Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Government's commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people of Zimbabwe, despite facing significant challenges.
Speaking, today, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare, the President underscored the administration’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of citizens through unity, stability, security, and development.
"Our commitment to enhance the well-being of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe, by entrenching unity, stability, security, and development remains a key mission for my administration. Government is committed to the realisation of the promises made by our ruling Party, Zanu PF. Despite enormous challenges and difficulties as a result of the illegal economic sanctions imposed on our country, we are recording encouraging progress," said President Mnangagwa.
He went on to emphasise that the Government’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” remains anchored on inclusive transformation and shared prosperity.
The President further highlighted the importance of national unity, stating that Zimbabwe’s strength lies in its diversity, which must be protected and defended at all costs.
"Our country's strength lies in unity in diversity; hence, social cohesion and our unitary state shall be jealously guarded and defended by my Government," the President added.
In a stern warning, President Mnangagwa condemned any divisive tendencies, particularly those based on regional and tribal differences or economic hierarchies, stating that such attitudes have no place in Zimbabwe.
"Tendencies that fuel discord based upon perceived regional and tribal differences, as well as social and economic hierarchies, have no place in our nation and must be rejected," the President declared.
Despite the progress being made, President Mnangagwa acknowledged that the El Nino-induced drought had constrained growth across all sectors, particularly agriculture.
However, he assured the nation that the Government was addressing food insecurity through various initiatives under the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme.
These include distributing grain to rural communities in need and supporting vulnerable urban households through the Cash-for-Cereals Programme.
Additionally, the President highlighted the School Feeding Programme, which ensures that learners in drought-stricken areas receive at least one decent meal per day.
"Be assured that no Zimbabwean will go without food. The Grain Marketing Board has ensured adequate stocks to meet the needs of our people," he stated.
Political analysts have commended President Mnangagwa’s speech, lauding his resolve and the practical measures being implemented to address the nation’s challenges.
Dr. Tafadzwa Moyo, a political commentator, remarked, "The President's speech was clear and focused on the critical issues that matter to the people. The commitment to ensure no one is left behind is a positive move, particularly in these difficult times."
Another analyst, Brighton Nyathi, added, "The President’s acknowledgement of the challenges facing the country, such as the drought and economic sanctions, demonstrates a realistic approach to governance. His emphasis on unity and social cohesion is key to fostering national development."
The State of the Nation Address laid out a vision for overcoming challenges and achieving progress, with the President reaffirming the Government's dedication to ensuring the promises made to the people of Zimbabwe are fulfilled.
