Legislators told to focus on uplifting economy

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
THE Senior Minister of State, Senator Simon Khaya Moyo, yesterday challenged Members of Parliament and Cabinet ministers to focus their efforts on revitalising the economy and uplifting the lives of the masses.
Speaking during a business forum for Bulilima, Mangwe and Plumtree business in Plumtree Town, Senator Khaya Moyo said revamping the economy and transforming the standard of living for ordinary Zimbabweans was at the heart of the new Zanu-PF Government as enunciated in the party’s election manifesto.

“Now is the time to focus on economic emancipation of our country and we can only do that through unity and focus on a common cause. We have to demonstrate that we are there to uplift the lives of the people,” said Sen Khaya Moyo.

“No one can do that single-handedly. If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far take others with you.”
Sen Khaya Moyo said Members of Parliament were entrusted with a crucial mandate to spearhead development in their constituencies and urged them to remain resolute in pursuit of that agenda.

“It now gives us that opportunity as a people to refocus our efforts on economic development than crying foul over nothing,” he said.
Sen Khaya Moyo said the credibility of the 31 July harmonised elections, which Zanu-PF won resoundingly, was a testimony of the confidence the country has on its revolutionary leaders.

He said this reality has also been recognised by the United Nations as captured in the congratulatory message sent to President Mugabe by UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, over the Zanu-PF poll victory.

“The sane world has realised and confirmed that our elections were sane. Let us stop globe-trotting saying things that do not help our people to the extent of consulting innocent prophets. That is a futile effort. Our collective efforts should be directed to developmental issues,” said Sen Khaya Moyo.

He also urged civil servants to work to their full potential and ensure that their demands for a salary increase tallied with their performance.

Sen Khaya Moyo said the Government will not accept laxity in matters of service delivery.
He also urged the business community to form linkages that would ensure economic growth.

“As Government we encourage the type of partnership such as this Bulilima, Mangwe Business Development Trust as this synergy will result in you accomplishing your business development strategic objectives.

“There are organisations that are ready and willing to help and work with you to attain your stated objectives, therefore make use of them through networking and forging mutually beneficial alliances,” he said.

Senator Khaya Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards developing and supporting the business community.
“The Government remains committed towards supporting the business community, especially the small and medium enterprises which are employing more than five million people in the country.

“I am very aware of the challenges that the sector is facing and collectively we can overcome them,” said Senator Khaya Moyo.
He urged leaders of the Plumtree, Bulilima and Mangwe business community to exercise transparency at all costs.

“I would like to implore the leadership of the association to have a clear vision, discipline, transparency and accountability to make associations sustainable.

“Our number one enemy in our unwavering quest to attain economic emancipation is corruption. The scourge of corruption is eating away the fabric of society. We must lead by being clean at all times,” said Senator Khaya Moyo.

Speaking at the same function, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development, Mrs Eveline Ndlovu, said the ministry had decentralised its operations to benefit smaller communities.

“The ministry is now decentralised down to district level in most of the country’s 10 provinces. We, like any other country have realised and have recognised the indispensable role of SMEs and have instituted enterprise support networks and structures to drive the development of these enterprises,” she said.

Mrs Ndlovu said the ministry was dedicated to capacitating small and medium businesses by promoting entrepreneurship and good business management, by facilitating market access and funding as well as ensuring the provision of appropriate technology.

“The ministry endeavours to inculcate an entrepreneurship culture and good management practices through appropriate training on how to effectively run and manage a business. The ministry is also concerned with facilitating and organising for SMEs to participate at local, regional and international trade fairs, exhibitions and expos.

“Funds are also provided through SEDCO to meet the capital and operations requirements of SMEs. In recognition of the importance of technical support to the sector, the Zimbabwean Government with the support of India secured the state of the art machinery and equipment through the Indo-Zim project,” said Mrs Ndlovu.

She urged business associations to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) to ensure powerful and sustainable sources of development capital for their operations.

The business forum was held under the theme “Unity for Economic Development”.