admintheir ideas on progress made in the implementation of the empowerment programme.
The African Economic Develop-ment Strategies, a regional consulting firm, is facilitating the indaba that will see for the first time, members from the three political parties to the inclusive Government participating.
Addressing journalists yesterday, AEDS chairman Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said the reason for the inclusion of all the political parties was for them “to speak with one voice on black empowerment issues”.
He said more than 1 000 delegates from Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa have already confirmed their participation.
Mr Musarara said the main objective of the indaba was to “audit” the current progress regarding the implementation of the indigenisation programme in the country.
“It is important to do so because the issue of indigenisation is historical, irreversible and critical to the attainment of black empowerment of Zimbabwe.
“It is imperative that all stakeholders have unfettered insight into the current goings on to ensure that its outcome is consistent with the founding principles that motivated the waging of the liberation struggle,” he said.
He added: “We also aim to provide a forum for Government ministers to convey one message on the issue so that when they go on the international arena, there will be no discord at all about the policy.”
Speakers lined up for the indaba include Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Industry and Commerce Minister Professor Welshman Ncube, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Tapiwa Mashakada.
Others are Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Xin Shungkang, chairpersons of various Parliamentary Portfolio Committees, Dr Donald Chifamba, an economics lecturer at the University of Namibia.
South Africa’s largest industry representative group, Business Union of South, will send delegates from its members, some of which are parent companies of local firms. South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment will be represented as well.
Mr Musarara said the indaba would enable Government to set the record straight while stakeholders present their ideas.There have been concerns from some sectors that the programme had “potentially devastating” effects. Others were calling for further engagement with stakeholders. The empowerment regulations require all foreign-owned companies, including mines and financial institutions, to localise at least 51 percent of their shareholding.
Online Reporter