By Fanuel Kangondo recently in VICTORIA FALLS

Vice-President Joice Mujuru has urged the business community to actively engage the Government in efforts to revive the country’s economy.Addressing the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce annual congress in Victoria Falls on Thursday evening, VP Mujuru said she had observed that business-persons were reluctant to partner with the Government to rebuild the economy.
She said on numerous overseas trips that the Government has initiated, the business community appeared reluctant to take part yet the overall objective was to promote business.

“We are all aware that we are operating under sanctions but as Zimbabweans we seem not worried about anything. It is as if Government and business are different, they are not in a hurry to solve the problems we have. 
“The problems are the same sanctions that are stifling the much sought lines of credit.  It seems our minds are under sanctions as well.  These sanctions were imposed by strangers. So why are we supporting strangers?  Why are business-people behaving like politicians? It now seems as if all of us are now in politics.  Why don’t you leave the politics to us and you just concentrate on business? That is how it should be.

“Your business is to make money, leave the politics to us because we are here to serve you, it is our responsibility.”
She said Government would continue to consult stakeholders to refine policy measures that seek to promote an appropriate business development environment.

VP Mjuru acknowledged the dialogue and continuous discourse between business organisations.
“This is what it should be and I urge all parties to continue on this path, which is the correct one. When all is said and done, it is incumbent upon you (ZNCC) among other lobby groups to continue to lobby the Government with new policy initiatives to enhance your business performance to enhance that of the whole economy.”

VP Mujuru paid tribute to the winners in the various categories of the ZNCC businesspersons of the year awards saying the Government appreciated their “never die” spirit  that they continue to exude.  She also paid tribute to captains of industry for keeping the economy on the rails through the tough and trying times.

Chicken Slice founder, Mr Tawanda Mutyebere walked away with the ZNCC Businessman of the year award while Mrs Nancy Guzha of Unilever received the Businesswoman of the year award.  Also honoured on the evening was Mr Gonye Muzumasake as the Rural Businessman of the year while Chipitani Safaris walked away with the accolade for the Exporter of the year.

Mbada Diamonds was honoured as the company with the outstanding corporate social responsibility and Mimosa Mine as the runner up.
The ZNCC  congress ended on a high note at the weekend with delegates applauding the “new-found” high level of engagement between the Government and business.