Post 2015 Development Agenda; has Zimbabwe leant some Lessons from MDGs.

The UN Secretary General recently titillated the need to put people at the center of development, his words on the Road to 2030 are a key factor  as we are in the advent of  new developmental goals.

Zimbabwe faced a plethora of challenges within the period of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), these challenges can be attributed to both global trend of crisis and human political era in the local discourse.

Zimbabwe is one of those 189 countries in year 2000, who adopted the MDGs categorically with the main target to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, and achieve the desired human centered development.

The country mainly prioritized three goals which are MDG 1, MDG 3, MDG 6; that is Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Hunger, Promote Gender Equality, Empower Women and Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. This indeed was favorable approach given our state of affairs in priority areas.

Having clearly defined our priorities in 2000, the momentum was stolen due to socio-economic challenges which militated against the attainment of MDGs. For instance, from the year 2000 to 2008 the country cumulatively realized negative economic growth rate of about 40(%) percent.  There was stratospheric rate of inflation, a galloping rate of 231 million in June 2008 was reached; hunger and poverty worsened, the economy remain naked with no one ready to dress it until the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2009, that slowly brought positive growth due to the introduction of economic policies among them Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP), one of the key element of such a blue print was the formalization of the multi-currency regime.

It is clear that the country will not meet the targets set by the end of MDGs, but it is again an opportunity to introspect on lessons learnt which will be a key driver on the coming Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs).

Having failed to move meaningful steps toward the eradication of poverty and hunger, with unemployment raising, health sector collapsing, education became the privilege of the elite, gender equality used as political conduit, it is clear that Zimbabwe need to carry forward the unfinished business of MDGs, strategically congruent them with the new Agenda set for 2016, acknowledging her failures and political commitment, making pro-poor steps, this might trigger a new developmental era.

The major first step failure of my beloved country is failure to consult with its citizens during crafting of important goals or policies, with the contemporary world calling for pro-poor strategies that start with the active involvement of communities in the programs; Zimbabwe should de-politicize the developmental agenda to allow free flow of national programs and feedback. 

On the MDGs, government did not do enough to create awareness, Post 2015 Development Agenda; there is a dire need to involve all stakeholders from the onset.

The focus as opposed to MDGs era, should be in post 2015-economic development rather than economic growth. Economic growth as in 2009 may come without eradication of poverty.

The other lesson is on our National Budget which should factor programs that will accelerate the achievement of SDGs; the budget should strengthen our agriculture to restore our glory, support education as prescribed international and regional declarations, to maintain our glamour, support youth and children to accelerate our future and give credence to pro-poor initiatives, taking advantage of our vast natural resource and human capital base.

The country‘s effort towards development is mainly affected by the rate of corruption, resources end up benefiting the elite at the expense of the proletariat. Tough laws should be in place to deal with corruption. The government should also address inequality and marginalization, with vulnerable groups such as people living with disability, children, youth, women, and indigenous people among other getting a state of affair node that is equal to all.

 Since 2000, Zimbabwe produced about four Progress Reports on the progress of MDGs, that is, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2012 respectively. Taking note from all this reports it is un-debatable that the country will not fulfill a number of MDGs.

There is need of political will to spear head our development, with the existence of ZIMASSET document, a lot can be done to link it to the Post 2015 Developmental Agenda, supported by other critical tenants such as respect of human rights, rule of law opposed to rule by law, mutual international engagement, favorable investment policy; Zimbabwe can trace its lost developmental route.

Let’s wait and see!

Misheck Gondo is an International Relations Expert and Regional Youth Coordinator with SADC-AAYC.

 

The Cry of a War Veteran in Mazowe Land; What’s Wrong with our Politics?

As I seek to explore the recent breaking news in Mazowe where it is alleged that Her Excellency Dr.Amai gave blessing to the destruction of villager’s property in Manzou Farm to pave way for the conservation of the vast farmland, let me briefly stop to catch three comments by readers at the Newsday Web Page.

Misheck Gondo

One emotional reader by the name Garikai noted, “And you say Grace is not in charge!! Even remotely she is in control, overzealous people who want to please the first b..ch. Chef when you were away we made this farm available for you, especially for you, your Highness, one and only one, God given, full of wisdom, courage etc. etc…” 

The other by the name Gunguwo noted, “This is very painful! Why wait until the rain season? So what is independence, what did people really fight for- Mr. and Mrs. Mugabe? To give you everything, all you want, anywhere, anytime? These people may be wrongly settled but it’s only a symptom of a myriad of problems….”

