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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE Minister of State for National Security, Cde Kembo Mohadi, has implored diasporans who were born in Beitbridge to contribute to the area’s economic growth by investing in the district. The Minister, who is also Beitbridge East MP, said the town had a lot of people spread across the globe who can help to drive economic development in Beitbridge.

Cde Mohadi said these could invest in agro-based industries, livestock production, residential, property and irrigation sectors among others. “We are also urging them to take advantage of the country’s land reform programme and increase productivity,” he said.

Cde Mohadi made the remarks during the official opening of the 1,000-hectare Zhovhe Farm which is located 70 km west of the border town at the weekend.

The farm is a horticulture project that is being run by South Africa-based Beitbridge-born businessman, Erasmus Marema of Topic Investments. The property has 60 hectares of soya beans and 40 hectares of maize under irrigation.

There is also a cattle rearing project at the farm. Cde Mohadi said it was important for luminaries from the district and those in the diaspora to play an active role in fostering development in their home area.

“We want the people from the district to emulate Mr Marema’s efforts and contribute to development in their home area. We want their ideas and money to be used to uplift their home area. They should plough back to the community and create employment for youth,” he said.

The Minister commended Marema for setting up the project that has created 462 jobs in the area.

“It is encouraging to have such development oriented people who are complementing the government’s efforts to improve self-sustainability and economic empowerment for its citizens,” he said.