Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba-Midlands Bureau Chief
The Midlands Province has commended President Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing marked improvements in community livelihoods, infrastructure development and economic growth under the Second Republic, despite challenges posed by illegal economic sanctions.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, said the province acknowledges the President’s bold and strategic policy decisions, which have transformed the lives of ordinary citizens.
He said this while delivering his welcome remarks at the official opening of the Zanu PF Strategic Seminar for Central Committee members held in Gweru from Thursday to Saturday last week.
Minister Ncube described the Second Republic as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s future, with President Mnangagwa steering the country towards prosperity and inclusive growth.
“Your Excellency, it is indeed an honour and privilege to welcome you to the Midlands Province on the occasion of the Zanu PF Strategic Seminar for the Central Committee — the party’s supreme decision-making body between congresses, responsible for policy formulation, strategy and the oversight of league activities,” he said.
The Minister congratulated President Mnangagwa for a successful tour of duty at the recently held World Governments Summit in Dubai, where the President articulated the country’s development trajectory anchored on the “friend to all and enemy to none” foreign policy, economic openness and heritage-based innovation, modernisation and industrialisation.
Minister Ncube also highlighted President Mnangagwa’s liberation war credentials, saying his statecraft is deeply rooted in his revolutionary background.
“I acknowledge with deep respect the lessons from the pivotal role His Excellency played as a decorated freedom fighter, having undergone specialised military training at the Nanjing Military Academy in China, Bagamoyo in Tanzania and Heliopolis in Cairo, Egypt,” he said.
Minister Ncube recalled that the President executed one of the most daring sabotage missions during the liberation struggle when he bombed an enemy locomotive in Masvingo, for which he was sentenced to death before escaping execution on a technicality.
He said the leadership demonstrated by President Mnangagwa since the inception of the Second Republic has fostered unity, safeguarded national sovereignty and transformed community livelihoods.
Minister Ncube said the successful implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) laid a solid foundation for economic recovery, while NDS2, anchored on 10 pillars, is accelerating development across sectors.
“The Midlands Province has moved with speed to assess and realign its programmes and projects with NDS2 objectives to ensure seamless integration with national development goals,” he said.
Despite the continued impact of illegal economic sanctions, Minister Ncube said the province commends the President’s servant and listening leadership, which has modernised infrastructure and bolstered economic growth.
He further highlighted empowerment initiatives rolled out under the Second Republic, describing them as unprecedented in the history of the revolutionary party.
“These include the provision of all-terrain vehicles for Central Committee members, the creation of the War Veterans League and its elevation into the Zanu PF Politburo, as well as the establishment of a stand-alone Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs to address their welfare,” he said.
Other initiatives cited include the handover of tractors to war veterans, financial inclusion through the Women’s Microfinance Bank and the Youth Empowerment Bank, preferential land allocation for youths, women and persons with disabilities, the Presidential Heifer Programme, Presidential Fisheries Programme and starter packs for Youth Service in Zimbabwe graduates.
Minister Ncube also noted the provision of tractors and implements to the Youth League and the increased inclusion of youths and women in key leadership positions.
He described President Mnangagwa as a pragmatic and visionary leader who upholds the principle that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
“The people spoke overwhelmingly through Resolution Number One at both the Bulawayo and Mutare National People’s Conferences.
“Accordingly, the Midlands Province remains resolute and unwavering in its support of Resolution Number One and the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030 under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa,” Minister Ncube said.
