admin
Kurai Prosper Masenyama
NOW that the majority of Zimbabweans have used the ballot to endorse the Zanu-PF indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes, it is critical that systems start pumping as we gear up for the effective implementation of the programme. In the run up to the election, the party called upon the nation to rally behind the empowerment programme and President Mugabe took the lead in articulating the rationale and benefits of the policy during his widely attended star rallies. Furthermore, the Zanu-PF People’s Manifesto lays out a clear programme of action and beneficiation.
It spelt out what is available in terms of natural resources, what needs to be done in terms of resource mobilisation and implementation and finally how a broad base of Zimbabweans will immediately benefit from the programme.
Zanu-PF is fully aware that the nation is pregnant with the empowerment expectation. With the externally-focused and carelessly crafted MDC-T’s JUICE policy roundly rejected by the electorate there is only one policy of hope for the nation- that is the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme.
This huge expectation on the party’s shoulders is not going to be managed by spin doctoring, public posturing, blame games or name-calling, but by delivery of tangible benefits through which broad based recipients have to confess on their own that indeed their lives have been uplifted.
Thus, effective implementation, transparency, equity and fairness in terms of beneficiation are imperative.
Now that the people have kicked out the MDC formations out of Government, Zanu-PF should not waste time in rolling out its people oriented programmes.
In other words, the game begins and ends with Zanu-PF and the Government is there to implement policies on behalf of the party which is accountable to the people as per the promises of the election manifesto. Thus, for effective implementation of party policies, a number of practices that have become synonymous with the now defunct inclusive Government must go.
First and foremost, Government officials and civil servants should know and acknowledge that Zanu-PF carries the mandate of the people and will be judged by the people after five years. Thus, the Party ideology and principles have to permeate the Government corridors, policy documents, strategic plans, meetings and communications.
Those who do not believe in the party ideology and policies have no reason to stay otherwise they will sabotage Government programmes by omission or defiance. This is very crucial especially for the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme that has been a bone of contention under the previous Government.
The contradictions that characterised inclusive Government policy, with different Ministers pronouncing different things on matters of governance should now cease. It is imperative that investors and prospective investors hear a clear and consistent message so that they can make informed decisions about investing in the country with a clear understanding of what is required of them.
Thus, the communication arms of the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment and the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board (NIEEB) should up the stakes by taking urgent measures in packaging the programme and communicating it effectively to all key stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Information, Media and Publicity should also communicate the policy as a key Government initiative and clarify matters where there are contradictions and inconsistencies between ministries or other arms of Government.
In addition to adding more clarity to indigenous people and existing investors the policy should also be taken to international platforms so at to counteract the negativity that have prevailed over the past five years.
Thus, Government representatives around the world (either at embassies or international organisations should use these platforms to articulate the goals and rationale of the policy, the programme of action, financial modalities and beneficiation strategies so that the world can have a better understanding of the initiative.
A clear co-ordinated approach within Government is a key requirement for the success of the indigenisation programme. Thus, the inter-ministerial committee on indigenisation and economic empowerment should also play a leading role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the programme both at national, provincial and possibly district levels.
The committee should iron out inter-ministerial contradictions in the bud to avoid damaging public spats for example the one that developed between the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment and the Ministry of Finance over the indigenisation of the banking and financial services sector in the previous government.
Furthermore, with regards to the banking and financial services sector we should all realise that they have a key and decisive role to play in the success of the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme. Even, the People’s Manifesto reserved a clear unambiguous role for banks and financial institutions like IDBZ, Agribank and SEDCO.
Thus, the key stakeholders in the financial services sector, the relevant arms of Government like the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the NIEEB should all come together to formulate a sustainable indigenisation and empowerment programme for the sector, define the sector’s role in financing indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes.
The banking and financial services sectors should take the lead in advising on the best methods of getting maximum value out of the shares surrendered to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund so that Zanu-PF’s plan of putting at least US$7 billion on the market comes to fruition as soon as possible. The forum can further advise on the setting up of the planned indigenisation-focused stock market exchange.
Other ministries should follow suit in bringing their policies in tandem with the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme. It would be possibly prudent to set up an indigenisation and empowerment desk/unit in each and every ministry so that it ensures that each department is incorporating the policy in planning and implementation of its programmes.
Furthermore, Zanu-PF should use its commanding majority in Parliament to ensure that all the laws that are in contradiction with the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act are amended to make them compatible with the Act.
Kurai Prosper Masenyama is the Zanu-PF Director of Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment.
Online Reporter