THE cholera pandemic that has hit the country has awakened many to tragic realities.
It has ignited intense debate on the subject of competence.
It has invoked discussion on the subject of unity in the country.
Are we united as a people?
Are we pulling in the same direction?
Do we have the same vision for our country?
I will take the above raised questions one by one.
Yes, we are united, but there are some in our midst who stop at nothing in trying to dismantle that unity.
These use every opportunity to gain political capital and, with it, reap a few pieces of silver and gold by selling their country to the highest bidder.
The cholera pandemic is a case in point.
This brings me to the second question.
The answer to this is that, no, we are not pulling in the same direction.
We have certain characters who believe that the suffering of our great nation brings them success.
Yet the success of our country is everyone’s success.
When we succeed, we succeed together and when we suffer we suffer together.
Pulling in the same direction is for the good of our country and future generations.
Linked to this is the issue of vision.
We have a national vision encapsulated in President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
That vision states that this country will be a middle-income economy by 2030.
This means, between now and 2030, we have to commit our efforts to rebuilding our country and developing its economy.
That vision entails that we take responsibility for our country’s well-being, its resources and its economy.
This is not a task for President Mnangagwa alone.
This is equally not a task for ZANU PF alone.
It is everyone’s task and everyone’s responsibility.
We have a role to play in developing our country.
This is why the cholera issue is critical for us to put our heads together and come up with viable solutions.
This is also why it is important to discuss this issue at great length.
It has been subjected to serious scrutiny — and rightfully so.
But there is a serious question that arises from all the prognosis that have been done.
Do we give serious consideration to the kind of people we vote for?
This is the biggest question that has emanated from discussions that have been going on about the cholera issue.
We have always said the choice of our councillors leaves a lot to be desired.
We have always questioned their competence, capacity and capability when it comes to bringing development to our communities and the nation at large.
We have always pointed to the incompetence that has been, and still is, there.
We have called for intervention of the authorities to save the situation from becoming a catastrophe.
Yet the response that we got from the local authorities was that they did not want what they called ‘interference’ from Government.
They have a point.
Government cannot, and must never, interfere where things are flowing smoothly.
It can only step in where there is dereliction of duty as has been happening with opposition-run local authorities, especially Harare.
We must not be held to ransom.
Those tasked with specific and particular duties must execute them without proffering excuses.
Failure is no option.