By Rudo Saungweme
President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to uplift the lives of people in his drive to attain vision 2030, which targets to attain an upper middle income economy by 2030. His vision is pinnacled on the need to work together to build a better Zimbabwe.
The President is doing his level best to ensure that there is fair distribution of resources to everyone in Zimbabwe. His goal is to make everyone enjoy the national cake.
Under the previous administration, mostly the corrupt people in society, were the only ones privileged to enjoy the national cake. However, the New Dispensation has ushered in a breath of fresh air as President Mnangagwa has declared a zero tolerance to corruption. Those who were involved in corrupt activities are now trembling in fear as the newly reconstituted Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) sets down to work. The Commission was recently granted arresting powers, lending it teeth to make it more effective.
Not so long ago, President Mnangagwa introduced Statutory Instrument (S.I) 142 of 2019 to de-dollarize the economy, putting to an end the abuse of the multiple currency regime which was being abused by speculative behaviour on the parallel market. Traders were pegging the pricing of their goods on the United States Dollar, causing a lot of yet-to-be-told suffering among the people. Most of these people included retailers, manufacturers and business people.
President Mnangagwa had initially warned retailers who were taking advantage of the multi-currency regime through charging exorbitant prices to stop the practice. The retailers would put the blame on illegal foreign exchange dealers, saying that their rates were continuing to sky rocket, thereby, justifying the continuous price hikes.
In his warning to the business people, President Mnangagwa indicated that there was no justification for the continuous spiralling of prices because some of the commodities were found locally, while some goods were subsidised by the Government. For instance, pharmacists who imported drugs using foreign currency obtained from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) developed a tendency of charging drugs in foreign currency or very exorbitant local currency prices.
The President and his Government are also uplifting those who are disadvantaged in society and considered useless in economic participation. These include the youths and the women. A Youth Empowerment Bank was opened by the President last year to provide funding youth projects.
President Mnangagwa has also pledged more budgetary support for women`s community projects. Women have a history of being left behind in economic development. His administration has made it clear that it recognises the role played by women in socio-economic development. The new administration, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Development, Government opened the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank to provide funding for women’s income generation projects.
The President made it clear that funds from the bank should not benefit Zanu PF members only, but all the women in various communities. One can deduce that the President, who practises servant leadership is for everyone. He does not discriminate anyone. President Mnangagwa is like a father who loves and distributes the nation’s wealth fairly among his children, in spite of their differences. He has always reiterated that no Government can work without its people. All Government ministries are therefore working with the people to create a better Zimbabwe for everyone.
To demonstrate his commitment to development and national unity, President Mnangagwa has also extended a hand to MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa to join him in dialogue for the development of the country, although the latter has chosen to grandstand for political expediency.
Churches and other national stakeholders are also being engaged in Government’s efforts of uniting and re-building the nation and economy. Only selfish politicians would turn down such an invitation.
