Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has linked the Second Republic’s consultative governance model to Zimbabwe’s value-addition and beneficiation agenda, describing the Mine Entra Conference and Exhibition as a strategic platform where stakeholder engagement is shaping the country’s mining and industrial future.
In a speech read on his behalf by Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga at the official opening of the 29th Mine Entra Conference and Exhibition in Bulawayo on Friday, President Mnangagwa said Government was intensifying a whole-of-government-and-society approach to accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030.
The President said the approach was reinforced during last week’s Zanu-PF Politburo meeting, where emphasis was placed on broad-based consultation and grassroots participation in national development.
“Last week, ZANU-PF held its monthly Politburo session.
“At that meeting, I highlighted that under this current phase of the Second Republic, my administration is scaling up the whole-of-government-and-society approach.
“Though increased stakeholder engagement and grassroots participation, we are strengthening participatory democracy and transitioning our governance style to be based on consultation and practical problem-solving,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the people remained at the centre of Government’s development agenda as Zimbabwe pushes towards becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“The people-centered ZANPF government is determined to accelerate the realization of Vision 2030 and the development that imparts the generality of our pipo.”
He said the same philosophy of consultation and collaboration underpinned Mine Entra, which has evolved beyond a traditional mining exhibition into a strategic forum for advancing the country’s mining value chains and industrial transformation.
“It is in this spirit that I am honoured to be back in Bulawayo to officiate at this year’s 20th edition of the Mining, Engineering, and Transport Conference.
“Undoubtedly, this event has grown in impact with far-reaching influence on the ongoing transformation of the mining sector and the overall socio-economic development of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“It has transitioned from being a trade show to become a platform where ideas are crystallised, partnerships forged, and policy meets practice.”
The President said the transformation being pursued through Mine Entra is consistent with the Second Republic’s vision of building a modern, value-added mining industry that retains greater value from the country’s vast mineral wealth.
“Under the Second Republic, the aim is to build a value-added mining economy.
“Through beneficiation and industrialisation, we want to guarantee maximum value for the board-given natural resources.
“Ultimately, the mining industry must not only aid in expanding the national wealth or economic growth, but result in tangible benefits to the ordinary citizens.”
President Mnangagwa noted that despite Zimbabwe’s abundant mineral endowment, the country had for many years exported raw minerals while domestic industries lagged behind.
“Zimbabwe is acclaimed for high deposits of critical minerals and for a long time was a renowned source of raw minerals for other global industries while our own became stagnant and antiquated.
“We have said not anymore under my leadership and administration. That narrative is changing.
“I urge stakeholders and partners to decisively and boldly transition to this new reality. The steps we are taking have not been undertaken by many on our continent.”
He expressed confidence that Zimbabwe has the capacity and determination to successfully implement the ambitious transformation agenda.
“I am confident that we are up to the challenge.”
The President’s remarks underscore Government’s view that national development is best driven through continuous engagement between policymakers, industry, investors, academia and communities, with Mine Entra serving as one of the key platforms where such collaboration translates into practical outcomes.
The annual exhibition has increasingly become a meeting point for Government, mining companies, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions and technology providers to deliberate on policies, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen value addition and beneficiation across the mining sector.
The linkage between the resolutions of the Zanu-PF Politburo and the objectives of Mine Entra reflects the Second Republic’s governance model, which places premium on consultation, stakeholder participation and evidence-based policy implementation while accelerating industrialisation through mineral beneficiation.
