Mnangagwa told to act and think like a State President

A concerned citizen identifying himself as PAPA J has written an open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, urging him to think and act like a state president rather than a political party leader.

"Mr President, think and act like a state president. The country needs jobs, better-equipped hospitals and schools, and improved infrastructure. This can only be achieved if you start acting and thinking at least 20% like a real state president," PAPA J wrote.

He accused Mnangagwa of abandoning his constitutional duties in favour of ribbon-cutting ceremonies for car donations linked to Zvigananda programmes.

"These cars contribute insignificantly to economic development. Instead, they are making Zimbabwe poorer. We are importing more fuel for these luxury vehicles - the lovebirds' picnic-moving hotels and lodges. Mr President, instead of dishing out luxurious cars, you could have imported tractors. Tractors would have shown you're thinking like a state president," he said.

PAPA J argued that restoring Zimbabwe’s breadbasket status should be a national priority and criticised the government’s failure to resolve the electricity crisis, which has persisted since 2008.

"The biggest enabler of industrial production is electricity. Mr President, you're not thinking like a president if you can't solve the energy crisis. Citizens are shocked that you dish out cars when industries are operating below 35% due to power shortages," he wrote.

He proposed removing domestic households from the ZESA national grid and redirecting power to industry, suggesting that solar systems be installed in homes using funds currently spent on importing luxury vehicles.

"Mr President, start thinking like a state president. Stop being pushed from one useless function to another by non-government officials. Chivhayo, Tungwarara, Tagwirei - these individuals cannot toss around a state president as though he has no cabinet ministers."

PAPA J lamented the President’s growing distance from his ministers and increasing visibility alongside private individuals.

"This makes us conclude that you're now thinking like a village headman rather than a state president. Your ministers make you look, think, and act like a state president."

He called for urgent reforms in education and healthcare, once the pride of Zimbabwe and the SADC region.

"Our education system used to be the envy of Africa. Think like a president on how best to restore it. Our health delivery system was one of the best in SADC - please act and think like a state president to put it back on track."

PAPA J also criticised the lack of confidence in the ZiG currency, citing the continued public display of foreign currency donations by politically connected individuals.

"How do you expect us to value the ZiG when Chivhayo, Sakupwanya, Tungwarara, Tagwirei are donating thousands of US dollars? If they are promoting development, they must be seen complementing RBZ efforts. Their continued dishing out of foreign currency creates psychological resistance to the ZiG."

He questioned the optics of First Lady-led programmes allegedly consuming millions while hospitals remain under-equipped.

"Just imagine if First Lady Nhodo, Kubika Mufushwa, Kuita nhangemutange wakadengezera is reported to have used more than US$60 million while our hospitals lack medicine. Mr President, truly think and act like a state president. You cannot let such happen under your nose."

PAPA J concluded by criticising the donation of 10 ambulances to serve 15 million citizens, while 700 luxury vehicles were reportedly given to army officers.

"If you think like a state president, you will understand that priority must always be on the majority of people. Thank you, Mr President Mnangagwa. I hope you will take this advice and start thinking like a state president from this minute."