Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says production and productivity gains being recorded across various sectors of the economy must be maintained throughout the festive season.
The call was made in his Unity Day Message to the Nation on Monday.
During the 38th anniversary of the signing of the Unity Accord, the President reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to unity while also highlighting progress being achieved in several sectors of the economy.
Towards the end of the year, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) was launched, with a focus on industrialisation, value addition, and inclusive growth of the economy.
President Mnangagwa pointed out the upward trend of production, noting the positives recorded in the mining sector and the policies put in place to promote value addition.
“This upward trend of production and productivity must be sustained during this current season as we consolidate national food security and sovereignty. Similar success is being experienced in the mining sectors, where output of minerals has been on the rise. Efforts are underway to upscale local processing of the minerals to realise the best value for our God-given resources. The manufacturing sector is expanding while tourist arrivals are on the increase. Infrastructure development projects are positively impacting lives and livelihoods. Such notable advancements in these and other sectors of our economy have all been possible as a result of the prevailing unity, peace, and stability which our country is enjoying,” he said.
In the spirit of Unity, the head of state reminded Zimbabweans of their responsibility in advancing industrialisation.
“As we commemorate this Unity Day, let us remain alive to the responsibility upon each of us, those here at home and those in the diaspora. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo / ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo. We should carry on therefore e, modernising and industrializing our country, building on the solid foundation of our rich liberation war heritage and the Rev Unity Accord,” he said.
The President also called on the country’s citizens to defend national identity.
“Let us always patriotically defend our country as well as our national image, identity and the character of being a united image, identity and the character of being a United, peaceful, and hardworking people. This sense of pride should extend across every province and district from Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare. Takabatana, torivamwe; sibambene Simunye,” he said.
Social and political commentators contend that unity and peace are key elements in national develo
