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Innocent Mujeri, Correspondent

THE recent Zanu-PF 21st National People’s Conference has introduced a transformative vision for Zimbabwe’s ideological future, aiming to expand the Chitepo School of Ideology’s reach to every administrative district across the country. By decentralising these training programmes, the school hopes to provide party members, Government employees, private sector leaders, and the general populace with greater access to ideological education.

This move goes beyond mere political training; it is an invitation to every Zimbabwean to connect with the country’s core values, understand the nation’s heritage, and work collectively toward shared goals.

The importance of ideology in shaping a nation cannot be overstated. Ideology acts as a unifying force, providing a shared set of principles that guide a society’s development and collective actions. For Zimbabwe, a country built on values of sovereignty, unity, and self-determination, ideology serves as a compass that reinforces national identity and loyalty. Decentralising the Chitepo School of Ideology’s programmes is a significant step toward instilling these ideals across the nation, especially as globalisation and foreign influences continue to shape Zimbabwean society.

Ideology is the backbone of any organised society. It shapes the values, beliefs, and goals that collectively define a nation’s character and trajectory. Zimbabwe’s independence was founded on principles of self-determination, liberation, and unity.

However, as time passes and new generations emerge, the importance of these principles can fade without deliberate efforts to preserve and teach them. Ideology bridges generational gaps by connecting the present to the past, ensuring that citizens understand the struggles that shaped the nation and the values that continue to sustain it.

Without a shared ideological framework, a country risks fragmentation, as different groups may pursue diverging interests and values. Ideological education unites diverse groups under a common national agenda, fostering loyalty to national ideals. For Zimbabwe, decentralising ideological training through the Chitepo School is a step toward creating a cohesive society that aligns with the nation’s historical values while also preparing for future challenges. By making ideological education more accessible, Zimbabwe can cultivate a society grounded in patriotism, national pride, and resilience.

Named after Herbert Chitepo, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, the Chitepo School of Ideology represents the continuity of Zimbabwe’s revolutionary legacy. The school’s programmes emphasise the principles of sovereignty, unity, and development that are central to Zimbabwe’s national identity. However, ideological training has traditionally been limited to the political elite, excluding a broader audience that could benefit from understanding and embracing the country’s core values.

The curriculum for the Chitepo School of Ideology should be standardised across the nation to ensure consistency in the teachings and principles imparted to all participants. A unified curriculum will ensure that every student, regardless of location, gains a comprehensive understanding of Zimbabwe’s ideological foundations, values, and goals.

This uniformity is crucial for fostering a cohesive national identity and for aligning the perspectives of party members, Government employees, and community leaders with the country’s vision and objectives. By standardising the curriculum, the Chitepo School of Ideology can maintain the integrity of its teachings, effectively instilling a shared sense of patriotism and purpose that strengthens national unity and resilience.

The decision to decentralise these programmes reflects a commitment to making ideological education an inclusive, community-oriented initiative. Government employees, for instance, are in positions that require a strong understanding of Zimbabwe’s values to implement policies effectively. Likewise, private sector leaders, whose business decisions impact national interests, can benefit from ideological grounding that aligns economic growth with national development goals. Extending ideological training to the general populace will foster a more informed and unified citizenry, better equipped to contribute to national development.

By expanding the Chitepo School’s programmes to local districts, the Government is bringing ideology closer to the people. This approach ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to learn about Zimbabwe’s foundational principles and contribute to shaping the nation’s future. This initiative will likely have long-term benefits, not only for the political landscape but also for economic and social development, as citizens become more engaged and invested in their country’s progress.

Zimbabwe’s effort to make ideology accessible to its citizens mirrors similar programmes in other nations that recognise the power of ideological education.
For example, China has long emphasised the importance of ideological unity through its Communist Party training programmes, which are accessible to government officials, military personnel, and university students. The Party’s School of the Central Committee, along with various provincial training centres, ensures that the country’s socialist principles are understood and adhered to by influential members of society. This ideological focus has been a key factor in fostering a sense of national purpose and cohesion, helping to drive China’s rapid economic and social development.

Cuba provides another example of a nation that values ideological education. Ideology is interwoven into Cuban education at all levels, instilling socialist values in students from a young age. Institutions like the Nico López Party School offer advanced ideological training to government officials and community leaders, reinforcing the country’s commitment to socialist principles. This focus on ideological education has contributed to Cuba’s resilience in the face of economic challenges, fostering a sense of national pride and unity that sustains the country’s revolutionary ideals.

In Russia, ideological training has experienced a revival, particularly in programmes aimed at instilling patriotism among young people. The Young Army Cadets National Movement, for instance, fosters a strong sense of national pride and military readiness, reinforcing loyalty to the state. These programmes go beyond promoting political loyalty; they are essential for building a cohesive society with a clear sense of identity and purpose.

Zimbabwe is currently facing a range of socio-political and economic challenges that require a united national front. Economic pressures, political instability, and social divides have tested Zimbabwe’s unity in recent years. Decentralising ideological training can help address these challenges by fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose among citizens. Ideology should not be confined to political elites; it must be a guiding force that unites the entire population.

Ideological training also serves as a defence against foreign influence, which can undermine national values and create division. While globalisation has brought significant benefits, it has also exposed Zimbabwe to external ideologies that may conflict with its traditional values and political stance. Strengthening ideological education equips citizens with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to engage with foreign ideas while remaining loyal to Zimbabwean principles.

Ideology is often associated with politics, but its benefits extend far beyond the realm of governance. Ideological education fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a sense of responsibility toward the community. For Government employees, ideological training can reinforce their commitment to public service, ensuring they prioritise national interests over personal gain. For private sector leaders, ideology provides a framework for aligning business practices with the nation’s development goals, encouraging responsible entrepreneurship that benefits society as a whole.

For the general populace, ideological training fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. It empowers citizens to play an active role in shaping their country’s future, creating a citizenry that is not only informed but also invested in the nation’s success. In an era where misinformation and external influence are pervasive, ideological education provides citizens with the tools to critically evaluate information and make decisions that align with Zimbabwe’s values.

While the decision to decentralise ideological training is a significant step forward, effective implementation will be essential to achieving its goals. Training materials must be accessible and relevant to different demographic groups, and instructors should be knowledgeable in both historical and contemporary applications of Zimbabwe’s ideology. Local communities should also have the opportunity to contribute to the curriculum, ensuring that it reflects the concerns and aspirations of citizens in different regions.

The Government should provide adequate resources to support these decentralised programmes, and community leaders, educators, and local officials should be actively involved in promoting the importance of ideological education. By fostering local ownership of ideological training, the Chitepo School of Ideology can build a more inclusive and sustainable programme that resonates with Zimbabweans across the country.

In a world marked by rapid change and ideological fragmentation, Zimbabwe’s decision to decentralise ideological training is both timely and visionary. Ideology is not a relic of the past; it is a dynamic force that unites people around shared goals and values. By expanding the Chitepo School of Ideology’s programmes to local districts, Zimbabwe is investing in a future where every citizen is informed, united, and committed to the nation’s founding ideals. Embracing this initiative is a crucial step toward building a cohesive, resilient, and forward-looking society that can navigate the challenges of the modern world while staying true to its roots.