Zapu corrects misunderstandings and distortions of Dr Dabengwa's Press Statement

Two issues have emerged since Dr Dumiso Dabengwa's Press statement of the 13th November 2014. Distortions and misunderstands having been flying left and right, in this short document we seek to correct and clarify the misunderstandings.

The first misinformation in the media and else has been that ZAPU has refused joining the grand coalition known as Coalition of Democrats (CODE).

Let me quote verbatim what Dr Dabengwa said, here we go, "During this consultative period events have taken place that need the Party to come out and clarify. First of these are the merger talks between the Ncube formation and Biti renewal team. Both these formations are principal partners in the CODE discussions.

There have been press reports that an agreement will be signed by the two formations on monthend. ZAPU is not part of those merger talks between Ncube and Biti and while wishing them well in that endeavour will not be an active party to the signing of any agreement between them. Therefore we categorically state that those press reports of ZAPU signing any agreement on 30 November were ill-informed and false".

It is either people do not know or understand that the MDC and MDC Renewal are in advanced stages of their merger process which has nothing to do with the CODE process or that people are simply distorting information in an attempt to force ZAPU to short-circuit its process of consultation with its membership which is currently taking place.

Mr Biti and Prof Ncube have never pretended that their merger process had anything to do with the CODE process or with ZAPU for that matter. They have never made it a secret that they are pursuing an independent process from the CODE process. The CODE process is an independent process which will not be influenced by the merger of the MDC and MDC Renewal.

Dr Dabengwa stated clearly that ZAPU was part of the CODE process and that in principle ZAPU has always been willing to work with other democratic forces to build a democratic state. ZAPU will continue in engaging in CODE negotiations but not in the merger process of the two MDCs.

The second serious misunderstanding is about the following statement by Dr Dabengwa , he said "CODE should not be viewed in the context of a regime change agenda. Its primary objective should not be the removal of the current regime, which has failed its mandate and is resorting to desperate measures to cling to power".

A number of people have misinterpreted this clear and simple statement to mean that ZAPU does not want the removal of the ZANU PF government from power. That ZAPU is defending ZANU PF. Some have gone as far as to say that ZAPU is proving to those who have been accusing it of being a ZANU PF project correct. These are the simplistic and misplaced interpretations, which border of deliberate distortions.

Some may genuinely have not understood where Dr Dabengwa was coming from, to these I will try to proffer an explanation here.

The removal of ZANU PF on its own will not change the fortunes of the country. What is needed and what Dr Dabengwa meant is that the country needs transformative and radical changes in its systems, culture and vision. The ‘Mugabe Must Go' mantra is the MDCT's populist idea but devoid of crucial ingredients which constitute genuine transformation which can usher in a new and refreshing political dispensation anchored on the respect for human dignity. ZAPU would like to see a totally new system when Mugabe and his government finally go.

The problem with the Zimbabwean politics is that it is heavily tribalised, this has morphed into a dangerous culture in the country as it could be seen everywhere, including institutions such as the MDCT. The problem with the tribalism is that it creates fear in the minds and hearts of perpetrators as it creates resentment and anger in the hearts and minds of the victims of tribalism. ZAPU would not like to see this tribal system continue and therefore would like to join hands with serious minded political parties which will not fall into this tribal system which Mugabe and his government have created.

ZAPU will free the victims and the perpetrators alike and usher in a society of equals devoid of fear, suspicion, hatred and pain.  As a country we should borrow from South Africa, where ethnic groups are living side by side in harmony and respect. These ethnic groups in SA are autonomous in their outlook and yet solidly united as a nation. This is not the case in Zimbabwe, certain ethnic groups are being forced to deny their identity and be subsumed under the culture of others.

ZAPU wants a radical change in how the economy is run, ZAPU wants a radical change with regards to the electoral and governance systems.

When Mugabe finally goes, Zimbabwe should be wholly transformed, that can only come through deliberate planning, by opposition Parties and the civic society.

Put in clearest terms, ZAPU needs regime change which will usher in a fair, equal and prosperous society.

zapuinformteam@gmail.com