Local business crucial in reviving the economy

Mutare (New Ziana)-The recent imposition of sanctions on businessman Kuda Tagwirei and his Sakunda Holdings by the United States is aimed at crippling the Zimbabwean economy through discouraging local business people from working with the government, an upcoming entrepreneur has said.

Liquid Cargo Africa Petroleum director and co-founder, Danmore Mambondiani said the inclusion by the US government of fuel mogul Tagwirei and his company for allegedly associating with Zanu PF showed lack of respect for human rights and was meant to cripple the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Liquid Cargo Africa is a wholly owned Zimbabwean energy company registered in 2018 and focuses on bulk fuel and water delivery, transport and logistics.

“According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe section (58)1 every person has the right to freedom of assembly and association and the right not to assemble or associate with others. This is supported by section 67 (2) which allows a person to form, to join and to participate in the activities of a political party or organization of their choice,” said Mambondiani.

“How is it an offense to associate with a political party of choice when the Constitution gives one a right of association under political freedoms?” he asked.

Mambondiani said political parties were voluntary organizations and the US government actions were meant to undermine the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.

He said since the country was put under punitive measures for excising its right to self determination, there was need for local people to rescue it through working with the elected leadership.

“Now the likes of Tagwirei are those that have the capacity to bail out our country. He is one man who was investing his money in the country to build the economy. Basically sanctions are made to cause uprisings since all supply veins for basic needs are blocked and investors are scared away.”

Mambondiani cited the case of Libya where sanctions were used to topple the government of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi.

“This creates shortages and in most cases, citizens will blame the government. The aim of the Americans is to replace the government with their puppets to protect its interests,” he said.

He said the tactic by the Americas to target local business people is aimed at creating a wedge between them and the government.

“The business sector is key in the development of any country. You have seen President Mnangagwa moving around with captains of industry in his engagement and re-engagement efforts sourcing for investments.

“Investors are interested in discussing with local business players with who they sign partnerships. Surprisingly, these captains are being targeted and punished for no reasons. This has been the case with (Mr) Tagwirei. This man has assisted us to realize our full potential in this challenging business of petroleum.

“Indeed this sector is now run and controlled by blacks. Once a black man is successfully running a sector, the benefits cascade to communities through employment and economic development,” said Mambondiani.

He said Zanu PF survived from its membership and Americans were trying to scare away the business community from supporting the revolutionary party.

“The Americans are doing it so that Zanu PF will suffocate and die while they are increasing sponsorship to opposition parties,” he said.

Tagwirei through Sakunda has been supporting numerous government initiatives including Command Agriculture.

He has also been at the forefront of supporting government efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Ziana