ED’s first 100 days a huge success
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s first 100 days in office have been a huge success, with his administration setting the economy on a recovery trajectory.
The President was sworn in on November 24 last year and completes his first 100 days in office on March 6.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, the President said: “The bottom line is an economy which is back on its feet.”
Among other notable achievements, President Mnangagwa said, his Government managed to secure $3 billion investment commitment from global companies. In a video posted on his Facebook Page, President Mnangagwa said: “Across all areas it has been a time of action. On economy, we passed a bold responsible Budget that cut huge swathes of waste, scaled back Indigenisation Act to open the economy to investment, facilitated greater use of mobile money to combat the cash crisis and to cut excise duty on petrol and small bank transfers.
“On corruption, the phrase zero tolerance approach has been backed up by action.
“We instituted a three-month amnesty to get back stolen funds, mandated all Cabinet ministers to declare assets, created dedicated anti-corruption courts in all provinces and clamped down on police
roadblocks.”
President Mnangagwa continued: “Internationally, we have been working hard to build our international relations and bring in investment and so far we have secured US$3 billion of investment commitments from some of the biggest companies in the world and in terms of human development we have ensured free health care for vulnerable groups while increasing the health and education budgets dramatically.
“We must of course be realistic and recognise that it takes more than 100 days to recover an economy. Real change takes some time. I know there are those among you who are frustrated at the pace of change and I understand that. But let me assure you that though we have had some major achievements this is just the beginning.
“After 100 days of action we are on the right path and we keep working to increase the pace of reform. Together we will build a new, prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe for all,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s administration also recorded a major milestone on the diplomatic front where it managed to positively re-engage with Britain, the United States of America, Russia and Australia, among other countries.
In less than three months, Britain dispatched three special envoys to explore ways of mending relations with Zimbabwe.
Last week, a high powered delegation led by Mr Adrian T. Bogart III (National Security Council director of African Affairs) met President Mnangagwa and expressed Washington’s willingness to work with Harare.
This is over and above other commitments being made by various ambassadors resident in Zimbabwe, willing to work with the new administration.
On the Look East Policy, the country’s relationship with China, which is the second biggest economy in the world also scaled new heights.
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to visit the Asian giant in April to further cement the already flourishing ties.