Chamisa speaks on Zim govt
2009-09-17 16:11
Special Report
Chinese vice premier Wang Yang has urged Zimbabwe to ensure peace and political stability ahead of elections this year.
Cape Town - Zimbabwe archrivals President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai signed a power-sharing deal a year ago in a move that was seen as a step towards resolving the country's political unrest and economic meltdown.
Unfortunately, continued feuding over various issues has raised fears that the government will not succeed.
News24 spoke to Movement for Democratic Change spokesperson Nelson Chamisa who is also the minister of Information Communication Technology.
News24: The MDC celebrated 10 years of existence this weekend - what would you say you have achieved as a party?
Chamisa: Yes, there is a lot to celebrate. Firstly, it is the ability to remain standing despite the challenges faced. We also celebrate the ability to overcome fear, political violence and to be tolerant.
We are happy to have managed to grow bigger as a party and to be able to introduce a new culture of democracy in the country. We are encouraged by the fact that we remain the largest party in the country, a party that is an alternative.
News24: Would you please elaborate on what you mean by a new culture of democracy?
Chamisa: It was almost taboo to talk about another party other than Zanu-PF in this country. MDC has been able to introduce a diversity of opinion by simply continuing to exist and to remain a trademark that is non-violent as democracy is our totem.
News24: What would you say are some of the biggest issues retarding the progress of the coalition government?
Chamisa: The failure to deliver real change, failure to fulfil outstanding issues and a deficit of faith. These are the issues that we still have to deal with and we are sure to have them resolved.
News24: Morgan Tsvangirai is reported to have "put heat" on President Robert Mugabe by saying he isn't going to stand by while Zanu-PF continues to violate the law.
What's the essence of this statement in line with what he also said about consulting with the public on the government?
Chamisa: Yes, the PM sent the message right. We can't continue to be partners in crime because what is happening is not what we agreed on in the Global Political Agreement. We are saying Zanu-PF should accompany it's signatures in the GNU with actions.
News24: But do you think the problems you are facing now in the coalition government will be resolved any time soon in light of the so many differences between your parties?
Chamisa: It's possible. The deficit of sincerity is what we want to quash and through the engagement of various organs like the SADC and other blocs, I'm sure we will be able to resolve the outstanding issues.
News24: But these are the same blocs that have in the past left your party disappointed after failing to meet some of your requirements. The question is, how would you say the African blocs such as the SADC, the AU and others are handling the Zimbabwe issue in view of what came out of the DRC meeting?
Chamisa: I can only say that we really appreciate the efforts made by the African blocks in trying to solve our problems but we expect more from them. We would like a situation where they look closer into our issue, especially SADC which is our guarantor in this whole pact. They should be real and be able to come up with tangible African solutions to African problems.
News24: Zanu-PF stands by its word that it has done everything expected of it in the progress of the coalition government and that the MDC should now work towards the lifting of the sanctions for total success.
How has the MDC been taking this and how are you going to deal with it especially now that the EU has made it clear that it's not Tsvangirai who has the mandate or power to have the sanctions lifted.
Chamisa: That's a wrong characterisation of the problem by Zanu-PF. Of course the mandate is not with the MDC to have the sanctions lifted. It's either Zanu-PF doesn't get it or they are not getting it right.
We need to deliver and appreciate the agreements we signed for things to start moving. We have roles to play for this unity government to be a success.
News24: Can Zimbabweans anticipate a situation where Zanu-PF and the MDC will finally agree and have things going back to normal?
Chamisa: We are committed and that is why we have sacrificed all the way to be where we are today. We have always said that the people of Zimbabwe come first and we are saying to them let's walk together in these tribulations with the hope of a bright future. So yes, change will definitely come.
News24: Any hopes for elections?
Chamisa: Elections have to be held. We might not meet the deadline of 18-24 months, but once we finish working on the constitution, the country will be ready to go to the polls.
News24: Lastly, do you regret entering into the unity government?
Chamisa: Well, coalitions are a difficult kind of unionism and I must say we are in a difficult marriage. It's unfortunate that Zanu-PF preoccupies itself a lot with power instead of the people.
But let me say that we don't regret being in this government and that we entered into this coalition for the sake of the people.
- News24
