By Leonnel Mhuka
The Research Institute of Zimbabwe (RIZ) is a newly established think-tank aimed at improving decision-making and public policy in Zimbabwe. After its innagural thesis onTuesday, Change Radio spoke to Dr. Takavafira Zhou, the Chairperson, who shared insights into the organization’s objectives and his views on Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
According to Dr. Zhou, RIZ is “tailor-made to promote research because ideas and decision-making throughout the world are based on research.” He explained that through research, RIZ aims to promote tolerance, provide Zimbabweans with reliable information as well as helping them make better decisions. Ultimately, the institute hopes to contribute to building “a better society than the current society of polarized Zimbabweans.”
He argued that governance and political strategies in Zimbabwe have not evolved much since the colonial era. He stated that, “the Rhodesian Front was a racist front, and although ZANU-PF was victorious in 1980, it has carried on exhaustive nationalism, exclusive politics, and impoverished the majority of Zimbabweans.” Reflecting on the liberation struggle, he remarked, “We did not only want a black person ruling Zimbabwe but to ensure that the lives of the Zimbabweans would improve. Acidic politics is still the order of the day.”
Zhou believes that tribal politics is unhealthy but clarified that ZANU-PF’s poor electoral performance in Matabeleland is not solely because of tribal divisions. Instead, it is due to the suffering endured by the region’s people, especially after the Gukurahundi massacres. In this conversation with Change Radio, he also highlighted a unique dynamic in Matabeleland, noting that “Matabeleland maintained its leaders after the First Chimurenga, whereas in other areas, leaders were removed, and puppetized chiefs were put in place. So in Matabeleland, we still have credible chiefs.”
The institute plans to address Zimbabwe’s persistent political challenges, such as political exclusion and governance issues, by equipping citizens with the best information. “The Research Institute aims at ensuring that Zimbabweans are equipped with the best information, make the best decisions, and we create a better society,” said Dr. Zhou.
Through its work, RIZ hopes to tackle Zimbabwe’s historical and contemporary political challenges and foster a society rooted in informed, tolerant, and inclusive decision-making.
