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Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s hosting of this year’s 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit has unlocked vast opportunities for the country, Harare residents have said.
The residents who spoke to this publication also praised the incoming SADC chairperson President Mnangagwa for the prevailing peace in the country.
A shop owner, Mr Alfred Mutizwa said today is a good day for Zimbabweans.
“I am glad that this event is being held under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa who is carrying out life-changing projects for us.
“We hope that the summit will progress smoothly. We denounce naysayers who always wish their country bad,” he said.
Mrs Elizabeth Munyeri from Warren Park, Harare, said the peaceful hosting of the SADC Summit demonstrates the true character of Zimbabweans.
“I am glad that the chairmanship is being accorded to Zimbabwe. As the hosting city, Harare, we are glad because the benefits are many,” she said.
A Chitungwiza resident, Mr Gift Muchando, said he is excited because the big day has arrived.
“We appreciate that development has been ongoing, but the hosting of SADC has accelerated it.
“The developments being carried out countrywide are there for all to see,” he said.
Mr Kudakwashe Chimutanda, who is 21, said the SADC Summit is paramount to Zimbabwe.
“We have accrued so many benefits including chairing the whole region. We will be at the centre as the chair. Local benefits are visible including road rehabilitation,” he said.
A businesswoman, Loreen Vengesai, said it was an honour for Zimbabwe to be accorded the opportunity to host the summit.
“We congratulate the President for the honour he has been accorded to lead the regional bloc. Business has been good for my fast-food outlet since the SADC Industrialisation Week,” she said.
Executive president of the Citizens Protection Council of Zimbabwe Mr Chris Chuchu said the nation is on cloud nine.
“People are so excited, so happy that we have our brother Presidents of fellow African States who have come here to the SADC Summit where our President is the incoming chair.
“We are happy that there is so much peace, freedom, no violence,” he said.
Mr Chuchu said citizens are confident that the visiting Presidents and their delegations will enjoy the Zimbabweans’ hospitality.
Mr Itai Katiyo, who was travelling to Murehwa, said SADC was formed by the founding fathers of the region and its principles will be jealously safeguarded.
“I am very happy as a Zimbabwean cadre that we are hosting the summit and our President is the incoming chair of SADC”.
Mr Taurai Kandishaya said President Mnangagwa taking over the chairmanship of SADC means his development philosophy will be spread to the region.
“He always says Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, the same goes with SADC, it is going to be built by its people.
“SADC must stop depending on external funding because when one gets funding from outside, it means they will be given orders from there,” he said.
Online Reporter