Strong Nation, Revive and grow the economy and make Zimbabwe responsive to the wishes and well being of its citizens. The RDZ will pursue the democratization of the country, and in particular shall strive for the liberation, empowerment and transformation of Zimbabwe into a modern democratic developmental state that will result in economic prosperity for the people.
IDEOLOGY
The party follows the ideology of Modern NATIONALISM, Social Democracy and Pan Africanism.
Modern Nationalism
The national resources of the country must be deployed, exploited and used for the benefit of all the citizens. These resources include but not limited to minerals, land, wildlife, infrastructure, institutions, rivers and human capital. We embrace the aspirations of the FOUNDING ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALISTS.
In developing our nation we will embrace and work with the rest of the international community while leveraging on our resources to the best benefit of our people.
Zimbabwe has enough wealth for all and indeed future generations if managed properly and shared more fairly and transparently.
Pan Africanism
We are Africans and subscribe to the unity of Africa. We endorse all the noble efforts in the region and in the continent to fight for the Development and economic progression of Africa, its member states and its people. In this regard, we endorse the latter and spirit of the African Union`s vision 2063 in its entirety.
Social Democracy
We believe in the rights of citizens to freely choose their leaders and Government. We believe in mixing of Merit, Representativeness and social conscience. Government should be able to look after the poor and ensure no child will stay out of school because their parents are poor or deceased. Priority will be given to social services. The disabled and the vulnerable must have access to descent livelihoods.
The Party will join Regional and International organizations with other Social Democratic parties. These parties like us subscribe to the notion of democracy, freedom, justice and solidarity.
PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
The RDZ subscribes to and will abide by the following principles and values:
Servant Leadership
Nation Building
Non Violence
Tolerance
Transparency
Team Work
Free Voting
Freedom
Justice
Solidarity
Economic Prosperity Reparations
Respect for human Rights.
Servant Leadership
RDZ will employ open government and servant leadership. Leaders who listen to the people, are humble and associate themselves with the people and offer themselves to serve at the pleasure of the people they represent. Balance representation and merit. Leaders must continuously subject themselves to selection by the people.
Nation Building
We see all citizens as equal irrespective of tribe or place of origin and all citizens are given equal opportunities. The RDZ will promote and do those things that bring the people together and make Zimbabwe a proud nation. RDZ will reclaim the people's dignity. Development will be decentralized. Government will be devolved whilst retaining a unitary state.
Non Violence
RDZ does not believe in the use of violence to settle issues be it political or domestic. Violence is characterized as assault, torture and other physical harm, hate speech, denial of access to food and other humanitarian assistance and psychological subjugation. RDZ promotes dialogue and other peaceful ways of resolving differences.
Tolerance
RDZ promotes tolerance of other people's views, cultures, religions and practices. The Party accepts the rights of association, expression and academic freedom.
Transparency
The Party abhors corruption and will do everything in its power to fight against corruption both in the public and private sectors. RDZ promotes good and clean Governance, accountable government and leadership. The RDZ will set up systems that are people friendly, stable, clear and transparent. Our people remain trapped in abject poverty because of the shameless corruption, greed and selfishness of a few individuals.
Team Work
Decision making is by consensus, with the involvement of all the layers of leadership and the people affected by the particular decision. RDZ has a cohesive leadership and no person has the power to reverse the decision of the team. RDZ says No to big man politics.
Free Voting
RDZ believes in the right of the people to choose their own leaders and to be governed by the party and leaders of their choice. This is achieved through the creation of an environment, which makes it possible for all those who want to register to vote being allowed to do so. To vote in a free fair and credible election devoid of violence, intimidation and rigging. RDZ wants one man/one woman vote, with restricted assisted voting.
Freedom
RDZ will work for the total freedom and subscribes to the Human Rights Charter and the Bill Of Rights of the Zimbabwean Constitution. RDZ fully accepts and will implement the right of association, allowing free political activity and right of expression. In that regard will repeal all repressive laws like AIPPA, POSA, etc.
Justice
RDZ believes in the Rule of Law and constitutionalism. All are equal before the law and cobweb justice is unacceptable, therefore equal punishment for same crime. Justice will not be politicized. The constitution will be implemented both in letter and spirit and all laws that are utravires the constitution will be struck off.
Solidarity
We are human beings, and must accord each other the respect and dignity of the highest order. RDZ believes that Government and society must look after the poor, the infirm, the disabled and the vulnerable. UBUNTU will be practiced. The disabled and the vulnerable must have access to descent livelihoods.
Economic Prosperity
Zimbabwe is very rich in terms of natural resources and human capital. RDZ aspires to convert that into economic prosperity of the citizens. RDZ will create a system that gives dignity to hard work, reward hard work and enterprise, create an ethos for hard work and economic prosperity and security.