The last quote is by John, who didn’t have sympathetic words towards the villagers as he noted that, “Personally, I don’t sympathies with the people who always sing praises for dear leader and are ready to take a life if you criticize ZANU PF regime and its failure to uphold the rule of law, if you live by the sword you die by the sword and lawlessness begets lawlessness…”

As Zimbabweans express different sentiments over the Mazowe saga, many are querying why these illegal evictions have been done during the rain season, children and women left in the open. The weather experts have unpacked potential of increased floods, yet others are questioning the motive behind such cruelty in the name of development. 

There are those who are categorically denying the hand of Grace, noting that it is her detractors in the government trying to tarnish her name, yet others are saying it’s a government initiative.

 It is important to note that this process whether done by Government, Grace, Biti or Tsvangirai it is an unacceptable process that violet human rights and it is against the spirit of the Zimbabwe constitution that accords basic rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Section 74 of Zimbabwe Constitution, based on the freedom of arbitrary eviction states that, “No person may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all relevant circumstances”

In a general society the role of a mother is to protect the children, especially from harm. It philosophically known that the mothers are soft hearted, loving and considerate. The welfare of the siblings comes first before any business interest.

 Contrary to this school of thought attributed to the motherhood, media houses has been awash with reports that the hand of Dr. Amai is fingered in  the inhuman act of evicting the innocent landless Zimbabweans on their ancestral land to pave way for private and family interest. If this is true, then, something is wrong.

Whether the eviction was forceful or peaceful, eviction is eviction. It is of paramount importance to note that, government has an obligation to protect its citizens under national and international law. In case of justified evictions, there should be a proper process to allocate the victims, without delay making sure that their rights are not violated, not left on the road side with nowhere to go.

It doesn’t matter if the victims as claimed by others were once violating other people‘s rights, they are still equal beneficiary of law, hence, they need to be protected by law. 

The High Court of Zimbabwe should not stop at stopping the eviction but arrest the culprits of contempt of Court.

Let’s wait and see!

Misheck Gondo is a Political Analyst and a Human Rights Defender.

TSHOLOTSHO DECLARATION; HOW FAR CAN MUGABE REFLECT?

The current political turmoil in the revolutionary party should be granted a coin status; the other side of the coin being treated with positivity towards a prosperous nation that most citizens envy. The recent developments might be a positive step towards the disintegration of a harmonized political hegemony, a synchronized dictatorship that haunted our polity for more than a decade.

Misheck Gondo

The recent fight between Dr. Mujuru and Amai Mugabe is a welcome development in the Zimbabwean political arena, though; other desktop analysts arguing that the fight is a mere gimmick of a political group that seeks to divert attention from real economic issues through a political strategy of factionalism-hymn. 

The analysis from our desktop friends carries an element of truth, that is, the current factionalism has helped ZANU PF to divert attention from their election promises, but that does not imply in whole that there are no cracks in the party.

The factional fights have brought a sasant political trajectory premised on the succession issue. The appearing of our own Amai also carries a coin status, the famous side being Mugabe‘s feared incapacitation that may be knocking his political door, hence triggering political preparedness by Amai.

One very interesting thing is the defense line being built by the Tsholotsho Team; coming at the defense of the person they are being alleged for being have a ploy to topple, it is such a delicious peace of political story. 

The King maker and long time critic of His Excellency President Robert Mugabe, the Professor of Politics Jonathan Moyo being seen fundamentally giving credence to the first family, few years ago in his constituency there was well crafted strategy, few years back he wrote acres of articles criticizing now his favorite, a strategist per excellence.

For the opposition parties, they should pay gratitude to Moyo (Professor), as  he deserves more than a gold medal; it is their man who is doing what they failed to do for almost one and half decade, to destroy ZANU PF.

Zimbabweans should also have respect for Mrs. Mugabe on one tropical thing; bravery, she successfully took the opposition parties space; there seem to have nothing to say, than an empty statement which goes by Mugabe should go! 

Grace’s act of bravery has exposed such under dealings in the ruling party, which can be a catalyst towards creation of a political order which is accountable to people, a political dispensation that is questioned and a future nation that does not promote greed and corruption.

Apart from the fights in ZANU PF, people should still know that the party still has chances to survive a split, find each other and continue with their known dictatorship.

A fragmentation of ZANU PF will be a better option, which might bring another opposition with internal information of the former, then follows road to a democratic nation. 

Let’s pray for a split, Zimbabwe will never be the same and a colony again.

Let’s wait and see. 

Misheck Gondo  is an International Relations Expert
 gondo.gism@gmail.com

Dzamara‘s ‘Occupy Africa Unity Square,’ Zimbabwe, Can it be A Revolution Waiting to Happen? Maybe Dark Days are looming!

Protests across the world, from the Middle-East to Europe, to the global Occupy Movements, have been largely driven by young people demanding a greater say in their governance structures, employment and economic life, and societies more generally, as a response to a growing discontent with their ability to influence and have a say over their political, social and economic lives.

Misheck Gondo

With Zimbabwe grueling and yelling in shambles of economic melt-down, young people are hopeless of their future- with unofficial 90 percent of unemployment.

The gesture by one Itai Dzamara should be a signal and simple reflection of the general feelings of youth in Zimbabwe. Any road has an ending or it joins to the other.

The political elites have frivolously failed to map a sustainable strategy that guarantees change; with the recent political confusion in the Ruling Party-diverting from economic answers to focus on political factionalism- a sad development for desperate young people in Zimbabwe.

The point is drawing near where people are placed between the Lion and the steep Rock, the Pan and the fire, the only option being whether to die in the Pan or run through the fire.

 Let us  be reminded that Tunisia was ignited by a mere vendor in the name of Buazizi, let us all be  graciously  remember how the battle at Chinhoyi started- with six young cadres bravely confronted the Smith Regime.

Smith had enough time to negotiate for his exit before humiliated by the gallant sons of the soil, majority of them being young comrades.

One can not stand bravely in the face of a storm or kneel down and pray on the midst of a lion attack; the signal and discounted of general citizens should not be taken for granted.

To make matters worst, there is fear of intra- party revolutions that might trigger a circle of confrontations.

It is most people‘s zeal and anticipation that Zimbabwe escapes a circle of this feared trepidation in which our national leaders wait for masses to invoke Passive Resistance and Peaceful ways to push them off -power.

Our leaders are endowed with adequate space and time to make things right; remove the suit of arrogance and wear an overall of humility that allows mass advice and participation in issues affecting them.

Dzamara‘s occupy Africa Unity Square; Zimbabwe, Can it be A Revolution Waiting to Happen? Maybe Dark Days are coming!

Let’s wait and See!

Misheck Gondo is a Political Analyst

gondo.gism@gmail.com

President Mugabe‘s UN Speech; Zimbabwe, is She a Victim of Western Machinations?

As the debate unfolded at UN 69^th General Assembly Meeting in New York; as expected President Mugabe categorically castigated the Western for their interference in the affairs of other nations against the well known United Nations Doctrine of Non-Interference in the business of other Independent States. 

 

Misheck Gondo 

The presentation by the Head of State laid out critical issues of prime importance to the development of international community. Among other things the President tackled the issue of Bretton Woods Institutions such as IMF, World Bank among other that need urgent reforms; a measure that will titillate the current realities that involves all states as equals, not only the elite few such as USA and  UK that continue to dominate the international political economic business.

As anchored by the President, the governance structures of the Bretton Woods Institutions need urgent change, it stands to be a cost to many developing states as they were instituted with a down syndrome mentality which treated Developing States as recipients of dead Aid, not as engines for sustainable development.

The President also articulated bravely on issues of International Peace and Security, the need to solve the issues holistically. The Palestine –Israel saga that has shown the weakness of International Law in protecting weaker states was one of the examples he gave.

 The hypocrisy of Western countries that hides behind a finger yet committing atrocities in the name of democracy was laid out.

To show the synchrony, the President talked of Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs) and their relevance to Zimbabwe; where there is a blue print named Zim ASSET; that seeks to sustainably develop the country.

After such good points on international development that realistically need urgent attention; the President as expected turned his sword on Western countries pertaining the challenges facing Zimbabwe.

The big question by his fellow citizens remains; Are our challenges totally as a result of Western Policies?

Is it not worrying if a failed father starts to blame the next door on his domestic infertility? Indeed; the neighbor might have contributed to some inconsistencies; but the poverty in the house should be dealt with by the head of the house.

Lack of consistency in economic policies from 1980, before the touted sanctions should be introspected upon.

 Gross dishonest in Government, outrageous embezzlement of public funds in addition to militarization of state institutions is a worrying factor to the development of our beloved mother land.

Zimbabwe polity have resulted into bloated bureaucracies, the national pride has been since eroded against our Coat of Arms and the National Anthem spirit, but what has become cumbersome to grasp is the impunity  with which  our dear leaders iconoclastically  subjected to all the national articles of devotions to their  idiosyncrasies to the detriment  of the national development.

We are endowed with a leadership that amass wealth and keep the majority suffer; unemployment has grown to stratospheric level, the rate of immorality  is now worrying among the young ones; lack of economic activities has affected the goggle generation.

Imagine with how our leaders had internally failed to craft sustainable measures; imagine with the rate of terrorism in the world, with the current madness in the name of Islamic State. 

Imagine if the extremist group set its recruitment in the beloved soil of Zimbabwe were 90 percent of people are unemployed and econom-phycatrically burdened, especially the youth.

I leave you to conclude on whether our challenges are sorely pillared on Western Policies.

Let’s wait and see!

Misheck Gondo is an International Relations Expert.

gondo.gism@gmail.com