Mnangagwa says no time to waste I have to hit the ground running

Zimbabwe’s new President Emmerson Mnangagwa today pledged to revamp the country’s economy but insisted that the country’s controversial land reform programme would not be reversed.

Farmers whose land was taken would, however, be compensated.

Mnangagwa said his economic reform would be anchored on agriculture, especially the command agriculture programme which led the country to a bumper harvest last season.

Highlights of his address were that:

• Speeches will not cut it. I must hit the ground running
• We should not be held hostage by the past
• Civil servants must get back to work and must account for every hour, day , week and month
• Corruption must stop and wherever it occurs swift justice must be serve
• Government will free export procedures but will curb externalisation
• All citizens must feel secure and enjoy a sense of belonging

Mnangagwa also paid tribute to outgoing President Robert Mugabe and said no matter what his commissions or omissions he remained a hero.

“To me personally, he remains my father, mentor and leader,” he said.

He also paid tribute to Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda who was present at the inauguration.

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