PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has laid out a grand vision that seeks to revitalise Zimbabwe’s economy, challenging the people to unite in building the country to be a great nation.
Harare’s economy has been hamstrung by policy inconsistency, corruption and inefficiency resulting in its near moribund state.
President Mnangagwa was speaking during the Heroes’ Day celebrations on Monday this week, where he urged citizens to take a leaf from the heroes and heroines of the country’s liberation struggle who are interred at the national Heroes’ Acre and shrines dotted across the country.
This year’s celebrations come just after Zimbabwe held peaceful harmonised elections on July 30 2018 which saw ZANU PF garnering a two thirds majority in the National Assembly.
The results saw President Mnangagwa garnering 50,8 percent against MDC Alliance Nelson Chamisa’s 44,3 percent.
MDC Alliance has since filed papers disputing the result with the Constitutional Court expected to rule over the matter within 14 days.
The Heroes’ Day celebrations saw people from all walks of life braving the scorching sun to gather at the national shrine.
The emphatic chants of ‘ED pfeee’ took centre stage as the crowds went wild, not only on arrival of the motorcade, but also as the President walked on the red-carpet before the National Anthem was sung.
The loud screams went a decibel higher as ED inspected the Guard of Honour.
Outlining the country’s grand vision, President Mnangagwa said it was time to revive the economy and rebuild Zimbabwe.
Said President Mnangagwa:
“It is now time to put the election period behind us and embrace the future. The task facing us today is a great one. Let us unite as Zimbabweans, revive our economy and rebuild our great nation, the land of our dreams, and the land of immense possibilities.
“We should never be deterred by temporary setbacks or regrettable events which we encounter in our course to build an open, free, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“While this task is every bit as difficult as that which was faced by those heroes decades ago, it is however not insurmountable. As I have said, the time for politics is behind us, now is the time for progress, action and delivery.
“The journey will not be easy, hence I encourage us to be emboldened by the courage, selflessness and bravery of the numerous heroes we remember today.”
The President challenged the nation to safeguard the gains of independence and remain united in order to fulfil the objectives of the struggle.
“To safeguard the gains of our independence, we have to be united in purpose, always patriotic and should always call for peace and tranquility as we seek to modernise and industrialise our economy in line with our national vision, to become a middle-income economy with increased investment, decent jobs, broad based empowerment, free from poverty and corruption, by 2030,” said President Mnangagwa.
According to the World Bank, a middle-income economy is one with a gross national income ranging between US$1 005 and US$12 235 per capita.
Currently, the World Bank classifies Zimbabwe as a low-income economy.
Previously, the World Bank referred to low-income and middle-income economies as developing economies but changed the nomenclature in 2016, citing lack of specificity in that term.
Botswana, South Africa, Algeria and Namibia are among African countries classified as middle-income economies.
The President said the country could become an economic giant over a short period of time if all Zimbabweans worked towards economic development:
“It is our collective responsibility to achieve this vision by growing the economy together, creating employment for the majority of our populace and improving the standard of living of all our people,” said the President.
“Furthermore, I urge us all to strive to build a Zimbabwe where everyone is accommodated, has a sense of belonging and feels safe and secure, irrespective of creed, tribe, race, religion or social standing.”
President Mnangagwa said one of the core reasons for waging the liberation struggle was to reclaim the land and give it to its rightful owners.
Said President Mnangagwa:
“We are all Zimbabweans, united by our national flag and national anthem. Let us take a leaf and draw inspiration from our departed and living heroes and heroines who were united in purpose as they sought to liberate our nation from political bondage.
“We now have an opportunity to be heroes of the next national epoch, that of economic development and growth. Our nation is endowed with vast opportunities which cut across every sector.
“These opportunities are critical in fostering economic emancipation, human development, social security, poverty reduction and prosperity for all.
“One of the core reasons for waging the liberation struggle was to reclaim the land and give it to its rightful owners. That has been accomplished and the land reform is now behind us.
“The challenge before us is to look ahead to the full utilisation of our land through increased productivity, mordenisation and mechanisation of our agricultural sector.
“Equally, I further exhort us to exploit the rich mineral endowments in our country, some of which remain unexplored and unexploited.
“To this end, my Government will continue to facilitate the enhanced processing and value addition of our resources as well as in widening the range of exploited mineral resources in order to stimulate and leapfrog our economic development.”
President Mnangagwa has made several interventions aimed at reviving the economy since assuming office on November 24 2017 and these have started bearing fruit.
His administration has refined the contentious indigenisation law, while an Investment Handbook was launched as part of measures to attract capital.
Investment pledges amounting to over US$16 billion have been made since President Mnangagwa assumed office in November 2017.