21st February Movement donors warned

In this file photo, President Mugabe is assisted to cut his birthday cake by the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe and the First Family. — (file pic) President Mugabe is assisted to cut his birthday cake by the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe and the First Family.

Susan Nyabunze Herald Reporter
The Zanu-PF Youth League has advised those donating towards the hosting of this year’s 29th edition of the 21st February Movement celebrations to do so through approved and proper channels to avoid being swindled by unscrupulous individuals.

Speaking during the tour of the proposed venue for the celebrations in Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North over the weekend, youth league national secretary for administration Cde Lewis Mathuthu said there was need for people to be on the lookout for agents who wanted to put the party’s name into disrepute.

“No one should handle any funds except the league’s executive,” he said. “No fund raising activities shall be carried out towards this event without a directive from the youth leadership.

“We do not want bogus people to put the league’s name to shame.”

Cde Mathuthu said the celebrations were expected to be held at Elephant Hills Resort, while a musical gala would be held at Chinotimba Stadium, in the resort town’s high density suburb.

The Elephant Hills Resort played host to the 2014 sadc Summit as well as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly meeting.

“This year’s theme proposals have been made, we are waiting for the Politburo to endorse them,” said Cde Mathuthu.

“In the meantime we want to urge people of Matabeleland North to work together so that the celebrations are a success.”

The tour was also undertaken by representatives from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Management, Matabeleland North provincial leadership and Zanu-PF youth league leaders.

The event is organised by the party’s youths annually and last year’s celebrations were held in Marondera.

The 21st February Movement commemorations were first held in 1986 and have become an annual event to encourage Zimbabweans, particularly the youths, to emulate President Mugabe’s revolutionary ideals, charismatic leadership and selfless dedication to the Zimbabwean and African cause.

The celebrations coincide with President Mugabe’s birthday on February 21. This year, President Mugabe turns 91.