SIMBA Makoni, a progressive force, reformer, former Zanu-PF cabinet minister and member of Mugabe’s politburo could be the stone that the builder rejected which could become Zimbabwe’s cornerstone.
Something has been whispered about how Makoni performed as SADC’s secretary general and head of the Energy and Finance ministries. But if past failures are the only reason to prevent Makoni from standing for the presidency then no candidate would qualify.
As Makoni steps forward to present himself as a presidential candidate without responding to insults directed him by his detractors, he breathes fresh air into Zimbabwean politics. Makoni has been silent since the speculation on his political intentions started in the media and those of us who were not sure of his approach asked why he had been so silent. There is no smoke without fire. It might now be concluded that he was listening and calculating his moves.
In politics a day is too long, as long as you do your maths right. Makoni certainly made some wine from the political grape vine and his reputation preceded him indeed.
Makoni waited for the Movement for Democratic Change factions to announce their strategy (or lack of it as we know) to avoid being accused of causing divisions within the opposition. He comes at a time the MDC cannot blame anyone, even Mugabe for dividing them, apart from their greed and self importance. Eddie Cross strangely thinks Zimbabweans will find some solace in knowing which MDC faction has a bigger following rather than win the elections. Talk of the pot calling the cattle black.
There is always enough space for all Zimbabweans who wish to help their country yet the space has been shut out to those extra pair of hands who could make a difference. You cannot have any significant role in the MDC or Zanu-PF unless you were there when they formed the parties or went to war. We cannot all be born at the same and same place, and God has a purpose for each and every one of us when the time comes.
It is my view that in Zimbabwe we have people who have now personalised the available political and civic space, call them power sharks and these power sharks are preaching one best way to bring about a new Zimbabwe, or maintaining our sovereignty. What eludes the power sharks is the simple fact that, change cannot come about when the same old people are doing what they have always done because they will always get what they have always got.
Simba Makoni offers a new beginning and opportunity for all Zimbabweans locked out by the power sharks of Zimbabwean politics. The good thing about Makoni is that he is not into politics for money and he has never been a career politician. Zimbabweans will not be surprised with cheap shots at him by the usual suspects.
Structural thinkers will argue that the Makoni initiative has no structures, even though it is clear that the ground work was done sometime ago that is why the rumour circulated anyway, what has happened now is just an announcement of the state of play. When the MDC was formed it went into elections in 2000 with no functional structures, in some cases candidates were simply appointed to stand.
As Makoni offers to work with people across the political divide he has assured a new approach to Zimbabwean politics. It is not about where you were or where you come from. It is about what you bring to serve Zimbabwe and it is this servant mentality which we now need not the chef mentality. Zimbabweans across the globe are already asking how we can help to bring about positive that is inclusive, tolerant, and accommodating and a change which will put the people first.
With Makoni joining the race, the March 2008 Zimbabwean elections will never be the same again.
Something has been whispered about how Makoni performed as SADC’s secretary general and head of the Energy and Finance ministries. But if past failures are the only reason to prevent Makoni from standing for the presidency then no candidate would qualify.
As Makoni steps forward to present himself as a presidential candidate without responding to insults directed him by his detractors, he breathes fresh air into Zimbabwean politics. Makoni has been silent since the speculation on his political intentions started in the media and those of us who were not sure of his approach asked why he had been so silent. There is no smoke without fire. It might now be concluded that he was listening and calculating his moves.
In politics a day is too long, as long as you do your maths right. Makoni certainly made some wine from the political grape vine and his reputation preceded him indeed.
Makoni waited for the Movement for Democratic Change factions to announce their strategy (or lack of it as we know) to avoid being accused of causing divisions within the opposition. He comes at a time the MDC cannot blame anyone, even Mugabe for dividing them, apart from their greed and self importance. Eddie Cross strangely thinks Zimbabweans will find some solace in knowing which MDC faction has a bigger following rather than win the elections. Talk of the pot calling the cattle black.
There is always enough space for all Zimbabweans who wish to help their country yet the space has been shut out to those extra pair of hands who could make a difference. You cannot have any significant role in the MDC or Zanu-PF unless you were there when they formed the parties or went to war. We cannot all be born at the same and same place, and God has a purpose for each and every one of us when the time comes.
It is my view that in Zimbabwe we have people who have now personalised the available political and civic space, call them power sharks and these power sharks are preaching one best way to bring about a new Zimbabwe, or maintaining our sovereignty. What eludes the power sharks is the simple fact that, change cannot come about when the same old people are doing what they have always done because they will always get what they have always got.
Simba Makoni offers a new beginning and opportunity for all Zimbabweans locked out by the power sharks of Zimbabwean politics. The good thing about Makoni is that he is not into politics for money and he has never been a career politician. Zimbabweans will not be surprised with cheap shots at him by the usual suspects.
Structural thinkers will argue that the Makoni initiative has no structures, even though it is clear that the ground work was done sometime ago that is why the rumour circulated anyway, what has happened now is just an announcement of the state of play. When the MDC was formed it went into elections in 2000 with no functional structures, in some cases candidates were simply appointed to stand.
As Makoni offers to work with people across the political divide he has assured a new approach to Zimbabwean politics. It is not about where you were or where you come from. It is about what you bring to serve Zimbabwe and it is this servant mentality which we now need not the chef mentality. Zimbabweans across the globe are already asking how we can help to bring about positive that is inclusive, tolerant, and accommodating and a change which will put the people first.
With Makoni joining the race, the March 2008 Zimbabwean elections will never be the same again.
1 comment:
THE MAKONI PROJECT: DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER CHOICE ?
BY GODFREY MUSHONGERA
The Makoni project is a very interesting one and likely to change the political landscape in Zimbabwe. However i do not agree with insinuations that his entry was a direct result of the failure of the MDC factions to close ranks. The Makoni project was in the incubators for a long time. The recent announcement by Makoni of his desire to challenge Mugabe is a manifestation of the divisions and factions that had been talked about in the private media for a long time. I believe ZANU PF functionaries and activists desire change as much as the rest of the populace. However what they differ on with the rest of Zimbabweans is on how this change need to be brought about. ZANU people need change that will gurantee their looted wealth-farms, firms, social capital, political influence, etc. ZANU functionaries need change that gives them protection from facing charges against alleged human rights attrocities perpetrated over the last few years.
Despite their motives the rest of Zimbabweans at this time have no choice but to give Makoni the vote. Our faith in the MDC continue to be eroded by each passing day. We have seen the MDC moving from one blunder to another. Although we appreciate that the oppostion was operating in a difficult political environment we have no other choice but to give Simba the vote. We support him because of hi ability to cause divisions in ZANU. He is likely to split the ZANU vote and which would ultimately benefit him and the MDC{both factions}, whom he would have to share power with in April. As much as we distate the baggage that Makoni brings{corrupt ZANU heavyweights, failed technocrats, failed politicians, and some known human rights abusers} we have suffered enough, we are willing to compromise our beliefs and values, in order to bring about change{whatever that means}.
My prediction is: Makoni will win the Presidency, but the Legislature will be dominated by MDC Tsvangirai. Not a bad thing though ! Tsvangirai and Mutambara {im certain he will lose the Zengeza West seat} face uncertain political futures. I will explain this further on some day.
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