The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Sunday News Correspondent
Kwekwe citizens are on cloud nine following the elevation and subsequent swearing in of one of their own, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The carnival atmosphere which grips the small mining city is expected to continue until such a time when the Kwekwerians will come to terms with reality of Ngwena, as the President is nicknamed, becoming the President.
Most people who talked to Sunday News during a snap survey expressed their joy and optimism that His Excellency will bring about the much desired change in the country.
Chief among the expectations, is the resuscitation of industries, weeding out of corruption, job creation and minimising police road blocks.
Residents also cried out loud for the resuscitation of Ziscosteel as they regard it as the brand that puts, not only their city, but Zimbabwe, on the international map. Infrastructural development is also expected.Winston Machira of Marryville Farm said, “I am so happy that Cde Mnangagwa has been made President. He should now serve not Kwekwe or Midlands but the nation at large.The president should deal with the police and reduce the roadblocks along the Zimbabean roads. Corrupt police officers should be weeded out if we are to achieve proper economic turnaround.”
Mr Mbiva who hails from Sherwood, the same area where His Excellency owns a farm said he was still to believe that his neighbour was now occupying the highest office in the land. He added that the new government should carry out land audit.
“You find out that one person owns eight farms whilst fellow Zimbabweans are destitutes and worse still do not have anywhere to stay. A land audit should be carried out to weed out such corrupt elements so that we enjoy together. We have orpharns who can be given other farms to occupy and conduct their farming.”
Businessman Brennan De-Bryan whose Dazzle Superstore was officially commissioned by the then Vice President Mnangagwa in 2013, described His Excellency as a humble man who is not selective.
“We have lost a lot of ground as a country and now we have people in place led by His Excellency, he should lead consultative meetings that should bring out the challenges being faced by people before looking for best ways of addressing them,” said De-Bryan.
Isaac Sibanda of Mbizo 9 said Kwekwe was rejoicing.
“Kwekwe is where everything is happening now. I am happy because Ngwena has a hardworking ethic. We now look up to him to resuscitate all companies in Kwekwe. Everything begins around Kwekwe and uone Kwekwe yacho ikati iripacentre futi saka mdhara vanenge vachiona uko, neuko,(Kwekwe is at the centre so the President will be monitoring all corners of the country).
Peter Moyo of Mbizo 10, a commuter operator said he envisaged all Kwekwe companies to begin operating in full scale so the youths can get jobs.
“I am a professional motor mechanic, but because there were no jobs in the country I ended up doing this. But I hope the President will make sure companies are resuscitated and we get jobs,” said Moyo.
Amaveni’s Jane Makoni, a flea market operator said the issue of foreign currency should be dealt with. According to her, bond notes should be done away with as they were contributing to the crippling of the economy.
Justin Mutimba said the incoming President should ensure equal opportunities in the mining industry.
“In Kwekwe we are rich in gold deposits, but there are few greedy individuals who do not want others to benefit, that issue should be dealt with as a matter of urgency,” Mutimba said.
This was echoed by Taurai Vetera of Msasa Park who said wrangles surrounding gold mining claims were leading to machete wars that had taken the city by storm lately.
“Machete wars should be addressed because we cannot walk around freely in the city due to gangs. We hope our own homeboy is going to put an end to this,” Vetera said.
Mr Richard Gwatidzo of Westend said the president should shun the “pasi nanhingi’ (down with) mantra as we seek to unite every Zimbabwean. He said the mantra, if maintained, discourages other people and fuels hatred amongst Zimbabweans.
