Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
SANCTIONS imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries continue to hurt ordinary citizens and stifle the country’s economic growth, acting principal of the Zanu-PF’s Chitepo School of Ideology, Retired Colonel Earnest Dube has said.
Zimbabwe today joins other Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states in commemorating the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day in Bindura, Mashonaland Central Province, under the theme: “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation beyond Illegal Sanctions”.
The theme highlights the Government’s focus on regional trade, stronger value chains and international partnerships as part of efforts to expand investment and economic opportunities.
Speaking on the sidelines of a capacitation workshop for teachers at Baines Junior School in Bulawayo yesterday, Retired Colonel Dube called for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions, saying Zimbabwe should not continue to face restrictions over its land reform programme, which began 26 years ago.
“The historic land reform programme will never be reversed, so the West and allies cannot wish it away but should rather embrace it. Twenty-six years after it was implemented, Zimbabwe cannot keep suffering the effects of illegal sanctions that hurt ordinary citizens and are an obstacle to the growth of our economy,” he said.
Retired Col Dube said SADC countries had continued to express solidarity with Zimbabwe’s call for the removal of the restrictions.
“As we hold the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day commemorations tomorrow (today) in Bindura, let’s all join hands in calling for the removal of sanctions,” he said.
Retired Col Dube also criticised Zimbabweans who supported the restrictions, saying they should instead advocate for their removal.
Teachers who attended the workshop echoed the call, arguing that sanctions had constrained access to international finance and investment.
Mrs Roda Moyo, a primary school teacher in Bulawayo, said the restrictions affected workers and the wider economy.
“Sanctions are hurting the working men and women as well as our economy, so we are calling for their total removal. These sanctions have constrained the country’s access to international finance and investment, so our economy cannot grow,” she said.
Ms Pretty Sibanda said removing the restrictions would help Government access external funding and lines of credit for infrastructure development.
“Zimbabwe has been suffering for too long as a result of sanctions and it’s time they are removed unconditionally. Government needs to access international lines of credit to finance road and infrastructure development, but that cannot be done when we are under sanctions,” she said.
SADC Heads of State and Government designated October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day at their 39th Summit in 2019, establishing an annual platform for regional solidarity with Zimbabwe and discussion of the effects of sanctions.
The commemorations have since been held annually, with themes reflecting Zimbabwe’s position on the restrictions and its calls for their removal.
This year’s theme places emphasis on regional cooperation and international partnerships as Zimbabwe seeks to broaden market access, strengthen productive capacity and expand trade beyond its borders.
Among those who attended the event were Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Senator Jabulani Sibanda and hundreds of teachers from schools and colleges across Bulawayo.
