Venâncio Mondlane proposes tea production expansion and social justice in Gurué
As part of his electoral campaign, Venâncio Mondlane, the presidential candidate for the PODEMOS party, visited Gurué district in Zambézia Province today, where he offered hopeful promises to local residents. Mondlane proposed measures to equitably distribute the district's wealth and lift the population out of poverty, emphasizing the need to harness the region's natural resources. His focus was on revitalizing tea production and tackling illegal resource exploitation.
During his rally, Mondlane vowed to settle the debts of Emo Chá, one of the region’s key companies, which has left workers in dire conditions due to unpaid wages. "In my government, there will be no room for unpaid debts to workers. Emo Chá will be required to meet its obligations," he declared, receiving applause from the crowd.
Mondlane also denounced illegal gemstone exploitation in the district, accusing the current governor’s son of being involved in this activity without benefiting the local population. “This exploitation will end under my government because the resources belong to the people, and it is the people who should feel the benefits in their lives,” he asserted.
The revitalization of Gurué’s tea production was another key focus of Mondlane’s speech. He criticized the inaction of previous governments in managing the tea plantations, pointing out that many of the plants are over 50 years old, inherited from the colonial era. "This government has done nothing to improve the situation. Under my leadership, I promise to revitalize Gurué’s tea plants and make our tea supply not only Mozambique but the world," Mondlane pledged, emphasizing the export potential of local production.
Mondlane also addressed the increasing presence of foreigners in the region, particularly "Rwandans, Pakistanis, and Nigerians," who, according to him, are reaping the country’s wealth while the Mozambican government remains passive. "While local youth are left without opportunities, many of them just smoking, foreigners are supported by their home countries to develop businesses here," he criticized, calling for stronger protection of economic opportunities for Mozambican citizens.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the people of Gurué, promising that if elected, the district would experience significant economic growth and justice for the people affected by exploitation. "My government will be for the people, ensuring that every Mozambican prospers and enjoys the wealth of their land," Mondlane concluded.
