adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE first daughter of the late Vice-President, Dr Joshua Nkomo, Mrs Thandiwe Nkomo-Ebrahim, has openly come out in support of President Mugabe’s indigenisation and empowerment policies. This is despite attempts by some politicians to link her to the opposition parties. Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim, who does not normally comment on political issues, shamed opposition parties and their allies who all along have been using the Nkomo name to try and turn the electorate in Matabeleland region against President Mugabe and Zanu-PF ahead of the harmonised elections next Wednesday.
Speaking at the commissioning of Silikwe Clinic in Gwanda District, Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim, who is the vice-chairperson of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board (NIEEB), said it was time the country recovered all its wealth that was looted by the British colonialists, whom she referred to as “amawabayi”, white collared black birds.
“As NIEEB, we are responsible for identifying companies that must be indigenised so as to empower our people.
“We are saying inotho kayibuye ekhaya, inotho eyayitshontshwe ngamawabayi,” she said drawing applause from the huge crowd.
Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim was accompanying the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere, at the commissioning of Silikwe Clinic.
The clinic was constructed under the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, an empowerment programme introduced by the Government under the leadership of President Mugabe.
Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim’s call came at a critical time the nation is headed for polls when Zimbabweans will decide on safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle or giving it away.
MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai recently made some utterances threatening to reverse the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme once he got into power.
The programme seeks to economically empower the majority Zimbabweans who have over the years been trapped in poverty.
Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim also presented to Silikwe Primary School $2 000 which was donated by President Mugabe.
“Here is the donation from the President in response to your concerns on shortage of furniture facing the school. The school will purchase furniture so that we create a conducive learning environment for pupils.
“Another $1 000 is also on its way which was donated by Zanu-PF National Assembly candidate for this area, Cde Madodana Sibanda,” said Mrs Nkomo-Ebrahim.
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derick.khumalo