National dialogue way to go

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's call for national dialogue among the nation's key stakeholders brings hope to many a Zimbabweans as it is one of the ways that the country can move forward in tackling the key economic challenges.

Unity and togetherness is an essential ingredient in harnessing diverse ideas from various sectors as we focus in rebuilding the economy of our beloved nation.

Over the years, Zimbabweans have been polarised along party lines. No sense of identity as a nation, with the-pull-him-down syndrome manifesting in all facets of the political and social spheres. The opposition parties particularly, the MDC advocating for more sanctions for the country ensconced in kudira jecha mantra (sabotaging every Government initiative) whilst ZANU PF led Government was working flat out to address economic and social challenges.

Instead, of the country having great ambassadors promoting the goodness of the nation, it has been infested with self-confessed saboteurs working tirelessly to derail every Government programme.

Since President Mnangagwa took over the levers of power from former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017, he has been stressing the need for unity among Zimbabweans through dialogue. In June 2018, President Mnangagwa facilitated the signing of the national peace pledge which was signed by at least 15 political party leaders. This ensured that there is a peaceful election environment in the country, before, during and after the 2018 harmonised elections.

In August 2018, President Mnangagwa also reiterated the same call for national dialogue as he challenged the MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa to accept his electoral defeat and put his nation first.

Writing on his official twitter page, President Mnangagwa said, "I once again reiterate my call for peace and unity above all. Nelson Chamisa, my door is open and my arms are outstretched, we are one nation, and we must put our nation first. Let us all now put our differences behind us. It is time to move forward together."

Fast forward to 2019, President Mnangagwa is still preaching the same message of unity among the nation's key stakeholders and invited them for dialogue.

In his first statement issued after returning to Zimbabwe from a successful four-nation tour of Eurasia, President Mnangagwa has said, "I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together. What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let's begin a national dialogue. Let's put the economy first. Let's put the people first."

This masterstroke invitation must be applauded as it ensures that every Zimbabwean puts the nation's interests first ahead of individual interests.

It is unfortunate that following President Mnangagwa's call for dialogue the MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has already set a pre-condition for talks in the form of releasing the violent protestors arrested during the destructive stay-away.

It should however be noted that failure to embrace the invitation by the MDC Alliance leader will not deter the progressive forces in the country to dialogue and move the nation forward.