The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Mangwana says the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) has made notable achievements since in inception.
Posting on microblogging site Twitter, Mangwana listed what the government considers to be POLAD’s achievements as follows:
- The coming together of Political Actors under one banner (POLAD) and the official launch symbolised the unity of purpose.
- The formulation of a Code of Conduct and subsequent adoption and signing of the same.
- Visit to Cyclone IDAI by POLAD delegates led to conscientisation of the nation about the problem and the need for urgent intervention by different stakeholders.
- Improved understanding by POLAD on issues affecting the country through an interface with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Minister of Industry and Commerce and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and other Government Official.
- Acceptance and endorsement of POLAD by both SADC and AU, thereby giving impetus and relevance to POLAD as a vehicle for solving local problems without external interference.
- Increased call for the removal of sanctions through participation at the SADC Anti-sanctions march in
Harare. - Increased visibility of POLAD through social responsibility activities such as the monthly Clean-up day.
- Increased public awareness of POLAD through extensive media coverage and debates.
POLAD was created by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a platform for dialogue following the disputed 2018 presidential election results.
It is made up of some of the losing candidates, among them is Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku, Brian Mteki, and Lucia Matibenga.
However, prominent opposition leaders, the likes of Nelson Chamisa, Joyce Mujuru, Noah Manyika, Nkosana Moyo, and Daniel Shumba have snubbed the platform.