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Kasukuwere are diversionary tactics by detractors of the indigenisation and economic empowerment drive Government has embarked on, lobby groups have said.
In separate interviews, empowerment groups urged Minister Kasukuwere to forge ahead with the implementation of the Government policy despite the diversionary attacks.
Affirmative Action Group president for Harare province Mr Liberty Bizure said such brickbats were inevitable considering that some people in Government were against the empowerment drive.
“As AAG, we are cognisant of the fact that the empowerment drive is Fourth Chimurenga so naturally we know that there should be resistance from those who are against the empowerment of the masses,” he said.
“But that should not distract the minister from implementing the programme. This is a diversionary tactic by those who are against the empowerment programmes.
“We urge the minister not to renege on the national duty that he has been assigned to do. He should not let down the aspirations of millions of Zimbabweans who want to benefit from this policy.”
Mr Bizure pledged AAG’s support for Minister Kasukuwere.
Founding president of the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs Youth Action Cde Munyaradzi Kashambe said the allegations of corruption against Minister Kasukuwere were an attempt to discredit Zanu-PF.
“This is coming from our detractors who know that the indigenisation and empowerment drive are Zanu-PF trump cards for polls and they are now coming up with all these allegations that are meant to divert the minister’s focus,” he said.
“They know that Zanu-PF is the party that is spearheading the exercise and they are now attacking the party programme through Minister Kasukuwere. These forces want to counter the positives that have been brought about by the indigenisation exercise with allegations of corruption.”
Cde Kashambe described the indigenisation programme as a process and not an event. He said those who had not yet benefited from the exercise should put their houses in order so that they could benefit.
Upfumi Kuvadiki president Mr Scott Sakupwanya added: “We know the attacks against Minister Kasukuwere are being sponsored by people who are against the indigenisation programme but we urge the minister not to be distracted from implementing this noble exercise.
“We are not going to tolerate this nonsense coming from enemies of the people. We want Zimbabweans to benefit from their resources than foreigners.
“Minister Kasukuwere is implementing a Government programme and not his personal programme. This is a national programme that should be supported by everyone because it is meant to benefit Zimbabweans.”
Under the indigenisation and empowerment drive several communities have benefited from the Community Share Ownership Schemes that have seen various developmental projects being implemented.
Some of the Community Share Ownership Schemes launched by President Mugabe are Chegutu-Mhondoro-Ngezi Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust at Zimplats, Tongogara Community Share Ownership Trust at Unki Mine in Shurugwi, the Mashonaland Central Community Share Ownership Trusts and the Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust.
Online Reporter