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Farirai Machivenyika, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to swear-in the seven-member team set up to probe the post-election violence that occurred in Harare on August 1 that led to the deaths of six people.

The team is chaired by former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe.

Other members of the commission from outside the country are international law expert Mr Rodney Dixon QC from the United Kingdom, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku from Nigeria and former Chief of Defence Forces of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces General (Retired) Davis Mwamunyange.

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers Professors Charity Manyeruke and Lovemore Madhuku and former president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, complete the commission.

President Mnangagwa indicated this yesterday while delivering his inaugural State of the Nation Address and officially opening the First Session of the Ninth Parliament to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate. “The isolated, regrettable and unacceptable incident of violence, which occurred on the 1st August 2018 should not deter us from the bold course of peace we have begun,” he said. “I have announced a seven member Commission of Inquiry, consisting of eminent persons, whom I will be swearing-in tomorrow, Wednesday 19 September 2018. I am confident that their ultimate report and recommendations will help put closure and finality to the matter.”

MDC Alliance supporters embarked on an orgy of violence while results for the July 31 elections were still being announced resulting in the deaths and destruction of property running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces also commended Zimbabweans for the peaceful manner they behaved before the unfortunate violence incident.

“I wish to also pay tribute to all the people of Zimbabwe, from across the political divide, for heeding my call for peaceful political contestations; and for contributing to the peaceful environment we continue to enjoy. We can stand proud as a nation that our democracy has matured. Let us continue on the onerous journey we have begun to entrench constitutionalism, and democratic practices and values,” he said.

President Mnangagwa congratulated the Parliamentarians for being elected to parliament.

“Parliament is a sacred institution. Collectively, we carry our people’s hopes, dreams and aspirations,” President Mnangagwa said.

“A great deal of trust has been placed in each and every one of us. It is therefore incumbent upon us, to work tirelessly as servant leaders, in love, unity and harmony; to deliver a more prosperous Zimbabwe for all our people.

“My Administration has committed to prioritise economic development as a strategic response to the pressing need to leapfrog our economic development in line with our national aspirations as well as the regional, continental and international trajectory. As such, this particular period in our country’s history and the advent of the Second Republic herald brighter prospects and resolutely focuses towards rapid modernisation and industrialisation of our country’s economy.”

The President urged all parliamentarians to work towards the attainment of middle income economy of per capita income of $3 500 by 2030.

“My Government, cognisant that the world is not one basket and encouraged by the goodwill and support we have received to date, will continue to accelerate the international engagement and re-engagement policy, underpinned by mutual respect, peaceful development, shared principles and common values,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Comprehensive plans will be put in place to expedite the desired outcome towards the external debt arrears clearance strategy, under the LIMA Plan. In a bid to ensure that the nation realises value from its external relations, my Government is with immediate effect revisiting all MOUs signed with other Governments, which are idle, gathering dust and unimplemented by various ministries. In addition, Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements will be reviewed to promote investments from across the world.”

He said the Executive, Legislature, the public and private sectors alike had a role to play in bringing about economic order and growth; job creation; an end to corruption; improving social services; and in the provision of requisite infrastructure, water and sanitation, education, healthcare and good environmental practices.

“My Government will accelerate ongoing effort towards stabilising the macro- economic environment, creation of fiscal space; currency reforms and enhancing foreign currency availability; improving liquidity; increasing the country’s investment attractiveness; reducing the budget deficit and ensuring gradual growth of all sectors of our economy.

“My Government shall however continue with the use of the multi-currency system up until the current negative economic fundamentals have been addressed to give credence to the introduction of the local currency. The economic fundamentals that need to be met are a sustainable fiscal position, foreign currency reserves of between three to six months of import cover and sustainable consumer and business confidence. These economic fundamentals are yet to be met to justify the introduction of our own currency,” he said.