Taking care of business

ZIMBABWE has perhaps the most diversified economy on the African continent. This is something that the Zanu-PF Government has been able to take advantage of.

We have managed to steer the country towards an ambitious economic turnaround initiative such that, even those who imposed sanctions on us have acknowledged our resilience and are thus rolling them down.

As we speak, Zimbabwe can now export to the European union duty free, and London has warmed to Harare with the latest development being the US Congress tabling a bill to finally remove the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe. Indeed, illegalities are difficult to sustain, as the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have had the unintended effect of actually bringing the rest of the world onto Zimbabwe’s doorstep as opposed to the intention of our detractors to have us isolated.

This has only been achieved as a result of how the Zanu-PF Government and its leadership have been able to properly take care of Zimbabwe’s business in promoting the country’s interest as well as in responding to the needs of our people.

Politics is big business. The same rules that apply to corporations also apply to political parties. The people are customers in both instances and they should be treated as such. There is a lot at stake because of politics. As a matter of fact, the future of the country is determined by the type of politics we practice.

The customer-centric approach to politics is what has sustained Zanu-PF throughout the years. We have managed to ensure that our client-base, which is the true Zanu-PF cadres across all our structures, get the most from their party.

It is such an approach that has resulted in Zanu-PF being the party of choice. Zanu-PF has throughout the years been able to take care of business and we have done it well and have exceeded all expectations.
Zanu-PF’s revolutionary ethos which places an increased emphasis on responsibility, discipline and integrity in the management of our resources and the general administration of our country have been key. There is no black government on the continent that is run better than the Zanu-PF led Government.

Zanu-PF has a business approach to politics and politicking. We are a well-coordinated entity that means business. Our business is Zimbabwe and its people. We will ensure that this business succeeds.

As Zimbabwe’s political and economic landscapes continue to experience change, so has Zanu-PF’s internal mechanisms for responding to the socio-political and economic changes in our environment.

Zanu-PF has never at any point in its illustrious history ever been a static party, for it has always moved with the times to match what is required at each turn.

Through practically taking care of business, Zanu-PF has been able to create a stable, predictable and investor-friendly business environment in Zimbabwe. It is evident that in the past few years, there has been an upsurge in terms of new businesses that have come up. Similarly, the country has seen an influx of foreign companies and investors coming to set-up shop in the country.

Such a scenario has had ripple effects such as business growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. With business growth, we are ushering our economy, people and nation into a new age. This also requires businesses operating in our country to align with the nation’s development goals as well as social responsibility. All initiatives being implemented should not leave our people worse off. This is why Zanu-PF has recognised the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and SMES.

There is no doubt that the Second Republic has created a lot of wealth for the ordinary Zimbabwean at a rate never seen or experienced before. We have achieved what was initially thought to be impossible for the black majority.

There now exist opportunities for training, mentorship as well as access to finance for local entrepreneurs, particularly the youth and women to “take care of business” effectively. Our empowerment drive is now stronger than before.

However, in our quest to truly take care of business, we must ensure that we combat corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Focus should be placed on clean and efficient business practices so as to attract even more investment.

We should also ensure that we improve the regulatory processes while at the same time maintaining accountability. Our businesses, particularly the locally owned ones must adopt modern technology, innovation and value addition to enhance competitiveness and as a response to President Mnangagwa’s clarion call for revamping the economy.

In politics there are no guarantees and this requires one to have the foresight and wisdom to navigate this treacherous terrain. Zanu-PF is making deliberate efforts to promote national pride and economic patriotism. Our citizens and businesses must also play their part in promoting domestic industries.

National pride is central to strengthening resilience and self-sufficiency in the quest for economic emancipation. All the same, Zimbabweans should trust in Zanu-PF to always take care of business.
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Zanu-PF Secretary for Information Communication Technology. He writes in his own capacity.