ZIMBABWE has more than 140 pieces of legislation enacted during the colonial era to impede black empowerment and indigenisation, which need to be repealed or amended a Cabinet minister has said. Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere told stakeholders at a meeting held in Harare on Wednesday that the laws were stifling the smooth economic empowerment of the black majority.
“We still use some of these laws, which were enacted by the whites to protect their interests, today.
“There are about 144 laws that stifle easy empowerment of our people as some people and institutions take advantage of them to base their arguments,” he said.
Minister Kasukuwere said the Government was going to scrutinise the laws for amendments or repeal where necessary.
“I will be taking them to Cabinet soon for deliberations. We understand there are some individuals who are opposed to the empowerment programme but that will not deter Government intentions,” he said.
He said the laws included the Mines and Minerals Act, which allows for the arrest of gold panners.
“On that law the President and Cabinet have agreed to some amendments and the ministry is working on it.
“All those being called illegal miners who are in prisons are going to be released once the amendments are done,” he said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Economic Empowerment Organisation president Mr Paddington Japajapa said there would be more friction if the laws were not harmonised.
Mr Japajapa said the Urban Councils Act was being used by the Harare City council to issue licences or enter joint ventures with foreigners in the retail sector, which was reserved for indigenous people.
He urged the Government to stop the city from issuing retail licences to foreigners.
Mr Japajapa added that foreigners were also using the Marriages Act to acquire residence and work permits in the country.
“They come and lure our sisters into marriages after which they acquire permits before dumping them.
“Government should enforce a law that stipulates that a foreigner should be married for five or more years before a marriage certificate is granted,” he said
Meanwhile, the Government has unveiled indigenisation plans for every sector, with mining being the most successful following compliance by big firms such as Mimosa, Zimplats and Unki. — New Ziana.