Reparations
Many Zimbabweans have suffered on the hands of the state since 1980. The notable episodes include Gukurahundi in the 1980s, Food riots in the 1990s, fast track resettlement of early 2000s, the democratization episodes, Murambatsvina in 2005, Machipisa in 2007, operation vavhotera papi in 2008, New Murambatsvina and Vendor wars in 2015. RDZ will put closure to these through the state paying reparations to the victims. This will also include provision of proper documentation and allow our NATION to move forward without the baggage of the past.
KEY POLICIES
Land
All the people (irrespective of race, tribe or gender) on land must have security of tenure, and therefore must not be moved. The security title must be bankable enabling them to pledge the land as security with financial and other institutions. The security of tenure should enable them to lease, transfer and pass on to their heirs.
Land must be productive, and this requires skills and capital. RDZ government will make available extension services and the private sector will also play a critical role in the provision of both the skills and financing, e.g. through contract farming and consultancy services.
RDZ will put closure on previous land acquisitions through agreeing on compensation to the previous farm owners.
RDZ government will have the right to resettle citizens, provided the new areas of resettlement are not only better, but serviced with schools, clinics, roads and business centres.
Food Security
RDZ will work to ensure Zimbabwe has sufficient food to feed itself within a maximum period of two years.
This will be done through allocating 200 000 hectares for intensive maize production. Part of this land will be new opened up irrigation areas around Tokwe Mukosi dam. Skilled farmers will be contracted to produce maize, so as to achieve a minimum of 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare. This will cost about $200 million and result in maize output of 2million tonnes. High yielding seed varieties will be used.
For the rest of the population, measures will be put in place for easy access to agricultural inputs, extension services and creation of market chains.
In summary food security will be achieved through having the appropriate skilled people planting the appropriate maize seed on 200 000 hectares of land at a cost of $200 million.
Indigenization and empowerment
RDZ has Economic prosperity for all citizens as one of its principles. The current indigenization and Empowerment Act will be scrapped as it has been grossly abused for self-enrichment and looting, whilst at the same time it is a major deterrent for critical foreign direct investment and local non-black investment. This will be replaced with partnerships and job creation. The partnerships will be dictated by business considerations and remain outside of government control. Some of these considerations include what the local partners can provide, capital intensity and size of the project, technology transfers, skills and professions, etc.
RDZ will make it easy for foreigners who invest large amounts to get Residency status and get full citizenship within a year or two of consummating the investment. This privilege will be extended to individuals with special skills not found in Zimbabwe for the country to take off economically.
International Relations
Zimbabwe will belong to the international family of nations. RDZ will pursue international relations that will bring economic and other benefits to Zimbabweans and to keep the world safe and peaceful. RBZ will look everywhere and be multi aligned, to encourage foreign direct investment, loans and grants, scholarships, training, tertiary and technology education and transfers, and the welfare and wellbeing of Zimbabwean citizens in the diaspora.
Education
RDZ will have an education system that allows for private, government, council, community and religious institutions at all levels and be accessible to all. Primary education is a RIGHT. No child will fail to go to school on account of the financial status of their parents or as a result of being orphaned. The state will provide. Special attention will be given to the girl child to receive as much education as possible. All tertiary colleges' students studying in Zimbabwe will be entitled to loans that shall be repaid at reasonable rates upon completion of ones studies to enable other needy students to benefit from the same.
The education system will emphasize the teaching of Mathematics, Science, Technology, citizenship (constitution), entrepreneurship and life skills. There is need to prepare our children for the quantum leap and make Zimbabwe a winning nation.
RDZ will make education a big industry and open up its education system to foreigners, including encouraging many of the foreign universities to have their students reside in Zimbabwe and attending appropriate lessons here.
Education in the 21st century has become sophisticated. RDZ shall strive to maintain a manageable teacher – pupil ratio and educators across the board will be adequately remunerated for their noble work.
Health
RDZ will have a health system that allows for private, government, council, community and religious institutions at all levels and be accessible to all. RDZ will ensure that all citizens have access to primary heath care and are served through local clinics.
All those suffering from communicable diseases have to be treated as a matter of public health. This includes those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Children under 5 years, pregnant women, women giving birth and those aged over 65 years can access free medical attention.
RDZ will create and encourage health tourism. This entails making sure foreign patients not only come to seek very high level medical attention, but they come with their loved ones and also enjoy what the country can offer. This requires development of top-notch medical facilities, fitted with modern equipment and instruments, and manned by well-trained health personnel.
RDZ shall also strive to maintain a patient – doctor/nurse ratio which is manageable and health personnel shall be adequately remunerated according to their skills.
Women
The Zimbabwean women have endured the full force of poverty due to the economic meltdown and cultural practices that look at women as second class humans.
