ZIMBABWE — This Wednesday, the nation's hopes were once again raised to the levels only witnessed on September 15 when the MoU was signed.

 

"Mountains are moving, history is being made", was one encouraging statement.

 

Mugabe told the nation that progress had been made and negotiations would be concluded the following day.

 

Mutambara was upbeat as well (not that he has never been). The Nathaniel Manheru Times (some would know it as The Herald) also alluded to some changes being made to the unilateral allocation of ministries as gazetted last Friday.
 
By Thursday, the mood and sentiment had shifted remarkably, indicating that bickering over cabinet posts was far from over.

 

It is now common knowledge that some ZANU PF hawks are praying hard for the deal to collapse so that they could have the opportunity to perpetuate their madness that they perfected over the last 28 years.

 

People like Rotina Mavhunga, the infamous diesel n'anga from Chinhoyi could be making a killing this season as desperate and gullible hawks try everything possible to derail the talks. Those who need Mavhunga's services are free to contact Didymus Mutasa!
 
There are some who just can't imagine life in an environment where the rule of law is not only an idea but reality, where one can be arrested and sent to prison for corruption (including looting GMB), where arson, murder, rape torture are not only criminal but unacceptable.

 

For that reason, they would rather have MDC as a junior partner, only responsible for the service ministries all of which were literally destroyed over the last 28 years, particularly since 2000.

 

A few years back, it would have been a pipedream to imagine that a country like ours could fail to manage even grade seven examinations.

 

Whoever imagined the University of Zimbabwe, a national pride for years, could be reduced to the rubbles and laughing stock that it is today? This is gross mismanagement, not sanctions. Period.
 
Joram Gumbo, the ZANU PF chief whip, argued that MDC could not have Finance due to inexperience. We would argue that it is better to have a perceived novice in that ministry than somebody with a long flamboyant history and experience in looting, corruption and economic destruction.

 

Any government that operates the money printing machine round the clock, push inflation to figures never seen in this world, print money on bond paper, should be the first to accept that the Finance ministry requires a new broom.

 

The same applies to Home Affairs. If indeed ZANU PF believes that only ex-ZAPU cadres are crowned to run Home Affairs, then they should be reminded that the MDC has got many within its ranks who easily satisfy that criterion.

 

The current speaker of parliament is ex-ZAPU. Also, these talks are between ZANU and MDC, where does ZAPU come in? So please, ZANU, stop that nonsense!
 
While it will be noble for the MDC to pick some key service ministries including Health and Education, that does not preclude the criticality of having power ministries, there has to be a balance. ZANU PF, through their iron grip of key ministries, wish to be pacesetters and authors of destiny for a nation that clearly decided and loudly declared on March 29 that there has to be a new direction.
 
Experience teaches us that when ZANU PF are having a party, then the entire nation will be at a funeral. This cannot be allowed to continue.

 

MDC have moved miles by allowing Mugabe to retain his presidency, to continue in his role as commander-in-chief, to be chairperson of cabinet, what more is there to give up? It is now time for ZANU PF to reciprocate this good gesture by ceding those ministries that MDC is justifiably asking for, primarily Finance and Home Affairs.

 

If this will cause gnashing of teeth within the rank and file of the few unrepentant and overzealous hawks or the split of ZANU PF, then the country would have benefitted. What's bad for ZANU PF is certainly good for Zimbabwe.
 
We call upon Mr. Mbeki to exercise his patience, listen to his conscience, and stay in Zimbabwe until both the prime minister and an acceptable inclusive cabinet have been sworn-in. No half measures this time. In any case, there is nothing to rush back home for. Here is a job to do.
 
Moses Chamboko

 

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