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Speaking during a no-holds barred stakeholders’ meeting on indigenisation in Lupane, Matabeleland North, on Friday, Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema and his Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment counterpart Saviour Kasukuwere said people from the region should not fold their arms and just complain of being marginalised. They said meaningful development of Matabeleland would not be engineered by anyone from outside the region.
Minister Nhema said it was ironic that despite being endowed with immense natural resources, the region, especially Matabeleland North, remained poorer than their counterparts in other parts of the country. He challenged the leadership from the province and their subjects to take the bull by its horns and grab economic opportunities offered by the programme.
“The region, Matabeleland North in particular, is richer than other provinces because all resources are found here. But what do you have? During the land reform most people in Matabeleland doubted the programme and did not take the land. People from other regions came and benefited,” said Minister Nhema.
“Now it is the indigenisation programme and some people here are still complacent and are waiting for others to take over. They then cry of being marginalised. It is high time that we change our mindset. Empowerment starts in the mind. There will not be any other indigenisation programme.
This is the only chance in our hands and if we take it lightly history will judge us. We will die poor and successive generations will also live in abject poverty. You might criticise me but it is important to tell each other the truth.”
Minister Nhema urged chiefs to organise themselves and spend more time deliberating on development issues. He said the leadership in the province should mobilise people and help them identify economic opportunities.
The minister said people from the region should not be afraid to go to other regions and create business.
“Do not sit down and expect Harare to solve your problems. Harare is a place for all and unless you push things to happen no one will do it for you. I am a son-in-law here but we need to be frank. We do not want to come here saying the same thing,” said Minister Nhema, who is the son-in-law to the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo.
The minister said it was disappointing that institutions of higher learning such as the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Lupane State University and local colleges in the region were flooded with students from outside the region.
“At Nust you are not there, at LSU you are not there, at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic you are not there. So where are you?” asked Minister Nhema.
Minister Kasukuwere said the indigenisation programme, especially the Community Share Ownership
Trust/Scheme (CSOT/S), was a deliberate initiative to bridge the developmental disparities in the country.
He challenged people from the region to participate fully in the programme.
“The CSOT/S is a deliberate programme to enhance development here. When we announce a programme grab it and run. This is not theory but practical. The issue is about economy so do not waste time,” he said.
“We expect you to identify the sectors you want to venture into and our role as Government is to break the barriers for you.”
The Minister said he was disappointed by lack of appetite for empowerment in Matabeleland.
He challenged entrepreneurs in the region to craft big project proposals that will boost the region’s economy and create jobs for many.
Said the Minister: “Do we want foreigners to come and revamp the economy when we are there. We cannot afford to sit back and complain that people from Harare have grabbed everything.
“Surprisingly most proposals from this side are about chickens. Are you really serious? Why can’t you write big proposals to venture into tourism, mining and wildlife? I do not want any more chicken projects from you. Look for big projects and as Government we will give you permits. Let us open up and grab these opportunities.”
The ministers’ remarks come amid concerns that Matabeleland was lagging behind other regions in terms of development.
Chief Ndondo of Mbembesi in Umguza district concurred saying people from the region were letting themselves down. “These guys are not from Matabeleland, but they have stripped us and told us the truth. Usually when our leaders speak we criticise them but these two told us frankly that akula nkukhu ephandela enye,” said Chief Ndondo.
“First of all as chiefs we need to make sure that we meet regularly and discuss issues of development.”
Newly installed Chief Mabhikwa also accepted the challenge: “Let us go and work hard and ensure that communities benefit from the indigenisation programme. As chiefs we commit ourselves to working hard to help develop our people,” said the youthful chief.
Matabeleland North Governor Thokozile Mathuthu, provincial administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, 22 chiefs, senior Government officials and the business community attended the meeting.
Online Reporter