HARARE - Temba Mliswa, president of the newly-formed lobby group Zimbabwe Economic Empowerment Council (Zeec), says the wealth-sharing process must be broad-based and defeat the notion that it is for a high-heeled few.

Mliswa, addressing senior members of the organisation in Harare on Saturday, in preparation of a one day national conference to be held on December 1, said it is high time leaders should be accountable to the people.

“There is a general belief that empowerment is for a few but it must be broad-based,” said Mliswa.

He further said plans for the conference were at an advanced stage.

“We are targeting high-profile business people. The conference is aimed at addressing issues of empowerment and get reports on progress from disadvantaged members of society,” said Mliswa.

The organisation which uses the slogan, Nyika upfumi, Upfumi kuvanhu (the country is the wealth and wealth to the people) has more than 15 indigenisation groups under its wing.

The lobby group, whose membership includes youths, war veterans, ex-detainees, students, disabled persons and widows, is expected to assist government’s indigenisation policy by ensuring that locals get access to funding and assist them venture into mainstream business activities.

Mliswa said Zeec was working towards the empowerment of the majority and was based on the indigenisation law.

Yesterday’s meeting also saw the organisation election of Benedict Moyo as the new president representing the southern region. - Tendai Kamhungira