Equitable devolution will unite nation

AS Zimbabwe waits for the dust to settle following a largely controversial electoral process which saw Emmerson Mnangagwa retaining the reins of power, we sincerely hope that the country does not return to factory settings as far as development is concerned, especially in Matebeleland region where the wheels have been turning slowly.

Lupane Community Parliament speaker Njabulo Sibanda, in a story in yesterday's NewsDay, alluded to this by challenging the district's councillors and legislators who were elected in the August 23 and 24 harmonised elections to deliver on the promises they made during campaigns.

Sibanda says: "We are looking forward to working with you, not only to develop our district, but also have good relations between yourself and this Community Parliament, and to concert our efforts in the cause of peace and the brotherhood of all our people … It is now time for all of you to go to work and work for our people. The fate of the people of Lupane is in your hands. The fate of our people is in our collective hands, here, in this Community Parliament, and you, their representatives in the government."

Sibanda's call came a day before reports surfaced that in Umzingwane, Matebeleland South province, as reported elsewhere in this edition, Zanu-PF is plotting to hound all opposition candidates from the Citizens Coalition for Change who won seats in the region. It is alleged that Zanu-PF wants to appoint losing ruling party candidates to spearhead developmental projects.

This is a serious affront to democracy, a situation we believe should be addressed by the next government.

History has clearly taught us that all constituencies which were in the past won by the opposition have been marginalised in terms of government funding and support, a serious violation and abuse of the country's laws.

While Sibanda is calling for unity of purpose, we, however, appeal to  the government to be true to Zimbabwe's Constitution by unconditionally availing devolution funds to communities. What has happened in the past as far as the devolution money is concerned has hardly promoted unity and development in communities because government has been stingy.

Government must be reminded that the devolution issue has polarised the nation despite Chapter 14 of the Constitution's preamble clearly stressing the importance of this issue.

"Whereas it is desirable to ensure: (a) the preservation of national unity in Zimbabwe and the prevention of all forms of disunity and secessionism; (b) the democratic participation in government by all citizens and communities of Zimbabwe; and (c) the equitable allocation of national resources and the participation of local communities in the determination of development priorities within their areas; there must be devolution of power and responsibilities to lower tiers of government in Zimbabwe," says the preamble.

In our view, therefore, the issue of development in all communities across the country depends on this fundamental issue, meaning that unity and development are bosom buddies united by "equitable allocation of national resources and the participation of local communities".

The government should not be found wanting on this matter and we eagerly wait to see how it will perform this term because true national unity can only be achieved through unbiased "devolution of power and responsibilities to lower tiers of government".