Underdevelopment, Who Is To Blame?

Voters Queuing To Decide Their Future

Neil Padmore, a friend of mine and an environmental enthusiast always echoes the words; “Do not ask what Zimbabwe can do for you but rather ask what you can do for Zimbabwe”. This statement always inspires me to question my contribution to the development of Zimbabwe or at least to those around you. Many times particularly in some constituencies in Zimbabwe, I hear people complaining of how the government is not helping to develop their areas. As I reflect on the statement of John F. Kennedy, who really is supposed to help who? For a long time I also use to believe that it was the role of the government to foster development in these areas. 

Government’s contribution in a community follows certain protocols and in most instances it does not come where there is no need or at least where the invitation is not available. Members of the House of Assembly are the first pot of call in the Zimbabwean’s political landscape and these should come in handy to catalyst development. For so long in many constituencies, I think the choices we make about who represents us are a true reflection of the choices we committed regards our future at least for the years the incumbent is in office. A House of Assembly member reflects the ideals a Society lives by and to a greater extent a replication of their aspirations. 

Every five years, the constitution of Zimbabwe accords every individual with an opportunity to choose a future they want. While some constituencies have taken BIG steps to choose the best candidates like the like of Cde Chinotimba, Professor Jonathan Moyo, Independent legislator Jonathan Samukange, Dr. Godfrey Gandawa – only in as far as development is concerned others have not done well. The people of Zimbabwe need to appreciate the power that is in their VOTE. Whenever it’s an election year, let’s go out and VOTE and VOTE wisely for the candidate who can perpetuate their ideals and development at large. Whereas my chosen candidates may have lost in the past, I am always optimistic that one day when we all go out to SPEAK through VOTING and for the RIGHT candidate; we will see the GENESIS of development.