MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU- President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his administration has implemented more than 7 000 high impact, life-changing projects to lift people out of poverty.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Midlands provincial secretary, Abiot Maronge at Mkoba stadium to mark Zimbabwe’s 43rd Independence celebrations, President Mnangagwa said there is high productivity in all sectors of the economy as the inflationary pressures continue to slow down due to fiscal consolidation and monetary measures put in place to curb economic decline.
“It is encouraging that inflationary pressures continue to ease due to a combination of fiscal consolidation and tight monetary policy measures. The notable expansion, productivity and profitability of entities across all sectors of our economy have seen our country recording the highest GDP growth in our region.
“Let us continue to fully utilize our internal resources to modernize and industrialize our country for a higher quality of life for all our people,” he said
He said the private sector-led industrialization and increased capacity utilization in the manufacturing sector have seen the sector account for over 23% of GDP, with local goods now occupying over 80% of shelf space in retail outlets, while trade links have been increased in emerging export destinations.
President Mnangagwa added that in 2022 the international tourist arrivals increased by 174% as a result of improved country image in source markets and sustained destination promotion.
On agriculture, he said the country is projecting over 3.2 million metric tonnes of cereals against an annual requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes.
The President said the trajectory can only be sustained and consolidated if the country remained united in its quest to attain food security and food sovereignty.
On the upcoming harmonized general elections, Mnangagwa called on the nation to remain vigilant and protect the hard-won Independence by shunning violence before, during and after elections.
“As we go to elections, let us all affirm this with our vote and declare that Zimbabwe shall forever be free. Zimbabwe shall forever be sovereign. Zimbabwe shall forever be independent.
“No voices, foreign or local, inclusive of rogue NGOs, should sow seeds of division and disharmony among us. Unity and peace should be preached in our families, churches and communities. Dialogue and tolerance have been the hallmark of the Second Republic,” said the President.
He added that his government has put in place measures to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
He said, “Democracy was not given to us on a silver platter by those who, today, claim to be the champions of human rights. Ours is a history of a struggle for the return of our stolen kingdom; return of our dignity and pride; a return of our stolen land. The Land Reform remains irreversible.
“The Independence we are celebrating today is sealed with blood. None but ourselves can fight back neo-colonialism and those bent on setting up surrogate entities over our land,” said Mnangagwa.
