The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC ) Alliance President Nelson Chamisa today launched the Alliance’s manifesto in the capital which incorporates a cocktail of economic initiatives and political activities meant to effect an overhaul in the Zimbabwean governance post 30 July harmonised elections.
By Costa Nkomo and Shorai Murwira
The agricultural sector, a Zimbabwe’s economic mainstay is set to receive technological initiatives to cement the Sustainable and Modern Agenda for Real Transformation (SMART) agriculture vision Chamisa has been carrying countrywide during his campaigns.
“The MDC Alliance government will promote and facilitate the uptake of new technology in the agricultural sector from farm level to agro-industries.
“This will also include supporting the use of sustainable energy sources such as solar energy in the agricultural sector and electronic land management system that publishes information on land ownership, production activities and ecological location,” reads part of the manifesto.
Agriculture had earned Zimbabwe the accolade as the grain basket of Africa before and after independence. However, in the late 1990s particularly in the new millennium, the country turned into a basket case due to several factors.
It is this background the MDC Alliance seeks to correct by injecting technology and innovation into the agriculture sector to boost the economic development.
“The MDC Alliance will reintroduce the Zimbabwe Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ZIMACE) to moderate prices, acting as a second course in the country for agricultural commodities,” reads part of the manifesto.
The SMART policy document is anchored on five key pillars:
SMART Governance, Nation Building and the Consensus State.
SMART Sustainable, Shared and Inclusive Economy.
SMART Citizen Rights, Interests and Protection.
SMART Social Justice and Delivery.
SMART Reconstruction and remodelling of the country’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Chamisa has pledged to priorities war veterans welfares among other concerns that surround the liberators of Zimbabwe from the colonial rule.
He added that liberation struggle museums need to be clearly established so that each generation will consciously learn about the history of the country.
He reiterated that in his government there will not be a sacred cow on corruption charging that no matter which position one assumes, it will not make one immune to prosecution.
The manifesto launch was graced by diplomats from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom among other diplomats.
Zimbabwe is set to hold harmonised elections on the 30th of July 2018.
