Matabeleland urged to embrace indigenisation

Speaking during a no-holds barred stakeholders meeting on indigenisation in Lupane, Matabeleland North, on Friday, Environment and Natural Resources Management Minister Francis Nhema and his Youth Development Indigenisation and Empowerment counterpart Saviour Kasukuwere said people from the region should not just complain of being marginalised.
They said meaningful development of Matabeleland would not be engineered by anyone from outside the region.
Minister Nhema said it was ironic that despite being endowed with immense natural resources, the region, especially Matabeleland North, remained poor.
He challenged the leadership from the province and their subjects to take the bull by its horns and grab economic opportunities offered by the programme.
“The region, Matabeleland North, in particular, is richer than other provinces because all resources are found here,” said Minister Nhema. “But what do you have? During the land reform most people in Matabeleland doubted the programme and did not take the land. People from other regions came and benefited.
“Now it is the indigenisation programme and some people here are still complacent and are waiting for others to take over. They then cry of being marginalised. It is high time that we change our mindsets.
Minister Nhema urged chiefs to organise themselves and spend more time deliberating on development issues. He said the leadership in the province should mobilise people and help them identify economic opportunities.
“Do not sit down and expect Harare to solve your problems. Harare is a place for all and unless you push things to happen no one will do it for you,” said Minister Nhema.
Minister Kasukuwere said the indigenisation programme, especially the Community Share Ownership Trust Scheme, was a deliberate initiative to bridge the developmental disparities in the country.
He challenged people from the region to participate fully in the programme.
“The CSOT/S is a deliberate programme to enhance development here. When we announce a programme grab it and run. This is not theory but practical. The issue is about economy so do not waste time,” said Minister Kasukuwere.
“We expect you to identify the sectors you want to venture into and our role as Government is to break the barriers for you.”
Minister Kasukuwere said he was disappointed by lack of appetite for empowerment in Matabeleland.
He challenged entrepreneurs in the region to craft big project proposals that will boost the region’s economy and create jobs for many.
“Do we want foreigners to come and revamp the economy when we are there? We cannot afford to sit back and complain that people from Harare have grabbed everything,” said Minister Kasukuwere.
“Surprisingly most proposals from this side are about chickens. Are you really serious? Why can’t you write big proposals to venture into tourism, mining and wildlife? I do not want any more chicken projects from you. Look for big projects and as Government we will give you permits. Let us open up and grab these opportunities.”
The ministers’ remarks come amid concerns that Matabeleland was lagging behind other regions in terms of development.
Chief Ndondo of Mbembesi in Umguza district concurred, said people from the region were letting themselves down.
“These guys are not from Matabeleland, but they have stripped us and told us the truth,” he said.
“First of all, as chiefs, we need to make sure that we meet regularly and discuss issues of development.”
Newly installed Chief Mabhikwa also accepted the challenge:
“Let us go and work hard and ensure that communities benefit from the indigenisation programme,” he said. “As chiefs, we commit ourselves to working hard to help develop our people.”
Matabeleland North Governor Thokozile Mathuthu, provincial administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, 22 chiefs, senior Government officials and the business community attended the meeting.