By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – In a wide-ranging State of the Nation Address (SONA), His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa laid out a comprehensive agenda for Zimbabwe’s Second Session of the Tenth Parliament. Delivering his speech before a joint session of lawmakers and senior government officials, the President touched on key priorities spanning the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, social development, and the legislative priorities for the coming year.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to “inclusive transformation and shared prosperity,” the President highlighted the country’s progress despite the significant challenges posed by the recent devastating drought. He expressed profound gratitude for the international humanitarian aid received, stating, “On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, I want to express my profound appreciation to all those countries and organisations who responded to our Domestic and International Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance in the first quarter of 2024, following the devastating drought.”
Praising the resilience and contributions of Zimbabwean farmers, the President projected a new record wheat harvest of 600,000 tons, up from previous years. “I congratulate ARDA for scooping the prestigious 2024 Africa Food Prize, in recognition of our people-centred transformative agriculture policies,” he said, adding that the state-owned agricultural company has been given a target of 500,000 tons of cereals for the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Emphasizing the importance of water harvesting in the face of climate change, the President stated, “Water harvesting remains critical to climate change mitigation and adaptation towards complementing rain-fed production systems. The full utilisation of small dams and weirs as well as conveyancing around the bigger dams is top priority to my Administration.” He expressed optimism for the upcoming summer cropping season, noting the progress of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Climate-Proofed Agriculture Production Scheme.
On the economic front, the President cited the adoption of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024 as a significant step towards stabilizing the domestic currency. “The adoption of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024, was an important step towards stabilising the domestic currency anchored by our gold and precious metal reserves,” he stated. The President announced measures to deepen the foreign exchange market, noting, “The increased flexibility on the foreign exchange market is expected to further promote effective price discovery and encourage holders of foreign exchange to participate in the willing-buyer willing-seller market.”
The President reassured the nation that the banking sector remains on sound footing, stating, “The banking sector continues to maintain sufficient capital and liquidity buffers, while profitability, asset quality and liquidity matrix have also remained stable.” However, he acknowledged the resurgence of parallel market activities, vowing, “Corrective measures are being instituted to protect all Zimbabweans from economic disruptions.”
Turning to the legislative agenda, President Mnangagwa called on Parliament to expedite the enactment of several Bills, including those relating to persons with disabilities, estates administration, civil aviation, death penalty abolition, and the regulation of the teaching profession. “The list includes Bills relating to: Persons with Disabilities; Administration of Estates Amendment; Civil Aviation Amendment; Death Penalty Abolition; Parks and Wildlife Amendment; Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment; and Mines and Minerals Amendment,” he stated.
The President emphasized the importance of aligning various acts with the country’s Constitution and presenting protocols for ratification. “It is my sincere hope that this Honourable House will expedite the alignment of our laws to the Constitution as well as consider for ratification several protocols that have been signed,” he said.
Addressing the issue of road traffic accidents, the President expressed concern and promised “more stringent measures to safeguard lives.” He also acknowledged the challenges in national power supply, attributing it partly to “low generation at the Kariba Power Station,” and anticipated improvements from upcoming independent power producer projects. “The country’s position on the use of alternative energy sources should be intentionally examined,” he stated.
On the social development front, the President highlighted the transformation of the media landscape, referencing the modernization of the Montrose Television Studios and the expansion of community radio stations. He underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the health delivery system, stating that they are “availing resources for the acquisition of essential medicines and specialist medical equipment.” The President also emphasized the importance of education, stating that “the pace of the modernisation and industrialisation of our nation depends on the type of education that we expose to our young population.”
Addressing regional integration and international engagement, the President noted the successful hosting of the 44th SADC Summit and the signing of tripartite agreements with neighboring countries. “To advance regional economic integration, investment and growth, Zimbabwe signed a tripartite pact with Botswana and Mozambique for the construction of a railway line that links our three countries,” he stated.
The President also highlighted the benefits of the Second Republic’s Engagement and Re-engagement Policy, expressing gratitude for the support received from the international community. “Our re-engagement efforts have yielded positive results, as evidenced by the successful hosting of the 44th SADC Summit in Victoria Falls in August 2024,” he said.
In concluding his address, President Mnangagwa expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome adversity and move forward on the path of development, prosperity, and unity. “Together, let us lay a solid foundation for economic prosperity, peaceful development and freedom from undue external interference,” he urged, calling on all Zimbabweans to work together and build a brighter future for generations to come.
“Through positive mindsets, maximum production and productivity as well as hard honest work across all farming sub-sectors, industry and commerce, the future is bright,” the President declared. He concluded by formally declaring the Second Session of the Tenth Parliament officially open for business, expressing his belief in the legislative body’s ability to enact pro-development and pro-people laws.
The President’s comprehensive SONA has set the stage for a pivotal legislative session, with a focus on strengthening the foundations of Zimbabwe’s socioeconomic progress and solidifying its position within the regional and global arena. The ambitious agenda outlined in the address underscores the government’s determination to overcome challenges, enhance the well-being of all Zimbabweans, and chart a course towards a prosperous and united future.
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