Equal opportunities for all with Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe's political landscape shall never be the same again. The paradigm shift in the narrative is upon us as the complexion, scent and flavor of our politics has defied the norms and truly now is on a different trajectory. The new concept by the largest and most popular political party in Zimbabwe led by Dr. Tsvangirai's has diffused a new aroma into our political setting.  All this comes against a backdrop of an entranced patronage system where any move be it business, social, religious or in any spheres of life need the benevolence and blessing of a political God-father who plays a guardian angel role – however with the ability to give or withhold.

With pomp and a new thrust, the towering spokesperson of best political brand in the country, Hon Obert "Chaurura" Gutu unpacks the best phrase in town. "EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL" an unrivalled statement of action in a country where the electorate and the general populace had been taken for a ride since time immemorial. Several political outfits have coined several acronyms in a bid to hoodwink the gullible citizens to further their selfish interests.

In direct contrast to the fancied and failed ZIMASSET, the new game in town seems to be gaining mileage and winning the hearts and the souls of the people at an exponential rate. A general survey in most parts of the country where the concept has been impressed upon the people shows big thumbs up to the idea. The people of Zimbabwe have generally dismissed and dispelled ZIMASSET as a poorly crafted election gimmick whose only goal was to distract the people of Zimbabwe from the real challenges ahead. Even by self- admission of several senior officials in the government, the policy is a dismal failure whose validity has no space in the practically of the state of affairs in the country but a discussion document in the world of academia. The estimated 27billion dollars required to fund the fantasy is only attained and lost in the world of dreams with no material effect to the living or the context of our nation.

According to several economic and social commentators, the EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL mantra can get a buy in from most Zimbabweans. Dr Tyanai Masiya, a Zimbabwean academic based in South Africa heaped much praise on the people oriented drive. Asked for his view on this initiative, Emmanuel Banda a youth leader of the MDC T in Johannesburg had this to say, "As a party of excellence, we always knew that something brilliant was in the offing. I hail Hon Obert Gutu and his team for crafting this grassroots-responding idea to arrest the situation in the country – truly we will deliver EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL."
At one forum, the chief proponent and driver of EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL explained the importance of the change in the governance culture in Zimbabwe. Borrowing from one of Dr. Tsvangirai's regular political salvos, "The country has a crisis of legitimacy, the governance culture of Zimbabwe must change and EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL must be availed regardless of social status, skin colour, religion, gender, creed or any other variances which can be used to discriminate our people."

In concurrence, exiled Sithatshiwe Dube bemoaned the social, cultural ethical decay in the once termed jewel of Africa, "I come from Western Zimbabwe a region generally marginalized by the current ruling masters. There are limited opportunities and the general infrastructure is in a sorry state not to mention the nonexistent and dysfunctional health delivery system." Weighing in was Sihle Ncube, with Machivenyika Chiunda in concurrence – "The idea of EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL is a welcome relief in our political terrain. During the Rhodesian era, we suffered and felt not belong to our country only for the status quo to be perpetuated by our liberators turned oppressors. Finally we shall have a reason to call Zimbabwe ours as we too shall share in the national cake and resources of our country." To Nokuthula Gumbo, formerly employed by the state, the EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL dream is long overdue and overtaken by events, "I worked for the state and was overlooked in terms of promotions as those connected easily jumped up the ladder. Patronage, nepotism and regionalism is too rife in most institution of the state in Zimbabwe. There is a serious need for institutional cleansing to sanitize and demilitarize the state institution and state organs."

Judging by the public response to the EQUAL OPPORTUNITES FOR ALL message, it seems the MDC T may simply have engaged all their brain faculties at last with the right thinking cans on. In several of his political throws, Dr. Tsvangirai has indicated and advocated for a classless society that utilizes, exploits and values the potential, capacity, experience and expertise of every individual in the best interests of the country. The possibility of a new Zimbabwe with a clear contract and great cohesion between the ruled and the rulers is now in sunrise.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL as a lead pledge makes the MDC T party the only game in town. A bird's eye view of the social scene reflects a general satisfaction with the new road taken by the leading political outfit in the country. Several prominent Zimbabwean in the Diaspora stationed in various parts of the globe among them Frank Dube in Tshwane, Blessing Kwesha in Rossetenville, Tangai marufu in Olivienhoutsbosch, Tinashe Chifamba in Bellville, Elliah Marume  in South Africa, Jerry Dumbu in Hillbrow, Precious Mutete in Pretoria, Linda Musiyamhanje in Harare have expressed confidence and have since qualified the new narrative as a deliverable.

In a country where patronage rules, impunity is order of the day – disenfranchisement and marginalization on regional and tribal basis is a norm he call for EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL is received by all as it resonates with the situation and reality ensuing on the ground.

Finally Zimbabweans have a hope and a reason to leave for.  A new culture where people shall prosper based on what they can offer than on whom they know, a nation that shall be built on values and where people shall be proud to belong to. A new dimension of defining a Zimbabwean! A country where everyone shall sing the national anthem with conviction whilst solemnly saluting the national flag and without an overflowing confidence in all national institutions. A place where heroes shall be celebrated without coercion or regret .The expectation and hope to one day share in the resources of the country indiscriminately, a fair and transparent judiciary, a country where finally people shall be able to express themselves without fear and be accorded EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.

Dr. Wangu Mazodze is the Spokesperson of the Tsvangirai's – led MDC T party in South Africa and here he writes in his personal capacity as An Agent of Change advocating for EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL!  Cell - 0027785900238