Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu in OSAKA, Japan
ZIMBABWEANS living abroad should strive to uphold the country’s image by maintaining professionalism, good conduct and a strong sense of national identity wherever they are, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing members of the Zimbabwean community in Japan, President Mnangagwa said the Diaspora played a crucial role in shaping how the world views Zimbabwe, and their actions should always reflect positively on the nation.
The Zimbabwean Diaspora community, he said, is widely respected for its discipline and professionalism, an image that must be preserved and promoted.
“I am very happy that each time we go abroad, we hear that Zimbabweans in the Diaspora are well respected,” said the President.
“Each time we go to the Diaspora we hear that our communities — Zimbabwean communities — behave very well, are well respected and are professional. I hope this is the same with you here.”
He urged the diaspora to remain proud of their identity and heritage, emphasising that they are an integral part of the national fabric, no matter where they are in the world.
The President encouraged the diaspora community to maintain open communication with the Government and to share their concerns and needs, assuring them that their voices would be heard.
“Please feel free to tell us your needs and concerns so that Government helps you. We will try our best to address your concerns in every way that we can. Feel at home away from home, whether you here or at home you are still Zimbabwean, you are one of us.
“We will never neglect you and we will do our best to assist you. Never forget that you are Zimbabwean, whatever you do here, it reflects on us back home, so make sure you give the best image about the motherland — about Zimbabwe — whatever you are doing in the diaspora.”
President Mnangagwa also briefed the community on the country’s ongoing economic progress, highlighting successes in a range of key sectors.
“We are registering progress in whichever field we want to look at. If we look at agriculture, we are now food secure. We are now self-sufficient. We have increased tonnage of crops such as wheat,” he said.
The President added that Zimbabwe’s education system continues to rank among the best in the region, with local graduates highly sought after across Africa and beyond.
“In the area of education, we are among the countries that provide the best education in the region. Most of our graduates are sought after in the region and beyond, because our education is highly regarded in the region.
“Yes, we have constraints; we have no control over weather, but fortunately whether the weather is bad or good, we have our systems in the country to make sure that at least we are food secure and sufficient.”
On the economic front, President Mnangagwa said the country was working hard to manage its finances and maintain fiscal discipline.
“We have challenges; every country has challenges, but we think we are managing. Our Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, I instructed him to manage our debts and ensure that they remain low. I also instructed him to ensure that we are self-sufficient and live within our means.
“Since he became Minister Finance, we have managed to control our debt. We must focus on our resources and be who we are based on our resources.”
The President’s engagement included members of the Zimbabwean diaspora in academia and business, and forms part of broader Government efforts to strengthen ties with citizens living outside the country.
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