adminVictoria Ruzvidzo Business Focus
The first half of the year has come and gone. July 1 marked the beginning of the second half but it goes without saying that most of the economic targets set by Government and even those at household level have not been met due to the harsh economic terrain.
The economy has not grown at expected levels and fears are that it has actually receded. The jury is still out on the figures and statistics for the first six months so we can map the actual trend.
However, the quality of life for most Zimbabweans has gone down as the dollar becomes more elusive. Fears that the economy may not achieve the 5,6 percent growth rate suggested by Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa are growing.
However, the situation is still redeemable but this will depend on how Government and other stakeholders redress the challenges currently obtaining.
I liked the optimism demonstrated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya when he appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development.
He gave hope to the economy that although things were tight. The light at the end of the tunnel was still quite visible.
He stressed that although the liquidity position remained precarious, the growing bank deposits gave hope that the war would be won.
“I bring a message of hope and optimism. This economy is not as illiquid as it is said, but what is there is that the negative perception is high,” he said.
He challenged prophets of doom to desist from their talk that scared away potential investors.
More energy needed to be directed towards increasing production level and marketing such resorts as the Victoria Falls, the world’s seventh wonder.
These initiatives will move the country forward. The bulk of responses I received from my installment last week where I suggested the need for Zimbabweans to turn to God for sustainable solutions to our economy were in agreement that Divine Intervention would bring results.
The majority of the readers were agreed that only through God could the country be saved from further deterioration, particularly on the economic front.
Others suggested the need for the entire nation to pray for our leaders so they get wisdom from God in terms of giving direction to the nation, instead of merely criticizing them as was the case in most instances.
God’s wisdom would take the economy out of the current quagmire. Others felt Zimbabweans themselves needed to behave in the right manner, shunning corruption and other such vices that have contributed to the subdued economic performance.
UFIC founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has on several occasions emphasized that only God can rescue this country from current challenges.
Addressing his congregation last week, he implored the church body, as he always does, to pray for the nation, saying this country needed to give God his due position.
He said the economy would soon be back on its feet, a scenario he also prophesied about on Judgment night on April 19 when he said industry would soon be firing again while shops would now open 24 hours a day to allow shoppers to buy at their convenience.
Last week he said Zimbabwe’s economy was on the verge of recovery but urged the congregation and the Christian body at large to pray fervently.
“We need to pray — where we are right now we now need to pray. Let’s come to that place where we realise that our situation is not in our hands.
“If we pray I am telling you this nation will become most favourable. For example what we have right now is not an airport (compared to what is coming) — you will see planes that you have never seen before.
“Buildings will be so many and so big like they are coming from the ground. Most of you are looking for jobs — you will be choosing which one very soon. With God all things are possible,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
He, however, warned that people needed to seek the face of God for the possibilities to transform into reality.
“God doesn’t use force, he knocks as He says in His word, “ behold I stand at the door and, if any man hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him and will sup with him and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (King James Version).
He also emphasised the importance of respecting the people of God.
“But the people of God need to be given their rightful position — they should not be attacked — they have been playing a big role in ensuring the country does not collapse,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe, founder of Heartfelt International Ministries, recently urged Zimbabweans to honour the principle of tithe, whereby one gives at least 10 percent of their earnings to God. He said this would see the economy improve significantly, starting from households.
Not paying tithe was equated by God to robbery.
“When you look at the economy of America, the economy started going down the moment the Government stopped tithing and the Chinese have almost taken over as the super power,” he said .
He said observing such principles would take the economy forward in an amazing way, emphasising the importance of God in building the economy.
Lawrence Sedze wrote:
“Subject to the Constitution every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to participate individually or collectively in gatherings or groups or in any other manner, in peaceful activities to influence, challenge or support the policies of the Government. (Zimbabwe Constitution amendment (no 20) ACT 2013 Chapter 1:59, 60,67d).
“You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
“I have no issue or problem with the gender, race, tribe, colour or political party of those in leadership. But my major problem and concern of my soul and being, is what the leadership is thinking and doing about the current situation, the people and the future of our children and the whole nation, and how they are using the available resources to advance this cause.
“WE DEMAND THE INTERGRATION OF CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT AND MARKET PLACE:
‘Go then and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’.(Matthew 28:18)
The church is the salt and the light of the world, the conscience and the voice of the nations, with a God given mandate to disciple the nations. The church must be considered in Parliament and Cabinet and fully participate in the formulation of all the laws, bills, regulations and policies of the nation.
“THEREFORE ALL I AM SAYING TO THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP is, I have not come before you as an adversary seeking victory, but as a son and responsible citizen seeking justice, righteousness and freedom for all. I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of righteousness and justice and freedom for all, with a commitment to non violence and a zero tolerance to corruption.
“I cherish this ideal of a one indivisible Zimbabwe under God, in which all people regardless of race or tribe, political opinion or religious opinion, will live together in one love with equal opportunities, in pursuit of happiness.
“It’s an ideal I am living for and fighting to achieve. When we all fight side by side, we will speed up the day when all our children scattered around the world will come back home swiftly. The day when all of us as God’s children and citizens of His kingdom will join hands and sing:
“Zimbabwe the Switzerland of Africa . . . Zimbabwe is the bread basket of Africa . . . blessed is Zimbabwe whose God is the Lord; thank God we are blessed at last!” – wrote Lawrence Sedze in part.
Indeed the desire for a better Zimbabwe is ingrained in all of us but we all need to take a step and do as God desires.
Zimbabwe exudes immense potential to become one of the biggest economies in the region. In God I trust.
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