Online Reporter
Nick Mangwana
Government Up Close
The recent visit by Members of Parliament to President Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm has sparked intense debate.
While some are misleadingly painting it as a clever tactic to “capture” the opposition, the opposite is true and many, including this author, firmly believe that this bipartisan approach is a step in the right direction and should be applauded by all well-meaning Zimbabweans.
In a country where political divisions often seem insurmountable, it is refreshing to see the President extending an olive branch to his opponents.
By showcasing his farm’s modern farming methods and productivity, President Mnangagwa is demonstrating his commitment to Zimbabwe’s economic development and food security.
This is an issue that transcends party lines, and it is encouraging to see opposition MPs engaging with the President on this matter.
Of course, there are those who cynically view this as a ploy to co-opt the opposition.
But I would argue that this perspective is overly pessimistic.
In many countries, informal meetings between opposition leaders and the Head of State or Government are a common occurrence.
These interactions can help build trust, foster cooperation, and facilitate more effective governance.
For instance, in the United States, it is not uncommon for the President to host bipartisan dinners or meetings with Congressional leaders.
These gatherings provide an opportunity for lawmakers to engage in constructive dialogue, find common ground, and work towards legislative solutions.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister regularly meets with opposition leaders to discuss key issues and explore areas of cooperation.
In Zimbabwe’s case, President Mnangagwa’s invitation to his farm could be seen as a similar attempt to build bridges with the opposition.
By engaging in informal discussions and showcasing his commitment to the country’s development, the President is taking a positive step towards fostering national unity.
The words nation and country are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
A country refers to a geographical area with defined borders, governed by a single administration. On the other hand, a nation is a community of people who share a common culture, history, and identity.
Nation-building, therefore, involves fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among citizens, which transcends political affiliations.
President Mnangagwa’s recent invitation to all MPs to visit his farm is a step in this direction.
By engaging with lawmakers across the political aisle, he is building bridges and fostering a sense of national unity.
This approach recognises that nation-building is not a partisan exercise, but rather a collective effort that requires cooperation and dialogue.
As seen in other countries, such informal gatherings can help break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.
By walking across the political aisle, President Mnangagwa is demonstrating his commitment to putting the nation’s interests above party politics.
The notion that an opposition’s willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the ruling party is tantamount to “selling out” is a misguided and simplistic view.
In reality, a mature and effective opposition recognises that there are times when putting aside partisan differences is necessary to advance the greater good.
This does not mean that they have abandoned their principles or surrendered their role as a watchdog. Rather, it demonstrates a nuanced understanding of politics and a willingness to engage in constructive debate.
By working together on areas of common interest, opposition parties can actually strengthen their position and increase their influence, ultimately holding the ruling party more accountable.
The opposition in Zimbabwe has a critical role to play in shaping the country’s political landscape, but this should not be limited to merely opposing the ruling party for its own sake. Instead, the opposition should strive to engage in constructive dialogue, focusing on issues rather than personalities, to help remove toxicity from Zimbabwe’s politics.
Disagreements on ideology, strategy, and the best way forward are inevitable, but they should not descend into vitriol and personal attacks.
By maintaining a respectful and civil tone, the opposition can help create a more conducive environment for democratic debate and participation.
This, in turn, can foster a sense of national unity and shared purpose, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole.
The attendance by over 30 opposition legislators at the Pricabe Farm tour suggests a genuine appetite for cooperation and dialogue. Rather than viewing this as a sign of weakness or co-option, we should see it as a testament to President Mnangagwa’s prowess as a Statesman and the opposition’s maturing politics in recent times.
Ultimately, the key to successful governance lies in finding common ground and working towards shared goals. By embracing a bipartisan approach and engaging in constructive dialogue, Zimbabwe’s politicians can begin to build a more collaborative and effective political culture.
Holding Government to account is often misconstrued as requiring an adversarial disposition or an aggressive demeanour in all areas of interaction. However, this is a false dichotomy.
A robust and effective opposition can simultaneously maintain a critical stance on key issues while also engaging in constructive dialogue and cooperation on areas of mutual interest.
In fact, a more nuanced approach can be far more effective in achieving accountability, as it allows for the building of trust and the identification of common ground.
By distinguishing between areas of legitimate criticism and areas of potential cooperation, opposition parties can exert influence and hold the Government to account without feeling obligated to adopt an obstructionist or confrontational stance at all times.
Then we have the strange scenario where some that were elected by the people to represent them, walked away in some misguided solidarity with an out of sorts leader.
When elected by the people, it is a sacred responsibility to serve the constituents, not to abandon them for personal agendas.
Walking away from those who entrusted you with their vote is a betrayal of the democratic process. It is not about pursuing a “trolling expedition” or fuelling adversarial politics, but about working tirelessly for the betterment of the community.
Elected officials must put aside personal interests and partisan divisions, instead focusing on finding common ground and working towards the greater good. By doing so, they can truly honour the trust placed in them by their constituents.
At this point, it will be remiss of me not to address the role played by social media trolls in all this toxicity.
Social media trolls thrive on acrimony, feeding on the emotional charge of polarised debates to fuel their own agendas.
This toxic dynamic promotes a binary view of politics, where complex issues are reduced to simplistic good-vs-evil narratives, reminiscent of old kung-fu movies.
However, this is not how a nation should function. It is time for us to shift our focus towards finding common ground and areas of convergence.
By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and constructive political discourse, one that values nuance and collaboration over polarisation and conflict.
As we strive for national unity, we must recognise that our diversity is a strength, not a weakness, and that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.
As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritise cooperation over confrontation and recognise that, even in the face of intense political rivalry, there is always room for constructive engagement.
As His Excellency the President urged the opposition, “do not make the ruling party MPs sit, you should criticise them a lot and when you do, they will work in Parliament.”
By adopting this approach of finding common ground in our political differences, we can work towards a brighter future for Zimbabwe, one that is built on the principles of unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the country’s development.
Nick Mangwana is the Pemanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
