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Post Reporters
As the county’s harmonised elections draw closer, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for peaceful polls to protect our hard-won independence.
In his keynote address at the 43rd Independence Day Manicaland provincial commemorations at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare on Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said as the citizens of Zimbabwe, we should never allow any detractors to sow seeds of division and disharmony among us.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honorable Nokhutula Matsikenyere, read the President’s speech.
Such was the political maturity exhibited on a day reserved to honour the country’s freedom from colonial bondage that party affiliation was not an issue.
Not so many events draw such a huge crowd at Sakubva Stadium and in the past only the Defence Forces Day would see the stadium filled to capacity as people are normally lured by the military mock battle and drills.
The day started with Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) marimba band entertaining the crowd till midmorning when the parade, made up of six detachments of both male and female officers from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and ZPCS marched in.
The parade was a joy to watch and the crowd duly kept ululating as attendees could not resist the exciting marching drills that included a series of change direction in slow and quick time, the Eyes Right stance which is done while passing the saluting bay, drill displays while blooming, the advance in review order and war cry.
Bishop Andby Makururu-led Johane the Fifth Apostolic Church, Zion Church of Christ (Mbongo), Jekenisheni Church choirs and a young Hebert Chitepo Primary School Grade 6 pupil, Wimbainashe Hwerekwere also took turns to entertain the crowd after the main speeches.
“As the harmonised general elections draw nearer, I call on the nation to remain vigilant and protect our hard-won independence. No voices, foreign or local, inclusive of rogue NGOs, should sow seeds of division and disharmony among us.
“Unity and peace should be preached in our families, churches and communities. Dialogue and tolerance have been the hallmark of the Second Republic,” said President Mnangagwa. The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) also took the opportunity to spread the message of peace and tolerance.
“We implore all State and non-State actors to engage in peaceful elections that are free from violence, intolerance, hate speech and other malpractices that have detrimental effects to the present and future generations of our nation,” said Commissioner Golden Chekenyere.
“As we enjoy our civil and political rights, may I encourage all electoral actors, including voters and contesting candidates, to maintain the values of peace and non-violence as captured in our National Objectives in Section 10 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Our founding values and principles not only cherish the sanctity of free, fair and regular elections, but also that in the process we all take actions that foster national unity, peace and stability,” he said.
Governor of Manica Province, Madame Francisca Domingos Tomas applauded Zimbabwe’s intervention in the Cabo Delgado conflict.
“In view of the terrorist attacks plaguing the province of Delgado, we reiterate our gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for the support it has been providing in the fight against terrorism.
“It demonstrates your conviction that this situation does not only delay the development of Mozambique but also for the people Africa.
“I would like to reaffirm our total commitment to continue to work on strengthening friendly relations, based on the fluidity and simplicity of our interactions; as well as the strengthening bonds of fraternity and brotherhood that exists between our populations,” she said.
In Rusape, Vengere Stadium was full to capacity as thousands of citizens from various walks of life attended the Makoni district Independence Day celebrations.
The Uhuru fete was attended by politicians from different parties, the business community, war veterans and members of the public.
District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi, delivered the President’s speech.
In Chipinge, thousands of people thronged Grassflats Primary School for the district celebrations.
Chipinge district development coordinator, Mr William Mashava, delivered President Mnangagwa’s speech.
A delegation led by Mozambique’s Mossourize district administrator, Cde Samuel Fernando, attended the commemorations together with officials from the neighboring country’s ruling party, Frelimo.
Cde Fernando said Mozambique and Zimbabwe are twins with a shared history.
“The people of the two nations should not forget the hard gained independence. Let us not forget our fallen heroes and heroines who are still in shallow graves.
“They died while fighting for our freedom.
“Citizens of the two nations should continue working together so that our people are economically empowered,” said Cde Fernando.
A carnival atmosphere engulfed the various venues across the province whereas thousands of people celebrated Independence Day.
Online Reporter