Opinion / Columnist
Patriotism a key ingredient in Zim-Asset success
09 Apr 2014 at 10:03hrs | Views
As the nation celebrates a milestone 34 years of independence, it is imperative for the country's citizens to adopt a patriotic stance to ensure that noble policies designed to steer the country to even greater heights are a resounding success.
In countering the effects of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the west after its land reform programme, the ZANU-PF government introduced the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio - Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset) in October 2013.
In short, Zim-Asset was adopted from ZANU-PF's election manifesto during the 2013 elections and it spells out how the economy is going to be revived. It was crafted to achieve sustainable development and social equity anchored on indigenization, empowerment and employment creation.
Unlike previous policies put in place by the government, Zim-Asset is an input-output driven policy. The effort that stakeholders, who include the country's citizens, put is directly proportional to the successes realized.
The success of Zim-Asset, which has the potential to dramatically transform Zimbabwe's fortunes, hinges on patriotism.
Now is the time for the country's citizens to put aside their political differences and provide a united effort in turning around the fortunes of their God-given country with Zim-Asset being the leading beacon.
Zimbabweans can take their cue from countries like China and South Korea where such policies have been proven to work.
In January of 1998 South Korea and other Asian countries suffered massive financial crises. In a patriotic and noble bid to help their government and nation, South Koreans offered their personal gold possessions to the government in a campaign called "Collect Gold for the love of Korea."
The symbolic aspect resonated, as Korean citizens realized the gravity of the crisis and rallied, showing a willingness to help their country. By the end of 1999, South Korea had recovered.
Of course, Zimbabweans are not being asked to surrender their possessions but simply to give their wholehearted support to government's initiative in economic recovery.
Zimbabwe doesn't need a miracle. A positive attitude towards Zim-Asset and full cooperation on the part of the citizens is all that is needed to see it prosper to even greater heights.
Petty political and other differences should be set aside as the gains will benefit all citizens, young and old.
Zim-Asset deserves a fair chance.
In countering the effects of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the west after its land reform programme, the ZANU-PF government introduced the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio - Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset) in October 2013.
In short, Zim-Asset was adopted from ZANU-PF's election manifesto during the 2013 elections and it spells out how the economy is going to be revived. It was crafted to achieve sustainable development and social equity anchored on indigenization, empowerment and employment creation.
Unlike previous policies put in place by the government, Zim-Asset is an input-output driven policy. The effort that stakeholders, who include the country's citizens, put is directly proportional to the successes realized.
The success of Zim-Asset, which has the potential to dramatically transform Zimbabwe's fortunes, hinges on patriotism.
Zimbabweans can take their cue from countries like China and South Korea where such policies have been proven to work.
In January of 1998 South Korea and other Asian countries suffered massive financial crises. In a patriotic and noble bid to help their government and nation, South Koreans offered their personal gold possessions to the government in a campaign called "Collect Gold for the love of Korea."
The symbolic aspect resonated, as Korean citizens realized the gravity of the crisis and rallied, showing a willingness to help their country. By the end of 1999, South Korea had recovered.
Of course, Zimbabweans are not being asked to surrender their possessions but simply to give their wholehearted support to government's initiative in economic recovery.
Zimbabwe doesn't need a miracle. A positive attitude towards Zim-Asset and full cooperation on the part of the citizens is all that is needed to see it prosper to even greater heights.
Petty political and other differences should be set aside as the gains will benefit all citizens, young and old.
Zim-Asset deserves a fair chance.
Source - Nicole Hondo
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