Tinaye Agere
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA will this year lead anti-sanction activities of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that are held on October 25 every year to press the West to lift illegal coercive measures imposed on Zimbabwe over 23 years ago.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions Day was declared in Tanzania in August 2019 when that country’s former leader Dr John Magufuli chaired the regional body.
It is an occasion when SADC member states collectively voice their disapproval of sanctions on Zimbabwe through various activities and platforms.
The illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West have largely contributed to the country’s economic hardships as they have placed impediments on the country’s economy and other forms of cooperation with foreign governments and institutions.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this year’s SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will coincide with the ZANU (PF) 21st Annual People’s Conference to be held from October 22 to 27, 2024 in Bulawayo.
The event will be held under the theme “Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Illegal Sanctions”, which is consistent with the 44th SADC Summit theme.
The theme also acknowledges the efforts by the Second Republic to grow the economy through science, technology and innovation, which will go a long way in addressing the negative impact of illegal sanctions in key sectors of the economy.
President Mnangagwa will headline the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day activities with a national address, after which he will also deliver a statement on the same event in his capacity as SADC chairperson.
Activities lined up to mark the day include the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Summit, which will comprise the media indaba, roadshow, cultural and music events, solidarity marches and public awareness campaigns.
Other activities include innovation exhibitions by primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, panel discussions and workshops and a documentary, among others. — New Ziana
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter