Devolution of Power Concept Explained, instalment 1 of 4

The explanation of the concept of devolution of power proffered herein in this first instalment and the three subsequent ones is as espoused by the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZAPU). The devolution of power envisioned by ZAPU strengthens and deepens democracy, strengthens and enhances national unity by taking advantage of the benefits of Zimbabwe's social and cultural diversity.

Zimbabwe is socialized and built around tribal structures, the legacy of colonial social stratification and the principle of divide and rule. Tribalism is still an obstacle for national unity in Zimbabwe today.  Nationalism was basically a positive force, directed against colonialism with little planning about the nature of tribal relations in a new Zimbabwe at independence after the end of colonialism.

 Zimbabwe government of ZANU pf, did not attempted to address the root causes of negative tribal relations to put Zimbabwe's unity at the top of national agenda. Different tribal groups in Zimbabwe needed time and recognition to overcome historical prejudice and oppression and learn that it was possible to have a relationship with other tribal groups in which they reveal their whole selves, including their tribal identity, culture and customs.  In contrast ZANU Pf adopted and reinforced the oppressive policies of the colonial rulers and directed the approach at subordinating Matabeleland by way of a genocide and economic marginalisation. Ultimately, the bitterness accruing from irresponsible conduct by ZANU PF for the sake of short-sighted and short-term gains further planted negative attitudes for bad tribal relations and a man-made humanitarian disaster that was witnessed in Matabeleland during the Gukurahundi atrocities. True unity lies in diversity, acknowledging and promoting that diversity. The present government's biggest mistake was to attempt to create a monolithic society whereby every ethnic group in Zimbabwe is turned into Shona. People will speak the language but that does not equate to contentment instead it may equate to resentment.
 
 The ZANU PF politics has always failed to recognize, preserve and allow different ethnic groups to preserve their identity, customs and culture and yet subscribe to national identity. There was no attempt to adopt a pragmatic stance towards redirecting attitudes of the new political dispensation to accept the existence of differences in politics, culture, race, customs and tribes, and embrace them.   The ideology was effectively obstructing the positive gains of independence and the positive rewards of political, tribal and racial diversity that prevails in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe people's core identities are viewed with scorn and as a threat to the government of Zimbabwe. The government does not believe in diversity and this is evidenced by the denial for people to have multiple identities. The multiplicity of identities is viewed as lack of patriotism. The assumption of Shona identity is viewed as being national and patriotic.
Tribal loyalties in Zimbabwe are an integral part of our identities and belonging to a group. Zimbabwe tribal entities and conformity can be exercised in the expense of personal wishes and needs .The importance of the prevailing tribal conformity in Zimbabwe often places a high priority of individuals on getting help from or giving help to tribal connections. This tribal identity in Zimbabwe is concerned with the protection of a sense of self within a tribal group; the preservation of tribal identity, culture and heritage; the survival of the group and influence over social and economic resources.

It is in this light that ZAPU views constitutional political devolution of power as having a propensity to embrace diverse social, political, tribal and racial groups by sincerely tapping onto the strength of what diversity can achieve for the social and economic development of Zimbabwe as recognition of diversity can instill a sense of belonging, national unity and pride to be Zimbabwean.

 Every human being seeks to preserve his/her own identity and culture. ZAPU devolution recognizes different cultures in Zimbabwe and support communities to exercise and preserve their cultures and custom by encouraging provincial legislative authorities to include local languages in the school curriculum. ZAPU devolves research in history so that historical information about Zimbabwe reflects in addition to the national history, the history of local communities and the sacrifices made by certain individuals in the liberation struggle, Zimbabwe politics and other personalities in different spheres of life in Zimbabwe. Many people who sacrificed their lives and died during the war of liberation, particularly those at lower social structures and those from opposition parties are currently not given adequate recognition that they deserve. An attempt to destroy others' identities or to subsume their identities on to other identities creates anger and resentment in people's hearts and it becomes a sure breeding ground for disunity. It boggles the mind how such simple factors of life eludes ZANU PF, having been in power for 34 years people should be now united but the reality is different, the reality is that more people can now speak Shona but with deep resentment as they feel that they are being forced to assume an identity which is not theirs.

In ZAPU devolution, local communities have the autonomous right and privilege to preserve record and store historical information about their communities within their local community in formats they see fit.

ZAPU devolution opens up airwaves for local television and radio stations broadcasting in local languages for local information and promotion of local culture by allowing private entrepreneurs to invest in electronic media outlets. ZAPU devolved approach is open and transparent so that people are objectively informed to allow them to make the right choices and decisions. The freedom of the press must be balanced with its accountability by providing multiple players more importantly in devolved provinces by ensuring local languages are used in local media to enhance the fabric and development of local languages. Language is a powerful media in expressing culture, beliefs and customs
 ZAPU devolution promotes the establishment of local cultural and sports centers; strengthen the role of local traditional leaders in cultural development and exercise; promote research in traditional medicine and medicinal ethics; encourage cultural exchange with other provinces and wider world.

ZAPU devolution allows provincial and local assemblies autonomy within the scope of national unity and self-determination; people from different provinces control resources within their locality and transform them at the pace determined by them; It grants special recognition to peoples with marginalized and minority identities within Zimbabwe and  make them feel at ease with their identity; proud of their cultural heritage and the culture of others, patriotic to their country and welling to safe guard and defend it. Parliament remains sovereign, even though it is envisaged that the central government will play a minimal role as ZAPU advocates for what is called devomaxi. The devolved institutions have political legitimacy and play a vital part in national governance.

Opponents of devolution are wary that, in the context of assumed deep ethnic and regional divisions, devolution will lead to the break-up of the country. Divided countries have 'disintegrated at crucial moments precisely because they did not develop over time democratic means for the devolution of power that knitted  ethnic groups together in a more authentic, voluntary, and legitimate political union'.
 
By contrast, when the national government, under a new political circumstance that attend the formation of a new democratic system, 'makes an early and sincere grant of autonomy, the consequence is almost always greater stability and unity, rather than social disintegration'.  ZAPU devolution of power is meant to correct this disparate caused at Zimbabwe's independence by the ZANU PF government.  Devolution is a successful case in India, Spain, South Africa, Kenya, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria.  By contrast, countries like Sudan, Iraq, Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Somalia, have paid a heavy price in civil war and massive violence for the failure to accommodate aspirations for devolution.
 
- thembamthethwa05@yahoo.co.uk