The status quo, women continue to be subjected to:
Physical and sexual violence;
Education and economic exclusion;
Health challenges, childbirth deaths;
Retrogressive cultural practices; and
Discrimination based on gender.
RDZ will work to advance the interest and wellbeing of women and adopt and implement international and regional frameworks such as the Convention Eliminating All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (PACHPR on the RWA).
Women will be at the centre of developing gender-sensitive policies to confront the challenges that face Zimbabwean women. This will provide intervention mechanisms to address the wrongs or injustices of any magnitude. And ensure that women are economically developed and have access education, health, capital and investment.
Youths
RDZ will encourage the growth of youth through entrepreneurship by providing them the necessary support. The youth empowerment projects will be implemented correctly, looking at the viability of their projects and ensuring that youths have the technical ability to start the new ventures and providing mentorship and linkages within the value chain.
Housing
RDZ will make the allocation of stands and construction of Houses a top priority. All people in housing cooperatives' will be given title to their stands. People on housing waiting lists will be allocated stands. This will be preceded by the planning and replanning of cities and towns to be modern taking into account commuting, vending, recreation, sewer reticulation, water, etc. Construction of housing is a serious economic growth trigger, is labour intensive, whilst at the same time providing a critical human need. A house once built provides additional security for funds borrowed or to be borrowed. Citizens will have access to decent housing without the seasonal demolition of houses for political gain. Demolition of houses will not be allowed.
Energy Sector
The country is very short of Energy, which is a major enabler for its development. RDZ will cause the building of new power stations to provide over 10 000MW generation capacity over the next 10 years. These new power stations will be built through mostly Independent Power Producers, Build Operate and Transfer (mostly hydro). These will be spread over Solar 1000MW, Hydro (Zimbabwe's share on the Zambezi) 3000MW and Clean coal technology 6000MW. The regional project of Inga Dam hydro in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be pursued with vigour.
ZESA Holdings will be unbundled into Electricity Generation, Transmission and Systems Control, and Electricity Distribution company. Electricity generators will have the choice to sell directly to electricity consumers, with the Transmission and Distribution entities obliged to convey the electricity at a regulated tariff.
The grid will be upgraded to carry electricity more efficiently and reduce both transmission and distribution losses significantly, and making it e compliant. The maintenance will be enhanced to make the aged plant perform more reliably in the short term.
In the short term, pressure will be released from the electricity grid by encouraging the use of biogas and LPG for cooking and heating purposes. New houses would be fitted with biogas digestors instead of the normal septic tanks, including fitting biogas digestors before discharge into the sewerage system. Solar plants can be constructed quickly too and these will alleviate the load shedding during the day.
Security Sector
The security sector will be professional and RDZ will promote on merit and professionalism. RDZ promotes peace, law and order and an apolitical security sector. RDZ recognizes the role played by the liberation forces and detainees and will review their benefits and uplift their status.
ECONOMIC REVIVAL
The economy is on a free fall, registering negative growth, lack of liquidity, massive job losses and company closures. Revenue collection by government is dwindling by the day and as a consequence government's ability to pay is also disappearing. The lack of disposable income and the general negativity are feeding and strengthening the economic decline. The situation is going to be much worse by the time the next general election will take place. People are now being forced into survival mode ie SURVIVE TODAY TO LIVE TOMORROW. The current Government has shown that it is completely clueless, corrupt and in denial.
In addition to the above policies, RDZ will do the following;
Legitimacy of Government
ZANU PF government has to leave and a new Government put in place through a free, fair and credible election. Conditions for a free and fair election have to be put in place, which include allowing people to freely register as voters and the voters' role being made a public document freely available for inspection and correction. The election process to allow voters to vote freely without violence, intimidation and cohesion and be open for observation by the international community.
Restoration of confidence and bridging the credibility gap
A 91 year old leader does not give confidence for the future. This coupled with the past and present acts of disregarding the rule of law further erodes confidence. The gap between what ZANU PF says and what they do is very wide. RDZ will bring in a younger leader and leadership team to restore confidence and the remove the credibility gap.
Policy consistency and good governance
The policies set out have to be clear and predictable and not be dependent on the whims of the President, ministers and public officials all of whom often contradict each other.
The governance levels will be raised so as to be comparable with the best in the world. RDZ will deal with corruption and run a clean Government.
RDZ will appoint ministers who understand the plight of the people, policy imperatives, need for development and rapid economic growth. Ministers who know the policy choices and their implications in the short and long term. Ministers who will choose the most effective, humane and easily to implement policies. Ministers who will provide leadership to the various ministries and be an effective team together. RDZ will be a knowledgeable and caring Government.
The ministers will be supported by a fusion of the current members of the civil service with new members so as to change the culture, effectiveness and efficiency of the civil service whilst maintaining the critical institutional memory. This will allow for rapid takeoff and acceptance of new ways of doing business.
