The Sunday Mail
Cde Jason Zhuwao
I learnt of the passing on of one of Zimbabwe’s pioneers of black economic empowerment with great sadness. A cadre who was a great contributor to the vision of indigenisation and ultimately to the creation of the ZimAsset blueprint.
The Ministry of Truth extends its deepest condolences to Amai Georgias and her entire family on the loss of this noble man. What a time the Senator had to make his exit from the struggle, here half way through the ZimAsset roadmap. As if to say he had done his job in assisting the Government in laying the foundations for the emancipation and economic progression of our nation.
Senator Georgias together with several other men and women have since the launch of the program been working tirelessly to set the direction for Zimbabwe’s transformation amidst criticism and hardships.
Even the prophets of doom will admit that notable change can be seen across the country. Whilst the opposition parties have been zooming in on petty politics, the Zanu PF party has been hard at work ensuring it delivers on the promises it made to the multitudes that elected the party into office.
Given that the total requirements of ZimAsset in its five year tenure is over USD 26 billion, 90% of which is expected to come from foreign direct investment, it became imperative to ensure a stable political environment in order to boost foreign investor confidence.
Towards this end, by-elections were held to bring sanity to the chaos that had been created by the split of the MDCs. The elections resulted in 100% victory for the ruling party.
Having a majority in parliament created a conducive environment for meaningful policies to be introduced in the absence of uproarious characters.
Furthermore, Zanu PF conducted a nationwide restructuring programme aimed at mobilising into its cell, district, and provincial structures a more politically sound leadership. This again proved to be a great success. Cde Kasukuwere in his capacity as Zanu PF’s National Political Commissar oversaw these processes.
Alongside these exercises, the First Lady visited the country’s provinces and delivered her message of zero tolerance to rogue behaviour within the party. The Head of State had the final say at the Victoria Falls conference, calling for each party member to contribute to our economic progression in their individual capacities.
The response from the international community was almost immediate, not only from our neighbours and Asia but from Europe too! The French certainly made their interests known with several deals put on the table early on this year. Russia was not to be outdone, large figures were invested in the energy sector. Ultimately, we were graced by Chinese President Xi Jinping whose visit was cemented by the sealing of landmark deals.
Tobacco production increased by at least 30%. ln 2014, Zimbabwe had achieved self sufficiency in cereal and food crops owing to increased Government support for agriculture. The focus has now been on recapitalisation of ARDA farms and the Cold Storage Company.
Farmers received irrigation equipment brought in from Brazil as Government responded to sporadic rainfall patterns brought on by climate change.
Significant progress has been made in infrastructure development. Over 100 schools were rehabilitated and the China EximBank provided a loan facility for recapacitation of all major hospitals. The Joshua Mabuto Nkomo International Airport was successfully completed whilst the Harare and Victoria Falls Airports have been upgraded. Of great significance has been the rehabilitation of roads. Already, 20 000 km of the targeted 40 000 km of road network have been completed.
Energy and water infrastructure have also been attended to. Both Tokwe Mukosi and Mutenga Dams are near completion whilst Hwange Thermal Power Station and Kariba Hydro Power Stations are receiving major upgrades.
These are only some of the projects taken on since the onset of ZimAsset. A full report shows comprehensive progress in each of the clusters.
With such great work already accomplished, we can only go forward with motivation assured that by 2018, Zimbabwe will be an economic powerhouse.
The Minister of Truth applauds the Government on a job well done. It is clear that the President has a dedicated team supporting his 2018 vision.
I recommend the full exploitation of the Islamic Bond, 11th European Fund and the BRICS community as avenues for funding in the coming quarter. Our own capacity must also be harnessed to contribute towards national revenue through the formalisation of the informal sector and tightening of tax laws.
Dear comrades and friends, have a safe and enthusiastic entry into 2016.
◆ Cde Jason Zhuwao is the CEO of the Team Zanu PF Live the Zanu PF organ for Mass dissemination of information, research networking and live updating of party current affairs. Cde Zhuwao holds an advanced diploma in criminology and forensic science and is currently reading for a degree in diplomacy and international relations. He can be contacted at [email protected]
