Let's give our leaders a chance please

It is worrisome that the recent swearing in of two Vice Presidents, Comrades Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, has been received negatively by some analysts and members of the public claiming that the two are hardliners and radical elements in ZANU-PF and the government.

I am quite sure that the two comrades having been leaders before, so their elevation to become the two deputies to the President will actually add value and boost their working experience, thus shaping them into good leaders.

In recent weeks some sections of the media were awash with articles humiliating the two Vice Presidents stating that nothing good is expected to come from them. This is however, untrue because the background of these two Vice Presidents tells it all that there are hard workers.

It is imperative to note that these two comrades, just like other leaders, have important tracks of their accomplishments that can be easily followed. Unfortunately, the media and a number of analysts focus their attention on mistakes rather than what people have done well. However, President Mugabe recognized the meaningful contributions that these comrades have been putting on the economic development table and believed that they should be elevated so that they contribute more to nation building.

A constructive example is that of the then Defence Minister Mnangagwa, who through his hard work and initiatives built a state of the art Defence College in Harare.

Like our two Vice Presidents, good leaders are responsible for everything that happens in an organization or a country, and they are rightly held accountable for everything that happens either good or bad.

Good leaders know quite well that they are not simply in charge of making plans and reaching targets, but they are rather responsible for making sure that their country is doing what it is meant to do, and ensuring that the standards of living of the people are improved.

President Mugabe's swearing in of his deputies portrays that he has great trust in these two leaders and that he is quite sure that their appointments to the presidium make tangible and productive things happen. It is a leader who has a vision, takes initiatives, influences people, makes proposals, organizes logistics, solves problems, and most of all takes responsibility that we need.

The complex problems that exist in our country will require people who are able to lend an active hand and work together in solving them. The new Vice Presidents and the newly appointed ministers need to be supported for them to deliver.

Lately, Zapu leader, Dumiso Dabengwa has described Vice President Mphoko as a sellout (a case of sour grapes?). Such statements are unworthy to be coined on state leaders as they damage their reputation and image. Therefore, those who are found guilty of waffling such disturbing statements should be brought before a hearing as they will be undermining the authority of the President who appointed them. It is important for public to give due respect to their leaders.

As new leaders in the office, I believe they should be given their chance to perform and dish out what they have that contributes to the development of the country.