The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata and Takudzwa Chiwereweshe
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has received thumbs up from the generality of people in Manicaland for exuding political will to open the country for business and investors from across the globe.
The new administration’s first 100 days have been a huge success as it put the moribund economy on a recovery trajectory.
President Mnangagwa was sworn in on November 24, 2017 and clocks his first 100 days in office next Friday.
Government has among other things, managed to secure $3 billion investment commitment from global companies, revive the mining, agriculture and transport sectors.
A survey by The Maniac Post this week showed that the people have a very high perception of the development and representative work the President has done since assuming office in November last year.
Mr Joseph Mutezo (40), of Chikanga said the 100 days eased tensions and promoted political tolerance.
“The first 100 days paid off because there is now political tolerance. For example the death of former Prime Minister and MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, the Government played a leading role and acknowledged the role he played in fighting for democracy and the rights of workers. This was a complete departure from the past administration that used to ridicule him as a sellout.
‘‘Tolerance should start from the top and the common person in the street will embrace it. The previous regime would have none of this.
“Tolerance is a positive indicator and can be an ingredient to entice investors view Zimbabwe as a stable and peaceful investment destination. Though the investor might not inject cash now, the mere fact that they are now thinking about investing in the country shows that were are truly open for business. It lures and gives investors something positive to think about,” said Mr Mutezo.
He appealed to Government to align laws for the constitution and ensure all political actors have equal access to the public media.
“It is important for Government come up with correct and sustainable priorities, to consider critical sectors like health and stop being seen as giving priority to peripheral issues. The well being of the citizens should be a priority in this country, and this is one aspect this Government should be seized with beyond the 100 days,” he added.
University of Zimbabwe graduate Panashe Zimunya (23) said nothing had changed in terms of those looking for jobs.
“It has been two years since I finished my Human Resources Degree at University Of Zimbabwe, I have been looking for employment together with my whole crew from UZ but we are not employed yet so we are now vendors for a living,” he said.
Zimunya however, hailed Government for reviving the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
“I am happy because the NRZ received locomotives, wagons and coaches delivered from the Diaspora, and it’s a job well done by our President, our fleet was old especially in terms of hygiene,” he said.
Mr Bernad Chikami hailed the peaceful transition of power.
“Transfer of power was peaceful and the new President treats his predecessor with respect and dignity in spite of everything that transpired prior to the new dispensation. This shows maturity on his part. With the new dispensation, investment has started trickling in,” said Mr Chikami.
“People above 60 and children below five years are no longer paying at hospitals. The scraping of maternity fees is also very noble,” he added.
Mr Wildred Kasvosve (49) said the reduction in prices of basic commodities was commendable.
“Lowering of prices has meant that basic needs are accessible to everyone. Police are now regulated and corruption on the roads has been contained. Hospital services have improved as people fear surprise visits by the First Lady,” said Mr Kasvosve.
Marylyn Chikatsi (43), of Zimunya applauded that Government for renaming military barracks in honour liberation struggle icons like Cde Josiah Magana Tongogara and Cde Herbert Chitepo.
“Treating the former President Robert Mugabe with dignity shows that the new dispensation regards the elderly in high honour. The prosecution of those suspected of corruption shows that Government is pursuing justice,” said Mr Chikosi.
However, Melody Sithole (40) from Yeovil, Mutare said as a High school trained teacher, she saw no change in the first 100 days the President was in office.
“I finished my teachers’ training in 2014 but I have not found any employment. I am surprised by those who finished their training in 2017 and obtained jobs, probably it is because they pay bribes to obtain those places.”
Innocent Saungweme (46) from Chisamba said: “Foreign currency is the problem we are facing as informal business people. We need foreign currency in banks rather than illegally changing money in the streets which is risky. We raised our hope at first but nothing has changed.”
Monica Musungambiri (45) from Chikanga in Mutare said the economy was now worse off.
“I am a vendor and this is the first time I have had to bring my children to my stall because I cannot afford to enroll them in any school. The informal sector has been the hardest hit because policies are unfavourable to this informal sector.
‘‘Most people are employed in this sector, so instead of alleviating poverty, I think poverty has increased. They promised us job creation, where are the jobs,’’ she said.
