The New Year often points to new ways of doing things and cleaning up the past mess. People seek to better themselves and to do more than in the past year.
And there are a number of outstanding issues, both political and economic, that will require serious consideration in 2012. We urge our leaders to consider the matters with the seriousness they deserve for the common good.
The issue of the new constitution, which has been dragging on for too long, needs to be finally resolved. And this has to be done peacefully too and capture the true views of the people, not of political parties. It is only then that we can start talking about elections.
The Constitution should set the roadmap for the elections, according to the spirit and letter of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), failure of which any election would be a sham.
We also urge political gladiators that dominate our political landscape to be sincere in their dealings with issues that concern the citizenry and the development of this nation.
The population, which has entrusted the governance of this nation into their hands, expects a lot from them. Violence should cease to be synonymous with our politics. And it is time to walk the talk of peace.
In the same breath, we urge our police officers to strive for greater professionalism and impartiality, especially in dealing with matters of political violence. For too long, the police force has exhibited gross partisanship and it is time to reconsider their way of doing things.
For too long, Zimbabwe has dominated the global map for wrong reasons.
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The little hope, and significant gains, seen courtesy of the GPA, need to be consolidated this year until such a time when the economy is vibrant once again, and Zimbabwe regains its bread basket status in the region.
We urge partners in the GPA to put selfish interests aside and consider the greater good for the population of Zimbabwe.
The fallacy exhibited by Zanu PF during its December 2010 conference in Bulawayo, to recall the Zimbabwe dollar, should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
Of course, we have always known Zanu PF to have a knack for throwing spanners into the works, but they really need to be serious. Are there no economists in Zanu PF?
What considerations of economic fundamentals were made before reaching that decision to dig up the Zimdollar from the heap of manure?
It is better to let the current situation obtain until such time the economy is fully recovered to be able to support a local currency.
Maintaining a stable and acceptable currency will be key in attracting the much-needed foreign direct investment and lines of credit that our companies desperately need to boost their operating capacities.
In the same vein, it will be critical for the inclusive government to speak with one voice when it comes to the indigenisation programme.
The double-speak we have witnessed so far is not beneficial to the country.
Taking into consideration that we have just over 12 months before jointly hosting the United Nations World Trade Organisation conference with Zambia, we hope government will move with speed to prepare for the event that provides a platform for the country to re-invent itself in the international arena.
