‘Training vital for devolution success
From Page 9
This commission should stand clearly unrelated to any major or minor political party in this country. It becomes a commission for the devolution of power in Zimbabwe.
All I want is that, Central Government should look at people with the skills and capacity to implement devolution, not because they want big positions, but these should become advisors in the Office of the President to turn the concept of devolution into a reality.
TM: At its inception, the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa embarked on a massive re-engagement programme with the rest of the world. How can the re-engagement programme contribute to effective implementation of devolution?
AM: That engagement is a superb idea. Let’s re-engage those people who are experts in various areas, regardless of their inclination.
They might be inclined elsewhere or be radicals, but they know, they have the knowledge. In Zimbabwe for example, we have people like the Goddards, the citrus farmers and so on whom we need to rope in, and they have the technical know-how.
We have to embrace inclusivity. Let’s not keep out people because of race or whatever reason. The whiteness or blackness of a person has nothing to do with the wisdom and the productive ideas they bring forward.
The President’s idea of re-engagement is probably one of the best initiatives I have heard in this country. We don’t hate anybody in Zimbabwe, we should use the skills people have regardless of who they are. This country was brought up by exparts for example Malawians (mostly under the mining sector). Even if you look at people holding key positions in South Africa, they are Zimbabweans.
I have trained some of these people at Bulawayo Polytechnic College. In fact, I have a son who is running a Civil Engineering Concern in the Cape Province. He and many others are doing a good job for South Africa.
They have captured and given a good environment to exploit their knowledge and to build their economy and we can do the same.
TM: What should be done to localise the indigenisation laws under a devolved economy?
AM: You will note that besides natural resources, we have five border posts (four with Botswana and one with South Africa). We have the best connection and borders with all the facilities.
What we need is to open up our borders to boost economic growth and trade. After all the questions of borders must be relaxed. I am happy Sadc has been making strides in removing trade barriers.