The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
THE Year 2021 will be a defining moment for Manicaland as a lot of projects that have been on the cards for a long time are finally taking off in earnest, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyeri has said.
In an interview with The Manica Post ahead of Zimbabwe’s 41st Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, Minister Matsikenyeri was upbeat that under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s astute leadership, the country’s economic fortunes are now changing for the better.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record reassuring the nation that prosperity is certain, especially after the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) set a solid foundation for economic growth in line with Vision 2030.
The work being done not only in Manicaland, but across the country, is boosting agricultural production, supporting SMEs and improving the investment climate.
The mining sector, which has attracted billions of dollars in investments, is also a major conduit for investment inflows, and a promising source of employment creation.
Said Minister Matsikenyeri: “This year is full of promises for the people of Manicaland. We have the diamond cutting and polishing project that has been on the cards for a long time, but with the easing of lockdown measures, this project should surely take off this year. This is a low hanging fruit and nothing should stop us from realising this dream. The diamonds are there and should change the face of Manicaland.
“Value addition of Manicaland’s vast resources is the only way to go in economically emancipating Zimbabweans. We cannot talk of independence when our people are not economically empowered.
“We need to fully utilise the resources that are available in the respective areas. Gone are the days when the youths would flock to towns looking for employment. There are vast employment opportunities out there,” she said.
On agriculture, Minister Matsikenyeri said Government-sponsored programmes like Pfumvudza and Command Agriculture are the tonic needed to spur economic growth.
“We want to encourage farmers holding on to vast tracks of land without full production to venture into joint ventures with individuals and companies with resources. There are a lot of investors who want to partner all those with land through joint ventures and this is an opportunity for those holding on to unproductive land to benefit.
“Our land must be optimally used. We do not want farms to be turned into holiday homes without adding value to the country’s economic prospects. Selfishness and greediness will not take us anywhere,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyeri said a lot of investors are lining up to invest in macadamia farming.
“It is sad to note that we are getting reports that some macadamia farmers are struggling to maintain their plantations, yet a lot of investors want to come on board. We should tap on these opportunities and ensure that areas like Chipinge are major economic hubs contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyeri added: “Forty-one years of independence means a lot to every Zimbabwean. We should all embrace the National Development Strategy One (NDS1).
“As Zimbabweans, we should remain resilient as we will soon be out of the economic woods. Very soon, every household will have something to show from the sweet gains of an independent Zimbabwe.
“The poultry rearing project is targeting 1.8 million households and will see many people becoming economically empowered.
“Government will soon roll out a massive borehole drilling project targeting at least three boreholes per village.
“This will be accompanied by the establishment of nutritional gardens. Other boreholes will also be drilled at local schools.
“Cattle breeding schemes have also been lined up and with farming, one will never go wrong. All these projects are lined up for 2021,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyeri said urban dwellers also have something to look forward to with the commencement of the Sakubva Urban Renewal Programme, among other programmes that will be launched across the province.
“Government will not leave anyone behind in terms of development. A massive housing scheme will be rolled out, where 40 percent of the available land will be availed for high rising buildings,” she said.
Through the country’s devolution programme, provincial structures have been empowered to spearhead economic and social development through leveraging on local resources.
Manicaland Chiefs’ Council provincial chairman, Chief Makumbe, also echoed Minister Matsikenyeri’s sentiments, saying the Year 2021 is defining for the province.
“We are excited to commemorate this year’s Independence Day because this means 41 years of black empowerment through ensuring that Zimbabweans control the means of production.
“We want to thank the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe for their bravery in liberating the country and as traditional leaders, we also want to ensure that all those who cannot be accounted for are given closure through traditional biras.
“We should be proud of the gains in the country, especially the education sector where a number of schools have been built in Manicaland since Independence.
“We now have two universities in the province, all contributing to the country’s manpower development.
“The girl child has been empowered on almost all fronts and their rights are being recognised.
“For traditional leaders, new laws are being crafted to empower us to be in full control of the societies we lead.
“We thank the country’s leadership for ensuring that peace prevails in the country,” said Chief Makumbe.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries regional president, Mrs Victoria Jakazi, said the prevailing peace is ideal for business growth and expansion.
“We have come a long way in business and the level of maturity and dialoguing between business and Government should be applauded.
“We are working very well with Government to craft legal instruments and policies that promote business growth in the country and this should be celebrated.
“We hope this trend will continue to reach our desired goals of creating more employment and ensure the nation’s economic growth,” she said.
Mrs Jakazi added:
“We are a nation blessed with vast natural resources and we should leverage on them to change people’s lives. Poverty alleviation should remain the prime goal of every investor, be it local of foreign.
“The Covid-19 pandemic affected business for the greater part of last year but we are happy that Government went out of its way to ensure the safety of Zimbabweans.
“The TSP also addressed inflation and price stability.
“The foreign exchange control measures put in place are playing a huge role in business growth as people can now plan ahead.
“To show the local industry’s resilience, most of our members are operating around 50 percent of their capacity despite the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are happy to announce that most of our members did not lay-off employees due to the pandemic,” said Mrs Jakazi, adding that everyone’s attention should now be on implementing NDS1.
