Debra Matabvu, Zimpapers WriterTHE spirit of sacrifice and selflessness that inspired heroes of the liberation struggle must be rekindled to guide both present and future generations in pursuit of economic development and the attainment of an empowered upper middle-income economy by 2030, President Mnangagwa has said.Addressing thousands of people gathered at the 45th Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday, the President said every Zimbabwean had a duty and responsibility to build a modern and industrialised country.The current generation, he said, should unite and work hard to ensure prosperity for all to become a reality “As we gather here at our National Heroes Acre and the many sacred sites across our provinces and districts, we must look ahead into the future, with resolve and optimism,” President Mnangagwa said.“Today’s commemorations are not just a holiday They must rekindle the spirit of sacrifice of the heroes and heroines we are honouring today who played their part The baton has been passed on to us
We, the youth, women and men, in both rural and urban areas, have the duty and responsibility to build a modern and industrialised Zimbabwe.“We will never fail Through our unity, patriotism, focus, zeal and hard work, as one nation, prosperity for all is becoming a reality.”President Mnangagwa said the people must boldly decide now that Zimbabwe will not stop at the upper-middle-income status or Vision 2030.“Let us break the ceiling and see beyond the horizon As heroes and heroines of the current era, let us open up innovative frontiers and scale unimaginable heights.“The spirit and flame of the revolution that inspired many of our gallant heroes and heroines should galvanise us, the united people of Zimbabwe, from Limpopo to Zambezi, from Plumtree to Mutare, towards realising more and more unprecedented milestones Forward ever, backward never
Success and prosperity are certain.”The President added that the sacrifices made by the country’s forbears must serve as a reminder to the current and future generations to guard the country’s sovereignty as well as working towards national development.In this regard, he said the Second Republic is spearheading various projects that positively impact the people’s livelihoods and welfare.“Theirs was a selfless struggle for the freedom we enjoy today, that must forever remain engraved in our collective conscience,” President Mnangagwa added.“This emboldens us to resolutely guard our sovereignty as well as fortify our resolve to build a prosperous economy encapsulated in our national Vision 2030.“Today, we also honour the living heroes and heroines who continue to be epitaphs of patriotism, loyalty and commitment to one’s country.“The historic feats of our heroes and heroines are an enduring legacy bequeathed to us, which should serve as an inspiration in our march to realise Vision 2030,” he said.President Mnangagwa added that while the liberation struggle had brought political independence, the fight for economic emancipation and freedom remains.He also said despite various challenges faced by the country, which include illegal sanctions, climate change-induced disasters and fluctuating international commodity prices, Zimbabwe’s economy has continued to show great resilience.“The multi-pronged reform programmes implemented under the Second Republic are having positive and evident impacts to the economy as well as the quality of life of the citizens.“Despite challenges characterised by the effects of illegal sanctions, fluctuating international mineral commodity prices, and a fluid global trade environment, our economy is demonstrating remarkable resilience.“The national Gross Domestic Product is now pegged at US$45,7 billion, rising from US$16 billion in 2018 The current domestic demand growth is pleasing, while the projected 2025 economic growth of six percent is well within reach.“The capacity of the national fiscus to resource key priority areas such as agriculture, health, education and social protection, as well as infrastructure rehabilitation and development, continues to be enhanced,” he said.President Mnangagwa applauded farmers across the country for being custodians of the land that the gallant sons and daughters fought for.He said the country’s agriculture success story was a testament of Zimbabweans’ perseverance and hard work “The new land tenure system is going to revolutionise the agricultural sector through enabling farmers to invest in increased production,” the President added.“As a result, transformational impacts are expected in the sector, with regards access to financing, increased productivity, as well as mechanisation and on farm infrastructure investments.“Zimbabwe’s success stories in maize, wheat and traditional grain production, record levels in tobacco production, along with the rebound growth of the national herd and increased milk production, are testament to the hard work and perseverance of our people.President Mnangagwa“We, thus, celebrate farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture sector, who continue to be worthy custodians of the land, which our heroes and heroines paid for with their precious blood.