Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says every decision taken by his administration is guided by what is in the best interests of Zimbabwe and its people, even if those decisions do not please everyone.
The President made the remarks during an interview with journalists from the public media at State House in Harare, where he responded to questions on governance, leadership, mining policy and the return of Zimbabweans from the diaspora.
Governance and leadership
Ruben Barwe: There are certain issues that sometimes nag you or push you to the wall. Are there times when you say, “I couldn’t sleep because I was thinking about these particular issues?”
President Mnangagwa: It is not easy to have a country that has no challenges, perhaps only in books. In real life, every country has challenges. No challenge faces a country unless that country has the capacity to deal with it.
Ruben Barwe: In relation to that, are there any particularly difficult decisions that you have had to make as Head of State?
President Mnangagwa: All decisions are difficult because, when you make one, it must be balanced and take into account the consequences. No decision can be taken lightly. You have to consider its effects and ask yourself what is best for the country and its people. That is what guides me. However, whatever decision you make, you cannot please everybody. I do not think even God pleases everybody.
Mining and beneficiation
Fungai Kwaramba (Zimpapers): The mining sector has been a key pillar of the Second Republic over the past eight years. Recently, Government banned the export of unprocessed minerals. Is there a specific timeline for establishing local refineries to ensure beneficiation and value addition?
President Mnangagwa: I believe the policy is correct. We have not set timelines for ensuring that everything is beneficiated because that requires significant resources. What is important is that we are following the correct path to ensure that our natural resources benefit Zimbabwe more than the countries to which we export them.
Fungai Kwaramba: We have seen some African countries enforce similar bans with mixed results. What makes Zimbabwe uniquely positioned to succeed?
President Mnangagwa: Let me be very clear. Every country is unique. Zimbabwe has its own circumstances and boundaries. Our issues must be addressed in a way that suits our country. We succeed or fail as Zimbabwe. We do not need to copy either the failures or successes of other nations. We must pursue what is best for Zimbabwe based on our resources, our skills, our vision and what we want to achieve.
Zimbabweans returning from the diaspora
Josephine Mugiyo: We are seeing more Zimbabweans returning home from the diaspora. How can they be integrated into the country’s economic and social development, particularly given the importance of skills to the country’s transformation agenda?
President Mnangagwa: I have no doubt that everyone returning home knows where they came from before they left for South Africa or elsewhere. The first step is to return to their roots and begin from there as they reintegrate into society. Government has not encountered any problems. We facilitate transport and welfare assistance. People tell us where they want to go, whether it is Chipinge, Bindura or elsewhere, and we assist them. They also enjoy the same Government services available to all Zimbabweans. Every Zimbabwean in the diaspora is welcome back home.
Fungai Kwaramba: Many of those returning have school-going children and are arriving in the middle of the school year. Does the country have the capacity to absorb them into the education system?
President Mnangagwa: I have not received any reports from the education sector indicating that schools are overwhelmed by children returning from abroad. Until I receive such a report, there is no cause for concern. At present, no complaints have been brought to my attention.
The President also credited Zimbabwe’s achievements across various sectors of the economy to the resilience, determination and focus of ordinary citizens.
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