Locals should benefit from their resources-Bimha

Staff Reporter

Investors who come to conduct activities such as Mining, Tourism, Agriculture or set up factories must engage local leadership and have corporate social responsibility so that local people also benefit from the exploitation of their local resources, Politburo member Mike Bimha said.

Cde Bimha said this while addressing members of the Zanu PF Mashonaland East Coordinating Committee in Marondera at the weekend where he also highlighted that some small businesses should be reserved for indigenous people, under the revived Indigenous and Economic Empowerment Policy.

“The Indigenous and Economic Empowerment Revived Policy focuses on guarding the gains of our liberation. In this regard, there are certain sectors which were rendered as reserved which include but are not limited to Bakeries, Barbershops, Saloons and Retailing.

“These and others were reserved for indigenous people to benefit. However we have some MDC-Alliance led local authorities who are giving licences to foreigners and we have since engaged the responsible authorities to rectify the issue,” said Cde Bimha.

He further highlighted that the revived policy also aids in the growth of industries such as Mining and Tourism and he encouraged all women and youths to take advantage of these opportunities and be empowered.

“The revived policy also focuses on the need for all people to equally benefit from the land redistribution exercise that is ongoing so that through Agriculture and Mechanisation, they also contribute towards the development of the economy,” he said.

Cde Bimha noted that access to financial capital is also of paramount importance similarly the revived policy focuses on projects that are sustainable, adding that those who benefit should grow their businesses and projects such that they contribute to the Provincial GDP.

Present at the same meeting was Cde Sydney Sekeramayi who emphasised on the need to continue work in the restructuring exercise and also register more people who are coming to join the ruling party.

Meanwhile, thirty people joined Zanu PF Johannesburg District in South Africa during the weekend, reportedly including those from the opposition MDC-Alliance. Speaking during the event, ZANU PF Johannesburg District Chairman, Cde Franklin Murinyu encouraged fellow members to remain united and work together in mobilising for 2023 election.