President Mugabe's call for value addition bears fruit

It is comforting that Zimbabwe, through the economic blue print, Zimbabwe Agenda for Socio-Sustainable Economic Transformation (ZimAsset) is moving a step forward in enhancing its economic and social development through taking full control of its vast natural resources found across the country's provinces.

In 2011, during the 66th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Robert Mugabe said Zimbabwe was resolving the effects of discrimination by western countries by fully managing and utilizing its natural resources.

President Mugabe was quoted, "When we are in Zimbabwe, we sought to redress the ills of colonialism and racism by fully acquiring our natural resources, mainly our land and minerals…"

The west had been negating the country's sovereignties by way of controlling Zimbabwe's natural resources. The most visible form of control had been land which was mostly occupied by the white minority. Through President Mugabe's unwavering and wise leadership, Land Reform Programme was introduced in 1999 and most Zimbabweans benefitted from it.

Currently, the country is enjoying benefits that comes with owning natural resources especially in the mining sector. Speaking at a Youth Interface rally in Bindura early this month, President Mugabe emphasised that small miners were allowed to mine on their claims but should avoid polluting rivers. He also emphasised that people without mining permissions should not be allowed to do so.

"Ndosaka ndichiti hapana anosungirwa kupihwa ivhu redu iri, maclaim kana ari emadiamond, echrome kana gold tisina kubvumirana. Zvicherwa zvevanhu izvi, ngazviende kuvanhu izvi.

"Hatina kumboti makorokoza ngaarege kuchera, takati ngaarege kukanganisa nzizi," said President Mugabe. Through Zim-Asset, a number of projects are being implemented to enhance economic growth using the available natural resources. This however, is providing a solid platform for Zimbabwe's transition into a green economy. As power is a critical player in value addition and beneficiation it is pleasing that Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Power Development is promoting the idea of increasing access to clean and renewable energy so as to meet electricity demand nationwide. Hydro power projects of all sizes are being implemented countrywide to improve power generation in the county. For instance hydro projects such as Kariba South Power Extension, Batoka and Gairezi shows that Zim-Asset is alive to the need for renewable energy production to power economic growth in line with the green economy concept.

Such projects are meant to uplift the living standards of citizens especially for those who dwell in remote areas.

Also, in 2010 while delivering his speech at the 65th session of UNGA President Mugabe highlighted that there was need for the nation to recognize the pillars of sustainable development in order to develop the economy. He said, "We need to pay special attention to the three pillars of sustainable development, namely, economic growth, social development and environmental protection. In doing so, we should implement the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities."

This year, UNGA is running under the theme ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet'.

Since the country attained independence in 1980, President Mugabe has been preaching the gospel of peace among Zimbabweans and other African countries. Unlike other countries, Zimbabwe is still enjoying the fruits of peace at tranquility that was brought by self rule. In 2012 at UNGA, President Mugabe said that Zimbabwe firmly believes in the peaceful settlement of disputes between and among States in a manner that is consistent with the principles and purposes of the United Nations.