Zimbabwe needs thinkers and doers says former minister

Former ambassador and minister Senator Simon Khaya Moyo says Zimbabwe needs thinkers and doers if it is to become a middle income economy by 2030 as envisaged by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Contributing to the President’s speech in the Senate, Moyo said: “This economy needs thinkers and doers. It is tired of tired minds. We must be constructive and focused, not be spectators to our own citizens. We must refuse to sleep or snore in this august House, for I know these are never on the Order Paper.”

Moyo also said Zimbabwe could only develop if it eradicated corruption because it drives away investment.

“Corruption stinks. Its stench drives away investment. It has a hypnotic effect on the revitalisation of the economy and only benefits the greedy. This calls upon us to be vigilant as corruption is like hidden cholera,” he said.

Below is his contribution in full:

HON. SEN. S. K. MOYO: Thank you Madam President.  On 18th September, 2018 at 12 noon, the Parliament of Zimbabwe in a joint sitting and the nation at large listened to a lucid, focused and well- tailored presentation on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) eloquently delivered by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

It was an address loaded with substance and delivered with much authority, marking the official opening of the Ninth Parliament and outlining a comprehensive legislative agenda, with 27 Bills expected to be tabled.

Madam President, I am confident that Hon.  Senators in this august House have already acquainted themselves with the contents of the address and will contribute meaningfully to the economic stimulus and recovery focus envisaged in the President’s vision of Zimbabwe, becoming a Middle Income Economy by the year 2030.

This is only possible if we walk the road of increased investment, create jobs, promote broad based empowerment and mercilessly fight poverty and corruption. Corruption stinks. Its stench drives away investment. It has a hypnotic effect on the revitalisation of the economy and only benefits the greedy. This calls upon us to be vigilant as corruption is like hidden cholera. It is indeed rampant in the public and private sectors.

We must encompass a shared vision, cultivate a common humanity, act in common purpose and respect each other for to each other, we belong. Zimbabwe belongs to all of us as a family. No one has monopoly over it.

Madam President, I have made reference to a number of Bills sighted in the Legislative Agenda. They are all of national significance and need thorough scrutiny when presented. Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy and the Constitution reigns supreme. There are some laws not yet aligned to the new supreme law of the land.

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