By Tendai Chisiri
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged fellow Zimbabweans to march forward together in building our country in his New Year message at the State House on Saturday.
“We must march forward together, given that Chimurenga Chepfungwa is a process, not an event”, he said emphasizing with some vernacular words.
He send his warm greetings to all his dear Zimbabweans both at home and abroad.
“Today, we gather with those we love, as family and friends, during this special time of the year. For many of us, this is also a time to look back and reflect on the year that has gone by as well as on our goals and plans for the year ahead” His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa said.
“It is also a time to be grateful for the things that matter the most in our lives, that is good health, a decent life, the love of family and the companionship of friends”, he added.
He saluted all the hardworking breadwinners, who endeavoured to make sure that their families and dependants led comfortable lives. “I thank you. It is through your hard work and effort, that our country is also on a path for sustainable socio-economic growth and development”, Mnangagwa revealed.
“Together we reflect on the long list of achievements in 2022 with a sense of pride, motivated and emboldened to face the future” he added.
President Mnangagwa revealed that during the course of year 2022, many historic breakthroughs of great significance were recorded and also productivity and production targets were broken.
“In the agriculture sector, we managed to record a bumper harvest of wheat which saw Zimbabwe attaining self-sufficiency for the first time”, he said.
“With regards to mining, Zimbabwe is well on course to achieving the US$12 billion target by end of next year. This is benefitting from the conducive business operating environment. The increased discovery of lithium, a mineral in great demand in relation to the world’s response to climate change and production and deployment of green energy, stands to position Zimbabwe in a competetive position “, he added.
He also said the Second Republic is investing heavily in Science and Technology, including setting up innovation hubs and industrial parks. This has seen record breaking inventions and patents being registered and a lot of start-ups nurtured.
“Over and above this, for the first time, Zimbabwe is now self-sufficient in the production of medical oxygen and we also managed to launch our first satellite into space”, His Excellency said.
In the tourism sector, there has been a number of both local and international tourists increasing. “A number of airlines have also either entered our market or increased te frequency of flights into Zimbabwe”, added His Excellency.
Critical reforms by the Second Republic, including increased fiscal discipline, boosted overall investor confidence. In the manufacturing sector, the year 2022 witnessed increased capacity utilisation.
“This, coupled with destabilizing prices, has set Zimbabwe on a sustainable economic growth path. It has seen the country recording its highest foreign currency earnings ever. This was also made possible by Zimbabweans in the diaspora, who continue investing and sending money to their beloved ones as remittances”, revealed President.
The year 2022 also saw the devolution and decentralisation agenda at work. Through the devolution funds, a number of health facilities and schools were built countywide. “The historic celebration of Independence outside Harare in Bulawayo for the first time is a mark of our resolve as a united people”, elaborated His Excellency.
“The year 2023 holds much promise for our nation. Focus will be on modernizing, industrializing and growing our economy so that we attain our Vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income economy by 2030.This includes ensuring we earn more form our natural and human resource endowment”, reiterated Dr Mnangagwa.
In this regard, the Second Republic will continue implementing measures to grow our economy, taking advantage of the good rains and the benefits accruing from the engagement and re-engagement agenda.
“Through unity of purpose and hardwork, we are going to lift more of our people out of poverty and into prosperity, whilst at the same time leaving noone and no place behind “, hinted President Mnangagwa.
“I salute all Zimbabweans, in particular at grassroot village level. As I traversed the countryside, it was evident that our people are living through hard-honest work, at peace amongst themselves in their communities. Let no-one disturb that peace”, he added. Low
The loyalty of the security was applauded as he said they continue to serve our nation with outmost honour and dignity.
“Elections offer an opportunity to exercise our democratic right. As such, during next year, we will be holding the Harmonized General elections”, he said.
Mindful of the fact that we are a diverse but one people, united by one flag, I urge each and every-one of us to continue being peace loving and politically mature citizens. The defence of our hard-won independence must serve as a reminder to us all”, he added.
“We must march forward together, given the Chimurenga Chepfungwa is a process, not an event”, he advised.
“As masters of our destiny, we should also start looking beyond 2030, so that we will be able to create a better future for the generations to come”, he said.
“Finally, as we welcome the New Year, I wish you all joy, happiness, prosperity and peace. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, igotongwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe liyakiwa labalikhazi balo, Ibuswe labalikhazi balo”, he concluded.
He wished the Lord Almighty to continue in prospering our nation.
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