Min. Mangaliso Ndlovu Speech at ZITF Embodies Unity Amongst Political Parties
Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
The 64th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was officially opened, on the last day by the Kenyan President William Ruto yesterday.
Before President Ruto gave his key note address, the Minister of Trade and Commerce Hon. Mangaliso Nqobizitha Ndlovu briefed deligates on the commerce and trade history of the two African countries.
Just like Kenya, Zimbabwean Trade and Commerce began centuries ago.
In the East African country foreigners would land on the Kenyan coastal front with merchandice in exchange for African goods.
It is the same with Zimbabwe, Trade and Commerce began before Masvingo was established, at the Great Enclosure found at Great Zimbabwe. The wealth and influence of Great Zimbabwe stemmed from its control of key trade routes and resources such as gold, ivory and copper.
“Great Zimbabwe embodies the very essence of Trade and Commerce from the 11th to the 15th centuries. This city was popular for its massive trade and commerce.” Explained Hon. Ndlovu.
“The stones of Great Zimbabwe tell a story of people who mastered the art of trade, whose success serves as an inspiration and permanent reminder that Zimbabwe has always been a land of innovation and trade.”
The theme of the just ended trade expo said,
“Innovation; a Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade”
Thus, the 64th edition of the ZITF draws its endurance from this rich heritage which celebrates the spirit of Trade which has defined Zimbabwe and Kenya for centuries.
Hon. Mangaliso thereafter read a brief biography of the Kenyan President.
President Ruto, was born William Samoei Ruto on December 21 1966 in Sambut Kamavuti location in the Rift Valley. He attended primary school in Sambut and later Secondary school in Eldorade. After high school he was admitted to Nairobi University to study Botany and Zoology, graduating with a Masters degree in Plant Ecology, he has a Phd in the same discipline.
“Our guest of honor is a family man, married to Rachel. S Ruto and they have seven children.”
President Ruto, before ascending to the highest office of his country, he was elected Member of Parliament for Eldorade North Constituency in a Kenyan African National Union Party ticket, serving for three terms from 1997 to 2013.
He was in the opposition.
At the time, he served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select committee on constitutional reforms of the 9th Parliament. He set up the structures and teams that worked to come up with Kenya’s new Constitution.
Still in the opposition, President Ruto held several senior positions in government.
“He was appointed Minister for Agriculture in the Coalition government in 2008, and served for three years. During his tenure he led the revival of irrigation schemes and provided affordable fertilizer for farmers while working with main sugar-cane, coffee and tea sectors to boost productivity and secure access to markets.”
Later Ruto was appointed to head the Ministry of Higher Education. At this Ministry he ‘sought to define education as acquisition of knowledge and skilling as well as elaborate on its value.”
With ambitions to transform Kenya for the of its citizens, Ruto campaigned for the Presidential post on a firm promise of transformation and inclusivity for the ordinary Kenyans.
“Our guest if honor, campaigning to be President on a firm promise of economic transformation and inclusivity for the ordinary Kenyans, subsequently winning on an unprecedented first attempt.”
He took over the reigns of Presidency of 9 August 2022, on a Unites Democratic Party ticket, which was a principal party in the Kenya Grande Alliance. Before then he was serving as the Deputy President.
A poet delivered praises to President William S Ruto before he walked up to the podium to address the high powered delegates which comprised of President Mnangagwa and his wife, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the wife of Vice President Constantino GN Chiwenga, Miniyothabo Chiwenga, Service Chiefs, Ministers, the Mayor of Bulawayo and Mayors from other Cities, Ambassadors, the business community and the general public.
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