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ZIMBABWEANS should honour their own pacesetter heroes in the mould of President Mugabe through commemorations such as the 21st Movement, says Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa. Addressing guests at the 21st Movement fundraising dinner in Mutare last Saturday, Cde Mutsvangwa, who was representing Zanu-PF’s provincial leader, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the nation should honour and embrace its leading figures while they were still alive.
“The 21st Movement is a day for youths to jealously safeguard and celebrate the achievements of our revolutionary and visionary President. The truth is a lot has not been written about President Mugabe. What he has done for this nation through his astute and visionary leadership.
“Through the 21st Movement we recognise President Mugabe’s birthday each year and we also get to ask ourselves just how much we know about our leader and celebrate his lifetime achievements,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
She added that the 21st Movement was not a political movement but a day to acknowledge the achievements of President Mugabe as a par excellence revolutionary, visionary, father and grandfather who has sacrificed his entire life for black emancipation and consciousness in Zimbabwe and Africa at large.
The deputy minister said although it was the brainchild of Zanu-PF Youth League, the celebrations encompassed all Zimbabwean youths regardless of political affiliation.
Cde Mutsvangwa said President Mugabe advocated for pro-people and pro-poor policies like the Land Reform Programme, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Programme and currently the socio-economic transformation blueprint Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.
“Failure of Zim-Asset means we all go down as a nation, so please let us embrace this initiative and work together. We will work with any businesspeople willing to invest in Zimbabwe and make a profit, but we should also benefit as a nation,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Manicaland, Cde Mandi Chimene, said President Mugabe’s incisive leadership gave Zimbabweans a footing worldwide.
“Today, he is not only our President, but Southern African Development Community chairman and African Union chairman, three-in-one. This shows his calibre as an astute leader.
“Let us copy and try to emulate our father. He has given us a name as Zimbabweans,” said Cde Chimene.
The colourful fund-raising dinner was well attended by businesspeople, heads of Government departments, provincial political leadership, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations.
One of the organising committee members from the Manicaland Youth League, the secretary for finance, Cde Gertrude Mutandi, said pledges were still coming in and could not give an official figure by the time of going to press.
Each province was expected to fundraise $30 000, with a national target of $800 000. Cde Mutandi thanked all sponsors and said the 21st Movement should be kept alive for posterity.
The commemorations will be held on February 28 in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, running under the theme: “Celebrating the Birth of Gushungo, The Icon of Zimbabwe’s Revolution and Champion of Youth Empowerment.”
Online Reporter