By Margaret Kamba
As promised in our earlier publication that we would feature a second part of the interview by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers President Cde Denford Mutashu, today he winds up his interview by urging the business community to protect the gains fought for by Zimbabwe's heroes and heroines.
"As a business community, we are so indebted to His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa for the development that is taking place. You look at the mining sector, it boasts of more than 61 minerals ready to be mined and exported at any given time. Zimbabwe is rich with huge mineral deposits. We recently discovered lithium and the country is exploring oil and gas.
"This development is as a result of the Second Republic and noone can take this away from the President and the people of Zimbabwe.
"The housing construction boom is unprecedented. If you go to the emerging suburbs you will see that this housing boom is benefitting the country through the use of locally sourced materials and local suppliers have quadrupled their output and production due to the friendly environment that has been created.
"For business to grow, it requires an environment that is conducive and this has been created. What is left for us is to continue to pursue domestic investment and attract international investment."
Speaking ahead of this year's independence celebrations which will be held in Manicaland Province, Cde Mutashu was quick to say that the sacrifice by our forefathers must be cherished.
"Independence is something key for the country and all Zimbabweans because it came about after a protracted liberation struggle that was wedged to fight off colonialism. Soon after independence, the war turned economic and Zimbabwe under the Second Republic has seen more and more Zimbabweans being empowered. The empowerment of Zimbabweans means to take up opportunities that have been created across all sectors. These opportunities have been created as a result of our ability to self-rule, our ability to charter our own trajectory and create a peaceful environment," he said.
"If you compare with some other countries, Zimbabwe is very peaceful and this peace must never be taken for granted. It is unfortunate that you may find those that may want to destabilize this peace.
"Peace and stability are the fundamental fabric key to development, key to investment, key to economic prosperity and key to charting our own destiny.
"With the sanctions, they are simply meant to derail the progress, to create an environment where people's anxiety is preyed upon so that people can turn against their Government but Zimbabweans have matured. They realize the importance of peace and a tranquil environment that has been ushered in by our forefathers who fought and lost lives before they saw the Zimbabwe that came about.
"It was their selfless dedication of their hearts and minds of the people Zimbabwe saying we want to take back our country and run it according to the tenants of our democracy so noone should come and lecture us about democracy because we can decide on our own through our water tight voting season.
"Some of these heroes and heroines have not yet even been buried. So this should invoke our minds to fight for our country, to protect it from any form of internal or external threat.
"We are ready as Zimbabweans to ensure that this peace and tranquility exists in Zimbabwe and is guarded against any selfish interests.
"As the business community, we therefore celebrate this independence with the realization that it came from the huge sacrifices that were made by others. So why not sacrifice further and defend that which other people died for and created for us to have this democracy since they fought for the one man one vote.
"We as the business community need to realize that this country has got to be protected and we have a role to play and are duty bound to propagate further transformation and support His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's vision 2030."