PDP Position on Transitional Arrangements Post Mugabe Era

Incidentally as early as 2014, PDP proposed the need for transitional arrangements under its policy HOPE. It is pleasing to note that the idea of a National Transitional Authority (NTA) has now gained traction within opposition political circles. We welcome that, and we also urge all Zimbabwe's democratic forces and social movements to embrace this idea which we think will be a critical step in preparing our country for a better future post Mugabe.

It is important to note that the resolution of a national crisis through the establishment of NTA is not a new concept and is not unique to Zimbabwe. Other Countries such as Libya and the Central Africa Republic received this attention through the introduction of the National Transitional Council such as the one being recommended for Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, in both cases, the worst could not be avoided because the decay was already too advanced. As a result of this delay in intervention, Central Africa Republic in 2008 relapsed into further chaos and we are all aware on the sad case of Libya.

In our view, an inclusive national dialogue platform will ensure inclusive participation in national issues and will help eliminate the divisions that have engulfed the country. Civil society organizations, traditional leaders, war veterans, social movements, labour and student organizations and churches will therefore play a leading role in the NTA program implementation framework.


It will be necessary the NTA to occupy the post Mugabe vacuum. The NTA will be the Executive Authority of the country during the curatorship period. It will be responsible for the day to day running of the country. It will have ten major responsibilities which are:  economic reform, investment and employment creation, manufacturing and industrial revival, electoral reform, constitutional realignment, social service delivery enhancement, protection of women and children, youth and economic emancipation, international liaisons.

In our economic blue print HOPE we further suggest the following;
•    This NTA will work for limited period to stop the economic and social collapse we are facing and reposition Zimbabwe towards a democratic dispensation and sustainable growth. Only an NTA can achieve these goals given the level of hegemonic, authority and state crises currently consuming the country.
•    The NTA is to be composed of capable Zimbabweans with the technical ability to restore Zimbabwe's economy to its former glory; ensure the alignment of laws to the constitution including electoral reforms and prepare Zimbabwe for a sustainable election.

•    The NTA will be composed of a team of commissioners each in charge of the key deliverables of the NTA, including a chairperson of the commission. The NTA will be composed of sub committees each chaired by a member of the commission.

•    It is also crucial that international monetary institutions and development partners be engaged with a view to tackle the matter and help Zimbabwe move forward. The NTA will be charged with the responsibility to resolve this important matter with assistance from SADC and the AU.

Of course we at PDP do not believe we have the monopoly of wisdom on this issue. We therefore accept that there are many good ideas out there and we urge the urgent establishment of an inclusive National Convergence Platform to discuss and build consensus on the establishment the NTA as a matter of urgency.
Another Zimbabwe is possible!
Vince Musewe
PDP Secretary for Finance and Economic Affairs