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President Mugabe

Farirai Machivenyika and Zvifadzo Lubombo
Zimbabweans want a sharp and vibrant Cabinet to steer the economy forward by spearheading and implementing policies that transform the lives of ordinary people. They said although industry had been ailing for a long time and needed attention, it was, however, imperative that people who suffered for more than a decade owing to the effects of the devastating illegal sanctions be cushioned.

President Mugabe is expected to appoint his Cabinet anytime soon  in the wake of his inauguration last Thursday before a capacity crowd at the 60 000-seater National Sports Stadium.

Speaking in separate interviews in Harare, the people said the new Cabinet was supposed to address the scourge of corruption and other forms of unethical conduct in private and public sectors.

Mr James Makawa of Highfield, Harare, said he expected the President to blend youths and experienced cadres when he appoints his Government officials.

“A number of young people were elected during the elections so I hope some of these people will also be considered for ministerial posts because the youths are central to the economic growth of our nation as no nation can boast of having a bright future when its youths are not included in the mainstay political and economic processes of a country.

“Young people play a significant role as they are the future of the country, so I hope they will be considered. Mind you, these young people understand better some of the new challenges that are emerging”, he said.

Ms Miriam Chimuti, who resides in Borrowdale, said it was imperative that President Mugabe appoints ministers that did not pursue selfish interests.

“We hope President Mugabe will appoint ministers that will not pursue self-enriching agendas, but those guided by the need to promote the well-being of ordinary Zimbabweans.

“In the past there have been some ministers, some who have used their official positions as platforms to boost their economic fortunes, so we hope the President will appoint people of integrity to steer the country forward,” Ms Chimuti said.

She added that the electorate voted for them because they expected to see change in the Government, but history has shown that some leaders tend to concentrate on their selfish interests.

Her sentiments were echoed by Mr Bheki Siwela, who said the new Cabinet had to fight corruption as it was the biggest obstacle facing the nation in the quest for development and social transformation.

“In the same way we conducted our elections in a peaceful manner, corruption should also be shunned by everyone and it would therefore be important if the Cabinet is made up of men and women of integrity who will be dedicated to fighting this scourge that has drained the country’s resources.

“I also expect President Mugabe to ensure that non-performers of the past Cabinet are not included in the Cabinet and that new blood is infused to ensure continuity in the future and adoption of fresh ideas to move the country forward,” Mr Siwela said.

Mr Thomas Chakabva, an economics student at a local university, said industries that suffered due to the illegal sanctions-induced hardships were supposed to be given first priority.

“If you look at our supermarkets, we have been turned into consumers of products from other countries and that means by buying these products we are exporting jobs to those countries.

“We want the Government to make sure that the jobs promised are created and our people spearhead the economic transformation.
“We want people who think big to be promoted. The people who have taken a lot of cheap money through Government programmes before and failed to produce should not be allowed again to waste resources. Let the Government support people, mainly brilliant youngsters full of energy with the cheap money,” he said.

Ms Lina Jawona from Glen View 4 high-density suburb said the President should appoint a Cabinet that serves the interests of Zimbabwe.
“We want a Cabinet that is made up of people with a proven track record and an understanding of the history of the country.

“The persons should also have the interests of every Zimbabwean and not being driven by sectoral interests. The new Cabinet should also ensure that programmes such as the indigenisation and empowerment programmes are implemented to the fullest to ensure that people have access to their wealth and improved livelihoods,” she said.

Ms Beauty Kachidza from Zengeza 5 also said while it was important for President Mugabe to infuse young blood in his Cabinet, it was also necessary that these young people be guided by the experience of senior members who have been in Government before.

She said the new Cabinet should ensure that the indigenisation and empowerment programme benefits all Zimbabweans especially those in grassroots communities.

“The new Cabinet should work to ensure the indigenisation programme succeeds for the benefit of everyone. It should not tolerate corruption and should work for the upliftment of disadvantaged groups like women and the youths. This time we want people who have not benefited from other Government programmes to be considered first, the cake continues to be shared by the same people,” she said.

The inclusive Government failed to operate effectively due to bickering and parties clashing on ideological lines and it is everyone’s hope this time that all Zanu-PF’s people centred programmes will be implemented without disruptions.

In his acceptance speech on Thursday, President Mugabe spelt out his vision for the country in the next five years that is likely to answer questions the majority of the people have been raised.

•    Mining will be the centerpiece of economic recovery and growth.

•    Intensify the exploitation of existing deposits.

•    Intensify beneficiation of raw minerals.

•    Indigenisation and economic empowerment of the people.

•    Employment creation.

•    Indigenious people have controlling shares in all ventures that exploit non renewable resources (51/49 percent shareholding principle).

•    Will not insist on 51/49 percent where an investor brings own capital, technology, expertise and raw materials.

•    Food security where Government supports farmer with inputs.

•    Adequate electricity and irrigation schemes to ensure food sufficiency

•    Provision of clean water.

•    Equip hospitals, clinics and dispensaries to ensure health delivery.

•    Infrastructure development and rehabilitation of old ones