VP Chiwenga endorses President Mnangagwa’s mantra as key to inclusive national development

Mukudzei Chingwere [email protected]

VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has described President Mnangagwa’s “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” mantra as the most effective approach to achieving holistic and inclusive national development that leaves no one and no place behind.

The Vice President said development initiatives undertaken by communities and independent groups make a positive contribution to economic growth and, when combined, can have a significant impact on the national economy.

He made the remarks at St Paul’s Musami Mission, where he underscored the long standing role played by the church in promoting national development.

VP Chiwenga traced the origins of the mantra to earlier engagements with President Mnangagwa, including a visit to Kopa Jopa following the destruction caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019.

He commended members of the Catholic Church for mobilising resources to develop key infrastructure at the mission.

“We are all one community. I have been so moved that the St Joseph Guild and everyone has this thought, which has now deepened into our hearts that we are the only ones who can build our own church, not anyone else,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Just like we have come and say we are the only ones who can build our own country.

“I think you know the disaster that happened in Chimanimani, then I drove through that road (Kopa Jopa after it was constructed) and then I said, ‘we are the only people who can build this country on our own . . . now we are building.”

VP Chiwenga said he has a strong personal connection to St Paul’s Musami Mission, noting that both his first born and last born brothers were educated at the institution.

He also said the surrounding areas experienced intense fighting during the liberation struggle, during which many lives were lost.

“The lastborn in our family now is late and was educated here. Then our firstborn is alive, he is now 80 years old; he got educated here at St Paul’s in 1961, 1962, 1963. So, we are so attached,” said VP Chiwenga.