Online Reporter
The Herald, 20 June 1983
THE local content in vehicles assembled in Zimbabwe amounted to, depending on the type of vehicle, from 25 percent to 60 percent, the Minister of Industry and Energy Development, Dr Simba Makoni, said in Victoria Falls last week.
Speaking at the congress of the Motor Trade Association and the Motor Industry Employers’ Association, Cde Makoni angrily denied a suggestion by the MIEA president, Mr Ken Winsor, that the Government was “not going for local content in car assembly”.
Cde Makoni said the Government had insisted on more deletions from imported vehicle kits than there had been when it came to power. On three occasions he had threatened to cut import allocations if certain items were imported, he said.
Mr Winsor replied that he could cite a case of 12 000 vehicles having been brought into the country which had not had the chassis made here, despite the fact he had made the chassis for such vehicles in the past.
The minister said such a change had not taken place since Independence or since he had been minister. If It had taken place before independence, it was “irresponsible” to have waited for 2-and-a-half years before bringing it to his attention.
It was not necessary to wait and raise a matter like that at an annual general meeting, he said.
Answering a delegate who spoke of dealers failing to improve their premises to the standards required in the motor trade, Cde Makoni said if there were people who were experiencing difficulties in their trade or business the Government was prepared to help.
He did not agree that the solution would be to replace these traders. The solution might be to help them, he said. Cde Makoni said he had received more than 100 applications for foreign exchange to import vehicles but had been unable to approve most of these. This was because the foreign exchange situation had not permitted him to do so, but had this not been the case, he was not sure he would have approved most of them.
Lessons for today:
Dr Simba Makoni’s leadership in the passage provides several valuable lessons. His insistence on increasing local content in vehicle assembly demonstrates a commitment to supporting local industries and reducing dependency on imported goods. This approach could strengthen the domestic economy and create more jobs.
His willingness to address issues head-on, such as threatening to cut import allocations if certain items were imported, shows a proactive and decisive leadership style. This could be effective in driving change and ensuring compliance with policies.
Dr Makoni’s response to Mr Winsor’s concerns about the chassis issue highlights the importance of timely communication and addressing problems as they arise. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in leadership.
Dr Makoni’s leadership teaches us the importance of supporting local industries, proactive problem-solving, responsiveness, empathy, economic prudence, and encouraging innovation. These qualities are essential for effective and impactful leadership.
