Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE ruling Zanu-PF party has urged the Government to take decisive steps to bolster the economy by reinforcing macroeconomic stability, enhancing the purchasing power of the Zimbabwe Gold currency (ZiG), and accelerating the de-dollarisation process.
The Party also called for the establishment of a legal framework that enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
This was part of the resolutions presented by Cde Patrick Chinamasa, the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, during the 21st Annual National People’s Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) yesterday.
Among the key resolutions, the party called on the Government to implement robust measures to strengthen the purchasing power of the ZiG and promote its usage as the sole currency in Zimbabwe.
The Party insisted on the need for broader circulation of the ZiG across all denominations.
“The Party directs the Government to expedite actions to de-dollarise the economy and enhance the availability of the ZiG, while also combating money laundering, speculation, and activities that undermine the economy.
“We must criminalise the actions of economic saboteurs and errant entities, instituting stringent penalties,” said Cde Chinamasa.
He emphasised the importance of strategically operationalising the Mutapa Investment Fund to revitalise State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and increase their contributions to the national GDP.
The party also resolved that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, in collaboration with law enforcement, must develop robust systems to reduce the leakage of natural resources and combat smuggling.
Addressing the mining sector, Cde Chinamasa stated that Government should create incentives to encourage indigenous participation and amend existing legislation on Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) to allow broader prospecting opportunities.
The ruling party advocates the enforcement of the “Use it or Lose it” policy to deter speculative holding of mining claims.
The Government was also urged to develop comprehensive programs to reopen closed mines using modern technologies and funding frameworks, as well as ensure landowners in resettlement areas have the “right of first refusal” in mining claims.
Additionally, it was recommended that non-operational special mining grants be revoked to allow new investors to operate.
Further resolutions included urgent completion of the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani and Kunzvi Dams, enhanced support for vulnerable populations through Presidential Livestock programs, and the implementation of a new land tenure policy to secure beneficiaries’ rights.
Cde Chinamasa highlighted the importance of expediting the allocation of ten-hectare plots for youth and localising the production of fertilizers to reduce agricultural costs. He also called for strict adherence to laws governing genetically modified organisms and equitable distribution of
Presidential Inputs and social welfare relief to all deserving citizens regardless of political affiliations.
The Party also recommended promoting the consumption of traditional foods, adequately capitalising the Venture Capital Fund, and ensuring that banks like the Women’s Bank and Empower Bank receive sufficient funding. The emphasis was placed on developing policies that ease business operations to foster a conducive investment environment.
“We resolved that the Government must enforce existing laws related to reserved sectors of the economy, intensify efforts to clear external debt to unlock global capital, and formulate effective corporate social responsibility incentives,” said Cde Chinamasa.
Bongani Ndlovu