Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru– As the political tension grips the nation ahead of the watershed 2023 harmonised elections, with different political actors jostling for positions in the upcoming March 26 by-elections, the Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Democrats (ZSD) party said it is taking its time to engage and listen to the needs of the people.
Recently party president, Nkosikhona ‘Mdalawethu’ Ndlovu said his party was not going to field candidates in the coming by-elections citing how the electoral field had been poorly structured by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Addressing party supporters in Gweru on the side lines of the party’s manifesto launch on January 29, Ndlovu said his party was geared to serve its citizens.
He added that, there was need to reshuffle the system for a better Zimbabwe.
“As ZSD we say ‘Arise, Phakama, Simuka’ as we stand to advocate for a better Zimbabwe. We are saying we need to change the system because we want it to be driven by the people and not the leaders. We want the electorate to take a leading role in governance issues.
“We are not an opposition party, but an incoming people driven government which is going to lead. Our ideology is centred on democratic socialism as we have a broad spectrum of sharing resources with everyone,” said Ndlovu.
He said his party was focused at reviving the economy through self-sustaining empowerment initiatives.
“We have already established a support empowerment plan for the country, our civil, servants, children and the elderly. The salaries which our civil servants are earning are not enough, thus we want more for them.
“Better service delivery is going to be implemented in our cities and provinces because we want to establish a government which subsidies services for its people. We do not want to strain the citizen’s pockets. On the aspect of education, we want to make sure that every child particularly those in rural areas get free education. It is their basic right which we cannot deprive them of due to exorbitant fees.
“We also stand in solidarity with those acknowledging the rule of law as we want the Executive to work separately from the judiciary,” added Ndlovu.
ZSD vice president Felistus Chipandare in a solidarity message said the future of Zimbabwe lies in the youths.
“We want to give the youths opportunities to participate in economic development. The future of this country lies in empowering the youths. We believe youths are key stakeholders in the economic agenda.
“ZSD will pursue socio-economic principles that will have the youths at the centre of national development. Gone are the days when the youths were abused by being sponsored and forced to beat up their parents and fellow youths. We want our children to have value for their efforts in education.
“What is currently happening now where youths from schools, colleges and universities are heading straight to the streets will be a thing of the past under the ZSD rule. We will formulate policies that will make investors both local and foreign increase and open new industries,” said Chipandare.
She also highlighted the potential the country possesses in terms of economic activities.
“Zimbabwe has the capacity to be Africa’s largest industrial hub with the right planning and political will. Already we are regarded as the most educated people on the continent and the most hardworking. What is simply lacking is the industry to demonstrate our intellectual skills and hard work.
“ZSD will prioritize the manufacturing sector and will deliberately increase funding allocated to the sector. One of our core objectives is to create jobs for everyone especially the youths,” she added.
After addressing supporters at the launch, Ndlovu was later arrested by police on charges of allegedly flouting Covid-19 regulations.
It is alleged Ndlovu surpassed the number of the required 100 delegates as stipulated under the current given Covid-19 regulations.
Party spokesperson, Melusi Ntando confirmed the arrest and said it was disheartening to note how uneven the political field was.
“We were not furnished with the actual details of his arrest, but we will seek clarity on the matter as we engage law enforcement agents.
“As a party we cleared to host the rally, and the event went on well as we did not engage in any violent activity. We are a very peaceful party .Our concern remains the same as we call for a level playing ground, fair for all political players .We see others conducting their party business without any hindrances and we want the same,” said Ntando.
Ndlovu was reportedly released on January 30 2022 after paying a ZW$3000 fine.
However, efforts to get a police comment on the matter were fruitless.
