Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE sun rose over Harare’s Heritage Village in a blaze of gold.
By mid-morning, the hilltop was alive with colour, song and the spirit of defiance.
From the winding queues that snaked down Samora Machel Avenue to the rhythmic pulse of drums echoing across the museum grounds, the 2025 Sadc Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations were not just another official event, but a celebration of endurance, unity and pride.
Thousands had converged early, many draped in national flags and Sadc regalia, others waving miniature banners inscribed with the slogan of the day: “Sanctions Must Fall.”
By 10am, traditional dancers were stamping the earth with bare feet, their rattles shaking in unison with the marimba’s hum.
School choirs harmonised anti-sanctions anthems, while the public address system played patriotic favourites that had even the elderly swaying in their seats.
“We came here to show that Zimbabwe cannot be broken,” said Peace Mafera, a teacher from Mufakose.
“Sanctions have tested us, but we are still standing — and we stand with our President and with Africa.”
Before taking his seat in the main arena, President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, toured the exhibition stands.
It was a showcase of local brilliance — from bread-making to fine art, from handcrafted leatherwork to gleaming electric vehicles built by young innovators.
The President moved from one display to another, his face breaking into an approving smile as exhibitors explained their crafts and innovations.
He nodded, occasionally asking questions, clearly impressed by what he saw.
“This is the Zimbabwe we want — self-made, creative and confident,” said one exhibitor from the Harare Institute of Technology as President Mnangagwa admired locally assembled equipment.
From the exhibition, the President was ushered into the main arena — and the atmosphere exploded.
Thousands rose to their feet.
Flags waved.
The crowd broke into a thunderous roar, chanting his name and the day’s slogan in perfect rhythm:
“Sanctions Must Fall! Sanctions Must Fall!”
The air was thick with song and the scent of roasted maize from makeshift stalls, while drone cameras hovered above, capturing a mosaic of celebration that spilled far beyond the designated seating area.
By this time, the celebration had reached full momentum.
Civic organisations took turns delivering solidarity messages — Women for ED, Teachers for ED, Citizens Against Sanctions, and many more.
Each spoke of unity, sovereignty and the power of self-determination.
The audience responded with applause, ululations and chants that filled the clear October sky.
This was no ordinary rally — it was a chorus of conviction.
Director of Ceremonies Mr Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, guided the programme with his usual eloquence.
He called forward Dr Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, to introduce the guest of honour. Dr Muswere’s voice carried the weight of pride and purpose.
“This is the President drilling boreholes in rural areas,” he declared.
“He is transforming lives — computerising Government systems, building interchanges, empowering communities. This is leadership under sanctions!”
The words drew cheers and whistles.
Moments later, the President rose to deliver his keynote address.
The chants erupted again, louder this time, echoing off the tents.
He raised his right hand, scanning the sea of faces before him.
Then, with a grin, he launched a slogan — “Pamberi nekubatana! Pasi nesanctions!”
The crowd thundered back: “Pasi nawo!”
He repeated it, each time punctuating with his trademark sign-off — “Hallelujah!”
The people roared with delight.
He waited for silence, then began — calmly, firmly.
He spoke not of bitterness, but of resilience.
He reminded the nation how, despite years of economic siege, Zimbabwe had learnt to innovate, to rely on its own people, and to thrive against odds.
“Despite the effects of illegal sanctions,” he said, “our economy continues on a positive trajectory. We have learnt valuable lessons. Through unity, peace and innovation, we will overcome.”
President Mnangagwa then unveiled a historic 262-page publication, “Standing Against Illegal Sanctions: Resistance, Policy Innovations and Advocacy”.
Authored by 20 Zimbabwean scholars and edited by Professor Paul Mapfumo, Dr Tawanda Zinyama and Dr Richard Mahomva, the book was hailed as a landmark intellectual weapon — a story told by Zimbabweans in their own voice.
“It is a product of the mind — and a symbol of our sovereignty,” Prof Mapfumo said later.
“It tells our story in our own words.”
Before the speeches began, renowned cleric Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe had opened the ceremony with a prayer that struck a deep emotional chord.
“We thank God that Zimbabwe has not succumbed,” he said, his hands raised heavenward.
“Our nation has walked through fire — but we still stand. Let no one take our President, or our faith, for granted.”
Many in the crowd bowed their heads, moved by the solemn reminder that this was not just political — it was spiritual.
As the music returned, a young man from Danhiko, Philip Machivenyika, captured the hearts of the gathering.
Balancing skillfully on one leg, he danced with breathtaking rhythm — a whirl of energy, defiance and grace. His performance brought the crowd to its feet.
Moved by his courage, the First Lady approached him, smiling warmly and handed him cash in appreciation.
The applause was deafening.
“Disability is not inability,” said Cde Webster Shamu, who later invited Philip onto the main stage.
“He reminds us that the spirit of Zimbabwe cannot be crippled.”
Throughout the day, performances from across the provinces kept spirits high.
Traditional troupes danced. Poets recited verses. Civic groups and schools sang in unison.
By afternoon, the Heritage Village resembled a carnival — a fusion of protest, pride and performance.
Food stalls buzzed, children waved flags and elders reminisced about liberation songs now reborn as anti-sanctions hymns.
As dusk fell, the Anti-Sanctions Gala took over — an all-night cultural celebration from 6pm to 6am, featuring artistes such as Andy Muridzo, Sandra Ndebele, Jah Signal and Iyasa.
Its theme, “Inclusive Development through Heritage-based Innovation and Industrialisation in a Multilateral World,” tied the day’s defiant spirit to Zimbabwe’s broader vision of innovation and pride.
As the final song faded into the Harare night, Heritage Village glowed like a heart still beating.
