November 3, 2024

By Tinotenda Afarasi

President Mnangagwa’s declaration that “we will build our nation brick-by-brick”, captures a philosophy that underlines the importance of a persistent and systematic approach to development.

Eminent scholars, Professor Charles Pfukwa, Professor Mandivamba Rukuni and Dr Blessing Chiparausha, unpack the President’s drive to transform the country’s fortunes with the education sector leading the development matrix, in their book titled, “Redefining Zimbabwe’s Education System: ED Mnangagwa’s Vision and Transformational Leadership”.

The book was launched in Harare recently.

One of the key issues discussed in the book relates to the mantra of building Zimbabwe brick-by-brick.

The book explains why and how President Mnangagwa has come up with winning formulas since he got into office towards the end of 2017.

For the authors, national development is not an overnight process, but a gradual process that takes place over time.

The authors contend that the metaphorical reference to bricks emphasises the need for Zimbabweans to adopt a constructive mindset, channelling efforts towards peace, reconciliation, mutual consent, teamwork and productivity.

“National development is not an event, instead, it is a process that takes place over time. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has clearly stated that ‘we will build our nation brick-by-brick’,” said the authors.

“The brick-by-brick philosophy implies that Zimbabweans should have a building mindset. Bricks are not meant to be wasted; they are useful for construction.

“This draws citizens’ attention from conflict to peace, reconciliation, mutual consent, team work and productivity. The process of building is not completed over a single day; it takes time Brick-by-brick refers to the steady fashion of carrying out operations.”

Through the development mantra, the writers showed in their book that the nation’s attention has been redirected from conflict to collaboration, laying the foundation for sustainable progress and highlighting how the process of building a nation cannot be rushed as it requires meticulous planning, steady implementation and unwavering commitment.

President Mnangagwa’s call for Zimbabweans to embrace the brick-by-brick approach signifies the importance of taking measured steps towards achieving national goals.

Steadiness in operations is shown in the book, to be paramount to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, with every stakeholder encouraged to be actively engaged in nation building.

The authors caution and appeal to citizens to be patient with the development process, arguing that it is important to recognise that the fruits of the developmental endeavours may not be immediately apparent.

“When referring to building Zimbabwe ‘brick-by-brick’, the President is imploring citizens to take a steady and systemic approach to building the nation.

“Steadiness is necessary to avoid mistakes of the past, it is required so that every stakeholder is engaged and buy-in is sought. Patience is required as the country moves towards achieving Vision 2030. Some processes will take time to yield results, may bring results for future generations. “The nation is expected to exercise fortitude as the construction and reconstruction are underway, it takes commitment, diligence, determination and patience to get a great job done,” argue the authors. 

The authors clearly state that the journey towards building Zimbabwe demands fortitude, commitment, diligence and determination.

One of the important messages from the book is that building a nation is more of a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring sustained effort and resilience in the face of challenges.

As construction and reconstruction efforts unfold, it is essential for every citizen to play their part, contributing to the collective vision of a prosperous and united Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa’s leadership underscores the importance of long-term planning and strategic foresight in driving national development, implementing a steady and systemic approach and instills confidence in Zimbabweans, assuring them that progress is achievable through perseverance and unity.

At the heart of this philosophy lies the belief that every brick laid contributes to the greater edifice of the nation.

Whether it be through infrastructure development, economic reforms, social cohesion initiatives or governance reforms, each endeavour plays a vital role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future trajectory.

The book shows that building Zimbabwe brick by brick extends beyond physical infrastructure to nurturing human capital, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive growth.

Education, skills development and entrepreneurship are integral components of this holistic approach, empowering citizens to actively participate in the nation’s development journey.

The ‘brick-by-brick’ philosophy serves as a rallying call on all Zimbabweans to embrace a mindset of resilience and determination.

It signifies a departure from the adversarial politics of the past, towards a collaborative and forward-thinking ethos and informs that by working together towards common goals, Zimbabwe can overcome its challenges and realise its full potential as a beacon of prosperity and stability in the region.

The metaphor of building Zimbabwe brick-by-brick also embodies a vision of incremental progress, collective endeavour, and unwavering commitment to national development.

It is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Zimbabwean people, who, despite facing numerous challenges, remain steadfast in their determination to build a brighter future for generations to come.

Underpinned by patience, perseverance and a shared sense of purpose, Zimbabwe will continue to lay the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive society, brick-by-brick.

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