Our Manifesto – Zimbabwe Independence Movement

MANIFESTO

CHARLES CHIYANGWA

PRESIDENT

ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT (Z.I.M) ELECTIONS MANIFESTO

OBJECTIVES

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement’s objectives are grounded primarily to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty, integrity and to improve the way of life of the Zimbabwean populace. The following are some of the most pressing issues that the Zimbabwe Independence Movement (Z.I.M) intends to tackle as a matter of urgency if the lives of the Zimbabwean people are to be improved.

The Zimbabwe independence movement will improve food security by:

Investing in agricultural infrastructure, implement sustainable farming practices improve irrigation systems and enable smooth supply channels by improving the roads and storage facilities.

Strengthening agricultural productivity, improving supply chains, ensuring access to affordable food, and implementing social safety nets for vulnerable populations. This involves a multi-faceted approach including local food production, technology adoption, and policies that support both farmers and consumers.

Promoting sustainable practices e.g. encouraging climate-smart agriculture, diversified farming systems, and responsible land management to improve resilience and reduce environmental impact.

Supporting smallholder farmers by providing access to credit, technical assistance, and improved inputs (seeds, fertilizers) to enhance productivity.

Investing in research and development in order to develop new varieties of crops and livestock that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases.

Improving supply chains, implementing better storage and handling practices, and investing in cold chain infrastructure to minimize spoilage and ensure food quality.

Developing efficient transportation and distribution systems to ensure that food reaches those who need it fresh and on time.

Supporting local markets and retailers to facilitate access to fresh, affordable food.

Stabilizing food prices through implementing policies that protect farmers and consumers from price volatility, and invest in food reserves to buffer against shortages.

Supporting social safety nets through food assistance programs and other social protection measures to help vulnerable households afford basic food needs.

Prioritizing food security in national development plans by ensuring that food security is a central focus of government policies and investments.

Empowering women in agriculture and ensuring that they have equal access to resources and opportunities.

Promoting political stability because conflict and instability can disrupt food supply chains and undermine food security efforts.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will improve its health sector by:

Investing in infrastructure through the purchase of machinery necessary for the functionality of the public health sector.

Procuring enough hospital beds and stretchers for all national hospitals and clinics.

Unlimited supply of medication to all public hospitals and clinics

Supply of enough ambulances to ferry patients to national hospitals and clinics.

Strengthening governance and leadership of our public health sector.

Enhancing the health workforce by remunerating them accordingly and the supply of uniforms to all national workforce and free medical attention for all and focusing on primary healthcare.

Engaging the community, utilizing data for decision-making, and exploring collaborative partnerships to further enhance health outcomes.

Ensure that sufficient, well-maintained health facilities are available and accessible, especially in underserved areas.

Implement infrastructure for essential services like clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, which are crucial for overall health.

Improve the efficiency of the supply chain for essential medicines, vaccines, and medical products, ensuring timely and adequate access.

Strengthen leadership and governance to improve oversight, accountability, and health system performance at all levels.

Improve the efficiency of public sector financial management systems and processes.

Engage and empower the community, and collaborate with civil society and other partners to expand access to healthcare.

Invest in the health workforce by recruiting and training healthcare Address shortages of healthcare workers, particularly in underserved areas, by investing in recruitment and retention strategies. professionals.

Focus on primary healthcare to improve access to quality, affordable health services for all.

Engage and empower the community to ensure adequate and appropriate government funded community-based care.

Develop and utilize robust data collection and analysis systems to inform health policies, strategies, and investments.

Explore and implement technology solutions to improve healthcare delivery, access, and efficiency.

Engage the private sector to improve health services access, coverage, and quality.

Seek collaborations with international organizations and other countries to share best practices, expertise, and resources. Promote intersectoral collaboration between the health sector and other sectors like education, agriculture, and social welfare.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will create jobs by:

Focusing on economic transformation, public policy investments, and encouraging private sector growth. This includes investing in building infrastructure and creating a favourable environment for private sector investment. Additionally, promoting trade and facilitating entrepreneurship to promote job creation.

Moving workers from lower to higher productivity sectors e.g. shifting labour from agriculture to manufacturing or services and/or upgrading skills within existing sectors.

Reducing reliance on a single industry or export.

Investing in education and vocational training programs to equip the workforce with the skills needed for new jobs and help them adapt to changes in the economy.

Improving transportation, energy, and communication infrastructure to enhance productivity, lower costs for businesses leading to the creation of jobs.

Creating a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations, reducing corruption, and providing incentives for investment.

SMEs are a major source of employment, and policies that support their growth and development can create a significant number of jobs.

Creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship, providing access to finance and support services, and reducing barriers to entry to encourage the creation of new businesses and jobs.

Promoting trade in order to expand markets for goods and services, increase demand, and create jobs in exporting industries.

Attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) that are aligned with our national development goals which can bring new technologies, skills, and jobs.

Formalizing the informal economy as many workers in our country are employed in the informal economy, which lacks legal protection and social security to improve working conditions and create opportunities for decent work.

Addressing skill gap and ensuring that the education and training system is aligned with the needs of the labour market in order to help address skill gaps and improve the employability of the Zimbabwean populace.

