WE, in the village, treasure our belongings, be they scotchcarts, cattle, homesteads or fields.
And the call by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, made during the just-ended Easter holidays, to treasure and protect our natural resources, resonates well with us.
It has become an open secret that Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal juncture in its history, facing both immense challenges and unparalleled opportunities.
The call to safeguard and maximise the potential of the country’s natural resources, as articulated by President Mnangagwa, is not merely a suggestion but a mandate, an obligation and duty for sustainable development and national prosperity.
President Mnangagwa’s vision for economic growth, poverty alleviation and modernisation demands responsible stewardship and collective action.
We are a nation with a rich endowment of natural resources, including gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium and fertile land.
And it must be fully understood by every citizen that these resources are not just assets but phenomenal catalysts for economic transformation, job creation and social progress.
However, their potential can only be realised through strategic planning, prudent management and their protection.
President Mnangagwa’s exhortation to work hard, modernise and industrialise aligns with the imperative of leveraging our natural resources for diversified economic growth.
The agriculture, mining, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors are pivotal in this regard, offering opportunities for value addition, technological innovation and global competitiveness.
By investing in infrastructure, skills development and entrepreneurship, Zimbabwe is unlocking new avenues for job creation, income generation and poverty reduction.
What we know for a fact is that a 500MW solar plant is expected to turn Victoria Falls into a smart city.
We are being called upon to be responsible stewards.
We are being called upon not only to exploit resources but to protect, preserve and enhance them for future generations.
This requires a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices, environmental conservation and social responsibility across all sectors of society irrespective of one’s religion or political affiliation.
The Second Republic has prioritised accountable institutions as well as promoting inclusive decision-making processes as evidenced by the highly successful devolution programme.
It goes without saying that the notion of loving one’s country wholeheartedly encompasses a deep sense of civic pride, patriotism and duty.
It entails active engagement in nation-building, promoting social cohesion as well as upholding democratic values and human rights as opposed to seeking the demise of one’s country for the benefit of outsiders.
Loving Zimbabwe means protecting it from enemies within and without, loving all its people, helping develop communities and fostering a culture of resilience, solidarity and innovation.
But, most important of all, we all must know that no external entity will develop Zimbabwe on our behalf. It needs no reminding that ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ as President Mnangagwa always tells us.
The responsibility for national development rests squarely on our shoulders — from Government leaders and policymakers down to the grassroots.
Government, the private sector and international partners must work together towards common goals; leveraging their respective strengths and resources for maximum impact.
There is no room for those seeking to derail our train.
Education, awareness and capacity building are also paramount in fostering a culture of responsible stewardship and sustainable development.
Zimbabweans, especially the youth, need access to quality education, skills training and information that empower them to become active participants in shaping their country’s future.
Environmental education, in particular, is crucial in fostering a sense of environmental consciousness, conservation ethics and climate resilience.
Responsible stewardship is not just a theoretical concept but a practical roadmap for Zimbabwe’s journey towards prosperity and well-being.
By embracing responsible stewardship of natural resources, adhering to ethical principles and fostering inclusive growth, Zimbabwe can unlock its full potential and build a resilient, equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens.
President Mnangagwa’s call for hard work, modernisation, industrialisation and economic growth encapsulates the vision of a Zimbabwe that is self-reliant, prosperous and equitable — a vision that hinges on responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The notion of lifting people out of poverty and into prosperity is not merely an abstract goal but a concrete agenda that requires tangible actions and commitments from all stakeholders.
Central to the argument for responsible resource management is the acknowledgment that no-one else will develop Zimbabwe on our behalf.
The responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of Zimbabweans.
This collective responsibility extends beyond mere exploitation or extraction; it encompasses sustainable practices, ethical standards and inclusive policies that benefit present and future generations.
The concept of responsible stewardship also carries a moral dimension.
Reference to God-given resources underscores the belief that these riches are entrusted to Zimbabweans, not for reckless exploitation or short-term gain, but for the long-term well-being of the nation.
Thus individuals and institutions must act with integrity, transparency and accountability in their interactions with natural resources.
We must love our country wholeheartedly, and loving Zimbabwe means more than waving flags or singing the national anthem; it entails actively contributing to its progress, safeguarding its heritage and nurturing its potential and, above all, not colluding with enemies of the country.
This love is not passive but dynamic, driving continuous efforts to improve our lot, promoting sustainable development and fostering social cohesion.
λ Businessman and philanthropist Tawanda Chenana is also the ZANU PF Mashonaland East Secretary for Education.