The Sunday Mail
Bulawayo Bureau
ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko has challenged Bulawayo businesspeople to complement Government’s efforts to revitalise the economy. Addressing a business meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Acting President Mphoko said while Government had the responsibility to develop infrastructure such as schools and clinics, businesses had a key role to play.
“We need to revive the economy and all Zimbabweans have that responsibility, whether black or white. We should show the rest of the world what we have to offer. There are some businesses that are viable and they must assist,” he said.
“It is unfair to take a British-owned company and give it work ahead of local firms. If there are specialists that are available locally whether black or white they should be given the job. In case you didn’t know, I am not a crook, a gambler, a con or anything of that sort. I do not steal people’s money. I am not after all that, I work for the development of the nation.”
Turning to the land issue, the Acting President warned against harassment of Maleme Ranch owner Mr Peter Cunningham.
“Peter is a protected man; people have been scratching him left, right and centre but he is a protected man. We are proud of the work that he is doing at the ranch,” he said.
The Matabeleland South political leadership appears largely opposed to Mr Cunningham’s continued stay on Maleme Ranch.
On the Gwayi Shangani Dam, he said US$55 million was needed to kick-start a project that has been in the pipeline since 1912.
“We cannot fail to complete the project when we have businesspeople who can assist. Like now there are seven valves that are needed at the dam and they cost US$260 000. I am sure that can be done,” he said.
Acting President Mphoko said Zanu-PF was not an exclusively black people’s party and was open to anyone who subscribed to its policies, citing businesspeople like Mr Jim Goddard to openly declare their allegiance.
“Some of you people we defend because we know where you are coming from. You subscribe to our policies so we fight for you because we know your history. Feel free to join our party, you are allowed.”
Some businesspeople complained about opaque tenders procedures, while Mrs Cecilia Ndubiwa of Wozani Lodges added: “The problem is that some people think we run backyard cottages but we offer quality services. It is sad that South African companies are marketing Victoria Falls like it’s their own yet we can do it.”
Afterward, Acting President Mphoko addressed Zanu-PF members and said the ruling party had already started strategising for the 2018 elections.
“In 2013, we lost in Bulawayo; we had 127 000 voters. Our target now is to win all the seats. The recent by- elections were won by small numbers so we are trying to raise those figures in 2018. For the past 15 years, Zanu- PF never won a seat in Bulawayo but we are changing that.”
