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Walter Nyamukondiwa in Selous
Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said businesses, including multinational and foreign-owned corporations must support community activities, which promote peace for a conducive operating environment.
The Acting President was addressing thousands of Zanu-PF party youths at the Mashonaland West Youth Festival in Selous at the weekend.
“There are companies that are into mining, industries such as Zimplats and Afroshin which are operating in the various communities,” he said. “You must make sure they support you (the youth and Zanu-PF party. They should not say we pay taxes to (Finance Minister) Chinamasa.
“They must also be involved in the communal activities where they are operating. That’s what they do where they come from. Be they Indians, Japanese, Chinese or the English. They must also do the same here.”
Acting President Mnangagwa said political parties everywhere were supported by business, adding that the ruling party activities help in the maintenance of peace and subsequently a conducive environment for business to flourish.
Turning to the youths, he said they should value the country more than themselves and jealously guard against re-colonisation.
“You must know that Zimbabwe shall never be a colony again, and you must be ready to defend it with your blood as youths because that is the inheritance we have bequeathed to you as your elders,” said Acting President Mnangagwa.
“That is what we did as youths and we went to war to liberate the country. We are getting old and, we are passing on the baton to you youths to defend the country even if it means with your blood.”
If people value the country, Acting President Mnangagwa said, the country would also give its best.
He said senior party members from the Politburo and Central Committee should support youth programmes because they owe their positions to the ordinary people.
On sports, Acting President Mnangagwa said it was a tool to bring social cohesion, build peace and provide a means of empowerment.
He said sports have a potential to contribute to national economic recovery with the projection of up to three percent of GDP in other countries.
The Acting President said sport will create employment if properly structured and managed.
Zanu-PF provincial youth league chairman for Mashonaland West Cde Vengai Musengi, said youths should be accorded equal opportunities to participate in business and exploitation of natural resources.
“As youths, we want a stake in the country’s natural resources, including land and mining,” he said.
The event was attended by Zanu-PF secretary for administration Dr Ignatius Chombo, Politiburo members Cdes Christopher Mutsvangwa, Monica Mutsvangwa and Prisca Mupfumira.
Deputy youth league secretary Cde Kudzanai Chipanga and youth chairpersons from other provinces also attended.
Online Reporter