Gvt to set up sanctions fund

By Tinomuda Chakanyuka
GOVERNMENT will soon set up an anti-sanctions fund that will finance an aggressive campaign against the economic embargo imposed on the country by the West.
The move will result in Government acquiring majority stakes in all foreign companies that support the punitive measures targeted at effecting regime change in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the victory celebrations for Zanu-PF House of Assembly Member for Chiwundura Cde Kizitio Chivamba in Gweru, Defence Minister Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa said work on setting up the fund was at an advanced stage with foreign companies operating in the country being compelled to assist.
He said Government was engaging chief executive officers of the firms to determine whether or not they supported the sanctions.
Those backing the debilitating measures will cede 90 percent of their shares to Government and the money realised from running the enterprises will be used to finance the aggressive fight against sanctions.
“We are in the process of rounding up chief executive officers of all foreign companies operating here and we will ask them if they support sanctions or not,” he said.
“Those who will indicate that they do not support sanctions will be asked to go live on national radio and tell the nation and the rest of the world that their company does not support sanctions.
“Those who will indicate that they support sanctions will leave us with no option but to institute punitive measures against them.
“One of the options available is to take over 90 percent of their shares and use them to generate money that will be used to finance the fight against sanctions.”
More than 500 foreign companies are operating in Zimbabwe.
Cde Mnangagwa said the country had scored significantly against the embargo, a feat that has left its detractors out of sorts.
He said the West had lost on many fronts despite committing resources to fighting the Southern African state whose leadership has a vision and people at heart.
“When we implemented our land reforms, the West attacked our currency and within one night, our dollar had fallen by 50 percent.
“We countered that move when we adopted their own currencies, which they cannot attack, and that has improved the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
“This shows that we have a leadership that is able to defend the country against any form of adversity.”
The minister added that the Land Reform Programme would not be reversed in spite of efforts by the West and its local proxies to pave way for the return of former settlers.
He said Zimbabweans could not be separated from their land and should defend their right to land, even to death.
“We won this land through the gun and only a gun can take away that from us; not any other means,” he said.
“The pen should only endorse that we are the owners of this country and not be used to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle.”
Cde Mnangagwa said the land issue distinguishes Zanu-PF as a party with a history.
It has the people at heart, unlike the MDC-T which dances to the tune of its financiers, he said.
“This is where we differ with the MDC.
“They dance to the tune of their financiers. They were formed by the Westminster Foundation. Hence, they dance to its tune.
“We cannot allow our heritage to be controlled by foreigners. That is impossible,” said Cde Mnangagwa.
He also urged Zanu-PF supporters to register to vote in national elections scheduled for this year and defend their heritage from the West.