NewsDay gives you live updates of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s first State of the Nation address (SONA).The last State of the Nation Address was made by former President Robert Mugabe in December last year.
Updates by Tinotenda Samukange and Veneranda Langa
14:58 Says Government to ensure 2018 elections are credible, free and fair, and to adhere to constitution.
14:58 Says every case if corruption must be investigated and punished with no sacred cows. Zero tolerance on corruption
14:56 National Productiveness Institute to be introduced to assist industries
14:56 Says corruption major source of problems in country. Goal of government to build Zimbabwe on goal of transparency, accountability
14:53 Government taking measures to ensure patients have drugs at hospitals, clean water and sanitation in first 100 days
14:53 State Enterprises and Parastatals full reforms to be unveiled 1st quota 2018
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14:52 Resources availed towards irrigation with 200 ha per district targeted for 10 years
14:50 Government working on comprehensive business system around Tokwe Mukorsi to boost water supply and agricultural activity
14:50 Tourism sector is on upward trend and to maintain it government putting up aggressive marketing strategy
14:50 Government to roll out business incubation programme for SMEs and synergies with big businesses
14:47 Exports contributing more than 60% of country’s earnings, manufactured products however contribute less than 10%
14:45 Government to facilitate conducive requirements for manufacturing sector
14:45 Appeals to business to show restraint and stop rampant price hikes
14:44 Says there is rampant smuggling of gold and warns those involved that they will face full wrath of the law, both locals and foreigners
14:43 President promises energy growth, with additional 300 megawatts to national grid. Says mining and farming to grow economy, adding artisanal miners now produce more than corporate formal miners
14:41 Mnangagwa encourages that partisanship must end in order to concentrate on reviving the economy
14:33 Says goverbbbetnt conscious of challenges facing country and promises that he will ensure steady economic growth as there is hope for better economic future
14:35 Says growing of economy is key priority, and in line with operational policy implementation will ensure ministries meet targets and deliver services fairly without bias
14:37 Mnangagwa calls for accountability to the public by public enterprises. Says economic reforms espoused in budget will be implemented
14:38 Says Government determined to remove policy inconsistencies of the past
14:39 Government carrying out comprehensive review of investment laws and will pursue robust investment programmes with international community, and will welcome all outsiders
14:32 commends nation for peaceful demonstrations. Says operation restore legacy has ended since situation in country now normal
14:31 It is President Mnangagwa’s first SONA. He begins by commending ZDF for exemplary behavior in Operation Restore Legacy.
14:29 Section 140 (4) of the constitution states that at least once a year the President may address joint sitting of Parliament in a SONA
14:24 President enters, national anthem
14:14 The State of the Nation Address (SONA) will today be presented at 2:30 pm by President Mnangagwa. MPs now ready for the Parliament sitting 14:14 Parliament today sits at the HICC for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be announced by President Emerson Mnangagwa at 2:30 pm.
