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| About Simba Makoni |
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PROFILE Dr. Simba Herbert Stanley Makoni was born on 22 March 1950 at Mutare Rural Hospital. His political conscience matured at a very early age resulting in his expulsion from High School during his second year (Form Two). Despite this setback, he still completed his secondary school education. He enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe at a time of high political activity at the campus, and again Simba was expelled for his political activity. He was forced to leave the country for the United Kingdom, where he read for a BSc (Honours) degree in Chemistry and Zoology study at Leeds University, and a Doctorate in Medicinal Chemistry at Leicester Polytechnic. During this period, and after, Simba was the ZANU PF Chief Representative in Europe. 1980-1981 DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE At Independence, Simba was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Zimbabwe’s first government at the age of 30. In this capacity, he gained invaluable experience and insights into the pivotal role of agriculture in the economy, and keen interest that he retains as a farmer today. 1981-1983 MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT A year later he was elevated to the position of Minister of Industry and Energy Development, which he served until 1983. At this Ministry, Simba was responsible for formulating policies that sought to redress past imbalances and ensure the sustainable success of Industry for the benefit of the entire nation. 1984-1993 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) Simba’s sterling performance in governance resulted in his election by member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to be that body’s Secretary General. He served in this capacity for ten years, presiding over the early development of region’s trade and investment policies, and skilfully reconciling the varied interests of member countries to the common interests of the regional body. Simba steered the organization through three vital stages of development, namely:
1994-1997 MANAGING DIRECTOR, ZIMBABWE NEWSPAPERS (1980) LTD From SADC, Simba was appointed Managing Director of Zimbabwe Newspapers, a diversified printing and publishing group of six operating companies. As a results-focused business leader, Simba turned the company around, increasing operating efficiency and profitability, increasing turnover by 79% and Profit After Tax BY 1048%, and Share Price by 2400%. Such sterling performance was achieved by re-engineering the business to articulate a clear vision and mission for the group, implement effective operating and management systems, motivate all employees, instil corporate governance, strengthen client and supplier relationships; and ultimately improve product quality. Simba left Zimpapers in 1997 to pursue private business interests, but returned to national duty in 2000, as Minister of Finance and Economic Development. 2000-2002 MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Simba rejoined government at a time when Zimbabwe was already experiencing serious economic problems, and rising social and political tension, and relations with the international community were strained. His mandate was to manage the national fiscus, and steer economic transformation and maintain positive relations with the international development community that included leaders of multilateral and bilateral organizations. Engagement with the African Development Bank (ADB) was a key aspect of this function. Leading the economic recovery and growth effort, on the one hand, and restoring national cohesion and unity of purpose, on the other; presented Simba with unique challenges that Simba found “highly edifying and enriching in knowledge, skill and wisdom.” Highlights of his tenure included: Creation of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) - merging the departments of Customs & Excise and Taxes. This entailed formulation of appropriate legislation and steering it through the legislative process, and integration of the organizations and personnel. New Initiatives to Resuscitate the Economy:
As Finance Minister, he was also Governor for Zimbabwe of the ADB (Africa Development Bank) and a member of the Council of Ministers of the ECA. In the latter capacity, he was chairman of the (Addis Ababa – 2000, and Algiers – 2001) sessions that formulated the New Compact with Africa, and contributed to the early ECA inputs into the formulation and adoption of New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Being the confident and outspoken person that he is, Simba advocated policy measures that he considered vital for economic turnaround, advice that was rejected by the President, and this resulted in his dismissal and label of “Saboteur”, a badge that he wears with pride, as the truth of his conviction has played itself out. Despite leaving government, Simba remained in ZANU-PF, serving as Secretary of Finance until he announced his candidacy for the presidency of Zimbabwe on 5 February 2008. Simba’s bid for the presidency is founded on a solid people-oriented platform that focuses on:
Simba’s core campaign theme is of a new ‘Dawn’ for Zimbabwe, underpinned by the motto ‘Let’s Get Zimbabwe Working Again’ Yellow is the campaign colour, representing the wealth of Zimbabwe, and thus reinforcing his focus on solutions to the current economic crisis. Yellow also represents the rising sun and the dawn of a new Zimbabwe, in which Zimbabweans can invest their hope and aspirations for a brighter future. LET’S GET ZIMBABWE WORKING AGAIN! SIMBA KUVANHU! MANDLA EBANTWINI! |