The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
THE prevailing peace in the country should be maintained to ensure that the country attains its vision of having an upper middle class economy by 2030, says Manicaland residents.
People interviewed this week ahead of next Wednesday’s Unity Day commemorations hailed the signing of the December 22, 1987 Unity Accord by Zanu PF and PF Zapu, saying the historic event was the right tonic to spur economic development in the country.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Manicaland regional president, Mrs Victoria Jakazi, said as business they hail the prevailing peace in the country which is conducive for any business to operate.
“As business, we are enjoying the peace and tranquillity in the country which came from the signing of the Unity Accord. We are now free to do our operations without any fear of being sabotaged by insurgencies. The prevailing environment is ideal for business growth and expansion. Our prayer is that this should be maintained.
“We are all Zimbabweans and should be proud of our country. We might have challenges here and there, but we should all work together to ensure the success of all our business ventures,” she said.
Mrs Jakazi hailed Zimbabweans for their resilience despite the myriad of challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The resilience of Zimbabweans is highly commendable. During the first phases of the lockdown things were not looking good, but Zimbabweans remained resolute in ensuring that the economy continues ticking. Our operations during the first two phases of the lockdown went down to around 27 percent capacity utilisation, but business is now picking up. Our capacity utilisation now stands at between 50 and 51 percent with prospects of going up during the first quarter of 2021. All this is attributed to the unity of purpose of Zimbabweans,” said Mrs Jakazi.
Academic and politician, Cde Kenneth Saruchera said the Unity Day commemorations are very important for all patriotic Zimbabwean because it is time to show the world that with home grown solutions the country can move forward.
“This day the country’s liberation movements came together and buried the hatchet after realising that more is achieved as a united lot. We now have a clear vision of a Zimbabwe we want as announced by President Mnangagwa through Vision 2030.
“For Vision 2030 to become a reality, it is the duty of every Zimbabwean to contribute towards the economic development of the country. We might have political differences, but at the end of the day we are all Zimbabweans who should find each other for the common good of everyone. Bickering and individual interests will not take us anywhere. We are the masters of our own destinies,” said Cde Saruchera.
Dangamvura resident, Mr Clive Mlambo, said: “It takes the contribution of everyone to result in the total output of goods and services that are needed for the promotion of general welfare in the country. Every individual deserves to be respected because the contribution of each person helps in building a nation. The great nations in the world today that have become the envy of many others have been able to make it because they make room for the contribution of everyone irrespective of how little or insignificant it may appear.”
A student, Ms Ruvarashe Nyamuranga, said: “As young Zimbabweans, we all have a role to play to ensure that peace and unity continue prevailing in Zimbabwe. We are the future leaders and it is our duty to embrace the country’s development agenda for this great nation to move forward. We all have different roles to play and it is our efforts as Zimbabweans that will see the country emerging as an economic giant.”
