Vision 2030 — Govt, citizens need to focus

THE beginning of 2021 coincided with the peak of the coronavirus in Zimbabwe. Even as we face adversities due to the pandemic, we should take pride in our country and remember that the Zimbabwe we want — to become an upper middle-income society — is envisioned in Vision 2030.

This vision involves creating a rich and prosperous nation that caters for the needs of all its people and an economy that is inclusive and does not leave anyone behind.

Vision 2030 is not mission impossible, but mission possible.

Under the New Dispensation, Vision 2030 will be delivered through two fiveyear development strategies, namely: National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) (2021-2025) and NDS 2 (2026-2030).

NDS1, which became operational on January 1, 2021, is a step towards attaining Vision 2030.

As we roll out NDS1, we need to remind ourselves as a nation of the twelve cardinal values of Vision 2030, lest we forget. These include:

Constitutionalism

Zimbabwe must aspire to embrace and foster a culture of constitutionalism guided by the supreme law of the land — the Constitution. As stipulated under Section Three

“Founding values and principles” — the Constitution is founded on the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms, diversity, equality, gender equality, good governance and recognition and respect of the liberation struggle.

These constitutional values and principles are reflected and further elaborated under the cardinal values of Vision 2030.

Democracy

The Government should ensure that the country is a multi-party democracy as envisioned under the Constitution, respecting the rights of all political parties and freedoms of citizens in exercising their electoral rights.

Decentralisation and devolution

The Government at every level is geared to bring development to different areas of Zimbabwe. The Government intends to create proper balance in the development of rural and urban areas as envisioned under devolution.

Devolution entails equitable access to resources for all regions in Zimbabwe in order to promote nationwide development. It will facilitate the involvement of communities in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes that affect them, including ensuring that local communities benefit from resources in their areas.

Human rights

Government and citizens have an obligation to protect and respect human rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Section 48 of the Constitution provides for fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Property rights

Vision 2030 places emphasis on the need to protect property rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Property rights will be observed under the laws of the country and in line with international conventions to which Zimbabwe is signatory.

Rule of law

The rule of law is an essential element of the country’s governance system and is governed by the dictum: no one is above the law and the law should protect everyone equally.

The Government and all its agencies shall act within the terms and limitations imposed upon them by the Constitution and laws of the country.

Freedom of expression and association

Every person in Zimbabwe has a right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

Responsiveness of public institutions

The systems of public administration and management in Zimbabwe have a mandate to deliver efficient, accessible, reliable and affordable public services to all its citizens in accordance with public demand.

Public institutions and service providers must be accessible to all citizens. Public institutions are considered key enablers and drivers of economic development and social transformation.

Unity in diversity

Zimbabwe is a diverse country in terms of language, race, ethnicity, culture, religion and so on.

The State and all institutions must promote inclusive development based on the diversity of Zimbabweans. Diversity should be an integral part of the Government’s development programmes.

Participatory decision-making

The Government upholds the rights of its citizens to participate in decision-making on issues that affect them.

This is based on the inclusive principle that people should be involved in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes that affect them.

Social contract

The Government upholds the principle of participatory development, where all key stakeholders play a part in formulating and implementing development plans. Government supports social contracts among key stakeholders such as business, labour and civic society.

Responsible citizenry

For all development programmes undertaken by the Government to succeed, the citizenry should acknowledge and honour their responsibilities — be they financial, social or developmental — within their communities.

During the implementation of national development strategies (NDS1 and NDS2), there will be systematic and continuous review of these values in tandem with evolving strategies and action plans at local, regional, continental and international level.

As we fight the coronavirus pandemic, let us be courageous.

Let us battle against it at individual, family, community and national level with unwavering resolve.

We need to focus on our goal — Vision 2030.

◆ Allen Choruma writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on e- mail: hoziadvisory2018@gmail.com