Zimbabweans must pull together

The Zimbabweans will have to look into the future without Robert Mugabe as their president. In congratulating them for finally having to start afresh with a new leader, we need to also caution them to manage their euphoria very well.

Theirs is a country which requires politicians, civil society, business, military, religious organisations, intelligentsia and other key role players to come around one table and commit to rebuild that country with absolute patriotism. All segments of their society have to come together.

If Zimbabweans can succeed in obliterating the elements of greed and power mongering from their leaders, then they can certainly bring that country up on its feet, primarily economically. If a proper foundation is not laid at that conceptual phase then they might be caught with their pants down.

The international community must provide assistance, but they should not become bulldozers. Western countries need to give Zimbabwe a chance to find itself again without meddling. The same sentiment goes to the Eastern countries, which are now emerging like never before in the African continent.

It will be embarrassing if Zimbabwe can fail to transfer their unprecedented protest, which led to the resignation of their long-serving president, into a proactive action to make their country work again.

Other Zimbabweans all over the world may consider going back home or find a way to meaningfully contribute in uplifting their country. A clarion call goes to all Zimbabweans to take part in the rebuilding process. Zimbabwe can return to its former glory, only if Zimbabweans can seize the moment, put their differences aside and focus on the important issues.

Pabalelo Mabilo, Praktiseer, Burgersfort