Ephraim Keoreng and Ryder Gabathuse
16 September 2008
Zimbabweans have expressed jubilance over the power-sharing agreement between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
The settlement leaves Mugabe as president and head of state, while Tsvangirai will be Prime Minister and head of government with powers over cabinet ministers. Mugabe will control the army while Tsvangirai controls the police.
A 24-year-old Zimbabwean Mshodza Matumbanadzo told Mmegi in Gaborone that he is happy that the two leaders have finally signed a deal after the political crisis that gripped the country following the disputed elections. He said that the deal signals a new era in the development of his country. He is optimistic that soon, the shops will be full of groceries and other essentials. He said if the deal works, Zimbabweans will be proud again of their country. "We will now go back to our country and not live in Botswana as we are doing," he said.
His compatriot Leonard Wobe, who used to work as a merchandising agent before the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe said that he will be going back to his country soon. He said after the deal, the economy will rebound and Zimbabwe will flourish.
"World leaders like George Bush and others will definitely suspend the sanctions, and soon, people will have jobs and we will go back to producing our food. Zimbabweans will no longer be beggars. We will now stay in our country and live with our families. This is a very commendable development in the history of Zimbabwe," he said.
Mosimanegape Malala of Bobonong said that Zimbabwe's political and economic problems will not be solved by the power deal right away. "It will take time and a lot of effort, especially from Mugabe and Tsvangirai. Mugabe will have to do more than sign a piece of paper. He should accept Tsvangirai as a leader elected by the people," he said.
Malala added that the signing of the deal confirms that even Mugabe despite his protestations, has realised that Zimbabwe is collapsing. "It is a good thing that he now sees Tsvangirai as an important figure in rebuilding the country. We hope that Mugabe is sincere and he will not turn against Tsvangirai in the near future," he said.
Opelo Kelailwe said that he is happy that Zimbabwe will be stable and the citizens who are exiles throughout southern Africa will go back home and live a dignified life again. "We know a lot of stories, especially here in Botswana where Zimbabweans are made to work very hard for peanuts.
Even the most educated ones such as medical doctors have been reduced to mere labourers as they try to scavenge for a living," he said.
In Francistown, Ranganai Tiki, 23 said that the signing of the agreement made him very happy. "At last we are going to see chances that could possibly change our lives," he said.
He hopes that Zimbabwe will become Africa's breadbasket once again. "Back home, we can't even afford to buy basic commodities because the shop shelves are bare," he said. He added that democracy will finally return to Zimbabwe after years of dictatorship under ZANU-PF rule.
John Chibanda could not hide his excitement as Zimbabwe enjoyed international limelight because of the power deal. "I am happy with the signing ceremony as it ushers in hope for a better Zimbabwe. I however challenge the political leaders to deliver on their promises of reconstructing Zimbabwe. We are hopeful that international organisations will come to our rescue," he said.
Terrence Murewa said that he is ready to go home after the warring parties in his country agreed to share power. "First of all, we want the coalition government to improve the living conditions of ordinary Zimbabweans," he said.
Tendai Gova said ever since he came to Botswana, he has been surviving on menial jobs. He was forced to leave Zimbabwe to look for ways to provide for his younger siblings.
Since he did not complete his education, he now wants to return home so that he can go back to school. "I know that time is not on my side, but I need a short course which can give me survival skills," he concluded.
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