Staff Reporter
The ruling party Zanu PF has rolled out the revised indigenisation and economic empowerment policy in Manicaland province in line with the national economic development agenda.
Addressing delegates who attended the revised policy roll out programme during the weekend, Zanu PF Secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Cde Mike Bimha revealed that Government is committed to empowering local communities, especially women, youths and the disadvantaged.
“Our policy identifies women, youths, those who fought for the liberation struggle, people living with disabilities and all Zimbabweans should be empowered. Ownership is critical. We need companies to support these groups by giving contracts and preferences with regards to procurement. Government should first look for small scale businesses in order to empower them. Even the local authorities should do the same,” he said.
Cde Bimha said that Government has developed a policy to encourage joint ventures into projects like farming, mining, tourism, and manufacturing among other sectors, which will deal with the issue of funding.
Speaking at the same event, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikinyere, said that Manicaland province was ready to empower its people.
“Manicaland province boasts of all the five ecological regions. The administration of our President recognizes the participation of all citizens towards development. As a province we are ready to fully empower our people. The essence of the devolution is to allow our business persons to grow their entities and contribute toward the provincial GDP,” Minister Matsikinyere said.
Business Economic Empowerment Forum (BEEF) President Solomon Matsa applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for coming up with indigenization policy that says Zimbabweans should come first.
“We need to find ways to stop using other people’s money. We need to deal with the issue and ensure that our Zimbabwean money becomes a tender of choice. We thank the president has come up with indigenization policy that says Zimbabweans should come first. Zanu PF is empowering us and we need a complete change of attitude towards business to benefit from the new thrust,” said Matsa
The next indigenisation and economic empowerment policy roll out programme is scheduled for next month in Masvingo.
The ruling party is forging ahead with the promotion of indigenisation and economic empowerment policy under a revised policy framework in line with the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra and the National Development Strategy One (NDS1).
