Story by Bruce Chahwanda
ZANU PF President and First Secretary, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa says sustainable socio-economic development and sovereignty can only be achieved through the use of a local currency.
He said this while addressing the ordinary session of the ZANU PF Politburo at the party’s headquarters in Harare this Thursday.
The President’s emphasis on using the local currency comes at a time the country has introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG) to foster economic stability and stimulate growth.
The President also urged senior party members to support initiatives so as to raise awareness on the local currency.
“As the politburo and senior members of the ZANU PF party, we should instil confidence among our people in understanding the transformational policies. Meanwhile, programmes and activities to educate and raise awareness among the public, including those led by the private sector, the church and community-based organisations, towards embracing our currency must be supported.
“In our case, sustainable socio-economic development, independence and sovereignty can only be realised through the use of our local currency. While the enemy constantly attacks our economy, work must be done to safeguard and defend communities from falsehoods and neo-imperial machinations being peddled by our country’s detractors, both from within and outside the country.”
President Mnangagwa urged party members to maintain discipline, and loyalty and focus on improving the quality of life of every Zimbabwean.
“Party members and particularly, officials and those in leadership must unflinchingly uphold the correct party line at all times, both in public and private. The supremacy of our party constitution, and the integral values of unity, patriotism and hard honest work should continue to be entrenched across the rank and file of the party.
“We cannot slacken in this regard. Following 24 years of illegal sanctions, we do not have the luxury to be preoccupied by trivialities, both internal and external to us as a party and country. Petty squabbles, jealousies and misplaced sense of entitlement are not acceptable. We are not a party about positions, we are about progress, prosperity, unity, peace and development for all of Zimbabwe, no matter where they live or their social standing,” he said.
On the climate-induced drought, President Mnangagwa said the party should continue to give communities hope as the government scales up programmes to enhance productivity.
“In light of the climate change-induced drought, we must all work harder to consolidate our achievements and confront our obstacles head-on and with confidence. The hearts and minds of our people will be won when we are solid and united in support of our ZANU PF policies, programmes and projects.
“Let us always give communities hope by leading from the front. There is no room for complacency. In spite of my recent declaration of a nationwide state of disaster, due to the climate change-induced drought, we are scaling up programmes to revitalise, modernise and climate-proof the agriculture sector. The mining, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure and energy sectors, among others, are growing.”
The Politburo also discussed the forthcoming 44th independence celebrations set for Manicaland province and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency, Dr William Ruto in Bulawayo later this month.
