‘Africa respects President’

News Editor
THIS year’s Africa Day commemorations are of paramount importance to Zimbabwe as they come at a time when President Mugabe is at the helm of the African Union where he is expected to show the continent’s young leaders the light, says Mutare residents.

People interviewed said President Mugabe was a giant who should be respected for his sound leadership qualities and his pro-people policies.

Prominent Mutare lawyer, Mr Passmore Nyakureba said: “This year’s Africa Day commemorations being held under the theme: “2015 Year of Women’s Agenda and Development towards Africa Agenda 2063” are worth celebrating for Zimbabweans in particular and Africans in general in many ways. The most important thing for Zimbabweans to celebrate is the fact that our President is the current chair of AU which gives us every reason to celebrate more than any other people in Africa.

“Those who have had the opportunity to travel outside Zimbabwe know that President Mugabe is one of the most popular African leaders of all time.

“For that reason it is important for us all as a nation to join him and the rest of African leaders in celebrating this day to which he is the only current President who witnessed the formation of the Organisation of African Union now African Union.

“His leadership to the AU will be very key towards the unlocking of Agenda 2063 which is an “integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.”

“Additionally, the commemoration is significant in the sense that Africa is in the process of making its own piece of history by having a first female chairperson of the continental body in Dr Zuma who has just recently been in our country.

“Her election when read in line with the theme makes proper sense in showing the world that our goals are not merely for lip service. There is indeed a lot to celebrate for the women’s agenda.

“However, be that as it may I also note with concern that whilst women are prospering politically Africa still has the highest rate of maternal mortality and violence against women which includes forced marriages, genital mutilations, and domestic violence against women. It is thus my view that the development in this area has been slow and lagging behind.

“Finally, it is unfortunate that we celebrate Africa day on the backdrop of the xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans by South Africans.”

Another resident, Mr Thomas Chadehumba, said: “As Africans we have the destiny of the continent in our hands and we have every reason to celebrate. We should not allow the West to dictate our pace. We should fully utilise our God-given resources and add value to them.

“With President Mugabe at the helm of AU, we are assured that the ship is in capable hands and empowerment programmes will be championed across Africa.”

With the spirit of celebrating our true identity as Africans, Mutare Teachers’ College will for the first time hold an open event for the Africa Day commemorations next Wednesday.

Although the college has been holding its annual celebrations for the past three years, this year it has opened the event to the public, thanks to its partnership with The Manica Post, the leading provincial newspaper in the country.

A number of events have been lined up for the day which will be graced by Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba as the guest of honour.

The event’s head, Mrs Tendero Musasa, said they wanted to play their part in promoting ubuntu among Africans since the college enrols foreign students from Equatorial Guinea.

“In the past years, the college also enrolled students from Namibia and is also involved in cultural exchange programmes with students from Mozambique who are expected to tour the college at the end of next month.

“It is all systems go for the event. It is a must attend event students will be competing in poetry, ethnic dances, dramas, fashion and cooking competitions. Winners will walk away with exciting prizes.

“For the first time, we are opening the event to the public and we expect people to come in their numbers to sample some of the traditional dishes that will be on offer.

“Following the recent disturbing xenophobia or afrophobia attacks in South Africa, we saw it fit to add our voices in condemning such acts which are unAfrican. Africans are known as peace loving people and come Wednesday we will be showing the world our true African identity. Our brothers and sisters from Equatorial Guinea will also be actively involved in the commemorations,” she said.