Zimbabwe poised for economic take-off

Sibusiso Ndlamini Correspondent
Zimbabwe is readying itself for a major economic take-off, considering that its structure of the economy is well balanced, with its the major contributors to the Gross Domestic Product being mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Zimbabwe’s economic future lies within its resources. With a number of investments that are taking place in most parts of the country, Zimbabwe has the potential to resuscitate its economy. An increase in the capacity utilisation of local industries is one of the important moves that the country should continue to undertake so as to boost the economy.

It is pleasing and promising that the Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 is there to promote the growth of local industries. Such a move by Government will witness a brighter future for our country’s industries. If all farmers specifically communal, A1 and A2 become productive on their farms this will indeed prop up the agro-based industries. Most industries in the country rely on farm produce.

Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, is making extra efforts to ensure that the agricultural sector is revived. Currently, that ministry is identifying all water bodies where irrigation can be installed. The last farming season was not flourishing due to the El Nino- induced drought.

To say present-day Zimbabwe is betraying vision and promise of the former freedom fighters as claimed by other people lacks grain of truth. Today’s challenges are mostly as a result of a number of conditions laid against our beloved country. Firstly, economic growth has been hard hit by the illegal economic sanctions that were imposed by the US and European Union.

Surely, how can one expect an agro-based economy to revamp if some of its major fertiliser firms are put on the sanctions lists? This year, the US added Chemplex Holdings and Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company on the sanctions list. This move will, in a way, cripple the agricultural sector. Such conditions are negatively impacting the development of the economy.

It is sad that people like former Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central Youth League chairperson, Godfrey Tsenengamu, fail to realise the efforts that President Mugabe and Government are making in trying to revitalise the economy. Tsenengamu, who tasted sour grapes after being expelled from the ruling party, is all over in the private media condemning President Mugabe for the prevailing economic situation.

Tsenengamu was reportedly quoted by a local daily newspaper where he was addressing journalists in Harare nonsensically saying: “(President) Mugabe, why have you thought of monopolising this nation and turning it into a one-man State with you belittling the roles of other gallant sons and daughters of the nation, and do you think this country will shut business in the event of your exit from the helm of the party and nation?”

Tsenengamu’s sentiments reveal that he is an embattled man who is out of touch with reality. How on earth can he boastfully accuse President Mugabe for running the country like a private entity, while in actual fact he regularly meets Cabinet ministers to discuss State issues? If President Mugabe is solely leading the nation, what then is the purpose of having ministers? Tsenengamu should be advised that President Mugabe is the overseer and director of all State business, hence there is no way where he can single-handedly lead the nation.

Zimbabweans should not be fooled by people like Tsenengamu who are feeling the pinch of expulsion from Zanu-PF. Tsenengamu together with other detractors like #Tajamuka pressure group and #ThisFlag campaigner, Pastor Evan Mawarire should also be reminded that President Mugabe cannot be removed unconstitutionally, as his term of office has not yet ended.

Additionally, thousands of people who attended heroes’ celebrations at the Heroes Acre recently where President Mugabe delivered his speech are full proof that President Mugabe is still the people’s choice. People strongly believe that President Mugabe has the potential of turning around the country’s fortunes despite some harsh economic conditions that are being put against economic development.