Adopting policies that influence imports and exports of products e.g. limit imports of products that are also produced in Zimbabwe and promote locally produced products.

Cultivating partnerships to support the development and expansion of domestic industries with a significant potential to create sustainable jobs.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will achieve sustainable and successful mining by:

Ensuring well-defined and enforced laws that govern mineral exploration, exploitation, and processing, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Awarding fair and transparent mining contracts, outlining obligations for both the government and mining companies, and should protect the interests of local communities.

Providing access to geological data and expertise ,which is crucial for exploration and development.

Giving access to capital for financing mining projects through government investment.

Providing access to modern mining equipment and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs, while also promoting sustainable practices.

Investing in education and training programs for local communities in order to equip them with the skills needed to participate in the mining sector, creating jobs and economic opportunities.

Involving local communities in the decision-making processes related to mining projects in order to address their concerns, ensure their participation, and build trust.

Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between government, mining companies, local communities, and other stakeholders to help resolve conflicts and build consensus.

Focusing on adding value to mineral resources by establishing downstream processing industries within our borders.

Diversifying the economy beyond raw material exports can help to reduce dependence on the mining sector and create more resilient and sustainable growth.

Implementing sustainable mining practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly equipment, and rehabilitating mining sites to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term viability.

Learning from other countries’ best practices in sustainable mining in order to establish robust and effective policies and regulations.

Promoting fair trade practices and sustainable development in the mining sector to ensure that the benefits of mineral resources are shared equitably and that mining contributes to overall development goals.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will to achieve roads and infrastructure development by:

Leveraging a combination of government investment, private sector engagement and international partnerships. This includes allocating a significant portion of GDP to infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships and seeking technical assistance from neighbouring nations and international organizations.

Allocating sufficient funds to infrastructure as it is the key driver of economic growth and social development.

Developing long-term infrastructure plans that address specific needs, considering factors like population density, economic activity, and regional disparities.

Exploring opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of public spending in infrastructure projects.

Improving transparency, accountability, and governance to ensure efficient use of funds and project implementation.

Encouraging private sector participation through PPPs, where the government and private companies share responsibility for financing, building, and operating infrastructure projects, according to Engineering News.

Creating a conducive environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) in infrastructure, including clear regulations, stable political climate, and streamlined procedures.

Prioritising local suppliers and contractors to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

Partnering with international organizations to gain expertise in infrastructure planning, design, and construction.

Learning from other countries’ experiences and implement successful models of infrastructure development.

Investing in high-quality infrastructure that is durable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable.

Incorporating climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into infrastructure projects to ensure their long-term resilience.

Designing infrastructure projects that are accessible to all segments of the population, including marginalized groups and people with disabilities.

Improving economic and social infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and fibre networks to support SMMEs and industrialisation.

Build technical, planning and project management capacity, to maintain all public infrastructures.

Provide resources to maintain ageing infrastructure to prevent accidents and other disasters.

Prioritise investment in expanding the transmission grid so that more energy, including from renewable sources, can be supplied.

Develop gas, nuclear and hydro power projects for increased energy generation.

Support infrastructure roll-out through frontloading, insourcing, building state capacity and public-private partnerships.

Mobilise investments in freight rail infrastructure.

Modernise commuter rail for efficient and green public transport.

Restructure ports with modern technology to increase efficiency.

Building modernised and technologically capable toll systems and use revenue generated to build roads, traffic road signs, traffic lights and maintain infrastructure.

Fixing potholes, paving roads, maintaining community and rural roads as well as other road infrastructure.

Creating a government funded road agency to assist in road maintenance and extensions in towns and rural areas.

Fast tracking the reinstatement of passenger rail lines, providing security for rail infrastructure and passengers and developing more advanced passenger rail networks.

Promoting commuter safety and moving towards commuter subsidies.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will improve housing by:

Implementing strategies like social housing, up cycling, microfinance, and public-private partnerships. These approaches can help provide affordable and sustainable housing options for low-income families while also addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and economic growth.

Building and subsidising housing units for low-income families.

Repurposing materials to create affordable homes.

Providing small loans to individuals or groups to enable them to build or improve their homes.

Collaborating with private companies to invest in housing projects, potentially leading to faster development and more diverse housing options.

Providing subsidies, tax breaks, or other incentives to encourage private investment in affordable housing.

Implementing effective land use planning and zoning regulations to prevent haphazard development and ensure access to land for housing.

Investing in basic infrastructure like water, sanitation, and transportation to improve the quality of life in housing areas.

Developing clear housing policies and enforcing building regulations to ensure the quality and safety of housing.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will improve education by:

Focusing on ensuring equitable access, improving the quality of teaching, investing in infrastructure, and leveraging technology. Specifically, this involves reducing costs of education, implementing inclusive practices, and promoting skill development.

Reducing the cost of education

Implementing inclusive education ensuring that students with disabilities and other marginalized groups can access quality education.

Providing school lunch programs thereby addressing malnutrition which in turn can improve student learning outcomes.

