The political chaos and general lawlessness that gripped Zimbabwe for the past decade has had an adverse effect on the once vibrant economy of the Southern African country. Lack of respect for property rights, wanton looting at productive farms, industries and government departments all in the name of self aggrandizement relegated the nation’s economy to the deep abyss.
It is this digression in adhering to the supremacy of the law that new Zimbabwe Premier in the inclusive government and President of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, Morgan Tsvangirai, sought to tackle in his key note address to the business community, at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), in the country’s second largest city, Bulawayo, on Wednesday.
The International Business Forum attended by captains of commerce and industry from both the local and international scene, whose investor confidence in Zimbabwe has waned over the past years due to incessant non-observance of the rule of law, became a window of renewed hope for the business sector.
And indeed such were the expectations addressed by Prime Minister Tsvangirai that “our beautiful nation” Zimbabwe and “all citizens” deserves thus such “as a right, a stable economy” which adequately provides services and goods at reasonably priced rates that consumers can pay for but at the same time viable for business.
The Premier did not mince his words saying for economic growth to be achieved there is need to clearly define the relationship between business and government.
“The role of government is to provide a stable environment that facilitates the growth and development of business in line with international standards and accepted norms that also serve to ensure the rights and welfare of employees,” said Tsvangirai.
But in creating such a complimentary relationship between the business sector and government the PM was quick to point the need for the restoration of the “rule of law” as “both a moral imperative” and “business necessity.”
“If business is the engine of growth, then the rule of law is the engine that drives that engine,” he added.
Tsvangirai reiterated that his office is committed to the “promotion and adherence” to the rule of law but that some “hard line elements” continue with “blatant violations of the laws of this country.”
Further addressing challenges facing Zimbabwe, the Premier mentioned key among others “continued deliberate disruptions to the agricultural sector.”
Despite the formation of the government of national unity, some elements within and outside government have embarked on fresh farm invasions, driving out the few remaining white commercial farmers all in the name of “taking back our land.” Critics have always argued that productivity in this vital sector has heavily suffered over the years as a result of such lawlessness.
The PM called for everyone to “speak with one voice” and “stand united” in building a Zimbabwe where “business is encouraged to flourish, the laws of the land are applied and adhered to” among other equally important virtues enjoyed in a democracy if Zimbabwe is to prosper economically.
