adminFarirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
MDC-T Kambuzuma representative and secretary for Harare Province Mr Willias Madzimure, yesterday embraced Government’s economic blueprint, the Zim-Asset saying its proper implementation has the potential to create at least one million jobs. Mr Madzimure, who was chairing a session in the ongoing Zim-Asset awareness seminar for parliamentarians, said it was important that every Zimbabwean be committed to its implementation.
“After going through Zim-Asset I am convinced if we could only achieve a quarter of what is in Zim-Asset, we would be able to create a million jobs therefore we need serious commitment to Zim-Asset,” Mr Madzimure said.
He added that some of the short-term targets that he called “low hanging fruits” set out in Zim Asset were achievable if resources were made available and cited the example of Malawi which has in recent years recorded bumper harvests because of affordable farming inputs.
Funding was important for the successful implementation of Zim Asset.
“On the issue of funds, it is important for the success of Zim Asset. Zim Asset can mean nothing if we don’t have funding,” he said.
“We can reap something if we tap into people in the Diaspora.”
Countries such as Bangladesh had reaped huge benefits from funds remitted by their citizens in the Diaspora.
Zim Asset was derived from Zanu-PF’s manifesto in 2013 July 31, harmonised elections the revolutionary party won resoundingly.
Mr Madzimure’s remarks follows similar observations by his party’s secretary general, Mr Tendai Biti that Zanu PF won because it had superior policies that resonated well with the aspirations of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Mr Biti said the MDC-T sold hopes and dreams during its campaign that were premised in its JUICE document, while Zanu-PF had practical issues that were embraced by the electorate.
He said this while speaking at a policy dialogue series at Sapes Trust last week.
“Zanu (PF) in the last election had a very simple message, bhora mugedhi,” Biti said.
“Even a little woman in Chiendambuya or Dotito just knew one thing, bhora mugedhi. Perhaps we were too sophisticated, but what was our message because the message of change of 2000 is not the message for now.
“We were selling hopes and dreams when Zanu-PF was selling practical realities. We (Zanu-PF) are going to give you a farm, it’s there. We are going to give you US$5 000 through (Saviour) Kasukuwere’s ministry.”
He added: “What was our position on indigenisation? We had JUICE, yes, it was good but trying to explain it to mai Ezra in Chendambuya, you understand what I am saying?
“So the issue of articulating an alternative discourse which is walked and lived is very important.”
However, Mr Biti has made a U-turn, arguing he never said such statements although he was recorded.
Online Reporter