Story by ZBC Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says political independence without economic emancipation is incomplete while calling on all Zimbabweans to continue working hard in various spheres to develop the country.
The President was addressing thousands of Zimbabweans who thronged Mt Darwin High School for the 43rd Independence Day celebrations in Mt Darwin this Tuesday.
“Political independence without economic independence is incomplete, thus empowerment programmes continue to anchor the Second Republic’s transformation agenda. We salute the many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the country that are employing thousands of people and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
“We are a fearless, resolute and unrelenting people. Despite the many hurdles that our country has been subjected to, including the 23 years of illegal sanctions, our Flame of Independence forever burns. It is encouraging that inflationary pressures continue to ease due to a combination of fiscal consolidation and tight monetary policy measures.
“The notable expansion, productivity and profitability of entities across all sectors of
our economy have seen our country recording the highest GDP growth in our region. Meanwhile, foreign currency earnings in 2022 were record-breaking,” he said.
The President also spoke on policies in place to anchor the agricultural sector.
“In the agriculture sector, we are “Going for Growth”, anchored by an assortment of policies. Under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, our people are being supported to grow traditional grains and cereals. More and more households are moving from subsistence farming to undertaking farming as a business.
“This 2022/2023 season, our country is projecting over 3.2 million metric tonnes of cereals against an annual requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes. This momentum will be sustained and the successes consolidated. Together, as one united and hard-working people, we have attained food security and food sovereignty,” he added.
He also touched on Zimbabwe’s quest to be “a friend to all and enemy to none” which he said is reflecting positively on the tourism and hospitality sector.
He attributed the positivity to an improved country image in source markets and sustained destination promotion which in turn spurred international tourist arrivals by 174% in 2022.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is, “Zim at 43: Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo: Brick upon Brick,” serving as a clarion reminder to all Zimbabweans of the weighty responsibility to develop the motherland.
The 43rd Independence Day Celebrations were held in Mount Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province, befitting the occasion, as it sits on what became one of the epicentres of the Second Chimurenga.
