I will come back stronger in 2028, vows Harry Pete...

I will come back stronger in 2028, vows Harry Peter Wilson

Zim Now Writer

One of the candidates in the August 2023 presidential contest, Harry Peter Wilson, has said he is not giving up and will be on the ballot again in 2028, although he cpould not make it in 2023.

In an election race that was eventually won by incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zanu PF, with 52.6% of the vote while his closest rival, Nelson Chamisa then of the Citizens Coalition for Change got 44.03%, Wilson got 0.15% of the vote.

There were 11 presidential candidates, one of whom was a woman, in the election, which registered a 68.86% turnout.

In an interview with Zim Now from his Bulawayo base, the Democratic Official Party leader dwelt on general economic revival, focussing on reviving the major sectors of industry such as agriculture, mining, construction, motor vehicle manufacturing etc, skills training and education and tackling unemployment among others as the key areas of his attention once elected into office.

While thanking, all those who stood with him in 2023Wilson vowed that he will come back stronger in 2028, urging Zimbabweans to learn more on their voting patterns.

“Firstly, I would like to say I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak to my fellow Zimbabweans. I am prepared to help all Zimbabweans, who understand that, we need more learning in our voting pattern. The outcomes of elections in the past 44 have shown how far removed the current ruling party from the needs of the country’s citizens,” he said.

“I take the opportunity to announce that I will stand for President again. I feel we need to look at the present circumstances, of this rich country, which is rich in education and the human resource.

“However, we have to create employment for this great nation. I have the model of identity to solving this problem. Job creation is in my DNA. In the last election, I spoke at length on solutions to the economic crisis, some of which has been taken on board and is being implemented.

“I am happy and proud of this. We need to remodel industry to function.”

Wilson added that he had plans for new cities in the country as no new city has been created since the colonial days of Rhodesia.

He also spoke of the need to focus on the development of skills. “I would continue to focus on training in skills, meaning that all our graduates will be able to work on completion of university. I have the experience of working with Zimbabweans, but I fear that time is running out. Zimbabweans will demand answers soon.

“Let’s look at the interest of our nation now. We cannot be a nation of vendors. It is a disaster and a disgrace.

“I will not watch Zimbabweans being allowed to import second hand goods, especially clothing. Companies are shutting down under our watch. Industry is moving to cut working days, to two days a week because there is no manufacturing taking place. Not even that of simple products.”

Historically, according to Wilson, Zimbabwe has struggled with high unemployment rates, exacerbated by the deepening economic crisis that has gripped the nation. This crisis has particularly affected sectors such as textiles, farming, mining, construction, printing, and retail.

The DOP leader said company closures and downsizings in these industries were triggered by a variety of factors, including poor power supplies, diminishing markets, and a lack of capital for technological advancements.

These challenges, Wilson said, coupled with hyperinflation, high unemployment, low salaries, and critical shortages of basic commodities, prompted millions of skilled Zimbabweans to seek refuge in Southern Africa, the United States and other destinations in Europe.

To counter this trend and create a brighter future for Zimbabweans, the DOP pledges to prioritise a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of labour migration.

Wilson said all these are signs that leadership has got to stand up in order to get the best for Zimbabweans, encouraging those in the diaspora to relocate back to our peaceful country.

Furthermore, according to Wilson, fostering a conducive business environment is essential to retaining skilled labour. Streamlining bureaucracy, reducing red tape, and providing incentives for foreign and domestic investment will stimulate economic growth, encouraging businesses to flourish and creating new employment opportunities.

The DOP, he said, also recognises the significance of international partnerships and diplomatic efforts. Collaborating with neighbouring countries and the international community can lead to initiatives that provide resources, knowledge, and funding for sustainable development projects. These partnerships may result in job-creating ventures that deter the need for Zimbabweans to seek menial work abroad.

“Zimbabwe has the potential for a vibrant agricultural, mining, manufacturing, construction and motor industry among others which, will push the country to greatness once again.

“I am also for the creation of an All-trades centre, which will focus on the skilled service. Plumbers, electricians, boilermakers, the motor industry, the water industry among others should be developed o full capacity. I will not blame sanctions as an excuse to progress.

“This is my message as Mr HP Wilson, let me help you fix it. Zimbabweans call me out in business, economic and public opinion circles.

“Vote 🗳 2028 Wilson, Mr Fix it, I will make Zimbabweans PROUD again!” he said.