Zim stands firm on indigenisation

Herald Reporter-New Ziana (02/06/10)

GOVERNMENT will not go back on indigenisation of Zimbabwe’s resources whether or not the West lifts its ruinous and illegal economic sanctions, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has said.

Addressing a meeting at Tengwe Country Club in Hurungwe yesterday, Minister Kasukuwere said Government’s ban on diamond exports would remain in force until those trying to manipulate the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme relent their onslaught.

"The West cannot have it both ways.

"They don’t want us to sell our diamonds yet they have companies in Zimbabwe that have the privilege of selling without a hassle.

"So if they can’t accept our diamonds we all have to be affected," he said.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu last week announced the Government export ban.

"The West can keep their sanctions but the indigenisation crusade will continue until indigenous people are empowered through the redistribution of Zimbabwe’s natural resources.

"Those who say we should repeal the indigenisation laws should go and hang.

"They should take heed that there is no reverse gear when it comes to indigenisation," he said.

After the meeting, over 50 youths graduated from the Integrated Skills Outreach Programme initiated by Hurungwe East House of Assembly Member Cde Sarah Mahoka (Zanu-PF).

The programme started in 2006 and has seen 627 people graduating with certificates in carpentry, motor mechanics, dressmaking, bricklaying and business management among others.

Cde Mahoka urged Government to give youths in the constituency land.

Meanwhile, a Zimbabwean delegation recently visited South Africa to get an insight into implementation of the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act, an official said yesterday.

National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board chairperson Mr David Chapfika said Government was studying how South Africa implemented its Black Economic Empowerment programme.

"We visited South Africa last week to get an appreciation of BEE, observing achievements and challenges.

"This will assist the board and the ministry in the implementation of the Act," he said.

Minister Kasukuwere led the delegation.

Mr Chapfika said BEE was similar to Zimbabwe’s indigenisation drive as both sought to accord marginalised indigenous people an opportunity to meaningfully participate in the national economy.

He said the visit provided a platform to negotiate with and consult crucial players in the mining sector, some of whom were declaring their own percentages in terms of share ownership.

"We had the chance to discuss with players in the mining sector who are not forthcoming in terms of ceding 51 percent or more shares to indigenous people," he said.

Zimbabwe’s indigenisation law and regulations compel all companies with a value of US$500 000 and above to sell at least 51 percent of their shares to indigenous people. — Herald Reporter-New Ziana