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Prosper Ndlovu and Mashudu Nestianda Senior Reporters
THOUSANDS of people from across the country will today start travelling to Harare to witness President Mugabe’s inauguration at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow. President Mugabe garnered 61,09 percent votes against his rival MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s 33,94 percent in the Presidential race, while his party Zanu-PF won more than two thirds majority in the parliamentary polls.
An inter-ministerial committee organising President Mugabe’s inauguration has also been put in place.
In an interview, the Director of Rural Communication Services in the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity, Mr Regis Chikowore said everything was going on well ahead of the swearing in ceremony.
“We have started the process of preparing for the Presidential inauguration ceremony. This is a Government programme so we have an inter-ministerial committee tasked with organising and co-ordinating the event,” he said.
In separate interviews yesterday, Zanu-PF chairpersons said thousands of party supporters and members of the public would leave for the capital in the afternoon today. The provinces have been allocated buses, which would pick up the travellers from the usual pickup points in their districts.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South chairman Cde Andrew Langa said his province has secured 10 buses, which would pick up people from all the seven districts.
“Thousands of people from Matabeleland South are going to Harare. The province has been allocated 10 buses and this means each district will get a bus,” said Cde Langa.
“The remaining buses will be sent to big districts such as Bulilima and Mangwe, Gwanda, Umzingwane and Insiza. We are grateful that this year we will witness the event of President Mugabe’s inauguration, which most people have not seen before.”
Cde Langa said the trip was open to all people across the political divide.
He said President Mugabe was the leader of everyone in the country and invited MDC supporters, civil servants and traditional leaders to attend.
Bulawayo provincial chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu said the provincial leadership was finalising travel arrangements to ensure many people attend the inauguration.
“Yes people are going to Harare in their large numbers to witness the event. We have organised some buses, which will transport people. Those who are going are expected to leave tomorrow afternoon or in the evening,” said Prof Ndlovu.
“I have assigned our secretary for administration Cde Josphat Ndebele to oversee the logistical arrangements.”
Contacted for comment Cde Ndebele said hundreds of people were eager to attend the important national event.
He said his team was also considering using the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) train in addition to buses and private vehicles.
Matabeleland North chairman Cde Richard Moyo also said his province was allocated 10 buses.
“We will be sending buses to the usual pick up points in all the seven districts. We are also making arrangements to have private vehicles,” said Cde Moyo.
“The buses will leave in the afternoon and we invite anyone who is willing to go and witness this important event to come forward.”
The event will also be attended by several invited dignitaries and guests including Heads of State and diplomats.
Online Reporter