Time to build our nation

Your Excellency,

I Hope this letter finds you in good health and with an open heart.

Today, I write to you not only as a concerned citizen but as a woman and mother, who carries the dreams and aspirations of countless Zimbabweans on her shoulders.

I share with you my reflections, anecdotes, and a deep yearning for change that hopefully resonates with all Zimbabweans.

As a commis chef in a bustling kitchen, recently, I witnessed the power of unity and collaboration first hand. Just like a symphony of flavours, each ingredient contributed its unique essence, resulting in a harmonious masterpiece.

In that environment, I could not help but think of our nation, Zimbabwe, and how we too have the potential to create something extraordinary by embracing our diversity and working together.

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Nothing in a kitchen functions independently.

Each decision affects the next person – that is how the kitchen functions.

Somewhat like Zimbabwe, Your Excellency, the decisions you make, whether they are on the electricity situation or policies relating to the economy, socioeconomic and political environment, they have an effect on everything else.

A domino effect of the kitchen plays out in Zimbabwe too.

Allow me to share a story that has etched itself deeply within the chambers of my heart — a story that encapsulates the collective struggles, hopes, and dreams of our beloved Zimbabwe.

As I made a meal one evening, memories of a remarkable Zimbabwean woman flooded my thoughts.

A mother, braving the storms of adversity, she stood as a testament to the unwavering resilience and determination that defines the very essence of our people.

In the face of immense challenges, this extraordinary woman toiled ceaselessly to provide for her children.

Her unwavering commitment to their well-being shone brightly, illuminating a path towards a brighter future.

With limited resources, she navigated the labyrinthine hardships of life, ensuring that her children had access to a quality education — a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty.

Her story, Your Excellency, is but one thread in the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean identity.

It resonates with the countless citizens, who bear the weight of our nation's hopes and dreams upon their shoulders.

These remarkable individuals, facing the tempests of life, often find themselves at their wits' end, yet they persist with a resilience that knows no bounds.

It is within the depths of their struggles that our collective spirit finds solace — a spirit that transcends the boundaries of gender, age, and background. It is a spirit that unites us all, binding us together as one intricate mosaic of diversity and strength.

In recognising and honouring this spirit, Your Excellency, lies the key to unlocking the immense potential that lies dormant within our nation.

As I write this letter to you today, I beseech you to embrace the transformative power that resides within the hearts and minds of all Zimbabweans.

Our food in this kitchen will burn and our reputation will become unbearable. Let us cast aside the shackles of inequality and injustice, and together, chart a path towards a future that is inclusive, empowering, and enriching for every citizen. 

Tisu vene vacho, may we hold hands and make this work on an equal footing. This is our country as a collective people. In this journey, inclusivity must guide our every step.

We must ensure that the voices of the marginalised, the vulnerable, and the disempowered are not only heard but actively amplified.

Let us create spaces where every Zimbabwean, regardless of their circumstances, can partake in the shaping of our collective destiny — a destiny that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment.

Your Excellency, I implore you to listen intently to the chorus of voices that reverberate throughout our nation — the voices of the market vendors, the teachers, the healthcare workers, and the countless unsung heroes who labour tirelessly to uplift our communities.

Within their stories lie the keys to unlocking our nation's true potential — a potential that can only be realised through visionary leadership and genuine engagement. I invite you to walk the streets one day as an ordinary Zimbabwean and hear the stories, the lived realities of the people you lead, Shumba. 

In our pursuit of a better Zimbabwe, let us ensure that no one is left behind.

Let us forge a path where every citizen can dream, aspire, and achieve, irrespective of their gender, age, or background. By investing in the holistic development of our people — equipping them with education, healthcare, and economic opportunities — we lay the foundation for a society that thrives on the principles of justice, equity, and empowerment.

Your Excellency, the time has come to unite our nation under the banner of hope, compassion, and progress. Let us foster an environment where every Zimbabwean feels a sense of belonging, where their dignity is upheld, and where their potential is nurtured.

By doing so, we not only honour the spirit of our ancestors but also pave the way for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

In this reflection, Your Excellency, I am reminded of your own journey and the responsibility that comes with your position just like the lessons from being a Commis chef.

I believe that as a leader, you have the power to transform the lives of countless Zimbabwean women, mothers, and families. Your actions can shape a future where every child has equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth.

By investing in the potential of our women and fellow Zimbabweans, we invest in the future of our nation.

I urge you to consider the stories and struggles of everyday Zimbabweans. The market vendor, who wakes up before dawn to provide for her family, the teacher, who imparts knowledge despite limited resources, and the healthcare worker, who strives to heal the sick with compassion and dedication.

These are the unsung heroes who embody the resilience and determination that define our nation.

Your Excellency, I implore you to lead with empathy and compassion, to listen to the voices of the people and take decisive action to address the challenges we face.

Let us build a Zimbabwe where every citizen, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the progress of our nation. By investing in our people, we invest in the very essence of Zimbabwean identity.

In closing, I ask you to envision a Zimbabwe where the dreams of every woman, every mother, and every citizen are met with unwavering support and encouragement.

Let us create a legacy of unity, hope, and progress that will resonate for generations to come.

Not only in mantras, slogans and billboards but in letter and spirit, evidenced by each Zimbabwean's lived reality.

Together, we can build a Zimbabwe that we can all be proud to call home, tisingatizire kuchando! (Without emigrating to cold countries).

Let us make Zimbabwe function like a kitchen where food cooked makes no one sick, but gets compliments for the chef!

Thank you for taking the time to read this heartfelt plea.

May the stories and experiences shared here resonate with you and inspire positive change in our beloved nation.

Sincerely, Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje

• NB: This is a weekly column and we would like to invite fellow citizens to contribute and be part of this thought leadership and nation building initiative. You can e-mail your contributions to fzaba@zimind.co.zw.