Leader of the United African National Council (UANC), Reverend Dr. Gwinyai Muzorewa, has called on opposition parties to unite and confront the Zanu PF-led government over the country’s socio-economic challenges and political impasse.
Rev. Muzorewa emphasized that instead of fighting each other and wasting time, opposition parties should work together to hold Zanu PF accountable.
“As opposition parties, if we agree to unite, the next step is to approach the government. Why do opposition parties keep fighting amongst themselves? We need to have one mind and be on the same page because we know what the issues are,” he said during a press conference in Bulawayo on Thursday.
The UANC leader noted that if the government refused to listen, it would be their choice, but the opposition would have played their part.
“You critique and then suggest a solution. The president in office can allow you to talk to him, and you can provide suggestions without forcing him to do what he doesn’t believe,” said Rev. Muzorewa.
“By the way, the UANC once ruled the country; we know how to govern. (President Mnangagwa) knows that. When we tell him the way forward, he is likely to listen. The key is to dialogue with him, whether through POLAD or another platform. The point is that you are in Zimbabwe, interested in participating and contributing to success.”
Rev. Muzorewa added that the president had told him that the opposition’s role was to criticize Zanu PF, which he did not have time to listen to.
“But an opposition that comes with suggestions? I have time to listen to them, said the president, and I respect that. I would do the same if I were president.”
Rev. Muzorewa claimed that three or four parties agreed with his proposal.
“The UANC, along with other serious progressive political parties, is committed to fostering unity, peace, justice, and prosperity for all Zimbabweans through democratic principles,” he said.
“This is possible by creating a political atmosphere conducive to economic growth, stability, development, transparency, and accountability.”
Rev. Muzorewa said that in the past 43 years, Zimbabwe has waited for this “coming together” to happen, but all efforts have been in vain.
“Evidently, it will take progressive and constructive opposition parties to create such a political atmosphere. National participation is key to national development and prosperity,” he said.
“Why wait for the 2028 elections or even the Vision 2030 middle-class dream when we can begin now to exercise genuine participation in the affairs of our sovereign state? Now is the time for nation-building and a wise move toward the Zimbabwe we want.”
The UANC leader stressed that Zimbabweans need political stability to achieve economic progress and productivity.
“If different political parties could resolve their ideological conflicts through dialogue and inclusivity, there would be no political paralysis, no divisions that weaken our impact on the incumbent, and no nationwide confusion,” Rev. Muzorewa said.
He therefore invited all serious opposition parties that envisage real change to join hands for a common purpose. “The truth is, Zanu PF alone has failed to maintain essential national facilities such as hospitals, schools, power plants, and national water reservoirs, but they will not admit it,” said the party leader.
“In 2017, they recycled the presidency. They have recycled the currency twice. Every year, the cabinet ministers are recycled, the school curriculum has been recycled. Who knows what’s next?”
Rev. Muzorewa said national collaboration or an inclusive government would be a pragmatic solution because, together, the country can end unemployment, tribalism, and regionalism, and ensure adequate and efficient schools, hospitals, and clinics are affordable.
“We will end political polarization by creating an inclusive government that can share and manage the challenges of national governance,” he said.
“Together, we would fulfill the maxim, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’ The ruling party has failed to do this alone. National unity is the UANC’s strategy for unity, peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Rev. Muzorewa reminded that working together resulted in independence following the Lancaster House Conference from 1979 to 1980.
“Candidates running for the presidency should understand that there can be only one winner. Politicians who disparage and despise their own country of birth are only interested in their personal welfare, not that of the country as a whole,” he said.
“We forgive their acts of immaturity and irresponsibility. After all, patriotism cannot be forced but encouraged. Wisdom teaches us that as a seasoned nation, we can deal with our own unresolved issues here in Zimbabwe without outside interference. Of course, international engagements are welcome at any time.”
