Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the country has recorded encouraging progress in all sectors of the economy despite enormous challenges and difficulties compounded by the existence of illegal economic sanctions.
He said this while delivering a State of the Nation Address (SONA) in parliament this Wednesday.
Delivering his speech, President Mnangagwa said the government is recording huge strides in all sectors of the economy despite existing challenges, owing to illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country by the West.
“Our commitment to enhance the well-being of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe by entrenching unity, stability, security and development remains a key mission for my Administration. The government is committed to the realisation of the promises made by our ruling party, ZANU PF. Despite enormous challenges and difficulties as a result of the illegal economic sanctions imposed on our country, we are recording encouraging progress. The philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, is anchored on inclusive transformation and shared prosperity,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa noted the resurgence of parallel market activities driven by speculative tendencies, saying corrective measures are being instituted to protect Zimbabweans from economic disruptions.
He said, “In response to the increased foreign currency pressures, and to deepen the foreign exchange market, the Reserve Bank allowed for greater flexibility under the willing-buyer willing-seller arrangement. The increased flexibility of the foreign exchange market is expected to further promote effective price discovery and encourage holders of foreign exchange to participate in the willing-buyer willing-seller market.”
The government continues to support the transformation of the media landscape to preserve culture and nurture a positive image for the country.
“True to the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the Montrose Television Studios in Bulawayo are being comprehensively modernized. Similarly community radio stations such as Khulumani FM and Central FM as well as Mbembesi and Ntepe Manama, in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, respectively, together with Madziva FM in Mashonaland Central Province are undergoing upgrades to increase the reach of broadcasting services,” said President Mnangagwa.
On the legislative agenda, President Mnangagwa said Parliament has an obligation to expedite the enactment of bills calling on portfolio committees to also take the business of parliament seriously during the Second Session of the 10th parliament.
“The list includes bills relating to: Persons with Disabilities; Administration of Estates Amendment; Civil Aviation Amendment, Death Penalty Abolition; Parks and Wildlife Amendment; Private Voluntary Organisations amendments and Mines and Minerals Amendment. Others are the Medical Services Amendment; and the Insurance and Pensions Amendment,” he said.
Close to 21 bills are set to be tabled under the second session of the tenth parliament which includes the Public Interest Disclosure Bill, which deals with the protection of the whistle-blowers.
The Head of State emphasised the need to continuously and jealously guard the peace, unity and security of the country’s citizens as well as Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty.
