Govt committed to reform agenda – ED

Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday said government remained committed to its legislative, political and economic reform agenda, but appealed for patience as some of the reforms required more time to complete.

Since coming into office, his administration has implemented a raft of political, economic and social reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the country.

Addressing diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe at a belated New Year’s luncheon, President Mnangagwa said the multi-sectoral reform programme was at the core of government’s agenda.

“The pursuance of reforms which consolidate the peace, unity and national cohesion remains at the core of my government’s agenda,” he said.

“It is our desire that both our economic and political reforms would progress in tandem. However, this is not always the situation. You will appreciate that the three arms of the state operate with their own calendars and at their own pace. More importantly, we must carry our people with us as we reform.”

President Mnangagwa said on the political front, the Political Actors Dialogue forum, which he has set with opposition political parties, was making commendable strides in advancing the reform agenda.

“The political actor’s dialogue is making notable strides and positively contributing to promoting sustainable dialogue, a culture of peace, tolerance, unity, national healing and reconciliation as well as rebuilding trust and confidence in our national institutions.

“In December 2019, we held an evaluation meeting where we reviewed our activities for the year and also developed a strategic plan for the work ahead. All parties within POLAD are determined to improve the effectiveness of this unprecedented platform as we go forward. Our arms remain outstretched to welcome those political actors who are yet to join,” he said.

On the legislative front, President Mnangagwa said reforms were also being carried out, citing the repeal of the Public Order and Security Act and its replacement by the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, and the gazetting of two of three bills to replace the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

He said a constitutional amendment bill to further enhance democratic space in Zimbabwe would be tabled in Parliament soon.

“Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the inter-ministerial task force chaired by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs (Ziyambi Ziyambi) reflecting agreed positions on many recommendations contained in the various reports of the international elections observer missions as well as the Motlanthe commission of inquiry report. It should be noted that most of the Motlanthe commission recommendations are already being implemented.”

President Mnangagwa pledged Zimbabwe’s participation in international treaties and fora and highlighted that government was conducting an audit of regional, continental and international treaties to honour those it was yet to ratify.

On the economic front, he said government had declared 2020 as the year of productivity and efforts were being made to modernise and industrialise the economy.

He implored the diplomats to explore ways of boosting economic relations between Zimbabwe and their respective countries.

“You will be aware that most jurisdictions which have undertaken structural macro-economic reforms such as those we have begun enjoy immense financial support from International Financial Institutions, however Zimbabwe has not enjoyed the same privilege.

“My government shall however continue to expedite the various programmes we have begun to turn around the fortunes of our economy. We want to create a situation where we do not enter the international community as beggars but as partners. We want Zimbabwe to be a competitive, attractive, stable and predictable investment destination where capital can feel safe,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said government would also pursue its re-engagement agenda.

“A peaceful, united, democratic, stable and economically prosperous Zimbabwe is indeed of greater benefit to the people of this country and the broader global community.”
New Ziana