TODAY IS THE DAY!

Garikai Mazara

Online News Editor

Today thousands of Zimbabweans will march against the sanctions imposed by the West on the country in 2001. The Sunday Mail gives you round-the-clock coverage of the countrywide marches, of which at the National Sports Stadium, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver the keynote address.

In the afternoon, soccer giants Dynamos and Highlanders will clash in a solidarity match and in the evening, an all-night musical gala will conclude the day’s proceedings

The Government has made available 265 buses across the country to ferry people to march against the illegal sanctions imposed by the West on the country

In the Midlands province, scores of people have gathered at Gweru Sports Club. The march will be led by the Minister of State for Midlands, Hon Larry Mavima. Also present is Vungu MP., Hon Omega Sibanda, Zanu PF provincial chairperson, Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube, among other provincial leaders.

In Harare, the crowd gathered at the Robert Mugabe Square before proceeding to the National Sports Stadium where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to deliver the keynote address. Here, First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa (in white T-shirt) follow proceedings at Robert Mugabe Square

In Manicaland, people have started trickling into Sakubva Stadium where the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs (Manicaland), Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

The march is underway in Midlands, led by Hon Larry Mavima

In Bulawayo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Hon Judith Ncube, is leading the march to White City Stadium

Cde Victor Matemadanda, one of senior officials leading the march in Harare

Speaking to The Herald ahead of today’s clash, Dynamos’ team manager, Richard Chihoro, said: “We are prepared for this game. It’s always difficult playing against a team like Highlanders but we will be going out in full force to win this game.”

Ordinary citizens, who are feeling the brunt of the sanctions, express their opinions

In the evening, the Anti-Sanctions gala will kick off, which will see some of the country’s leading musicians taking to the podium to sing against the sanctions. Progress Chipfumo, Mathias Mhere, Freeman, Seh Calaz, Howard Pinjisi, Tryson Chimbetu, Victor Kunonga, Jah Prayzah, Leonard Zhakata, Suluman Chimbetu, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Band, Machanic Manyeruke, Agatha Muruudzwa, Tariro neGitare, Sandrab Ndebele, Iyasa, Roki, Mbare Chimurenga Choir and Mawungira eNharira, are some of the stellar cast that will perform tonight at the National Sports Stadium.

In Gwanda, Matabeleland South people are marching from CBD to Phelandaba Stadium

In Masvingo, thousands are gathered at the Civic Centre which is the assembly point. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs (Masvingo), Cde Ezra Chadzamira, will lead the march, starting with a procession from the Civic Centre to Mucheke Stadium.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Hon Judith Ncube, leads the Anti-Sanctions march from Pelandaba to White City Stadium

Speaking ahead of tonight’s musical gala, Progress Chipfumo said: “We are ready and raring to perform at the gala. This is a gala not to be missed and we urge people from all walks of life to participate at the event, as we have new music to be played tonight.”

In Bulawayo, the marchers will congregate at White City Stadium

Present at the Masvingo Civic Centre are Chiefs Mazungunye, from Bikita, Chief Marozva, Bikita , Chief Negari from Mwenezi, Chief Marozva from Gutu. ZCC leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi is also present.