Investing in teacher training and professional development by providing on-going support for teachers to enhance their skills and adopt new methodologies.

Implementing new educational models by exploring and implementing effective teaching methods that are relevant to the needs of the students.

Creating safe and conducive learning environments.

Ensuring access to necessary teaching materials, textbooks, and technology.

Utilizing technology to enhance learning and teaching, including online learning platforms, educational apps, and mobile devices.

Harnessing the potential of mobile phones and other devices for classroom and home learning.

Encouraging parents and community leaders to actively participate in supporting their children’s education.

Collaborating with industries and other organizations to provide resources and support for education.

Ensuring that students gain relevant skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market.

Focusing on improving cognitive skills, this can contribute to overall development.

Promoting education for sustainable development:

Empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make responsible choices that contribute to a better future.

Implementing systems that hold teachers and schools accountable for student outcomes, while also focusing on improving teaching methods.

Prioritizing mother tongue instruction:

Providing instruction in the students’ native languages can improve early grade reading outcomes.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will implement grants for the elderly and physically challenged by:

Establishing clear eligibility criteria, leveraging existing social safety nets, and partnering with community organizations to ensure effective outreach and support. This approach requires a multi-faceted strategy that considers financial sustainability, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.

Prioritizing individuals with limited or no income, significant health challenges, or those living in extreme poverty, ensuring the grant serves as a vital safety net.

Including age, disability type, severity and household income in determining eligibility and ensuring a comprehensive approach to identifying those in need.

Ensuring the eligibility criteria is clearly communicated and readily available to potential beneficiaries, along with information on how to apply.

Integrating new grants into existing social assistance programs, streamlining the process and leveraging existing infrastructure and personnel.

Creating specific grants tailored to the needs of the elderly and physically challenged, addressing gaps in current social support systems.

Designing programs to be accessible to all eligible individuals, regardless of location, background, or ability, including those in remote areas or with limited access to technology.

Engaging local NGOs, community groups, and faith-based organizations in program implementation, leveraging their expertise and local knowledge.

Utilizing local networks to disseminate information about grant opportunities, ensuring that potential beneficiaries are aware of available resources.

Incorporating community support systems to help individuals navigate the application process, access resources, and advocate for their rights.

Exploring a range of funding options, including government allocations, international aid, private philanthropy, and community fundraising.

Optimizing resource allocation, minimize administrative costs, and explore innovative delivery models, such as mobile payment systems and electronic identification cards, according to the ILO | Social Protection Platform.

Regularly assessing the program’s effectiveness, impact, and financial sustainability, making adjustments as needed to ensure long-term success.

Designing programs and infrastructure to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible transportation options.

Providing access to technology and digital literacy training, enabling individuals to participate fully in programs and services.

Tailoring programs to reflect the cultural values and traditions of the target population, ensuring inclusivity and respect.

Implementing these strategies, developing countries can create effective and sustainable grant programs that empower the elderly and physically challenged, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will improve service delivery by:

Giving national and provincial governments greater responsibilities to support municipalities that struggle to provide services to communities.

Giving national and provincial governments more powers to intervene to provide clean water where municipalities are struggling to properly provide this service, build maintenance capacity and complete water infrastructure projects.

Improving governance and the public service, work with communities to deliver quality and reliable basic services, eradicate corruption, maintain and build new infrastructure.

Investing in our people and improving access to a high level of education and health.

Strengthening the quality of services provided for older persons, including community based and residential care facilities.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will reduce the cost of living by:

Lowering the cost of food through VAT exemption and subsidy introduction on essential items, support food security through land reform and act against price fixing.

Ensuring basic services are affordable by maintaining and expanding subsidised basic services like water, houses and electricity for the poor.

Developing more subsidised human settlements.

Implementing the National Health Insurance to reduce the cost of medical care, especially for the poor.

Reducing energy bills by promoting other cheaper or subsidised forms of energy.

Increase affordable rail and other commuter transport.

Ensuring the National Minimum Wage increases in line with inflation and ensure compliance.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will fight corruption by:

Strengthening law enforcement agencies and the creation of anti-corruption bodies.

Ensuring greater accountability and prevent corruption through rigorous lifestyle audits and improved vetting procedures.

The auditing of critical projects to improve accountability and transparency.

Launch public awareness campaigns to educate and encourage reporting of suspected corruption activities.

Imposing harsher penalties for corruption.

The Zimbabwe Independence Movement will ensure safety and the defence of our democracy by:

POLICE FORCE

Modernising the police force through the introduction and use of A.I.

Providing the police force with current technology like drones, communication devices and body cameras to help them fight crime efficiently.

Providing the police force with arms and weaponry to fight violent crimes and body armour to protect them from potential violence.

Creating specialised task forces to fight gang related and violent crimes.

Proving them with enough police vehicles to help in the fighting of crime.

Implement a data-driven approach to target violent crime hotspots and direct police resources and personnel to areas with the highest crime rates.

DEFENCE FORCES

Modernising the defence forces through the introduction of more advanced technologies.

Introducing modern weaponry and equipment to help in the protection of our democracy and keeping our borders safe.

Provision of uniforms and modern body armour.