by Political Reporter
Zanu-PF President and First Secretary, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that the ruling party remains bolstered in Pan-African ideals of collective peace and harmony, and the belief that unity is fundamental for sustainable economic, social and political progress in the region and continent.
Cognisant of that, Zimbabwe will forever honour the role played by sister revolutionary parties in the region for attainment of its own independence in 1980.
Addressing the 351st ordinary session of the politburo in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the upcoming Independence Day offered Zimbabweans an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines of the country in liberating it, and emphasised the need to jealously safeguard the currently prevailing peace.
“Zimbabwe is forever grateful for the international solidarity and support we received during the protracted war for our independence. In the region, we had invaluable material, logistical, diplomatic, and political support from Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Botswana, until the ultimate defeat of the exclusionary and oppressive minority rule.
“As a party, we remain emboldened by the Pan-African ideals of collective peace and harmony as well as the belief that unity is fundamental for sustainable economic, social, and political progress, in our region and on the continent,” he said.
He then took a swipe at insurgencies in neighbouring Mozambique, warning on the robust action which Zimbabwe is set to pursue in an effort to restore peace, and pledged support to sister revolutionary party, Frelimo, adding that an attack on any member state meant an attack to all.
“As Zanu-PF, we stand in solidarity with our sister party, Frelimo as well as the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique in the wake of the ongoing disturbances in Cabo Delgado Province, in northern Mozambique. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. United we stand, hence, we cannot sit back and allow acts of insurgency to continue without a robust regional response,” he said.
The President took the opportunity to urge Zanu-PF structures to ensure that communities were on high-security alert to preserve peace in the country.
On upcoming 2023 harmonised elections, the President emphasised the need to remain resolute and ensure that party structures were solid.
“The 2023 Harmonised General Elections are fast approaching. Let us therefore continue tightening our belts and diligently implementing our party programmes with a greater sense of urgency.
“Our people and party membership must be kept informed, mobilised, and motivated to be productive towards improving their plight and the achievement of the goals we set out, in the 2018 People’s Manifesto.
“Party structures must remain intact. We cannot approach the next election with an assumed membership base. It is fundamental that we know the figures of those who will potentially vote for us at a disaggregated ward, constituency, and provincial level. Nothing must be left to chance,” said the President.
He added that the women and youths were vital in the country’s development since they were the future of the nation vital in driving the country’s development agenda.
“Youth should study beyond academic credentials, that way they equip themselves with contemporary knowledge and practical skills so that they emerge as technically competent cadres and philosophically sound leaders of tomorrow.
“This is more so, given the importance of innovation, invention, broad human capital and skills development as turbines towards sustainable socio-economic development and growth.”
He further acknowledged the role being played by the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology for the DCC structures and new cadres joining the party which he believe will bring bout togetherness and peace within the party.
