Ticha (Big Tich) Darangwa
Stephen Chadenga
Miners in the Midlands province have joined hands with the rest of the nation in celebrating President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday and pledged to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
In an interview with The Blast in Zvishavane, on the sidelines of Munhumutapa Day commemorations which coincided with the President’s birthday, Miners4ED Midlands member Ticha (Big Tich) Darangwa said President Mnangagwa was a visionary leader with steward leadership who opened opportunities for miners hence the need the need to compliment these efforts through contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
“In his Excellency President ED Mnangagwa we have a visionary leader, dedicated cadre to his nation and a man who takes everyone on board as far as economic empowerment is concerned,”,Darangwa said.
“Cde Mnangagwa’s motto is that of leaving no one and no place behind and as Midlands miners we want to reiterate our commitment not only to increase the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through mining but that of the country as a whole.
“I am happy that as youths celebrate Munhumutapa Day today we now have a new calibre of youths in the mining sector who are disciplined and hardworking and are prepared to diligently serve their country in a patriotic manner.”
In July this year Midlands miners pledged to raise the province’s GDP from the current average 11% as the province seeks to position itself as the country’s best investment destination.
According to data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) 2022 survey the Midlands gross domestic product stood at 10,9% with the provincial gross GDP largely attributed to the mining sector.
The statistics revealed that the province recorded a ZWL$25 billion growth in its GDP, with the mining sector contributing $7 billion.
Meanwhile in a birthday congratulatory message the national Miners4ED described President Mnangagwa as an “examplary” and “visionary” leader.
“Your Excellency, you have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision and examplary leadership. We wish you peace, good health and happiness,”Miners4ED said.
“As we celebrate you today, we reflect on your visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to steering the country towards a prosperous and empowered future under the guiding philosophy of, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakwiwa ngabanikazi balo.