NewsDay (Zimbabwe)

AMH NEW YEAR PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE 2024

Esteemed readers and partners,

- Kenias Mafukidze AMH Group Chief Executive Officer 01 January 2024

I ts that season where we close the year. As the year 2023 folds, we should really resolve to bid farewell to practices that fermented, intentiona­lly or unintentio­nally, the challenges of yesteryear. We literally stand at the threshold of a new chapter, brimming with possibilit­ies and opportunit­ies, should we be bold, united and discipline­d to harvest them. As publishers, our mission is to make a meaningful contributi­on to a just and prosperous Zimbabwe. We will never be shy to hold up the mirror to our nation and spark conversati­ons that will propel us towards a better future for our country. Today we come before you with a message aimed at building our country to become a respected contributo­r in the league of nations, but more importantl­y to uplift the livelihood­s of each and every Zimbabwean. We yearn for a God-fearing country in which all citizens are free to dream and pursue their passions in the fields of their choice; be it entreprene­urship, politics, entertainm­ent or sport.

We do not underestim­ate the power of the written word as it knows no bounds. It has the ability to inspire, to educate, and to transform lives. In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, we have the privilege and responsibi­lity to bring clarity, understand­ing, and unity through the pages and platforms on which we publish. In all our platforms we reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better future for every Zimbabwean.

Vision 2030

As we venture into this new year, we embrace fully the spirit and word embodied within Vision 2030 entailing the achievemen­t of an upper-middle-income economy for Zimbabwe. To achieve this there is need for a united social contract and dedication. We call on the whole country to confront the reality that achievemen­t of the dream is lagging. We say so not to discourage its pursuit, but in fact to point to the need for more aggression towards the attainment of this worthy goal. Indeed with all natural endowments at our disposals we owe this to ourselves. Zimbabwean­s deserve this. Mathematic­ally this means the achievemen­t of a per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of over US$4 000 by 2030. Put simply from a GNI of around US$22 billion in 2022, the GNI must grow 3,5 times to almost US$70 billion in the remaining seven years to 2030. This requires a fortified clear united national contract which can only be borne out of strong selfless leadership to bring us together and demanding excellence.

Prosperity, in its truest sense, is not merely measured by economic growth, but by the wellbeing and fulfilment of individual­s and communitie­s. This demands that citizens be taken as partners not subjects in the developmen­tal process!

In the pursuit of prosperity, we advocate a paradigm shift. We submit that we need to aspire to go beyond merely embracing innovation and new technologi­es to enhance our reach and impact. We must make a deliberate effort to resource the developmen­t and cultivatio­n of ideas so that we fire up the creativity of the youth. To the young people, the architects of our future, I say: dream big, for your aspiration­s have the power to shape our world. To the older generation who have paved the way, I express the deepest gratitude for their sacrifice and guidance. As a publishing house we will continue to adapt and evolve, leveraging the digital landscape to connect with audiences in new and meaningful ways.

The leadership imperative

One cannot over-emphasise the need for exemplary leadership in any transforma­tive journey of sustaining a double digit growth for the next seven years. To our leaders in both public and private sectors, we advocate a renewed war against corruption. The resolve required in championin­g a corrupt free inclusive developmen­t agenda in some ways exceeds the resolve that was required to fight the liberation war. This is because fighting a physical war is in line with our natural instincts of selfishnes­s, ego and the drive to conquer our enemies. Leading a nation to prosperity and attendant eliminatio­n of corruption challenges leaders to fight against their humanly instinctiv­e selfish interests. Being selfless is counter intuitive as it requires that we abandon personal interest in exchange for a wider shared goals and long term national interest.

To this end, work is cut out for His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Cabinet.

They have 2024 as another opportunit­y to set a strong foundation for unity and growth above short term political gains.

Tribute to our readers and partners

To our esteemed readers, we express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty. Your thirst for knowledge fuels our passion to deliver exceptiona­l content that enlightens, entertains, and enriches your lives. Our mission is to make meaningful contributi­on to a just and prosperous Zimbabwe something, which without our readers would be mission impossible.

To our esteemed partners, we extend our appreciati­on for your collaborat­ion and trust. Together, we have the power to shape narratives, influence opinions, and create a world that embraces the power of knowledge.

As we embark on this new year, let us embrace the spirit of abundance versus that of scarcity. Let us dare to dream, to imagine, and to create a future that is marked by , growth, fulfilment and above all LOVE. Let us celebrate the power of words and the transforma­tive impact they can have on individual­s, societies, and the world at large.

We wish you a year filled with prosperity, inspiratio­n, and the joy of discovery. May your journeys be fruitful, your endeavours be successful, and your aspiration­s be fulfilled.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

We are committed to fostering an environmen­t where creativity thrives, where writers are empowered, and where readers are enriched. The challenges we have faced so far should not break us as a nation but fuel us to forge a nation of unwavering resolve.

May this new year be a year of healing, of progress, and of unity. May it be a year that brings us closer to our shared vision of a brighter tomorrow.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

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