Zimbabwe Vice President Urges Women to Boost Economy

Vice-President Mujuru, Zanu-PF secretary for Women’s Affairs Cde Oppah Muchinguri (left) and President of the Senate Cde Edna Madzongwe exchange notes during celebrations marking the conferring of Cde Mujuru with the Distinguished African Amazon Award., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

VP Mujuru urges women to boost economy

Saturday, 28 July 2012 22:16
Zimbabwe Sunday Mail

Vice-President Joice Mujuru has called on women to fully take advantage of the opportunities being created by the Government’s indigenisation and empowerment drive.

Speaking at celebrations to mark her scooping of the Distinguished Amazon Award in Bindura yesterday, Cde Mujuru said the time had come for women to play significant roles in the country’s mainstream economy.

“As women we should take advantage of such empowerment initiatives by Government and make our way into the mainstream economy,” she said.

The VP disclosed that Government is crafting a legal instrument that will result in the formalisation of illegal gold panning as a way of improving revenue collected from mining of the precious mineral.

“We have agreed with Minister (Obert) Mpofu that the days of makorokoza (illegal gold panners) should be a thing of the past,” she said.

“The word in itself is demeaning to people who are making such a huge contribution to the country’s economy.

“The new rules will result in the name being officially changed.

“The regulations will ensure that once the panners have finished mining they, along with officials from the Environmental Management Agency, should implement land reclamation procedures so that the land can be used for other purposes such as agriculture in future.”

The Mining Act currently makes it illegal to prospect or mine without a licence from the Government.

Turning to the award, Cde Mujuru said she was proud of being bestowed the honour.

“When they called me and announced that I had been nominated for the award, I was very surprised. For me it was not because I had done so well but it was a sign of the amount of work done by Zimbabwe women.

“This should, however, not begin and end with Amai Mujuru, every woman in Zimbabwe should aspire to do more for her country,” she said.

The Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, a non-governmental organisation committed to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable women, honoured Cde Mujuru in recognition of her achievements in politics and women empowerment.

The award recognises women who have excelled in their professional life and made a difference in the lives of other women.
The event was organised by the party’s Women’s League.