The Sunday Mail
Senior Reporter
Zanu-PF has called upon Zimbabweans to unite in rebuilding the country to uplift the lives of the citizenry.
In a statement to celebrate Zimbabwe’s 40th Independence yesterday, the ruling party said stabilisation of the country’s macro-economic environment remained top priority, which would only be possible if all Zimbabweans played their part.
“The Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) joins the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa, in celebrating 40 years of Independence on this day (yesterday) which marks our nation’s 40th birthday,” reads the statement.
“Indeed, having travelled this long journey together towards attainment of independence, sovereignty, freedom and the right to self-determination, we are proud to have made this achievement, united as a people under His Excellency’s visionary leadership and that of our founding fathers.
“The task we have set ahead of us, which includes, but not limited to, stabilisation of the macro-economic environment, modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture, expansion of infrastructure, restoration of the country into the family of nations and uplifting our people’s living standards are immense and require unity of purpose among us.”
Zanu-PF said President Mnangagwa had initiated dialogue with diverse political players in order to engender unity among all Zimbabweans.
While the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, said the party, Zimbabweans had come together in the comfort of their homes to celebrate the country’s independence.
“As we celebrated this day in our homes owing to the Covid-19 pandemic which has necessitated a national lockdown, the party assures the nation that the President and First Secretary Cde ED Mnangagwa is with them in these trying times,” added Zanu-PF.
“We are aware of the people’s inherent desire to celebrate this day outdoors at our usual national venues, but for the first time ever, this pandemic has made it impossible to gather.
“As we approach the Golden Jubilee in 2030, which should coincide with that attainment of Vision 2030, we take pride, as a party, for having always stood with our people since the liberation struggle, which brought about this Independence.”
The ruling party stated that it remained committed to fulfilling pledges made in its 2018 harmonised elections manifesto.
“Indeed, we further take pride as the mother of our national independence, knowing fully well that we share this achievement with our masses, the same masses that have kept this revolution this far despite the imposition of illegal sanctions, undue hostility and regime change attempts from our adversaries,” the statement further stated. We have triumphed over these challenges in unity and drawing inspiration from our leadership, no future challenges are insurmountable.
“Together, let us focus on growing the economy to ensure that we achieve an upper middle income economy by 2030, in fulfilment of the goals that the party clearly set out in the people’s manifesto of 2018.”
The Zanu-PF Youth League in its Independence Day message challenged young people to be innovative and take control of the means of production.
In a statement, the ruling party’s youth affairs acting deputy, Cde Tendai Chirau, urged youths to be guided by the national interest.
“The Second Republic challenges all youths to be innovative and productive,” said Cde Chirau.
“This new dispensation brought with it numerous opportunities for young people to contribute towards national growth through innovation hubs.
“There has also been a rise in youthful cadres occupying leadership positions in corporate and political affairs. We now have many young people in ministerial positions.
The Youth League paid tribute to frontline workers helping in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and called for maximum support to them.
“This year’s independence celebrations come amidst a unique test of national character, as we combat the deadly novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which has no respect for colour, class, creed or affiliation,” he said.
“We salute patriots who , thus far, stood tall in fighting the invisible national enemy on the frontlines; medical personnel who are risking their lives to ensure the nation stays healthy, security personnel and all those offering essential services during these troubled times, corporates and individuals who have extended in one way or another, a helping hand, and media personnel who daily find time to inform and educate the nation with accurate news.
“Coronavirus is a grim reality that reminds us of our frailty as humans, and yet also pushes us to take comfort in our numbers through unity of purpose.
‘‘This is a war, and we must win it decisively.”
