Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
President Mnangagwa shakes hands with Vice President Kembo Mohadi while Vice President Constantino Chiwenga (centre), Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube (right), and a representative from the Xinganglian Metallurgy company, Mr Shi Xin Yuan look on as they welcome him in Beitbridge yesterday. — Picture: Obey Sibanda 
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi have described the US$3,6 billion Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone and Industrial Park, that has been set up in Beitbridge, as a game changer which can drive economic development in Matabeleland South.
Vice President Chiwenga said the ground-breaking ceremony by President Mnangagwa was a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards industrialisation, sustainable development and economic growth.
“President Mnangagwa’s steadfast commitment to engagement and re-engagement has made significant strides in improving the country’s investment climate, streamlining the ease of doing business and building investor confidence,” he said.
The Government had laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and the prioritisation of economic diplomacy was critical in strengthening international relations and positioning the country as a leading destination for investment.
“We are thankful to his life of dedication to transforming our economy and uplifting the livelihoods of the people”
He said the Metallurgical Special Economic Zone, located 20km west of Beitbridge town, seeks to introduce the production of stainless steel in the country.
This would create more jobs for the Beitbridge community and also have spillover positive effects on related downstream industries.
The energy and steelworks initiative has already employed 400 local workers in its first year, with the expectation that it will ultimately employ over 2 000 people once it becomes fully operational.
On his part, VP Mohadi said the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa continued to roll out life changing projects.
“We appreciate this Special Economic Zone project which will drive the economy of Matabeleland South and also feed into the national development growth initiatives,” said Vice President Mohadi.
“This project also comes after the milestone Beitbridge border modernisation project which is a high-impact project that has also created thousands of jobs for the local community.
“I want to commend our President for his visionary leadership that has also contributed to the growth of key investments countrywide.”
VP Mohadi said Government would continue to promote investment in key infrastructure development countrywide. He said it was also important for community members to embrace economic development programmes and actively participate in nation-building.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said; “We appreciate this kind of investment in our province which signals the beginning of a long journey to industrialise Matabeleland South. This industrial park will play a crucial role in the attainment of the envisaged vision 2030”.
In line with the devolution of power, the project would provide over 10 000 jobs over 12 years reducing unemployment and boosting the local economy through generating revenue for the much-needed public service in terms of taxes.
The Minister said the completion of the initiative will contribute to driving mining development in the province and nationally.
Chairman of the Xinganglian Metallurgy company, Mr Zhou Xudong, the implementing partner in the project, said they would introduce a scholarship fund worth US$500 000 in the next two years to fund the education of exceptional students from Beitbridge to study in China.
They would also build a clinic and help improve the learning facilities at the Makakavhule primary school which is located within the industrial park’s catchment area.
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