Twenty one (21) less known opposition political parties have embraced the path of dialogue created by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the political parties dialogue banner to find lasting solutions to the country’s challenges in various sectors.
The party leaders yesterday met with Cde Mnangagwa at State House in Harare for the first step of the historic engagement process and agreed to set up four committees that will come up with the framework for dialogue, the agenda, the implementation and review the processes.
In attendance were NCA leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Noah Manyika, Dr Thokozani Khupe, Daniel Shumba, Ambrose Mutinhiri, Brian Mteki, Dr Nkosana Moyo, Elton Mangoma, Lucia Matibenga, among other party leaders.
On the ruling Zanu PF side and government, there was Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Information Minister Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, State Security Minister Cde Owen Ncube Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda and his deputy responsible for communications, Cde George Charamba, among others.
Absentees at the dialogue were Nelson Chamisa, leader of the powerful opposition outfit MDC Alliance; and Dr Joice Mujuru of the National people’s Party (NPP).
The meeting kicked off with opening remarks from the President, who said this inaugural dialogue should come up with a mechanism to facilitate constant dialogue among all political parties and other interest groups, churches and non-governmental organisations (NGO), in the interest of building the nation.
He also said the meeting was historic as it affirms Zimbabweans’ political maturity and their determination to hold higher the ideals of peace, unity and collaboration for the greater good of the nation.
“We need to unite because individually we are just a drop, but together we become a mighty ocean. It is imperative therefore that we reach out to each other always and resolve differences through peaceful means and dialogue. We should not to allow conflicts to destroy the future of us all. If there is unity of purpose among the leaders, we will be able ignite hope and build self belief among our people,” Mnangagwa said.
The President concluded his address by urging the political party leaders to intensify engagement and re-engagement efforts towards the reintegration of Zimbabwe into the family of nations and for the total removal of sanctions against the country through pronouncements and actual engagements.
He also called on them to work on growing the economy creating durable livelihoods and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Earlier on there was drama when a clergyman who had been chosen to chair the dialogue was dropped after he turned activist, and the President settled for National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Chairperson, Retired Justice Selo Masole Nare, who moderated the dialogue as it later went into closed doors.
zbc
