IN a decisive moment for Zimbabwe's future, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been granted
another five-year presidential mandate with the crucial task of driving the nation towards a middle-
income economy by 2030.
As the country embarks on this journey, it is essential that people as a nation, rally behind the
elected leader and collectively work towards realising the promises made during the election
campaign. President Mnangagwa is now the leader of the country and not of a party.
This is how democracy works. One may not have voted for him but one has to accept that he is the
country’s leader and not of a particular section of the people. Similarly the President understands
that he leads all the people and not just those who voted for him.
His policies will affect the totality of the nation and not just of Zanu PF. We all buy the same
foodstuffs, pay the same fees, use the same public transport and rely on the same power grid. None
of these things are partisan. What affects one affects all.
The transformation of living standards, both in rural and urban areas, is within our reach, provided
we embrace responsive policies, projects, and programmes that were initiated during President
Mnangagwa's first term.
To overcome the challenges that lie ahead, it is imperative for Zimbabweans to unite, work hard, be
innovative, resilient, focused, and determined. This is a pivotal moment in our history, and it
demands the full participation and dedication of every citizen.
It is time for every one of us to put our hands on the deck and work tirelessly towards the
development of our country, guided by the mantra: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
Undoubtedly, we have witnessed success stories in agriculture, which have contributed to making
Zimbabwe food secure. These achievements serve as a testament to the potential that lies within
our nation.
However, we must not rest on our laurels. The government must continue to formulate and
implement pro-poor policies that empower ordinary citizens. It is through such policies that the
benefits of economic growth can be shared equitably among all Zimbabweans.
While celebrating the progress made in the agriculture sector, we must not neglect the need to
consolidate achievements in other sectors of the economy. Zimbabwe is blessed with vast mineral
resources, and it is imperative that these resources are harnessed in a sustainable and responsible
manner.
The government should prioritise the development of policies and frameworks that ensure the fair
and beneficial utilisation of these resources for the betterment of the nation as a whole.

Furthermore, as we move forward, it is crucial to address the challenges that have hindered our
progress in the past. Corruption, inefficiency, and bureaucracy must be actively combated to create
an environment that fosters economic growth and attracts foreign investment.
Through unity of purpose, we can build a thriving economy that benefits every Zimbabwean.
As citizens, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the development of our country. Let us
draw inspiration from the successes we have witnessed thus far and channel our collective energy
towards achieving our shared vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe.