Woman launches new political party

A NEW political party, the African Democratic Party (ADP), was launched last week in Harare with much pomp and fanfare. Led by president, Marcellina Chikasha (MC), the party is not wasting time, but already gearing up for the 2018 elections. Financial Gazette News Editor, Maggie Mzumara (MM), sought to pick the brains of Chikasha to find out hers and the party's aspirations for the people of Zimbabwe. The following is what came out of that interview.

MM: Can you tell me more about your party? When was it formed? What was the driving force in starting it?
MC: The African Democratic Party was formed in April 2014. The driving force behind starting it was a love for Zimbabwe and a feeling of despair over its current state. A group of God fearing individuals got together and decided that it was better to turn that despair into action and become the change we desired to see.

MM: What does the party offer Zimbabweans?
MC: The African Democratic Party is offering Zimbabweans hope for a better tomorrow, the very real possibility of living in a developed, functioning and globally relevant nation, in their lifetime.

MM: All parties believe they are there to offer Zimbabweans a better life, how is yours different? What is your party's unique selling proposition?
MC: ADP is different in that our emphasis is not so much on economic blueprints or flexing intellectual muscle. Our emphasis is on highlighting our strengths as Zimbabwean citizens and uniting for one purpose and that is to develop Zimbabwe. Maybe the person who has a cure for Ebola is an MDC supporter. In the current situation this person would be unable to fully explore the treatment because of partisanship and political polarisation. However, at ADP we are strongly emphasising the unity of all Zimbabweans so that we work together to solve our issues as Africans.

MM: So far what has been the response from people?
MC: So far the response from the people has been amazing. Zimbabweans are so unique they are peace loving and friendly. All they really want is for someone to create a conducive environment for them to excel and fulfil their purposes. ADP is committed to creating that environment.

MM: What is your strategy in rolling out the party to the masses?
MC: We intend to use all strategies to roll out the party to the masses. Physically there is much work to be done, setting up structures on the ground and getting to meet the people in all the country's provinces. We, of course, will also rely on social media as well as print and electronic to reach some of our potential supporters.

MM: There has been growing apathy in Zimbabweans, which is expected to increase even more given the failure so far of opposition parties to provide an alternative, how do you propose to tackle this apathy?
MC: Apathy is tackled only in one way, by articulating a vision that will capture the imagination of Zimbabweans and make them desire to run with it. If we are merely successful in igniting a passion for development in people, our job is half done.

MM: It is very refreshing to have a woman president of a party, does this male dominated terrain not scare you? What is your expectation going in?
MC: This male dominated terrain actually challenges me in a very positive way. There are a lot of positive things about being a woman coming in with a different perspective on how we should work and improve our lot as Zimbabweans. I do not feel intimidated or scared at all and I expect that there will be some gentlemen in the game, even if this is politics.

MM: What do you bring to the position (a) as a person, and (b) as a woman?
MC: What I bring is a lot of heart to this position. I bring compassion and I bring a desire to see Zimbabweans united and contributing to the success of this nation. I also have grit, determination and intelligence but these are far inferior qualities to compassion and love. A woman is a person so that answer speaks to the second part of the question as well.

MM: Have you always been in politics or is this a maiden entrance? Care to explain your background?
MC: Although I trained as an accountant with a leading accounting firm, my heart was never in numbers. I was always preoccupied with serving people and left my career, when I was head office accountant, to pursue philanthropic work in underprivileged communities. I have always been very passionate about politics. I love people and I love to serve, to improve people's lives and to contribute meaningfully to bringing change and improving our lot as Africans. My role, I believe, is to help translate our potential as a nation into our reality.

MM: What about politics appeals to you?
MC: Politics appeals to me because I want to prove that it is not an academic exercise but that it is a God driven agenda and can only be successfully accomplished with wisdom, astuteness and a love for people. I am the sort of person who will question the status quo, question theories and push boundaries.

MM: What can we expect from you and your party in the run up to the next elections and beyond?
MC: You can expect a lot of energy from our party. We are a young, dynamic team, a team that is driven and passionate about turning Zimbabwe into a modern state. So expect new, revolutionary and progressive ideas and campaign methods. We intend to be felt in all of Zimbabwe's provinces before 2018. If people give us the mandate to govern in 2018, we will turn Zimbabwe into a developed nation, the leading exporter of agricultural produce in Africa and of finished products in sub- Saharan Africa in a very short space of time. We see the potential for us to be the hub of investment and finance in Africa. In short, ADP will transform Zimbabwe from being a country with potential to a successful and prosperous nation.

MM: Anything else you wish people to know?
MC: My greatest desire is for people to believe in the possibility of a better Zimbabwe. See beyond where we are today. Think of the best run cities and countries in the world and superimpose Zimbabwe on that country. If we join hands we can do it. Our unity is our victory, pamwechete tinokunda, sibambene siyanqoba.