Makahamadze Puts Peace, Strategy at Centre of NDS2 Message

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) came under discussion on National FM as Honourable Makahamadze urged Zimbabweans to view peace, productivity and personal responsibility as important foundations for national development.

Speaking on the national broadcaster, Makahamadze said Zimbabwe's development ambitions depended on maintaining peace while encouraging citizens to translate national economic strategies into practical action. “We cannot talk about peace when there is war. We take peace for granted. May we always appreciate those who sacrificed their lives for us,” he said.

Makahamadze also linked peace to economic activity, arguing that businesses, farmers and households need a stable environment in which to plan and invest. Turning to NDS2, he encouraged citizens to move beyond criticism and develop practical strategies within their own areas of responsibility. “NDS2 is not just a document. It's a strategy in your hands. No strategy, no harvest. Change has to start from within, and that strategy must start with YOU, in your field, in your shop, in your home,” he said.

Listeners Respond

The programme generated calls and messages from listeners across Zimbabwe, with some sharing personal experiences and seeking advice on how to translate the discussion into action. A farmer from Marondera said the programme had coincided with progress on a project proposal that had previously remained unresolved. “Thank you, Cde Makahamadze, they have responded positively to my proposal, and I can now farm. I had almost given up,” the listener said.

Other listeners focused on personal financial planning. One asked for guidance on saving and building financial reserves after hearing the discussion. “Good day, Cde. I was tuned in. I would like your advice on how best I can save and build my reserves. How do I go about it?” the listener asked. Some messages focused on the presentation itself, with listeners praising the interaction and practical nature of the discussion.

“I had to listen to the whole programme. Well presented, bro,” one listener said. Another described the programme as “a powerful presentation”, while another listener said the discussion was relatable because of the way everyday issues were addressed. One listener also noted that the volume of questions meant not all could be addressed during the programme.

Peace and Economic Activity

Peace remained a recurring theme during the discussion, with Makahamadze urging Zimbabweans not to take a stable environment for granted. The discussion also touched on the Government's “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” message, with citizens encouraged to consider how they could contribute to economic activity through farming, business and household-level financial planning.

The NDS2 discussion comes as Zimbabwe continues to implement its second National Development Strategy, which provides the Government's medium-term development framework. For listeners, the programme provided an opportunity to connect the national development agenda with everyday economic concerns, including farming, saving and business planning. Makahamadze said the responsibility for turning national strategies into tangible results could not rest with Government alone.

His message was that NDS2 should be viewed not simply as a policy document, but as a framework that citizens could apply within their own circumstances. Reflecting on the response to the programme, Makahamadze attributed the discussion's impact to his faith rather than personal ability. “Whatever I said in there wasn't me. It was the work of God, I am just but a vessel,” he said.

The programme highlighted the continuing challenge of translating national development policies into practical outcomes for citizens, particularly those seeking opportunities in agriculture, business and household economic planning.

NDS2 Zimbabwe