In this video, Gambakwe discusses the M31 political party’s proposals for Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on the military and its role in the country’s future. He outlines the current challenges posed by the military’s involvement in politics and presents the M31’s plan for a radical restructuring, modernization, and re-purposing of the armed forces for national development.
Problems with Zimbabwe’s Military Today
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Gambakwe explains that the Zimbabwean military is deeply entangled with political interests, particularly aligned with the ruling ZANU-PF party. This political partisanship undermines the military’s impartiality.
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He highlights that a main driver for the military’s political role is competition over resources, suggesting that control over economic assets motivates military involvement in politics.
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The military itself is described as outdated and inefficient, lacking a clear mission relevant to modern-day security challenges. Traditional and obsolete practices dominate its operations.
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Human rights abuses are a significant concern, referenced through Dewa Mavhinga’s testimony at the US senate, detailed violations committed by the military forces under the current politicized system.
M31’s Vision for Military Reform
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A key proposal is to remove political influence from the military by making it fully neutral and subject to civilian oversight, thus preventing it from becoming a tool of any political faction.
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M31 plans to develop a self-contained “Military Planned City” designed to support military personnel and their families with housing, social services, and infrastructure, aimed at improving the welfare of military members.
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They advocate for establishing an engineering corps within the military to produce equipment domestically, which would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance military self-sufficiency.
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The military’s role should be transformed from political enforcement to one that predominantly focuses on national development and security, acting as a force for stability and progress in Zimbabwe.
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There is also a vision to expand Zimbabwe’s military capabilities, including the potential development of a navy and forging partnerships with other countries to modernize and strengthen the armed forces.
Broader M31 Political Vision for Zimbabwe
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Gambakwe sketches a future Zimbabwe undergoing rapid infrastructure development including roads, housing, and public services.
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Political life should shift away from highly confrontational and oppositional dynamics toward a government based on consensus and coalition-building, aiming for more inclusive and cooperative governance.
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A critical part of this vision involves creating conditions favorable for Zimbabweans living abroad (the diaspora) to return and contribute to the country’s rebuilding and growth.
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The M31 party is actively recruiting and positioning candidates for political office, including notable figures such as Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, signaling readiness to contest major elections.
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Overall, Gambakwe stresses that fundamental systemic reforms are necessary—not only in the military but also in politics and governance—to achieve a stable, prosperous Zimbabwe.
In essence, Gambakwe and M31 advocate for a professional, depoliticized military integrated into a broader national transformation agenda emphasizing development, unity, and modernization.
Video Timestamps
Current State and Problems:
- The military is described as being politically partisan and aligned with ZANU-PF [00:33].
- He argues the military’s political involvement is driven by a struggle for resources [07:53].
- Gambakwe states the military is outdated, lacks a clear purpose, and relies on outdated methods [08:54].
- He mentions human rights concerns and references the “Dewa Mavhinga document” [05:40].
M31’s Proposed Changes for the Military:
- The military should be politically neutral and under civilian control [11:02].
- He proposes a self-sufficient “Military Planned City” for military personnel and their families [13:24].
- He suggests creating an engineering corps within the military to manufacture equipment [13:50].
- The military’s purpose should shift to contributing to national development and security [21:55].
- He mentions the possibility of developing a navy and partnering with other countries for military development [20:37, 22:39].
Broader Vision for Zimbabwe:
- Gambakwe envisions a rapidly developing Zimbabwe with new infrastructure [25:55].
- He advocates for a government of consensus and a shift away from confrontational politics [26:03].
- He discusses creating conditions for Zimbabweans in the diaspora to return [26:25].
- The M31 party is actively seeking candidates, and has approached Advocate Fadzayi Mahere to be a presidential candidate [27:06].
