CCC Manifesto Promises to Transform Zimbabwe, but Some Analysts Raise Concerns

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has released its manifesto for the 2023 general election. The manifesto promises to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous, inclusive, and democratic nation.

One of the key points of the manifesto is the promise to provide free primary education to all Zimbabwean children. This would be a major step forward for education in Zimbabwe, where only about 70% of children attend primary school. Free primary education would give all children the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their family’s income.

Another key point of the manifesto is the promise to give title deeds to all Zimbabweans who own land, regardless of how they acquired the land. This would give millions of Zimbabweans the security of tenure that they currently lack. It would also encourage more productivity by giving landowners more confidence to invest in their land.

The manifesto also promises to fight corruption, promote good governance, and attract foreign investment. These are all essential for Zimbabwe to achieve its goal of becoming a prosperous country.

Commentary by Tinashe Mpasiri, director of public policy of the Justice Under Rule Of Law (JUROL) initiative

In addressing poverty, it is essential to highlight its causal link with the rule of law. The rule of law is the foundation on which a country can progress or develop economically. It is key in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), which is fundamental in bridging the infrastructure financing gap.

When the rule of law is weak, it is difficult for businesses to operate and invest. This is because they cannot be sure that their contracts will be enforced or that their property will be protected. As a result, FDI is discouraged, and economic growth is stunted.

Poverty is also exacerbated by the lack of the rule of law. When people do not have access to justice, they are more likely to resort to violence and crime. This creates an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, which is not conducive to economic development.

The CCC manifesto rightly recognizes the importance of the rule of law in addressing poverty. The party has promised to strengthen the rule of law and to create a more just and equitable society. If the CCC is elected, it will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Zimbabweans.

Analysis by Marvin Mashukushe, a Political and Economic Analyst based in Durban, South Africa and a member of the KOBA Economic Club

The CCC manifesto is a bold and ambitious plan for the future of Zimbabwe. It is a plan that recognizes the challenges that Zimbabwe faces, but it is also a plan that offers hope for a better future.

The manifesto’s key points are all essential for Zimbabwe to achieve its goal of becoming a prosperous country. Free primary education, title deeds for all landholders, and a strong commitment to the rule of law are all essential for creating a more just and equitable society.

The manifesto also promises to attract foreign investment and to create jobs. These are both essential for economic growth and poverty reduction.

The CCC manifesto is a good starting point for a new Zimbabwe. However, it is important to remember that the manifesto is just a plan. It will be up to the CCC to implement the plan and to make it a reality.

The CCC will face many challenges in implementing the manifesto. The party will need to overcome the legacy of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued Zimbabwe for many years. The party will also need to build a consensus among Zimbabweans on the best way to move forward.

However, if the CCC is successful in implementing the manifesto, it will have the opportunity to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and democratic nation.

Marvin Mashukushe, a Political and Economic Analyst based in Durban, South Africa and a member of the KOBA Economic Club, has some reservations about the CCC manifesto.

• He does not agree with the promise of free primary education and free primary health care. He believes that Zimbabwe does not have the money to fund these programs.
• He thinks the current model of school fees and user fees works, and that the government just needs to be more transparent about how the money is used.
• He agrees with the need for title deeds, but believes that they should be offered on a 30-year lease. This would allow the government to recoup some of the value of the land, while still giving people security of tenure.
• He does not agree with the removal of the local currency. He believes that Zimbabwe needs a strong local currency to support industrialization.
• He also does not agree with the idea of executive mayors. He believes that councillors should be nominated based on their individual contribution to the community not on popularity.