Zimbabwe shall rise again

EMMERSON Mnangagwa, in his message during Zimbabwe's 38th Independence celebrations,  months after the coup that removed long-serving leader Robert Mugabe and a few months before his election as President Zimbabwe was on the verge of a new dawn and would surely rise again.

Three years down line, what he said then is yet to come to pass though there are some areas where he has lived up to his words.

Below are excerpts from his speech then; where he laid out the plans for every sector and how these would be revamped in accordance with the strategy to bring back the country's lost glory.

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you all to these historic national celebrations, marking 38 years of our hard-won independence. This year's celebrations have a renewed significance, as they are the first under the new dispensation, the first in a new Zimbabwe.

Today, we remember all the heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedom and national self-determination today.

We honour and salute them for the independence and freedom that they bequeathed us. May their memory live on through the achievements and aspirations of our great nation, and may their souls rest in eternal peace.

Five months ago, the people of Zimbabwe took to the streets in a peaceful revolution. They called for freedom, progress and a new way of doing things. Like the heroes before them, they called for a new Zimbabwe. We heard their voices, we shared their vision, and we are committed to delivering it.

Together, we are embarking on a new journey of nation building, irrespective of creed, language, age, religion, or political persuasion. In unity, peace, and harmony, guided by the love of our country, and informed by a desire to build a better tomorrow, we are rekindling the pride in being Zimbabwean.

We have raised our national flag high. Our national anthem reverberates in every corner of our great country, a constant reminder of our identity, and a prayer to God Almighty to abundantly, "Bless our native land!" I call on all Zimbabweans, at home and abroad, to proudly celebrate the past, and boldly stride forward, arm-in-arm, towards a brighter future.

Our 38 years of independence have not been without challenges. Mistakes have been made, opportunities have been missed. In recent years, progress has not been as smooth as we would have liked.

But today, 38 years after we declared our Independence and five months into our new Zimbabwe, we say Makorokoto! Amhlophe! Congratulations Zimbabwe! God Bless Zimbabwe!
At my inauguration, in recognition of the challenges facing us, I underscored the urgent need to pursue rapideconomic growth and a trajectory of transformation.

In this endeavour, my administration's focus is on the pursuit of investment-led economic recovery, job creation, enhancing the ease of doing business, attaining national food security, poverty reduction, construction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, effective provision of social services, respect for the rule of law, and the fostering of an environment in which private enterprise is allowed, encouraged, and protected.

We have set our national vision to be a middle income country by 2030, with increased investment, broad-based empowerment, decent jobs, and a country free from poverty and corruption. Granted that the task is great, the pace of change is not always as we would have liked, and we will not achieve all our goals overnight.

But inspired by this vision, underpinned and buttressed by unity of purpose, transparency, accountability, dialogue and unswerving discipline, we shall realise our goals. Zimbabwe will rise again!

One of the most evident changes in the past few months has been the renewed spirit of unity, optimism and determination, among our people. Once again, we are free to dream, to hope, and to believe.

This renewed domestic and foreign investor confidence has seen our projected economic growth increase from 3,7% last year, to 4,5% in 2018. This upward momentum is underpinned by the positive performance in the agriculture, mining, tourism and construction sectors, and is further spurred by increased revenue performance following the plugging of revenue leakages.

This new spirit has spread outside our borders, and we are hugely encouraged by the goodwill our country continues to receive from around the world.

This renewed domestic and foreign investor confidence has seen our projected economic growth increase from 3,7% last year, to 4,5% in 2018.

This upward momentum is underpinned by the positive performance in the agriculture, mining, tourism and construction sectors, and is further spurred by increased revenue performance following the plugging of revenue leakages.

Command agriculture

My government, building on the successes of command agriculture, is determined to ensure continued food self-sufficiency and nutrition, and increased land utilisation and productivity, through mechanisation and modernisation of our agriculture sector.

Command agriculture, which now also includes cropping, livestock, fisheries and wildlife has seen US$10 million being availed for beef cattle breeding, starting with livestock-related programmes in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, and soon to include other parts of the country.

In line with sustainable resource utilisation and environmental management practices, my government has also put in place strategies to resuscitate and protect the forestry industry.

In agriculture, as in all fields, we are strongest when we work together.

We, therefore, applaud the private sector which has partnered my government in delivering these initiatives, in response to our call for a united and collective approach to national economic rebuilding.

We are confident that these ongoing efforts will not only rejuvenate agro-value chain industries, but will also help improve the livelihood and incomes of our rural communities and equally contribute to the achievement of economic growth benchmarks.

