'Well done Zanu PF and MDC'

IT IS almost inconceivable to imagine that there are still sections of the media and community that see it fit to promote divisions in our community at a time when crucial peace talks are being held between the Zanu PF and Movement for Democratic Change parties. One wonders what their motivation is.

It is a truism that it’s darkest before dawn, and in Zimbabwe we might have just reached that crucial stage, where we can all now see the light.

Talks are currently going on in South Africa and we are all eagerly anticipating the outcome because it might just resolve a decade-long crisis we have faced in our country.

Since the talks last year, the negotiating teams have made encouraging progress. The mediation team has been significantly expanded to ensure a well meaning outcome. They (the talks) have become more focused and substantive, in contrast to last year’s ones. So there’s hope for a better outcome this time around.

To build a harmonious Zimbabwe that features political mutual trust and coexistence, economic benefit, security and cultural enrichment, we need to build a consensus of all stakeholders. But that consensus can only be built if we act rationally, rather than irresponsibly during this interim period. All those Zimbabweans who do not see the utility of the talks should keep their scepticism at bay – and not disrupt the peace process.

Those media organisations and individuals who are fighting own battles and want to effect change in Zimbabwe should spare us their myopia. Zimbabweans have been inundated with a lot of activists who call themselves journalists and experts – many of whom fear irrelevance as the two main political parties engage in negotiations.

Some of us believe we are on the right track. We have not offended or called anyone names and hence have no fear of returning home if the two sides mend their differences. Those who bargained on a ‘Tsvangirai only’ or ‘Mugabe only’ victory - and called people names to a point where they cannot integrate fully into Zimbabwean society - are now running ‘scared’. These individuals should not try and derail a process that we all know is the only way forward, in pursuit of hidden agendas.

I would like to say to the MDCs and Zanu PF parties: “Well done in finally seeing the light.” We need a new Zimbabwe where all people can play a meaningful role in the development of their country.

Steve Chirandu–Opinion

London