Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics
Fourteen tertiary students from Namibia and Zambia are in the country to attend Zimbabwe’s 45th independence celebrations.
The students are from various universities and colleges in their respective countries.
Speaking soon after they arrived at the Robert Mugabe International Airport this afternoon, the head of the delegation, who is also a senior executive member of the Africa Youth Congress, Mr Vincent Sakala, said they are here to commemorate Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence.
He said they are also calling for the immediate removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“As Africa Youth Congress, we are here to attend Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe. Zimbabwe’s independence did not come on a silver platter,” he said.
Mr Sakala said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are affecting the SADC region, hence the need for their immediate removal.
“An injury to one is an injury to all of us. As African youth, we are saying the sanctions must be removed. They are hurting Zimbabwe’s economy,” he said.
Africa Youths Congress chairman, who is also Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Secretary for Commissariat, Cde Taurai Kandishaya welcomed the delegation.
“They are emulating the efforts made by war veterans in liberating Zimbabwe. They will also assess the impact of sanctions on the country’s economy,” said Cde Kandishaya.
He said the youths will tour companies affected by sanctions, including NRZ, CSC, Shabani Mine, Mashava Mine and David Whitehead Textiles.
They will also tour new developments such as the Manhize Steel Plant, the new Parliament Building, Heroes Acre, Robert Mugabe International Airport, the Liberation Museum, as well as farms and mines owned by locals.
