Plans to reopen Ziscosteel at advanced stage

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Saturday assured Zanu PF supporters in Midlands province that plans to reopen the dormant giant steel making company Ziscosteel were at an advanced stage.

Speaking at the official launch of his wife's campaign for the Zibagwe-Chirumanzu constituency by election slated for March 27, Mnangagwa said he would soon chair a meeting between major shareholders Essar Africa and government ministers to ensure that all sticking points were ironed out.

According to the Newsday, Mnangagwa said he would not rest until all ministers involved in the signing of the deal have fulfilled their mandate.

He also warned that Mugabe would soon be naming and shaming government ministers and officials involved in corrupt activities.

Meanwhile, government has been advised to craft long-term policies that will reverse de-industrialisation and generate employment to cut the poverty cycle. 

Poverty Reduction Forum Trust executive director Judith Kaulem in her organisation's January Basic needs Basket Statement, said it was imperative to relax the country's indigenisation policy so as to attract direct foreign investment that will breathe life into the comatose industrial sector.

Kaulem said one policy option which remains key and relevant is for the government to make modalities to its indigenisation policy so that it gives the country more room to attract foreign direct investment which is needed to resuscitate industries. 

She said their research had shown that people from different economic backgrounds, subsistence farmers, salaried workers or self-employed entrepreneurs derived most of their income from work.