adminFarirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Zimbabweans should cherish the independence and sovereignty they enjoy despite spirited attempts by the country’s detractors to derail gains made following a protracted liberation struggle, an African diplomat has urged. Speaking in an interview yesterday ahead of the country’s 35th independence anniversary on Saturday, Democratic Republic of Congo ambassador Mr Mwampanga Mwana Nanga said Zimbabwe was an example to other African countries in the fight for self-determination.
Mr Mwana Nanga is also the dean of African diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe.
“This country has everything to be proud of as you celebrate 35 years of independence,” he said. “While the economy may not be performing well at the moment, there are signs that things are improving and because you now own your land, the wealth is now getting into the hands of the majority.
“The same people who are saying there is nothing to celebrate are the same people who colonised us and to them there is nothing to celebrate because they lost the privileges they used to enjoy.”
Mr Mwana Nanga commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, saying their discipline ensured that Zimbabwe remains stable and peaceful.
He said Western powers wanted to see Africans fighting against each so that they loot their resources like what is happening in Libya.
Mr Mwana Nanga said it was time Africans took a cue from President Mugabe and take ownership of their resources.
“Like what President Mugabe says, we also need to add value to anything that gets out of the continent so that we grow the cake and be able to fight poverty and hunger,” he said.
Mr Mwana Nanga called on Africa to unite to confront its challenges.
Online Reporter