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Wallace Ruzvidzo in BULAWAYO
ZIMBABWE’s undying spirit of unity, resilience, resourcefulness and fortitude will ultimately break the grip and albatross of sanctions imposed on the country by the United State of America, President Mnangagwa has said.
The country has been under unilateral coercive measures for over two decades, with the US not showing any signs of relenting despite continued calls for their removal by world, continental and regional bodies.
In his remarks here yesterday as the country joined the region in commemorating the 5th SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, President Mnangagwa said it was Zimbabweans’ collective responsibility to redouble efforts to increase production, productivity and transformational projects for the prosperity of the country.
“I salute the resolve of the people of this great nation which can never be broken. Our unity, resilience, resourcefulness and fortitude will ultimately break the grip and albatross of sanctions.
“Together, we are overcoming the negative impact of these unjust and illegal measures; we are emerging more united, focused, hardworking and innovative as we build a stronger economy and society,” he said.
“The people of our motherland, both here at home and in the Diaspora are a testament of the indisputable truth in our national development philosophy that indeed ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.'”
Zimbabwe, the President said, strongly condemns the hegemonic tendencies and hypocrisy of countries which continue to think that “might is right” and in so doing brutely violate international law and the United Nations Charter without shame or remorse.
“It is a well-documented fact that the unjust sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe continue to have far-reaching consequences across the strata and lives of our people.
“Sanctions are strangling our economy, undermining our right to self-determination, and compromising the achievement of the collective development aspirations of our country.
“Further, they have limited our ability to trade freely, restricted access to international financial support, stifled investment and reduced our ability to adequately invest in social services.
“This has, in-turn, negatively affected the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, particularly women, children and the vulnerable. Illegal sanctions are impairing our quest to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa talks to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira while First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Mrs Miniyothabo Chiwenga, Vice President Kembo Mohadi and Speaker of Parliament Hon Jacob Mudenda look on during the National Anti-Sanctions Petition Programme in Bulawayo yesterday. — Picture: John Manzongo
Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has achieved momentous milestones albeit under the yoke of punitive measures.
President Mnangagwa said despite the existence of the heinous and inhumane illegal sanctions, Government would continue pursuing the policy of engagement and re-engagement.
Zimbabwe, he said, was a friend to all and an enemy to none.
“Guided by the theme, “Embracing Innovation Towards Vision 2030: A Relentless Fight Against Illegal Sanctions,” let us pursue new prospects for accelerated socio-economic growth.
“Undoubtedly, heritage-based knowledge systems, climate resilient agriculture, renewable energy, industrialisation, advanced health care, as well as research and development are key to achieving Vision 2030.
“As such, collaboration and partnerships with progressive countries should be scaled up towards building a future driven by ingenuity, new technologies, science and research.
“In doing so, it is critically important that we leverage our rich natural resources, skills base and cultural heritage as we modernise and industrialise our motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe’s strength, he said, lay in the region’s unity, harmony and mutually beneficial relations within the comity of nations.
“As a member of SADC, Zimbabwe is committed to working closely with our regional partners for the collective good and shared prosperity.
“In the face of these realities which threaten our sovereignty and integrity as a nation, it is our individual and collective duty to re-double our efforts to increase production, productivity and transformational projects, for the prosperity of our motherland, Zimbabwe”.
President Mnangagwa said the youth and women were a source of hope for the country hence more should be done in empowering them as the country continues with efforts to circumvent the sanctions.
“The youth are our source of hope and the future of our nation. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow.
“The ZANU PF Government shall, therefore, continue to empower them with the requisite skills, resources and tools to drive innovation and economic growth.
“In the same vein, the broadening of favourable measures and conditions that promote women empowerment for the realisation of sustainable economic development remain critically important,” he said.
As the country amplifies the call against the illegal embargo, the President also officially launched a digitally enabled National Anti-Sanctions Petition Programme, whose aim is to get 1 million signatures on the petition.
He thus called on the country’s media fraternity to promote the initiative.
“The initiative enables citizens to digitally append their signatures on a petition to express their rejection of sanctions through online platforms.
“Media houses and practitioners, including other anti-sanctions lobby groups, are called upon to partner this initiative.
“The fast-paced convergence of the broadcasting sector, including community radio stations and ICTs, should see the increase of access to anti-sanctions information across both rural and urban areas.
“It is the duty of all of us to raise awareness on the negative effects of illegal sanctions on our country and people,” said President Mnangagwa.
He expressed gratitude to SADC for its unwavering support in calling for the removal of sanctions.
In 2019, the regional bloc set aside October 25 of every year as a day to join hands and call for the removal of the punitive measures on Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of Government and our ruling ZANU PF Party, I extend appreciation for the solidarity, support and principled stance taken against sanctions, by my fellow Zimbabweans, who have also remained united and peace-loving.
“Your unflinching resolve, determination and hard honest work, as well as the unwavering commitment you always demonstrate to build our country, is inspirational.
“”Nyika inovakwa inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”,” said the President.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Second Republic would continue leading the country on an upward trajectory despite the sanctions.
Zanu PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha said the ruling party would mobilise the 1 million signatures for the petition.
The event was attended by First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Zanu PF National Chairperson and Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Ministers, Zanu PF Politburo members and other senior Government officials.
Online Reporter