Furthermore, my government is taking measures to minimise the adverse effects of climate change through dam construction and acquisition of requisite equipment, to increase our irrigation capacity.

A budget of US$37 million has been set aside towards the national irrigation rehabilitation and development programme. In addition, we continue to source modern irrigation equipment from around the world. Following my recent visit, the People's Republic of China has pledged to assist in the drilling of boreholes throughout the country.

Meanwhile, we are encouraging development and investment in the agriculture engineering sub-sector, and are harnessing our human capital competencies in this area, so as to increase our own internal capacity to produce agriculture equipment.

To date, Russia and Belarus have made firm commitments to set up agriculture and engineering plants in Zimbabwe.

Mining

The mining sector continues to be one of the leading sources of investment and export earnings, with a huge impact on employment opportunities and the economy.

To stimulate growth, and send a clear message of the new government, which has a new way of doing things, we have amended the indigenisation and empowerment policy, limiting the 51:49 percent investment ratios to diamond and platinum mining only.

As a result, we have opened up vast areas of our economy to international investment. Gold mining, a key contributor to our economy, continues to recover, while platinum, lithium and other minerals have equally experienced increased investments to date. We, however, appeal to all stakeholders to ensure sustainable mining practices whichrecognise the need to protect and preserve the environment for posterity.

A comprehensive diamond policy will be formulated to guide operations, development and sustainability in the diamond industry. Related thereto; the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company will commence full commercial production of conglomerate diamonds during this second quarter, following the installation of a conglomerate processing plant.

The opening of Liberation Mine in Matabeleland North and the reopening of Eureka Mine in Mashonaland Central, as well as the multimillion-dollar Arcadia lithium mining development operations in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East, will create thousands of jobs for our people.

In the same vein, the implementation of the recently signed US$4, 2 billion investment agreement by Karo Resources, to create an integrated platinum project, the largest investment in our mining sector to date, will directly create 15 000 jobs, and downstream additional employment opportunities.

Industry and manufacturing

To facilitate the modernisation and retooling of our manufacturing industry, government will continue its multi-pronged efforts to access lines of credit and affordable long-term financing for this sector. Following definitive local and foreign investment commitments, increased value addition and beneficiation of our primary products should soon commence in earnest.

The anticipated increased growth in the manufacturing sector further gives impetus to the revival of National Railways of Zimbabwe, which is key to our economic recovery strategy. Equally, the revival of Ziscosteel and the iron, steel and chrome industries will further stimulate the manufacturing sector as a whole, creating yet more jobs.

Industry and the manufacturing sector have witnessed a steady increase in capacity utilisation and notable expansion of some manufacturing concerns, such as Nestle Zimbabwe and the establishment of new operations, including Willowton in Mutare. My government is attending to various production factors, and in this spirit, has cut excise duty on diesel and petrol to bring down prices for consumers, and at the same time, enhance competitiveness.

In the quest to drive economic growth through innovation, and to nurture our human capital, institutions of higher learning, industry and commerce, are now collaborating on the development of competencies, skills and solutions that are addressing the changing economy.

Greater partnerships between our institutions of higher learning and their international counterparts are encouraged so that the country can engage in global best practices. My government will equally ensure that international scholarships are availed to our students. Scholarships are awarded purposefully, in line with the strategic national expertise and skills needs.

ICT, Infrastructure

Developing ICT infrastructure and harnessing technology-driven innovation in all sectors of the economy, is a key goal for my government. We will continue to facilitate the spread and connectivity of our ICT infrastructure across Zimbabwe, through programmes such as the National Backbone Optic Fibre Project. This technology infrastructure will create the right environment in which our young people will thrive, and be an instrument to economic development.

My government realises the importance of infrastructure to economic resuscitation and development.

We are, thus, vigorously working to establish, rehabilitate and refurbish our road and rail infrastructure, in order to facilitate smooth domestic and outbound movement of goods and services.

The implementation of the dualisation of Beitbridge-Chirundu highway, the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls road, the modernisation of the Beitbridge border post, and the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, among others, remain key priorities in my administration. The need to rehabilitate bridges, rural and urban roads, will be given priority.

Energy

As the economy recovers, the need for energy is steadily increasing. As such, the commissioning of the Kariba South Extension, which added 300 megawatts to our national grid, was timely and will bring relief to users, and reduce our energy import bill. In the same vein, work on the Hwange 7 and 8 Power Generation Project will soon commence, following the commitment by the People's Republic of China to support this project.

