Minister Moyo speaks on 2009 in Retrospect

2009 in Retrospect – An Address by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Honourable Gorden Moyo, to Bulawao Business, Political and Civil Society, 11th December, 2009


Ladies and Gentlemen,


Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to address you today concerning what may well be one of the most important years in our nations history.

In February of this year, the new, inclusive Government, guided by the Global Political Agreement (GPA) set out to achieve the twin objectives of economic stabilization and democratization. Therefore, the past year should be measured against these deliverables.

This event followed a decade of sharp economic decline which resulted in a dramatic decrease of public funding in real terms and led to a severe deterioration of the health and education delivery system, as well the weakening of social protection systems and mechanisms.

Health and education services, once amongst the finest in Africa were, by the end of 2008 almost at the point of total collapse with mostly the poor and vulnerable groups and individuals failing to access essential services.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are all aware, we have come a long way in the past eleven months. Unfortunately, the progress of this Government and our nation has not been without its obstacles. The sucesses of the first half of the year have been diluted by a degree of stagnation on both the economic and democratic fronts.

However, it is important that we acknowledge the progress that has been made.

On the economic front, inflation has been slashed from trillions of percent to single digits and is expected to end the year in negative territory.

Revenue collections have dramatically increased from a mere $4m in February 2009 to just over $100m in October with bank deposits in the banking sector have grown threefold from $300m to $1 billion during the same period.

Basic commodities are readily available in shops with local products beginning to be more visible as industry production capacity levels have increased from below 10% to an average of 45% during the same period .

The BIPPA with South Africa has finally been signed after being on the cards for over 4 years, paving way for conclusion of pending deals not only with South Africa but also with the rest of the world.

The re-opening of the major referral hospitals and essential drug availability rising and essential drug availability at health institutions has increased to between 60 – 80%. All schools have re-opened and we have seen a significant retun in the number of teachers at these institutions.

In addition, Government has secured free agricultural inputs for the current season for for 760 000 households in communal areas as well as agricultural subsidies for A2 and resettled farmers

Ladies and Gentlemen, despite these achievements our nation continues to face significant challenges to further progress.

The primary one of these and the one that is of mort concern to Zimbabweans is the crisis in confidence of the new political dispensation as a result of the failure by all parties to fully implement the GPA.

Confidence forms the foundation of all growth, particulalrly that of business and its absence erodes our ability to rebuild our nation.

I can assure that the Prime Minister is seized by this obstacle and has out the full weight of his office behind finding realistic solutions to the obstacles of implementation as well as the on-going violations to the GPA.

Other challenges include, but are not limited to industry capacity utilization targets not reached partly because of the lines of credit that were not forthcoming including those that were pledged but not availed – this like many of the obstacles we face can be traced back to the delay in the full implementation of the GPA.

There also persists a shortage of liquidity and low disposable income as government and industry are still struggling from the effects of years of erosion of real incomes and the absence of direct budget support as donors preferred to support beneficiaries through the NGO networks.

The endemic rise of corruption within our is impacting negatively on the image of the country as well as revenue collection.

Poverty, marginalization and vulnerability are pervasive and deepening in Zimbabwe.

Poverty is a multifaceted social phenomenon that includes lack of access to productive assets, adequate food, health, education and other basic social amenities. It also includes the condition of gender inequality. Addressing inequalities and facilitate access to social services and fundamental needs, that severely deteriorated during the last crisis, will be key factors in consolidating peace and strengthening social cohesion as we move into the new year.

Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic that progress is inevitable that we will overcome the current challenges. This optimism is shared by the majority of Zimbabweans.

A survey to be released later today has established that 75% of Zimbabweans say that their economic conditions have improved since a year ago. More importantly, almost the same number believe that things will continue to improve over the coming 12 months.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the path that Zimbabwe has embarked upon to create a new Constitution and a new political environment is irreversible. However, we all have apart to play in this process.

The politicians must live up to the commitments contained in the GPA and the mandate that we have from the people to deliver real change.

The business community must demand from Government commitments to open and transparent business practices and a climate that is conducive to investment and growth. In addition, you need to work with Government to stamp out corruption before its effects on our economy become irreversible.

Finally, and probably most importantly, is the role to be played by civil society. I call upon you to partner Government in our progressive programs, to hold us to account on the delivery of freedoms to the people, and to provide the framework for the people’s expression and the amplifier for their voice.

Only if the voice of the people rings out loud and true will we be sure that Government stays on course to deliver real change.

By remaining united in the quest to rebuild our nation, to deliver a society that respects the rights of the individual and that protects those rights and a country that encourages and promotes economic growth, we will be able to once again take our position as a proud, prosperous member of the region and a beacon of hope and freedom.

I thank you.