PDP welcomes Elders’ call for National Transitional Authority in Zimbabwe

By Jacob Mafume

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) welcomes the recent statement made by the Elders’ calling on the heads of state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support a successful and inclusive transition in Zimbabwe that will return stability and growth to the country.

In their letter to SADC member states ahead of the start of the regional group’s summit in Swaziland next month, the Elders correctly noted that Zimbabwe is; “on the verge of an important transition” which, if handled well, could lead to a peaceful and democratic change of leadership and a renewed focus on social and economic development.

The Elders is a grouping of independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.

In their statement, the Elders said they firmly believed that a successful transition is vital not only for Zimbabwe but also for the SADC region and that if the transition process is to succeed; it must be inclusive, transparent and framed in the national interest.

The PDP has been calling for the National Transitional Authority (NTA) to allow an orderly transition from the predatory ZANU PF to a democratic Zimbabwe.

The NTA is not another government of national unity (GNU).

The NTA will focus on key functions of transition including the implementation of an emergency economic recovery plan, align the country’s laws to the new Constitution, restoration of the social contract and that there is peace in Zimbabwe to pave way for conditions for holding free and fair elections.

The NTA will also provide a soft landing for Zimbabwe as the ZANU PF regime has already been weakened as evidenced by its controversial policies.

Mugabe has remained as Zimbabwe’s biggest liability because of his failure to manage his own succession in Zanu PF.

The PDP’s justification for calling for such the NTA is that the country’s woes cannot be fixed by the same crop of failed leaders who created them.

The PDP firmly believes that is time for Zanu PF ministers to step aside and give a genuine chance to economic and social recovery.

As a result of the economic and political challenges facing the country, we strongly believe support the position that Zimbabwe should be included on the agenda of this month’s SADC summit.

Jacob Mafume is the PDP National Spokesperson