Gambakwe laid out what he described as a series of ambitious proposals for Zimbabwe’s future, as part of the M31 Manifesto. His address, delivered on GAMBAKWE MEDIA, presents a bold vision for the country’s development and is framed as a blueprint for the 2028 elections. The M31 will build 160 new self contained towns, each with 1000 to 2000 houses, and that these towns will include hotels [03:22]. They will be built by private investors through a Build Operate and Transfer Model and will be connected by High Speed rail together and to the coast at Beira.
Video Timestamps
- “Homecoming” proposal: This is a major point of interest for Zimbabweans, with many expressing a desire to return to the country [00:51].
- M31 Manifesto proposals: A summary of various proposals is available on the M31 Zimbabwe website, including topics such as pensions, social welfare, housing, and military and currency reforms [01:29].
- Immigration and Tourism: The video details plans to overhaul these sectors. This includes new visas, permits, and citizenship options, such as the “Victoria Falls citizenship” for a $1 million investment [06:43, 06:52]. There are also plans for skilled visas for investors and digital nomads [07:22], as well as for those involved in infrastructure development [07:41].
- Digitalization: The plan is to digitalize identity management, with a single ID for various purposes [11:52].
- High-speed rail: The M31 vision includes high-speed rail to connect new cities and improve transportation [13:08].
- Political Landscape: The video touches on the 2028 elections, the formation of a coalition government, and the M31 party’s internal structure [03:00]. The speaker also encourages viewers to register as candidates for the elections [02:51].
Here is an analysis of the key policy areas presented:
Infrastructure and Urban Development
Gambakwe’s most sweeping proposal is for a nationwide infrastructure overhaul. He outlined a plan to construct 160 new, self-contained towns across the country’s 10 provinces, in addition to the major cities of Bulawayo and Harare. This initiative is described as a solution to provide modern amenities and services to a wider population. The towns, envisioned as complete ecosystems with hospitals, schools, and even stadiums, would be built by private partners under a “build, run, operate, and transfer” model. A core element of this plan is the resettlement of rural populations, with the promise of a free three-bedroom house to encourage people to move closer to essential services.
On the regional front, the manifesto highlights a renewed focus on connectivity. To facilitate trade and tourism, Gambakwe spoke of improving connections to the coast at Beira, including a vision for high-speed rail that could reduce travel time to under an hour. Furthermore, he addressed the chronic congestion at the Beitbridge border, proposing a new rail crossing and a double-lane bridge into South Africa to streamline transit.
Economic and Social Reforms
The proposals also touch on what are presented as market-driven solutions for economic growth. A particularly notable and controversial idea is the introduction of a “Victoria Falls citizenship”, a form of economic citizenship available for a $1 million investment. This policy is positioned as a way to attract international capital and skilled individuals, who would be granted the right to establish businesses in a designated zone within the tourism hub. Relatedly, the manifesto advocates for new visa categories for skilled investors and digital nomads, signaling an effort to liberalize immigration policy to support development.
Political Strategy
Throughout the broadcast, Gambakwe framed these proposals not just as policies, but as a strategic political platform. The discussion on the 2028 elections, the potential for a coalition government, and the call for viewers to register as candidates suggests an organized effort to build momentum for the M31 movement. By critiquing the current government for a lack of “big ideas,” Gambakwe is attempting to position the M31 manifesto as a visionary alternative, offering concrete, large-scale solutions to the country’s challenges.
