Opinion / Columnist
A Nation's Vision: Beyond Individual Ambitions
4 hrs ago | Views
As Zimbabwe navigates its development trajectory, a crucial question emerges: should a nation's vision be tied to an individual's ambitions, or should it transcend personal interests? President Emmerson Mnangagwa's "ED2030" campaign, implying a potential extension of his term beyond 2028, raises concerns about the country's future.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated his commitment to respecting the constitution and stepping down in 2028. However, the "ED2030" campaign and discussions within the ruling ZANU-PF party about extending his term have sparked debate. Critics argue that this would undermine the country's democratic principles and create uncertainty about the nation's future.
The concern is not just about President Mnangagwa's personal ambitions, but also about the potential risks of tying a nation's vision to an individual's leadership. What if nature calls it a day and he dies? Would the country's development plans come to a grinding halt? A nation's vision should be resilient enough to withstand changes in leadership and should prioritize the collective interests of its citizens.
Zimbabwe's development plans should be institutionalized, ensuring that progress is not dependent on individual leaders.
The ruling party and government should prioritize succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition of power when the time comes.
The government should respect the constitution and adhere to its provisions, including term limits, to maintain stability and democratic credibility.
While President Mnangagwa's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Zimbabwe's development agenda, it is essential to prioritize the nation's interests over individual ambitions. By institutionalizing development, prioritizing succession planning, and adhering to the constitution, Zimbabwe can ensure a resilient and sustainable development trajectory that benefits all its citizens.
The Constitution of a country should not be based on individual leaders as that would mean every new leader reforms it to suit their needs. Once allowed for President Mnangagwa, what will stop Chiwenga, Chamisa, Ncube, Biti or Tshabangu from doing likewise? ZanuPF , as a liberation and post independent nation founding party, should have been patriotic enough to ensure the country has a Constitution iron that is iron clad from individual or political abuse. Zanu PF would one day have left power popular as a democratic party but as it it, it is soiling its own history and legacy. The national aspirations should arise above personal ambitions and power hunger.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated his commitment to respecting the constitution and stepping down in 2028. However, the "ED2030" campaign and discussions within the ruling ZANU-PF party about extending his term have sparked debate. Critics argue that this would undermine the country's democratic principles and create uncertainty about the nation's future.
The concern is not just about President Mnangagwa's personal ambitions, but also about the potential risks of tying a nation's vision to an individual's leadership. What if nature calls it a day and he dies? Would the country's development plans come to a grinding halt? A nation's vision should be resilient enough to withstand changes in leadership and should prioritize the collective interests of its citizens.
The ruling party and government should prioritize succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition of power when the time comes.
The government should respect the constitution and adhere to its provisions, including term limits, to maintain stability and democratic credibility.
While President Mnangagwa's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Zimbabwe's development agenda, it is essential to prioritize the nation's interests over individual ambitions. By institutionalizing development, prioritizing succession planning, and adhering to the constitution, Zimbabwe can ensure a resilient and sustainable development trajectory that benefits all its citizens.
The Constitution of a country should not be based on individual leaders as that would mean every new leader reforms it to suit their needs. Once allowed for President Mnangagwa, what will stop Chiwenga, Chamisa, Ncube, Biti or Tshabangu from doing likewise? ZanuPF , as a liberation and post independent nation founding party, should have been patriotic enough to ensure the country has a Constitution iron that is iron clad from individual or political abuse. Zanu PF would one day have left power popular as a democratic party but as it it, it is soiling its own history and legacy. The national aspirations should arise above personal ambitions and power hunger.
Source - Mlilo Joyinani and Ndaba Nhuku
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