Gokwe-Nembudziya, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed concern over the increasing destruction of lives and property caused by severe weather events in some districts, underscoring the urgent need to build climate-resilient infrastructure
in communities.
Addressing thousands of people gathered at Gokwe-Nembudziya to commemorate the country’s 45th Independence anniversary, President
Mnangagwa said that, in light of the growing impact of climate change, more resources have been allocated to restore and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, including schools, clinics, bridges, roads, and water supply systems.
“So far, houses constructed by the Government for flood victims are ready for commissioning, while over 400 boreholes have been drilled in
this province alone—some of which have been equipped with solar-powered pumps,” he said.
President Mnangagwa noted that although last season’s El Niño-induced drought affected many districts across the country, the nation had
managed to feed itself in the face of adversity.
He commended the success of the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, which also extended support to urban households through cash transfers.
He added that the ongoing Agriculture Transformation Strategy continues to deepen rural reforms aimed at ensuring food security, increasing grain production, and improving agricultural efficiency.
“Improved incomes for farmers—starting at household level—are becoming evident, while poverty eradication initiatives anchored in the agriculture sector have expanded. Thanks to the rural industrialisation policy, the volume of trade and value addition based on agricultural crops and products is reaching new highs.
“Steady growth in both the beef and dairy national herds, as well as other livestock categories, remains a priority. Preventing animal-borne diseases is also key.
Accordingly, programmes such as the Presidential Heifer, Piggery, and Poultry Pass-on Schemes—especially targeting women,
youth, and war veterans—will continue to be supported,” he said.
President Mnangagwa projected a bumper harvest from the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, which is expected to contribute to restocking the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Turning to the economy, he said it was encouraging that the country continues to experience positive growth, with the policies of the Second Republic yielding results.
He highlighted the mining sector’s leading role, particularly in supporting value addition across various sub-sectors.
“A 5.6% growth is expected this year, driven by new mining ventures and favourable commodity prices. The accelerated implementation of the National Development Strategy has positively impacted value chains within the manufacturing sector.
“Notably, the pharmaceutical sector has seen increased capacity utilisation, rising to 50% from a previous 43%,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to support local farmers and industries by purchasing locally produced goods, increasing investment in agri-business, and unlocking the full potential of the country’s land.
He reminded the gathering that it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard the nation from forces—both internal and external—that seek to
derail Zimbabwe’s developmental progress.
“Hand-in-hand, with focus and discipline, let us defend and work harder for the benefit of our motherland, Zimbabwe, now and into the future. We salute our security services for their loyalty, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to defending our country, its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and hard-won Independence.
“Tinotenda mawuto edu navo vese vanoshanda kudzivirira nyika yedu nekuzvitonga kwedu kuzere (We thank our security forces and all who work to defend our country and full sovereignty). All patriotic Zimbabweans are reminded to remain vigilant against the dangers of social media, which is increasingly being used to sow discord and spread false information,” he said.
He commended Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, for their continued vigilance, patriotism, and steadfastness in rejecting attempts by shadowy elements with questionable and opportunistic agendas to mislead the public.
President Mnangagwa emphasized that values such as love, mutual support, and trust are passed down through generations, just like the country’s culture, traditions, history, and moral principles.
“Moral standards and the family institution must be deliberately protected. Zimbabwe has been—and must continue to be—a stronghold of the traditional values upon which human civilisation is built. In this spirit, we must never neglect the plight of the elderly, orphans, persons with disabilities, and those vulnerable to drug and substance abuse, among others,” he said.
This year’s Independence celebrations are being held under the theme: “Zimbabwe at 45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.”
New Ziana