“Our heroes would definitely be proud of the positive strides, which our farmers are making.” President Mnangagwa said the localisation of value chains and beneficiation thrust had resulted in the growth of the manufacturing sector, which is now contributing 15 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Government initiatives, including the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan and the Local Content Strategy, are driving value addition, job creation and export growth, with new investments in sectors such as iron and steel, cement and food processing thriving under a stable, business-friendly environment.The President said the mining sector remains central to economic growth and the country’s minerals will be harnessed for broad-based economic benefits and community empowerment, while promoting responsible mining that upholds environmental, labour and cultural standards.Zimbabwe’s push for energy self-sufficiency is being advanced through an expanded power generation mix, supported by Independent Power Producers focusing on renewables, and commended private players for installing large-scale solar units, significantly boosting generation capacity.President Mnangagwa added that a modern, efficient transport infrastructure remains vital for the movement of goods and people, with ongoing upgrades to national roads, airports and ports of entry.He cited progress made on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway, the opening of the iconic Trabablas Interchange, while work has begun on the Mabvuku-Tafara Interchange and Christmas Pass by-pass.The rehabilitation of key routes such as the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls, Karoi-Binga, Nkayi-Bulawayo, Arcturus and Ngungubane-Mataga roads, along with other rural and urban roads, President Mnangagwa said, were critical to development.He added that Government will continue to ensure inclusive development with additional resources set to boost local authorities’ capacity to deliver quality services and impactful projects.A comprehensive health strategy is being rolled out to modernise the sector, tackle non-communicable diseases and increase domestic funding to equip hospitals and clinics, keeping healthcare accessible and affordable.Government is introducing policies in the education system that seek to ensure that the sector produces skilled, innovative youths who can drive industrialisation, create new industries and enter export markets.Said President Mnangagwa: “To consolidate these gains, Government is strengthening the legislative framework governing the education sector.“The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Bill is now before Parliament, while the Teaching Profession Council Bill is undergoing Cabinet processes.“With regards to vocational, technical and entrepreneurial education, the Integrated Skills Outreach Expansion Programme is helping to drive innovation beyond cities, creating employment and boosting rural industrialisation efforts.“Likewise, to bridge the rural-urban divide, access to ICTs and digital information platforms, as well as the electrification of schools, is being intensified.”President Mnangagwa said the Government is prioritising climate resilience and orderly human settlements as key pillars of sustainable living, tackling irregular housing developments and issuing title deeds to affected residents.He applauded citizens, including those in the diaspora, for actively contributing to a nationwide housing sector that is transforming rural and urban landscapes with modern designs and improved aesthetics.The President added that Government will advance rural development through Presidential Projects, such as borehole drilling, livestock pass-on schemes, solar energy initiatives, internet connectivity and Village Business Units.He said Zimbabwe was committed to engagement and re-engagement as well as contributing expertise in diplomacy, peacekeeping and conflict resolution to promote global security and prosperity.President Mnangagwa also congratulated Zimbabweans for a successful tenure of the SADC chairmanship “Let no-one think that they can engage us as masters
We are a sovereign and independent people Zimbabwe has submitted its bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027 to 2028,” he said.“Additionally, we have reinforced our country’s commitment to global peace and security by becoming a founding member of the International Organisation for Mediation.“We look forward to sharing our experience in preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and conflict resolution, towards a more secure and prosperous world.“Later this week, Zimbabwe will be handing over the Chairmanship of SADC to the Republic of Madagascar This follows our successful term, which ran under the theme, ‘Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC’.”President Mnangagwa also said the culture, arts and heritage are vital to a stable and growing economy, with new culture centres being built nationwide to support creative industries.Youth engagement in socio-economic development and decision-making is a priority, alongside the development of multi-sports facilities to promote health, combat substance abuse and nurture athletic careers, he added.The President applauded Zimbabwe for successfully hosting major environmental events, emphasising sustainable resource use for current and future generations.The Heroes Day celebrations were attended by First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Dr Constatino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Government officials, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and families of heroes and heroines.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
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