Security of investment
Security of investment will be given through the respect for property rights and rule of law, abiding by the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements, abiding by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agreements and being a member in good standing of the Multilateral Financial Institutions (MFI), in addition to the scrapping of the Indigenization and Empowerment Act.
Increase Capital and funds Inflows into the country
Inflows into the country are mainly from 5 sources, which are;
i) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
ii) Loans to the Private and Public Sectors
iii) Overseas development Assistance (ODA)
iv) Remittances from the diaspora
v) Exports
To kick start the economy FDI and loans are the most critical and fastest acting. The investment environment has to be attractive by ensuring that the investments are safe, there are good returns, and dividend remittances are guaranteed and employment laws fair. Extra incentives will be given to early worm and those investments that have a large multiplier effect. Loans to the Private sector follow FDIs. RDZ will lower the country risk which will result in lower interest rates and lower unit costs.
Loans to the public sector and ODA result from good government to government relations and the relationship with the MFIs. International Relations and good governance are key to unlocking this vital source of funds.
Creditor countries and the MFIs will be approached for DEBT FORGIVENESS. Zimbabwe's debt burden is too high. Debt forgiveness will be a priority and the savings will be applied towards provision of social services.
Remittances from the diaspora are mostly for supporting families back home. The improvement in the investment climate will encourage the diaspora to also invest back home thereby increasing the remittance flow.
Increase in exports is a result of improved economic activity and investment in the economy. This will be enhanced through creation of new export oriented businesses, reduction in the cost of production, increased value addition, adoption of new technologies.
Public, Private Partnerships and Concessions
There are many projects and areas of cooperating between the Public and the Private sectors. State enterprise will be limited to those services that cannot be profitably provided by the private sector and to strategic investments only. The cooperation with the private sector will be implemented in many areas using Joint Ventures, Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) method, Concessions. Such areas of cooperation include dam construction and operation (e.g.Tokwe Mukorsi), Zambezi Water Project, construction and maintenance of major highways, New Power Stations, Telecoms, Universities, Hospitals, etc.
The Private sector will bring in the much needed cash into the areas normally funded through the fiscus, thereby releasing Government to cover more social aspects to improve the welfare of the people. The Private sector will also bring in the craft competence to implement the projects more efficiently and at less cost, increase investment absorption capacity and bring in new technologies. Joint ventures like the mining and processing of coal by Hwange Colliery can be over an open ended period, BOT and Concessions will be for specific periods. The Batoka Power Station will be built on a BOT basis and ownership passing on to the state after 30 years.
There are public owned enterprises that are a drain on the fiscus and not strategic, like Air Zimbabwe. These will be sold for good value in a non-partisan manner, which empowers citizens.
Private sector, Informal Sector and Vendors
The RDZ will facilitate the growth of an entrepreneurial spirit and attitude, which will manifest through all the levels from the vendor to the largest corporates, and across all sectors from Agriculture to Tourism. The private sector meets specific needs whilst employing efficient means of producing goods and services and the state must play a facilitating role to make this happen. The greater part of the wealth of a country is in the hands of its citizens. The Private sector is the engine for economic growth and job creation. The RDZ will enact laws that recognizes fully the dignity, worth and wellbeing of the employees.
The RDZ will make it simple and easy to establish new businesses, movement from informal to the formal sector and put in policies that make it easy to do business. This includes creating a favorable tax regime, training, access to loans and capital and attracting new investments. RDZ will create revolving funds for the informal sector and vendors. More important, RDZ will create an environment where it is easy to start again because entrepreneurship requires continuous trying.
The RDZ will facilitate the provision of appropriate business premises and market stalls for the informal sector operators and vendors. RDZ will put laws that facilitate linkages within the value chains and with formal business. RDZ will decriminise the operators in the informal sector and vending.
Financial services sector.
RDZ will regulate the financial services sector to make it strong and become an important enabler for economic growth. A strong financial services sector is critical to support private enterprise, informal sector and vendors.
RDZ will remove the current requirement for banks to have a large statutory capital base. There will be small, medium and large banks. What matters more is the loan to capital ratio, the quality of its book and the nature of the business of the bank, its purpose and target market.
The Reserve Bank will ensure there is competition and free enterprise and the highest corporate governance in this sector.
Tourism and Conservancy Preservation
Tourism shall be a key component in the development of Zimbabwe. The current tourism environment has been politicized and made a preserve of the few. RDZ envisages to develop the tourism sector for the local communities first were the tourist attractions may be located. RDZ will ensure that tourism shall benefit the local communities, the country and an improvement of the tourist sites not forgetting the preservation of the environment.
Conservancies shall be preserved in their natural form. Security shall be upgraded in these conservancies to curb on poachers and other nefarious activities in the sector. Licenses' to operate the conservancies shall be granted on merit and not on political, tribal or religious grounds.
Source - RDZ
