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PRESIDENT Mugabe’s opening and closing addresses at the just-ended Zanu-PF 15th National People’s Conference in Victoria Falls set the right tone for economic rival as well as unity of purpose in the party.
Interviewed Zanu-PF members from Manicaland all concurred that President Mugabe’s speeches were spot on and would inspire everyone to take a self introspection for the development of the country.
President Mugabe’s addresses centred on the economic revival programmes centred on the country’s economic blue-print, Zim-Asset, unity of purpose among cadres as well as humility on the part of those in leadership positions especially war veterans.
He went on to chide some of the know-it all war veterans reminding them that everyone contributed significantly towards the liberation of the country.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, said the conference was a resounding success, with President Mugabe addressing all important things which delegates and Zimbabweans at large wanted the iconic statesman to touch on.
“President Mugabe proved to everyone who listened to his speeches that he is a hands-on leader who has everything happening across the country on his fingertips. Some people were saying President Mugabe had lost touch with reality, but he proved all Doubting Thomases wrong. Both his official opening and closing speeches were loaded with nation building statements.
“President Mugabe proved to be a fatherly figure because he freely interacted with some people he knows were plotting against him. He accommodated everyone during the conference, shaming all prophets of doom in the process,” she said.
Cde Chimene hailed President Mugabe for reminding those in power to be servant leaders.
“As leaders we should all think twice of our actions because President Mugabe proved to be well aware of our behind the scenes shenanigans. As the patron of war veterans, President Mugabe spoke as a true leader, reminding everyone that no-one was bigger than the party as well as the associations they head.
“I am the spokesperson of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association, but I was being sidelined by some few individuals who think they know everything. Press conferences were being organised behind our back, yet I was appointed as the voice of the war veterans.
“When we were growing up, we were always reminded of a story of a Chipinge man, Chekaimwenje. Hatidi vanhu vanoita saChekaimwenje, uyo airidza ngoma, kuimba uyu kutamba ari ega (Jack of all trades). As some of the war veterans we were not happy with how things were being
administered in our association and we say hats off to President Mugabe for taking the bull by its horns,” said Cde Chimene.
Zanu-PF provincial secretary for administration Cde Kenneth Saruchera said President Mugabe gave the nation the right economic and political direction to follow.
“Most people believed that our 15th National People’s Conference would be a mere talk-show, but President Mugabe gave us direction. We will be entering 2016 with renewed hope because everyone now knows what is expected of him or her.
“He preached the gospel of unity and the unity of purpose is not only expected from us politicians, but all patriotic Zimbabweans. We have a role to play in turning around the economic fortunes of this country and from what we got from President Mugabe’s speech, he is leading from the front as a great leader,” said Cde Saruchera.
He called on the people of Manicaland to play their part in the implementation of Zim-Asset.
“We should not continue to be cry-babies, but to join in the economic recovery crusade.
“Most industries in Manicaland are on their knees, but it will take us people of this province to unite and speak with one voice in addressing all the challenges affecting us,” he said.
On the political front, Cde Saruchera, said: “Now that we now have substantive leadership in our wings, we expect everyone to bury the hatchet and work for the good of the party and Zimbabwe at large. With factionalism we will never go anywhere.
“We should at least find time to discuss economic issues in our meetings and this should start with the next Provincial Co-ordination Committee meeting.
“Developmental issues should take centre stage during our meetings.”
Youth provincial secretary for administration Cde Victor Saunyama said as youths they were now prepared to actively play their part in all economic activities.
“We have the energy and we should be the foot soldiers in the economic turnaround programme.
“I want to implore my fellow cadres to rise up to the challenge and work round the clock to ensure that our economy is revived,” he said.
Online Reporter