Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has urged stakeholders in the mining and agricultural sectors to form co-operatives to maximise productivity, highlighting their role as key economic drivers.
Speaking during an engagement meeting at the Gwanda-Tshitaudze Community Hall recently, Minister Nguluvhe said a collaborative approach would help accelerate the province’s development agenda and enhance production capacity.
The Minister has launched a series of engagement meetings across the province’s seven districts, having already visited five. The remaining districts are Insiza and Beitbridge. These dialogue sessions provide a platform for stakeholders to engage directly with the Minister on pressing issues affecting Gwanda.
The meetings also aim to strengthen co-operation and advance the province’s development priorities in line with the national devolution agenda.
Minister Nguluvhe stressed the importance of partnerships between Government and private sector players in driving development in Gwanda.
“Let us work in unison, whether Government or private sector. Partnerships between the Government and development actors are vital to our province’s growth. This region is rich in resources, including mines and farms. We are also a cattle-producing area, which presents opportunities for livestock-based economic activities.
“Rather than individuals with limited resources working in isolation, we need a co-ordinated approach to maximise output. Miners and farmers can pool their resources and collaborate for greater productivity. Through such joint efforts, we can promote smart mining and smart agriculture, which will also help minimise environmental degradation,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that both Government officials and private players must work hand in hand to develop the province. He said all programmes should be development-focused, and a co-ordinated approach would ensure that no one and no place is left behind, in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision.
“Devolution means using locally available resources to drive development. It also means holding companies that benefit from our resources accountable under corporate social responsibility. The devolution agenda requires the involvement of all stakeholders at grassroots level in identifying priority areas and implementing projects.
“The ongoing devolution programme is a cornerstone of the Second Republic’s national agenda, guided by the leadership of His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Dr Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Through the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and preparations for NDS2, devolution is designed to empower communities by promoting locally driven solutions and inclusive governance,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said that local development initiatives must align with national priorities to ensure that every community in the province benefits from infrastructure development, improved service delivery, and expanded economic opportunities.
Speaking at the same meeting, Matabeleland South Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the Minister’s open-door policy.
“This interactive meeting is intended to create synergy between the Minister and all stakeholders in Gwanda District. The Minister plays a co-ordinating, supervisory, and monitoring role, which will support the district’s growth. He is committed to engaging with all sectors and improving governance and policy implementation. Let us make full use of this open-door policy to bring the much-needed development to the province,” she said. — @DubeMatutu
