Advice for Zimbabwe’s opposition – Patson Dzamara
By Patson Dzamara
The sun does not set before rising. Whenever we witness the manifestation of the sun in any way, two things are simultaneously confirmed. That it rises and that it sets. Setting doesn’t happen unless there is a rising and rising doesn’t happen unless there is setting.
The sun is setting in the context of ZANU PF and a simultaneous rising is or has to take over. Let us deal with that matrix.
We have come to a watershed moment as a nation. The time for Zimbabwe to cross over has come. God has heard our prayers but it is unfortunate that some clusters within the opposition movement have been praying for rain and yet they have never experienced or prepared for the rain.
Ladies and gentlemen, the rain we have all been waiting for is upon us but are we ready for it?
The first tangent we need to explore has everything to do with ZANU PF. Yes, ZANU PF. We cannot ignore ZANU PF’s role and contribution in the current state of affairs and the impeding transition. In fact, what precipitated the existence of the opposition is ZANU PF’s misrule and leadership failure. With that in mind I wish to posit that there can’t be any cross over without factoring in the ZANU PF dimension.
The process of crossing over is two pronged. The first prong has everything to do with dismantling ZANU PF whereas the second prong has everything to do with the opposition front amalgamating to rebuild and build Zimbabwe. The dismantling of ZANU PF is and shall happen naturally and artificially.
What that connotes is the fact that as ZANU PF categorically morphs into the dinosaur it really is, it’s not going to take everyone within its structures to the grave. There is going to be a remnant of the less corrupted ones and we must not leave them as orphans. Let us rehabilitate them and allow them to contribute towards building the Zimbabwe we yearn for.
It is that remnant which the opposition ought to prepare to welcome and deal with, even to the point of encouraging and helping reform and rehabilitation.
I am cognizant of the fact that ZANU PF has committed a lot of transgressions against the people of Zimbabwe and most of us are bitter but we must find it within ourselves to forgive those who have and will come out as the remnant. When a prodigal son returns home, you don’t chase him away, you welcome him back and you redress him.
Zimbabwe’s opposition is predicated upon the fundamentals of democracy and good governance. In theory, it is the opposite of what ZANU PF has inundated the people of Zimbabwe with all these years. Tolerance and forgiveness are major pillars in the process of rebuilding and building.
The following are specific points we need to be abreast of as we engage in the rebuilding and building process:
1. Let us remember that we are all Zimbabweans and this nation belongs to all of us despite our differences.
2. Let us remember that every saint has a past.
3. Let us remember that every sinner has a future.
4. Let us remember that even dead logs can still be used as firewood.
5. Let us remember that we are the children of ‘light’. Our light must illuminate and dominate darkness.
6. Let us be subtle like snakes and harmless like doves. Let’s help all those from the oppressive system who wish to reform. They also must be given a chance to grow within the confines of light.
7. Let us incline towards healing, reconciliation and forgiveness. We acknowledge that we have been oppressed but we must not turn ourselves into the other side of the oppression coin. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
8. Let us let go of bitterness. If we build and rebuild from the position bitterness we are like a builder who builds on sand. That building won’t withstand storms.
9. Let us let go of retribution and revenge. Assuming a retributive posture only means we are just like them. We can’t take on the characteristics of the very creature we seek to fight and defeat. Let’s think and act differently.
10. Let us embrace a culture of love. Only love shall make Zimbabwe a better nation.
