Zimbabwe @ 44 and still going strong
BORN out of the perseverance of its sons and daughters 44 years ago, Zimbabwe has stood the test of time and is still going strong after 'weaning' itself from colonial masters, Britain. Thousands of gallant freedom fighters lost their lives and others lost limbs in the quest for freedom.
They made sacrifices so that Zimbabwe and its people can today stand tall, as masters of their own destinies.
No amount of payment can equal the contribution of the gallant sons and daughters, many of whom never lived to see the fruit of their efforts.
Zimbabwe has been through a lot and like any country or institution, it persevered.
For some years now, the economy has been on its knees forcing citizens to venture into informal businesses to earn a living.
In one of his many speeches on the subject of independence, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said: “I am aware that our economy is now highly informal. My administration under the second republic will accelerate multi-pronged empowerment initiatives for start-ups and SMEs, especially those run by the youth and women, to grow and strengthen our manufacturing industrial base. My administration will carry on using the law as a tool for development. Hence, the legislative agenda will be informed by this underlying principle. "
Mnangagwa attributed the current state of the economy to illegal sanctions against the country and also expressed the government's willingness to turn things around, engaging those that imposed the sanctions.
“Although our country has been a victim of unjustified illegal economic sanctions and other hostile measures, we continue to reach out for unqualified friendship.”
“We harbour no ill-will against any nation. Zimbabwe seeks and pursues friendship with all peoples and nations. We are further optimistic that those nations which have wronged and hurt us, will realise that there is more to be gained from friendship and alliances. Meanwhile, we thank all those who have weighed in to call for the lifting of these illegal sanctions.”
Mnangagwa has also been on record saying: “The culture of reconciliation remains a fundamental foundation for national unity and racial harmony. Consequently, our socio-economic stature since Independence in 1980, has been greatly transformed.”
“From a racially divided society, riddled with inequities; we have become a united, non-racial society where our citizens mix and mingle without any regard to colour, creed, tribe or region.”
Forty-four years on, Zimbabwe has indeed buried the hatchet with its colonial master, Britain, proving the African culture of Ubuntu and the Christian doctrine of forgiveness.
Second republic
The advent of the second republic, in 2017 ushered in a new vision for Zimbabwe to become a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.
The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1 20212025) clearly outlines the national priorities to be undertaken to realise this vision. It seeks to develop the country without leaving no one and no place behind.
To date, the second republic has achieved milestones that continue to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans while leaving no one and no place behind.
Infrastructure projects
The government has implemented 187 of the 235 promises made under the leadership of Mnangagwa. These projects include the construction of dams, roads, airports, water pipelines, border posts, major mining operations: lithium and iron ore, and other critical infrastructure which positively impacted on the socio-economic lives of our people.
Agricultural development
The second republic embarked on a programme of constructing dams and revamping irrigation schemes as a way of mitigating challenges faced by the changing climatic conditions and boost food security. Irrigation schemes have transformed households from subsistence to commercial agriculture. The 1200 dams in the country will create over 50 000 fish farmers countrywide by 2025.
Road construction and rehabilitation
The road network is vital to Zimbabwe’s economy, and the second republic prioritised dualisation, upgrading, and rehabilitation of roads. To ensure that no one is left behind. Government’s Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 has prioritised the rehabilitation of roads in towns and cities. While there are many infrastructure development projects across the country, the rehabilitation of the Harare-Beitbridge Highway and modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post to bring in efficient systems aimed at reducing or eliminating delays, are the two signature projects of the Mnangagwa’s administration.
Developments in mining
Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to offer numerous opportunities for exploration and value addition, while leveraging technology to drive production.
Developments in housing, schools and clinics
Over the last few years, the government has built and equipped more than 121 new clinics and rehabilitation health facilities.