ZIMBABWE is poised for enhanced transformation under President Mnangagwa who was sworn in yesterday for a second five-year term in office with political analysts expressing confidence that his positive leadership credentials would further steer the country forward and consolidate the gains achieved in the last five years.
President Mnangagwa romped to victory in the August 23 harmonized elections in which the revolutionary party, Zanu PF, also secured a majority of seats in Parliamentary and council seats.
Thousands of people including fellow Heads of State and Government and senior representatives from across the globe witnessed the President’s official inauguration at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
In separate interviews, political analysts said the President’s inauguration speech was spot on as it focused on consolidating the stability that is prevailing in the economy and assured stakeholders of policy consistency as a critical enabler for continued development.
They commended the President for clearly articulating his vision of a united and prosperous nation in which there is equitable and inclusive development at the heart of the national interest.
Noting that the election season has come and gone, President Mnangagwa also touched on critical development projects including the rehabilitation of Hwange Power Station Unit 1 to 6, ensuring the completion of the construction of Lake Gwayi Shangani, and investment in improved agriculture techniques to achieve sustainable national food security.
He also appealed to key stakeholders including the business community and potential investors to work closely with the Government in taking the country forward.
Political analyst, Mr Teddy Ncube, said going through President Mnangagwa’s message it shows that the Second Republic is firmly grounded in pursuit of transforming the country into a middle-income economy by 2030.
“By not diverting from this trajectory, the President is demonstrating a commitment to continuity and consistency in his policies, which is essential for long-term development goals,” he said.
“By staying on this development trajectory, the Government can continue its efforts to address key issues such as infrastructure development, economic reforms, and social welfare programs. This consistency provides stability and predictability for both domestic and foreign investors, which is crucial for attracting much-needed investment into the country,” said Mr Ncube.
He said this will also enable the Government to complete the projects that are already under implementation. Mr Ncube said policy consistency is also needed to attract investors to aid the country’s development agenda.
“By remaining on this trajectory, the Government can also continue its efforts to attract investment into various sectors of the economy, which will create opportunities for employment and economic growth,” he said.
“This, in turn, will contribute to reducing poverty and improving the standard of living for the people.”
Businessman and investor behind the proposed US$150 million Old Gwanda Road construction, Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo, who runs Zwane Enterprises lauded the re-election of President Mnangagwa.
“The Government has given support to the implementation of development projects. His re-election will be good for the continuation of the implementation of the development projects,” said Eng Mbambo.
Republican Party of Zimbabwe president Mr Kwanele Hlabangana commended President Mnangagwa’s sound leadership and efforts towards trying to unite the nation beyond the elections in pursuit of inclusive development.
“In terms of our political trajectory, you’ll appreciate that we are coming from an election, which was very highly contested and people were not certain that there was going to be this inauguration.
“This whole process went peaceful and the President has called for unity and invited all Zimbabweans to work together that elections are over in the development of the nation as we move forward,” said Mr Hlabangana
He said he concurs with President Mnangagwa that election posturing needs to come to an end.
Mr Hlabangana said President Mnangagwa has remained grounded on inclusive development and he was pure on that as he assumed the second term in office.
“In his speech, the President was clear that his Government will continue with the development agenda that leaves no one behind, which is very positive. This means there won’t be any major policy shift on the projects that the Government has initiated before. Key among them is the completion of Gwayi Shangani Dam, which will bring lasting solutions to Bulawayo water challenges,” said Mr Hlabangana.
Development practitioner Mr Anglistone Sibanda, who attended yesterday’s inauguration ceremony said President Mnangagwa’s messaging assures investors of stability and economic growth.
“There is also going to be continuing on the projects that have been started. The development trajectory remains the same. It creates a conducive environment for businesses and you will be guaranteed that there will not be any policy changes,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said President Mnangagwa also affirmed the country’s position of non-alignment on the international scene where he restated that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. – The Chronicle
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