Garwe calls for National Unity in advancing Vision 2030 Agenda

Local Government and Public Works Minister, Cde Daniel Garwe, has called on Zimbabweans to support the Vision 2030 drive, emphasizing that it is a unifying national agenda that transcends political affiliations. Speaking to councillors from six local authorities in the Midlands province, Minister Garwe underscored the inclusive nature of the initiative, which aims to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

The councillors, representing Kwekwe City Council, Redcliff Municipality, Vungu Rural District Council (RDC), Shurugwi Town Council, Chirumhanzu RDC, and Mberengwa RDC, are attending a three-day Heritage-Based Training Workshop hosted by the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology in Gweru.

Minister Garwe reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling its promise of a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans under the leadership of President Mnangagwa. He highlighted that Zanu-PF and veterans of the liberation struggle remain steadfast in their resolutions from the 21st Annual National People's Conference in Bulawayo last year, which advocated for the extension of President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028 to maintain continuity in the Vision 2030 agenda.

He noted that the government has begun implementing various resolutions from the Zanu-PF Annual National People's Conference, focusing on economic development, social services, poverty eradication, infrastructure enhancement, value addition, liberation war heritage, climate change, and international engagement.

Quoting the Bible, Minister Garwe stated that unity, peace, and development are at the core of President Mnangagwa's vision for the country. He further revealed that opposition figures, including Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, have expressed their willingness to support Vision 2030, acknowledging the transformative developments underway in Zimbabwe.

Minister Garwe urged councillors to follow the example of Members of Parliament who have embraced the Vision 2030 drive. He reiterated that the "ED 2030" agenda is now a national priority, emphasizing the need to promote and reinforce its objectives across all sectors.

He also highlighted the significance of the workshop in capacitating local authorities with knowledge on nation-building. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, he said, continues to conduct routine training programs to enhance the capabilities of council staff and councillors. A three-phased induction program is currently being rolled out to equip mayors, chairpersons, and councillors for their roles in governance.

Minister Garwe further emphasized the importance of including a heritage-based initiation course in the training and induction process to help local authorities better understand and align with the national development agenda. He stressed that inclusive development, as championed by President Mnangagwa, requires a collective effort from all Zimbabweans, regardless of background or political affiliation.