Economic empowerment revolution irreversible

The majority of citizens have to be encouraged and supported in participating in control of the key sectors of the economy such as mining, agriculture, tourism, banking and manufacturing.
While the economic empowerment programme has been around for several years it appears there are sections of the local society and international community who are still in denial of the programme.
The reality is that the empowerment programme and indigenisation of the economy are an irreversible socio-and economic transformation programme that will result in Zimbabwe achieving a more stable and sustainable distribution of wealth and resources.

During the colonial era up to Zimbabwe’s political independence in 1980 it was illegal and impossible for a black person to own a meaningful business such as a mine or a financial institution.
The majority of the population was systematically barred and excluded from participating in the mainstream economy. The colonial Government used various instruments, tactics, strategies, rules, regulations and political means to ensure that the indigenous population was excluded from the mainstream economy.

The indigenous population was reduced to be a source of cheap labour and market for various sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.
This historical imbalance should be corrected through pro-active mechanisms that enable the indigenous people to enter and participate in the mainstream economy not just peripheral and informal sectors of the economy.

It is imperative for all participants in the Zimbabwean economy to appreciate that the economic empowerment and indigenisation programme is a necessary programme and they should plan and prepare to work with the indigenous players. Individual Zimbabweans have an obligation to take ownership and pride in the economic empowerment programme in the same manner and way in which people have taken pride in political independence, economic empowerment is a critical step towards economic independence of Zimbabwe.

This is not a political programme but a national initiative which every self respecting Zimbabwean should support. Economic empowerment is the only way in which Zimbabweans can maintain self-dignity as a people with a rich heritage that is supported by a resource rich country.

All Zimbabweans not just multi-nationals who have monopolised these resources and reduced the indigenous Zimbabweans to mere labourers in their own back yard should access these resources. Zimbabwe’s youths remain excluded from meaningful participation in the economy due to lack of resources and an uneven economic playing field created by previous colonial Governments.

The youths need to be incorporated into the indigenisation programme at the policy formulation level to get their input on how exactly can they be assisted into entering the mainstream economy.
While many youths may have ideas, energy and drive to enter into business, it is clear there is a lack of proper support structure that can nurture young entrepreneurs who may lack capital and experience.

This is an area of the programme that requires further attention and refinement. Young entrepreneurs need to be pro-active and approach various Government ministries and agencies on how to access the limited resources available and get started. Zimbabwean youths need to take ownership of the economic empowerment programme to ensure that it succeeds beyond political sloganeering and delivers jobs and economic prosperity.