President Mugabe
By Simiso Mlevu and Lloyd Gumbo
President Mugabe will this afternoon give a State of the Nation Address where he is expected to inform the nation about the country’s present socio-economic and political situation.
14:00 Ministers and Members of Parliament are taking their seats in both the National Assembly and the Senate ahead of President Mugabe’ SONA. Some of the ministers already here at Parliament are Saviour Kasukuwere, Obert Mpofu, Chris Mushowe, Mike Bimha, Supa Mandiwanzira and Professor Jonathan Moyo, Walter Mzembi, Josiah Hungwe, Mandi Chimene and Andrew Langa
14:07 The Lower House is already full to capacity with some of the MPs taking seats in the Speaker’s Gallery usually reserved for visitors. Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda and his deputies Justin Mupamhanga and Christian Katsande are also seated in the Speaker’s Gallery.
14:11 National Assembly Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda has just walked into the House and leads the usual routine of prayers before business of the House start. He announces that President Mugabe will deliver the SONA at 3pm today and immediately suspends business of the day.
14:30 Vice Presidents Phelekezela Mphoko and Emmerson Mnangagwa have arrived in parliament for the SONA. President Mugabe is expected to touch on the food security situation, the current wave of job losses and ZIMASSET among other issues.
14:37 Parliamentarians, ministers and other government officials are now waiting for the arrival of President Mugabe to give SONA.
14:55 President Mugabe has arrived at Parliament Building and officials sing the national anthem.
15:00 President Mugabe is now making his address. He says he will touch on issues of revitalising agriculture, advancing benefitiation and value addition, unlocking the potential of small to medium enterprises, restoration and building of confidence in the financial sector, mordenising labour laws, pursuing an anti corruption thrust and implementation of special economic zones among other issues.
15:08 In order for the country to fully benefit on mining, government will support value addition and benefitiation of minerals. The tourism industry continues to grow owing to natural and man made resort attraction. This is coupled with the peaceful environment prevailing in the country, says Pres Mugabe.
15:12 The economic growth rate which was initially expected to be at 3.2 percent is now projected to be just above one percent. Government will amend the Banking Act to ensure financial stability in the country. Gvt has embarked on $120 million for Information Communication Technology in order to facilitate migration from analogue to digital. ~ Pres Mugabe.
15:16 We are grateful to the People’s Republic of China for the $90 million loan extended to us for medical equipment. Zimbabwe is positioning itself for a major economic takeoff as a result of ZIMASSET which requires massive capital injection. The government is currently reengaging the international community.
15:20 We expect a clear and robust legislative frame work in order to create a one stop investment centre. Government notes that unsound procurement practices are slowing down economic growth. A procurement policy will be crafted to guide procurement of materials by entities. Gvt has now embarked on a program of parastatal reform. It has prioritized 10 strategic parastatals and will start with Agriculture and Cold Storage Company.
15:25 Following the Supreme Court ruling of 17 July, government will review the labour law and will remove the common law that has been empowering employers to unilaterally fire employees without giving compensation. We intended to come up with an win win situation, says Pres Mugabe