Why we must reject Zanu-PF

THE Zanu-PF government is not a listening administration. For the last 18 years, I provided the government with grounded policy advice, but all fell on deaf ears. Zanu-PF is so arrogant that in this 2023 general elections it didn't present a manifesto arguing that its works are its manifesto. This is highest level of arrogance. Is Zanu-PF telling us to vote for shortages of drugs at hospitals and clinics, collapse of education, economic instability, poverty since this is what it has achieved?

In the last 43 years, Zanu-PF has established a sustained oppressive regime against the opposition and opposing voices. This is not the Zimbabwe our parents fought for!

On the back of constructive criticism and policy advice I offered to the Zanu-PF government, I bear testimony to incessant harassment instigated by Zanu-PF ministers and senior government officials (I had to step down from ZiscoSteel board to buy my freedom back, was kicked out from one of the State institutions in 2022 on account of my fierce criticism of government's decision to suspend lending and was "blacklisted" from participating in important national events such as budget consultations held in 2022.

All this was done with a view to cut my sources of income — of course with a myopic view they didn't know that, with His grace, Zimbabwe is too small for me. Against all odds, I refused to be whipped or succumb to pressure, hence, they failed to silence me. As a principled professional, I will not vote for an oppressive regime.

Zanu-PF failed to run the Zimbabwean economy on a sustained path. Since November 14 1997, that is, the black Friday, which saw the Zimdollar crashing, we witnessed sustained economic decay, loss of pensions and savings, death of the Zimdollar, massive corruption at a commercial scale, rising poverty and misery, stunting growth, collapse of education and healthcare, infrastructure deficit, unemployment, rising drug abuse among the youth. The list is endless.

Now, having followed closely the Zanu-PF government's policies, policy missteps and policy failure for the last 25 years I am convinced that the party will bring nothing but more misery if voted into office.

Citizens Coalition Change leader Nelson Chamisa is the future. He is the solution to Zimbabwe's problems. I am convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that there is no cyclone, earthquake, volcano nor any gymnastics that can take away Chamisa from the equation of solutions to Zimbabwe's problems. Those who have ears must hear. Chamisa is the solution for everyone!

Fellow citizens, let us vote for the US$100 billion entrepreneurial, inclusive and shared economy (decent jobs; world-class infrastructure, diversified and value-added exports; title deeds for urbanites, communal lands and new resettlement areas).

Let's vote for governance, transformative and consensus State (governance, strong institutions and leadership; zero corruption; a consulting and inclusive State, accountable and responsible nation).

Let's vote for social services and social delivery for everyone [free health and education, safety nets for the vulnerable, pensions for the elderly].

Let's vote for nation building (ubuntu, respect, tolerance, reconciliation, unity, peace); Making Zimbabwe Great [a model country based on good leadership and governance; strategic global food supplier; God fearing, God loving and God honouring nation; signature products; settled, great and happy people]; reconstruction; restoration; transformation; modernisation and reconciliation.