Chiefs speak on policy review

Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter
Traditional leaders have urged Government to explain the review being done on the indigenisation and economic empowerment policy to the grassroots to ensure Zimbabweans understand its benefits.
The remarks by the chiefs follow Government’s ongoing clarification of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act to ensure a sector specific approach that puts 100 percent ownership of natural resources in the hands of indigenous Zimbabweans who then share proceeds from investment with foreigners who will recover their initial capital investment, receive an appropriate return on the investment and recoup operational costs.

This is line with President Mugabe’s stance that more Zimbabweans should participate in the economy.
In an interview yesterday, Chiefs Council president Chief Fortune Charumbira said the policy review was welcome, but there was need to explain it to the grassroots.
“We have a model which was working until the elections, now if there is an improvement to the model it’s a welcome development,” Chief Charumbira said.

He said Government needed to involve key stakeholders, especially chiefs who are the principal stakeholders in the indigenisation drive through the Community Share Ownership Trusts.

Mashonaland East provincial chairman for traditional chiefs, Chief Musarurwa (Mr Enos Masakwa) said it was the traditional leaders’ duty to support Government policy.

“As traditional leaders that’s our duty to make sure that those policies are supported,” he said.
“We are fully behind Government on indigenisation, but we appeal to Government to implement the policies so that people can benefit.”

Chief Marozva (Mr Phillip Mudhe) of Bikita said he was not aware of the indigenisation policy review and would want it explained so that he could in turn share the development with his community.