Anashe Mpamombe, Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 embodies the same spirit of determination and faith demonstrated by Joshua and Caleb in the Bible, in Numbers Chapter 14.
The President calls on every Zimbabwean to unite behind this vision with resolve, hard work, and a commitment to truth. Drawing inspiration from the biblical figures who believed in their ability to overcome challenges and claim the Promised Land, President Mnangagwa encourages citizens to embrace Vision 2030 with courage, resilience, and patriotism.
This vision calls for collective effort, where each Zimbabwean plays an active role in the nation’s success, contributing through dedication and hard work. Patriotism, in the context of President Mnangagwa’s leadership, goes beyond the traditional understanding of love for one’s country.
It is a powerful call to action, an urgent invitation for citizens to put the needs of the nation above personal interests. It calls for selflessness, hard work, and a commitment to the national good. Zimbabwe has faced numerous challenges over the years, including economic instability, political divisions, and the adverse effects of sanctions. However, these challenges can only be overcome if each citizen adopts a mindset of national responsibility. Every Zimbabwean must recognise their role in the country’s future and contribute meaningfully to its development.
Vision 2030 is an ambitious plan that aims to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous, middle-income economy by the year 2030. This transformation will not happen overnight, nor can it be achieved by a few individuals or the Government alone. It requires a united effort from every citizen, and a collective drive towards achieving the nation’s goals.
This is where patriotism becomes the cornerstone of national development. For President Mnangagwa, patriotism is not an abstract idea; it is about practical, everyday actions that contribute to the nation’s progress.
At the heart of patriotism, as envisioned by President Mnangagwa, is unity. Unity is a force that transcends political affiliation, social status, and personal interests. Zimbabwe’s journey to prosperity is not one that can be undertaken by individuals or small groups; it requires a collective effort. Unity is about coming together as one people, focused on the common good, and putting aside divisions that have hindered progress in the past.
In his leadership, President Mnangagwa has emphasised that the road to success lies in collective effort, and he has called for Zimbabweans to unite in their pursuit of national development. This unity must be rooted in a shared commitment to Vision 2030. Whether in Government institutions, businesses, or local communities, each Zimbabwean must understand that their contributions matter and that working together is the only way to build the country.
One of the biggest challenges Zimbabwe has faced in the past has been political and social division. For true progress to occur, Zimbabweans must look beyond these differences and embrace a sense of national responsibility. This means prioritising the well-being of the nation over personal or political gains. The Government, led by President Mnangagwa, has made it clear that achieving the nation’s goals will require the effort of all Zimbabweans, regardless of political party or personal background.
Patriotism is not just an ideal; it is a call to action. It is about individuals taking responsibility for the country’s future through their daily work, choices, and contributions. For President Mnangagwa, patriotism means working diligently in one’s job, supporting local industries, and contributing to the development of the country.
This practical form of patriotism includes actively engaging in projects that foster national growth and supporting initiatives that build a stronger Zimbabwe.
A key aspect of practical patriotism is prioritising the needs of the nation over personal interests. For example, Zimbabweans are encouraged to buy locally produced goods, thus supporting local industries, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. This is evident in the “Buy Zimbabwe” campaign, which seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on imported goods and stimulate domestic production. Supporting local industries is a powerful way of contributing to national development, and it directly aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030.
Furthermore, patriotism means adhering to the laws of the land and supporting initiatives that promote national stability. Whether it is adhering to environmental regulations, contributing to community projects, or simply following the law, each citizen’s actions can have a positive impact on the country’s development. These actions may seem small on an individual level, but collectively, they have the power to transform the nation.
Patriotism is not a new concept in Zimbabwe’s history. From the days of the liberation struggle to the present, patriotism has been a driving force in the country’s development. The fight for independence, the struggle against colonialism, and the sacrifices made during the liberation war were all fuelled by a deep sense of patriotism. During the liberation struggle, Zimbabweans came together to fight for a common cause, and this collective effort led to the attainment of independence in 1980.
Since then, patriotism has continued to play a central role in Zimbabwe’s national development. The country has faced numerous challenges, including economic hardships as a result of the impact of international sanctions. However, despite these obstacles, Zimbabwe has made significant progress due to the resilience and determination of its people. This spirit of patriotism, rooted in national pride and selflessness, has been pivotal to the country’s survival and growth.
President Mnangagwa’s leadership represents a continuation of this tradition of patriotism. His calls for unity, hard work, and national responsibility echo the values that helped Zimbabwe overcome past challenges. In his leadership, patriotism is not just about honouring the past but about actively working towards a brighter future. Every Zimbabwean must take ownership of the nation’s development and contribute to its progress, just as their ancestors did in the fight for independence.
The Government’s initiatives, particularly the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), reflect the Government’s commitment to the country’s development.
These programmes aim to stabilise the economy, address inflation, and promote growth. The TSP, which was implemented between 2018 and 2020, focused on economic reforms that laid the groundwork for long-term growth. It prioritised fiscal discipline, improved governance, and the revival of critical sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
The NDS1, which began in 2021, builds on the successes of the TSP and focuses on achieving the goals set out in Vision 2030. It emphasises infrastructure development, industrialisation, and the creation of jobs.