Mnangagwa raps unjustified price increases

The government has noted the continued unjustified increases in prices of basic goods and services and is engaging stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the issue which is affecting ordinary citizens.

The remarks were made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa while addressing the Zanu-PF Youth League National Assembly meeting held this Thursday at the party headquarters in Harare.

President Mnangagwa said the exploitation of citizens by those who exhibit rent-seeking behaviour in business and commerce cannot go unchallenged.

"The government notes the present and ever escalating unjustified increases of prices. We urge our compatriots in industries and business and commerce to desist from this inhumane crime which has brought untold suffering and misery to our people by increasing prices.
Members of the Zanu-PF Youth League attending the National Assembly

"However, the government is in the process of meeting stakeholders in the sector for discussion around the issues of prices," he said.

 Turning to the land issue, President Mnangagwa clarified that government will only pay for improvements done on the land, and not the land itself.

"…the Land Reform Programme is irreversible, I have said it before, I will say it again. Section 72 of our constitution is very clear, with this respect. However, the same constitution provides that no compensation is payable in respect of its acquisition, except for improvements effected on the land before its acquisition.   

"Our constitution says we cannot pay for land. No one brought land to this country. All the farmers from which we have taken land, the land was already here, it's them who came. Therefore, we will never pay compensation for land," said President Mnangagwa.

The Zanu-PF First Secretary said the establishment of Empower bank is testimony of government's commitment to improve the quality of life for youths.

"There are vast opportunities that the Second Republic will continue to avail to the youths.

"You must therefore be innovative and bold as opposed to merely wanting to be beneficiaries of charity…," said the President.

He challenged youths to accelerate the development of youth-led businesses so as to participate in the growth and modernising of the economy.

The President encouraged youths to maintain the attitude of servant leadership displayed during the Cyclone Idai disaster where they volunteered to assist in various ways.

"I am happy many youths went to Manicaland and provided assistance in various ways, including," he said.

 Turning to party issues, President Mnangagwa warned members that acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated in Zanu-PF.

"The Party has embarked on the restructuring of Harare and Bulawayo provinces…..musafunga kuti mamwe 8 ari immune (the other 8 provinces must not think they are untouchable to restructuring). Divisive or mafia-style handling of party issues will not accepted," President Mnangagwa said.

The Zanu-PF Youth League National Assembly meeting was also attended by the two vice presidents Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.