Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Online Reporter
DIGNITARIES have started arriving for the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day event at the Large City Hall auditorium in Bulawayo.
The crowd includes traditional leaders, representatives from tertiary institutions, health professionals, and ordinary citizens coming together from all walks of life.
President Mnangagwa, who also serves as the SADC chairman, is slated to deliver the keynote address this morning, focusing on the theme, “Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Illegal Sanctions.”
Following his speech, he will also sign the electronic petition.
SADC member states have consistently shown their solidarity with Zimbabwe, underscoring the importance of this occasion.
08.22am Young women for Economic Development entertaining guests at the 2024 National Anti- Sanctions event at the Large City Hall
08:42am Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi speaks on the Sadc Anti Sanctions Day
08.58am: The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Tatenda Mavetera speaks on how sanctions are affecting the digital space
09.17am The programme at the Sadc Anti-Sanctions Petition Programme has started with various speakers now giving their solidarity messages
09.19am Mr Welcome Shumba representing Polad gives a solidarity message
09.27am Mr Omowale Clay representing the American based December 12 movement presents his solidarity message
09.35am Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Cde Nick Mangwana, who is coordinating the SADC Anti Sanctions Day event being held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, says the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are the biggest human rights infringement known to mankind’s history.
He says the West must be repremanded for its actions.
He says Zimbabwe will not stop spekaing against the illegal sanctions.
“Zimbabwe is open to anyone and we are a God fearing and loving country. We appreciate and are grateful to countries that are standing in solidarity with Zimbabwe,” he said.
Cde Mangwana says the sanctions are an evil seed that was sowed by the US and its allies meant to destabilize economic growth in the country.
09.40am Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China Zhou Ding give a solidarity message on the SADC Anti Sanctions Day.
09.48am A solidarity message from the Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Salwa Mowafi
09.50am Africa Vokuntary Carbon Credits Market Forum chairman Mr Kwanele Hlabangane has said the illegal sanctions are damaging the country’s image and should be lifted.
In a brief address at the SADC Anti- Sanctions Day he said the business community is gravely affected by the sanctions.
10.16am Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has also arrived for the SADC Anti Sanctions Day. He was accompanied by the deputy minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Raj Modi and Politburo member Cde Elfas Mashava.
10.33am Part of the delegates at the Large City Hall
10.40am President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Large City Hall where he is expected to lead proceedings at the SADC Anti Sanctions Day before he heads to ZITF where he will officially open the 21st Zanu Pf National People’s Conference.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by his two Vice Presidents Retired General Constantino Chiwenga and Retired Colonel Kembo Mohadi as well as the ZANU PF Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri amongst other senior party and Government officials.
He is set to give a key note address as well as sign a petition calling for the unconditional removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its allies in the West.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions day is being held under the theme: Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030:The Relentless Fight Against Illegal Sanctions.
10.57am President Mnangagwa takes to the podium to address the congregation.
This is a day set by our progressive and revolutionary brother and neighbours in the region to call for the removal of sanctions. As the President of Zimbabwe, I want to extend my profound gratitude to those who continue to stand with us against these illegal sanctions.
It is a well documented fact that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe continue to have long lasting effects on our people and economy. The sanctions have restricted financial support of the international community.
I salute the resolve of the people of this great nation for their resilience. Together we are overcoming the negative impacts of these unjustified sanctions. We are emerging innovative as we build a stronger society.
Today we amplify our voices against the illegal sanctions by launching a digital petition to express our rejection of these sanctions.
It is the duty of all of us to raise awareness on the illegal sanctions on our country.
Collaboration and partnerships with progressive countries should be scaled up and leverage on our rich natural resources as we mordenise our motherland
The youth are our source of hope and leaders of tomorrow. The ZANU PF Government shall therefore continue to empower them with requisite skills to drive economic growth.
Our strength lies in our humility and harmony. As a member of SADC, Zimbabwe is committed to work with other members to drive the prosperity of our region.
Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.
11.09am President Mnangagwa ends his address
11.10am President Mnangagwa has now launched the online petition with the help of the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere
Online Reporter