Resources have also been allocated to ensure the completion of the Gwai-Shangani Dam which will generate power for the surrounding communities.

There is need to fully utilise all dams such as Tugwi-Mukosi, and it is anticipated that vibrant agriculture green-belts will be developed for both the local and export markets. Meanwhile, the construction of Kunzvi Dam will be accelerated, following the sealing of the deal during my recent visit to China. With all this new power, the future of the new Zimbabwe is brighter than ever.

Tourism

The tourism sector continues to witness increased growth, as indicated by tourist arrivals and flight frequency of new airlines that land in both Harare and at the newly expanded Victoria Falls International Airport. This upward trend is projected to continue, following measures to boost air connectivity, visa regime reforms, and other strategies that boost our attractiveness as a tourist destination.

My government is currently seized with ensuring that Victoria Falls, and other tourist destinations throughout the country, develop a wider array of imaginative facilities to cater for leisure and lifestyle, entertainment and conferences, as well as the financial and commercial needs of the target source markets.

Social services

My government is committed to revitalising the social services sector, with a focus on the health delivery system, improving the quality and relevance of education and the need for clean water and sanitation provision.

We are equally mindful of the plight of the rural populations and the need to develop and create vibrant rural economies. In this regard, we increased the ministry of Health and Child Care operational budget by 62% in 2018, and we will continue to facilitate the construction of more hospitals, ensure the availability of drugs, and the presence of qualified and dedicated health service personnel.

An amendment to the National Disability Act will soon be finalised and this will comprehensively provide for the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities. My government also remains committed to implement deterrent and punitive measures to stamp out abhorrent abuses and practices perpetrated against women and children across Zimbabwe.

In the primary education sector, the construction of 17 new schools has commenced with support from the OPEC Fund for International Development, while improvement of the school curriculum is ongoing.

My government forges ahead with providing appropriate safety nets for vulnerable communities in our society. The food deficit mitigation programme, which has seen over 7 000 metric tonnes of grain being distributed to food insecure households serves as an example.

Additionally, over 400 000 pupils will be assisted, between June and December 2018 by the Basic Education Assistance Module. With the support of our partners, my government has expanded the school feeding programme for learners among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. In addition, the Zimbabwe harmonised social cash transfer programme is in place and reaches labour-constrained and food-insecure households.

Recognising the untold suffering and loss of wealth to the populace, and the chaotic urban development brought about by land-related corruption, my government has constituted the Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of State Land in and around our urban areas.

Local government, development initiatives With regard to local government, management and urban growth, my government has directed all local authorities to observe good corporate governance, strictly adhere to urban planning by-laws, and facilitate the provision of clean potable water and sanitation infrastructure, among other services and utilities.

Following the upgraded bilateral relations with China, the perennial water challenges experienced in Harare will soon be a thing of the past, as work at Morton Jaffray Pump Station is now scheduled to resume, following restoration of the facility.

We are well aware of the great hardships caused by the lack of availability of cash. This is a painful and poignant issue for so many individuals and families across the country, and a problem we are working tirelessly to solve.

We must all recognise that this issue is a significant one, and cannot be resolved overnight. Our job, as leaders, is to honestly recognise the scale of the challenges we face and to create concrete, viable plans to solve them.

To this end, we are accelerating the implementation of measures to resolve the shortage of cash within the economy, by mobilising foreign finance from regional and international financial institutions, increasing cash and currency importation, opening up the economy to investment, and enhancing exports to increase the supply of foreign currency.

While increased capacity utilisation has put positive pressure on the demand for foreign currency, my government has continued to ensure the financing of critical inputs.

In the same breath, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, working with African Export-Import Bank, has put in place a US$1,5 billion facility, earmarked for both liquidity support and the provision of guarantees for investments into the country. I am optimistic that these efforts will not only improve our credit rating, but will equally unlock fresh capital to finance our development agenda.

Locally, the central bank has launched

empowerment facilities targeting groups such as women, SMEs and youth, to promote financial inclusion. I urge the financial services sector to create robust financial packages that are responsive to the new Zimbabwean economy.

Once more, I would like to reiterate that Zimbabwe is indeed open for business. To this end, my government will continue to implement legal, institutional and administrative reforms, to increase the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.

Drawing on lessons from other countries, concerted and accelerated efforts are in progress to streamline investment procedures and convenience, through the establishment of a truly one-stop-shop investment centre. In addition, the National Investment Policy is now in place, while the Investment and Business Facilitation Bill, which seeks to give legal underpinning to Zimbabwe's commitment to open up its economy, is undergoing due legal process.

To improve efficiency, good governance and transparency in public sector procurement processes, the State Procurement Board was transformed into the Procurement Regulation Authority of Zimbabwe, through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.

Furthermore, my government has now established Specialised Anti-Corruption Courts to bolster the anti-corruption campaign.

To date, courts have been set up in Harare and Bulawayo with more to be established in other provincial centres. My government is also on a reform exercise to reform parastatals.

"Zimbabwe is open for business" in all facets and in every sphere; all government ministries, departments, agencies and State enterprises must adjust accordingly and adapt to new reality and a new work culture.

To all workers, I appeal for a new work ethic characterised by determination and honesty. We are cognisant of the plight of public servants, and we remain committed to improving their terms of service, while urging them to continue to exercise patience, as we grow our economy's capacity to generate the much needed resources.

We are humbled by the goodwill and support which our country continues to receive in response to our request to re-join the global family of nations. Driven by our national interest, vision and need to speed up economic development for the benefit of the Zimbabwean people, I have travelled in the region and beyond, sharing the new Zimbabwean story and our desire for mutually beneficial partnerships. I have met colleague Heads of State, world leaders, potential investors and business leaders from across the globe. We have received concrete commitments and extensive support for our economic development agenda.

In this spirit, envoys have been dispatched across the globe to highlight the new government's willingness to open a new chapter in our international political and economic relations with the rest of the world. We have, in turn, received envoys from China, Russia, the UK, the US, Belarus and the UAE, among others.

These initiatives have undoubtedly propelled our endeavours to attract foreign investment in order to modernise and grow our economy for the betterment of all people in our great country.

I recently made a successful state visit to the People's Republic of China, at the invitation of His Excellency, President Xi Jinping. This visit resulted in the upgrading of our bilateral relationship and agreements that will add impetus to the implementation of projects in the energy, water reticulation, construction, road and rail rehabilitation, tourism, ICT and healthcare.

Significant, too, is the convergence stemming out of China's Belt and Road Initiative which resonates with our vision for greater global trade, embedded in our own heritage dating back to the Munhumutapa Empire. This convergence offers us a window of unlimited opportunities as we grow and develop our economy.

The surmountable task to rebuild our economy is ours together, whether at home or abroad. Thus, during my foreign engagements, I met and dialogued with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora. I took time to explain developments back home, our vision and aspirations in the new era, and I listened to their views and hopes for the future. These interactions were indeed inspiring and insightful.

Back home, in line with my pledge to be a listening President, and my desire to hear first-hand the issues affecting our people, I continue to meet with Zimbabweans from across socio-economic and political spheres.

To date, I have met with captains of industry and commerce, traditional chiefs, church leaders, university vice-chancellors and senior administrators of institutions of higher learning, and representatives of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe.

I pledge that this culture of dialogue, unity of purpose, and open communication, will cascade through all levels of my administration, in order to enhance our accountability to our masters, the Zimbabwean people. It is through listening to one another and working together that we will achieve our goal of becoming a middle income country, which is free from poverty and corruption, with opportunities, employment and decent jobs.

The nation applauds the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and all other security services, for their unwavering loyalty, commitment and diligence in maintaining and protecting the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of our beloved country. We further commend our Defence Forces for all the assistance they render to vulnerable communities in times of national disasters.

Their intervention and personnel, and logistical support in the implementation of government programmes such as the distribution of grain to communities, the construction and rehabilitation of schools, roads and clinics are noted and commended and highly appreciated. In few months' time, our country will hold harmonised general elections. I urge all leaders of political parties to heed the call of our national anthem and "be exemplary" during our contestations and canvassing for people's support.

Let us shun and condemn all forms of violence, divisive, hurtful and hate speech.My government has put in place measures for the holding of transparent, free, fair and credible elections. In that spirit, we have invited observers from across the globe to witness our democracy in action, and have since received pre-election observer missions from Sadc, the AU and the EU.

Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all our country's friends from across the globes, who have sent us warm congratulatory messages on the occasion of this, Zimbabwe's 38th Independence anniversary!

As we commemorate and celebrate the birth of our nation, let us believe that our tomorrow is greater. Let us boldly and proudly sing our national anthem, and fly our flag high in renewed hope and unity. Let us think big of our country, for the Bible says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so he is." Let us also speak and confess well and the very best over our country, for the Bible again says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof."

Nothing is impossible. Zimbabwe shall rise again."