malvernmugadzikwa
Richard Muponde
AS colourful as the flag of Zimbabwe, tens of thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life filled the National Sports Stadium to witness the inauguration of President Mnangagwa on September 4.
The multi-purpose stadium reverberated as people from all walks of life and political spheres — including regional and international guests — converged for the inauguration of President Mnangagwa’s second term.
By 6am, winding queues had already formed outside the giant stadium, as people trickled in to witness a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s democracy.
The enthusiasm in the queues was palpable.
Inside the venue, the mood turned ecstatic, punctuated by song and dance.
A line-up of the country’s top artistes — headlined by Jah Prayzah — provided entertainment.
Some of the major highlights were the arrival of the former First Lady Grace Mugabe and her family, including her daughter Bona, and son Tinotenda Robert Jnr.
Former Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and Phelekezela Mphoko also graced the occasion, highlighting camaraderie.
The arrival of President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was received with enthusiasm by the massive crowd.
The climax came when President Mnangagwa took the oath of office and signed in front of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, heralding the beginning of his second term.
His swearing in was received with jubilation from the bumper crowd.
A 21-gun salute and fly-past by the Air Force of Zimbabwe put the icing on the cake.
In his inauguration speech, President Mnangagwa called for unity in the aftermath of the polls.
He promised to continue with the economic revival.
“Responsive policies, which began in the first term of my presidency, are on course to lift many out of poverty,” President Mnangagwa said.
The presidential inauguration was a national event, which warranted people across the country to attend and Government was in order when it provided buses to transport people to the venue.
Opposition activists had berated Government for transporting people to the National Sports Stadium for President Mnangagwa’s inauguration last week.
Said Zanu PF director of information and publicity Cde Farai Marapira: “Harare is not Zimbabwe; it is a part of Zimbabwe. It would be absurd to only have people from Harare alone at the President’s inauguration.
“All corners voted, therefore, all corners must come and celebrate the democratic process they played a role in, regardless of political affiliation.”
Cde Marapira said the biggest falsehood from the opposition is that the ruling party has no supporters in Harare.
“We have enough supporters in Harare alone from the results of the plebiscite to fill the stadium several times over.
“Furthermore, Zanu PF won bell ringer constituencies such as Mbare, announcing its resurgence in urban areas.
“Our support in Harare cannot be disregarded by any logical analysis,” he said.
“The snide remarks regarding the basis from which attendees to the inauguration came from must be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
“The remarks have no basis in logic or common sense. Be reminded that the leader of the opposition himself was invited and in his lack of political maturity chose not to come. Even opposition supporters were there in the crowd to witness democracy celebrated.”
Mr Thandolwenkosi Moyo from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo, who travelled for the inauguration, said he travelled to Harare because it was a national event for every citizen of Zimbabwe from all the four corners of Zimbabwe.
“It was not a partisan event, but for all citizens and the country’s various political parties,” Mr Moyo said.
“And like at any ceremony, guests are treated to food in celebration. It was the same at the National Sports Stadium, as the host treated its invited guests.
“So, what’s wrong with that? Some Zimbabweans are petty.”
The road to State House is long and exhausting. Becoming a candidate is only the beginning of the election process. Successful candidates must persuade voters that they deserve their individual votes and garner the critical votes of electors on the voters’ roll.
Persuading voters is the essence of a political campaign.
However, elections have come and gone.
President Mnangagwa won with 52,6 percent of the votes, against Mr Chamisa’s 44 percent.
Zanu PF is represented by 176 members and CCC 103, while one seat remains vacant, awaiting a by-election.
Last week, elected Members of Parliament and councillors, including those from the opposition, were sworn in, and tomorrow, mayors will be elected.
President Mnangagwa also swore in his two co-Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi.
He is expected to announce his new Cabinet soon.
This will mark the close of Zimbabwe’s election period, and President Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF Government will put the shoulder to the wheel as they focus on the development of the country, anchored in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) and Vision 2030.
Analysts who spoke to this publication said focus should be on the fulfilment of promises made to the electorate.
Said veteran journalist Methuseli Moyo: “Yes, elections have come and gone. All the energy now must be channelled towards development, by both Central Government and local authorities in their respective areas.
“Provision of infrastructure such as roads, dams, health facilities, and the provision of education remain key areas that must be tackled.”
Global Economics 2020 Consultancy Group executive director Mr Naboth Dzivaguru said the pace at which President Mnangagwa is building up his team shows that he is down for serious business.
“He is a man on a mission. He wants to cover ground whilst it’s still early.
“His economic strategies, namely, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the National Development Strategy, are anchored in six pillars of the economy,” he said.
“The President and his team realised that Zimbabwe is endowed with a vast majority of natural resources. So, these resources need to be tapped for the country’s survival. So, what did he do? He’s revamping the country’s technology and the infrastructure, which was hit by two decades of sanctions.”
Cde Marapira said Zanu PF is focused on the future and fulfilling the vision of President Mnangagwa.
“We have started the foundation work of a resurgent economy in the first term and we shall be progressing towards further development on this.
“In the first term, Zimbabwe has moved from being an importer of wheat and maize to becoming secure in the two grains.
“We have also seen records broken in tobacco harvests,” he said.
One of the August 23 harmonised election presidential candidates Mr Harry Peter Wilson, the leader of the Democratic Official Party (DOP), urged Zimbabweans to rally behind President Mnangagwa and help him realise the vision he has for the country.
“It is crucial to understand that in a democracy, we may have been rivals in the voting booth, but we should never consider each other enemies. President Mnangagwa now holds the mandate bestowed upon him by our fellow citizens to lead our great nation,” Mr Wilson is quoted as saying.
“It is our collective responsibility to respect that mandate, and work together for the progress and development of Zimbabwe.
“With unfolding events, it is indeed clear that the elections are over and it is time to focus on national development.”
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