The Sunday Mail
Editor’s Brief
Victoria Ruzvidzo
Elsewhere in this paper, we carry a story in which one of Zimbabwe’s prominent entrepreneurs, Ken Sharpe, has pledged commitment to invest more funds into the economy, demonstrating a mindset that we could do well to adopt.
He insists Zimbabweans have a primary role to play in growing the economy.
“One of the main drivers of GDP growth in any economy is real estate.
“We believe that our time has come to make a difference, and, as I often say, if not me then who and if not now, then when?
“I cannot just stand behind and watch my country lag behind the rest of the world.
“It is up to me to do what I can as a Zimbabwean citizen.
“And, as we say, one brick at a time, we are rebuilding our country and we are doing our part to make Zimbabwe great again.”
These are profound words he said when this paper asked him about his investments for this year. He is currently undertaking major projects in real estate and intends to inject at least $1 billion into the economy.
What caught my attention in his response to our questions was the patriotic spirit that underlined his statement and the confidence he has in the economy. He did not stammer at all. This is the Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo concept in practice.
We are aware of a number of local investors who are pouring huge amounts in developing this country’s infrastructure and there is no looking back.
Many have made huge investments in the agriculture sector, with hectares upon hectares under crop, while others spend many nights underground at their mines in search of the minerals hidden in the country’s belly. Some are doing their bit in other sectors of the economy. This is commendable. It is no longer time for mere talk but the hour is nigh to implement.
Zimbabwe has a crop of young men and women game changers that have suddenly come alive and are doing big business. They are not too vocal but are busy criss-crossing the country doing major projects.
A number are not too keen at all to speak of their achievements, while others have no problem sharing their success stories. We draw lessons from it all.
Last Sunday, we carried a story of a young man who has risen from being a farm labourer to a multi-million-dollar farmer, doing exploits in Mashonaland West. He transformed himself into a major tobacco farmer at a time when many are murmuring and complaining that there are no opportunities in this country.
In some instances, we eloquently tabulate our challenges and neatly lay out presentations on how tough it is to survive or do business in Zimbabwe but in the meantime, someone is harvesting millions and making it in the same environment. It is not about luck but foresight and the ability to see where others seem blinkered.
Those who have deliberately taken steps to better their lives and help rebuild the economy, instead of sulking, are having fun in the sun, or is it the rain that we have in abundance these days?
There is so much to pinpoint in justifying why we may be constricted to stand up and make a difference. Locally, we have intermittent power and water supplies, some bad roads, high cost of borrowing, climate change and all, while at a global level, we can easily cite the Russia-Ukraine tiff, global recession, natural disasters and so much more, and yet in the same environment, others are penning out brilliant stories of success. This could simply mean that we need to be more determined as a people to maximise on the smallest flicker of light and opportunities. In many instances, opportunities actually no longer present themselves but they have to be hunted down and grabbed with both hands.
Some have to be created. That is how we can find our spot in the whole matrix. It is surely none but ourselves.
Of course, the ultimate result is the creation of a better economy but primarily, we engage in these projects for self-enrichment. We all want and need a good life. So, we have to make it happen.
The chairman and CEO of West Property Zimbabwe, Ken Sharpe, was, in 2021, awarded the Forbes Best of Africa Innovative CEO of the Year accolade, so when he speaks, we had better listen. He is a tried and tested entrepreneur and we have a few lessons to learn from him. He is also a product of the internationally acclaimed Harvard Business School, so he knows what he is talking about. Zimbabweans need to rise to the occasion. He asks a very pertinent question: “If not me, who, if not now, when?” Indeed, brick by brick, people of his ilk are making a mark on the economic landscape, aiding GDP growth, thereby improve the country’s standard of living. We all need to play our part.
Vision 2023 is not a mirage but a real possibility that behoves you and me to play ball.
In this issue, we also carry a story of a young man who did well in school, earning 18 points at Advanced Level but could not progress to college due to financial constraints. But, instead of condemning himself and cursing his generation and his forefathers, he started to wash cars until one of his clients offered him a scholarship at his college to study accountancy, a passion he had carried all along. Now, he looks set to conquer the world.
There are so many such beautiful stories waiting to be told, of those who have defied the odds to register success for themselves and for the only country they call home. I had the privilege of having lunch with advocate Arthur Marara and Sagehill Technologies CEO John Tseriwa a fortnight ago and we spoke about the immense opportunities this economy presents for its people and for foreign investors.
The gentlemen spoke of great exploits they were undertaking and exciting projects that some Zimbabweans were undertaking in this country. They feared that those who continued to lament about challenges were simply going out of fashion as Zimbabweans had become more serious with their lives. It was good to get confirmation that in our motherland we have such energetic and optimistic people ready to ensure Zimbabwe wins its economic war.
If investors such as Aliko Dangote can visit and consider this country a potential host of their investment, then we must realise that, indeed, this country has so much to offer. The economy is still a bit far from double-digit growth figures but it is replete with opportunities
Let us do all we can to realise our aspirations and live our dreams.
In God I trust!
