Judith Phiri [email protected]
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube has said the 2027 National Budget should translate shared ambitions into practical adequately funded interventions that respond to national development priorities and improve livelihoods.
Giving welcome remarks at the 2027 National Pre-budget Seminar, the Minister said the four day seminar underscore collective commitment to accountable governance and inclusive national development.
“We are deeply honoured that our city continues to host this important national gathering. Your return affirms the confidence lasting in Bulawayo hospitality and capacity to provide a welcoming setting for constructive engagement on matters of national importance.
“For us, hosting this seminar is both a source of pride and an opportunity to showcase our heritage, economic potential and readiness to contribute to Zimbabwe’s transformation,” she said.
She sais the theme of the seminar speaks directly to the aspirations of Bulawayo etropolitan Province.
Minister Ncube said the 2027 National Budget was as an opportunity to translate shared ambitions into practical, adequately funded interventions that improve livelihoods, strengthen productive capacity and build lasting resilience.
“Foremost among our expectations is meaningful support for Bulawayo re-industrialisation through retooling and modernisation of its industries.
“We seek a budget that restores the city’s standing as a vibrant industrial hub and equips its enterprises to compete in a modern technology-driven economy,” she added.
“Equally important is increased, dedicated funding to support the reception and sustainable reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa and settling in our province. This support should provide for immediate assistance where required, including temporal accommodation, access to essential services, psychosocial support and help with documentation.”
She said beyond these immediate needs, funding should support skills assessment, vocational training, employment placement and enterprise startup assistance in the next three to five years to rebuild the Zimbabwean community.
She said Bulawayo will remain the important center of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and
economic development.
“Our historical monuments, including the Library Museum and he Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Museum, preserve key chapters of our national history. When your seminar is complete, I encourage you to visit these institutions and gain a deeper appreciation of the people, experiences and achievements that have shaped our city and our nation.”
Minister Ncube said beyond the city, the wider region offers outstanding opportunities to explore Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage.
She said Matopos Hills, offer striking landscapes of enduring cultural and spiritual significance, while their inscription, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
reflects this exceptional heritage.
The seminar will see deliberations s take place on policy measures, sectoral priorities and funding requirements to inform the formulation of the 2027 National Budget.
It brings together Government Ministries and Parliamentary Portfolio Committees to examine proposed programmes and make recommendations ahead of the budget presentation on November 19.
The theme for the 2027 National Budget is: “Accelerating Economic Transformation and Building Resilience to Climate Shocks and Global Shocks.”
As part of the budgetary preparation process, Members of Parliament (MPs) have a retreat to discuss issues raised during public consultations conducted by the Committee on Budget and Finance, other parliamentary committees and themselves as MPs.
The seminar forms part of Parliament’s budget oversight and consultation processes, providing a platform for legislators and Government ministries to assess sector-specific funding needs and identify development priorities.
