By Taurai Mazwi
Citizens have dismissed false and mischievous claims by the country’s detractors that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s speech at the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was presented in a half-full auditorium, allegedly signifying that he was not popular among world leaders.
Speaking to this publication, one citizen who preferred anonymity explained that, “unfortunately this is simply not true. Typically all heads of state and government address the UNGA over its session. Which means it is not possible for every delegate to seat for every one of the speeches.
“What tends to happen is that the controversial people are big countries which tend to receive media and international attention. With President Mugabe, he made a lot of controversial statements which sometimes meant that delegates walked out as he was speaking to protest the speeches.
“Zimbabwe and Mnangagwa are not relevant to the topical issues of today per se. These issues include, but not limited to the current US China impasse on trade and the SDGs,” he said.
Mildred Samantha Chimonera also posted on her Twitter handle saying, “I think there is no problem with President Mnangagwa addressing UNGA, the problem is with the slot. Even United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Boris Johnson had to come under similar fate, have a glance.” Blogger, Trevor Shiri, quiped “there is nothing amiss there! Even Boris Johnson addressed in a virtually empty auditorium.”
One Elijah Chihota said, “several Presidents addressed when most seats were empty, therefore, there is no need to make news about President Mnangagwa addressing an almost empty gallery. That trend has been noted, especially with afternoon sessions.”
One Charega tweeted on his Twitter handle saying, “what is it all about numbers? Numbers lie. What is valuable is the message. President Mnangagwa also addressed delegates period.”
Zim Media Review, a citizen journalism cite, noted that, “to be factual, empty seats are nothing new at #UNGA. Dozens of speeches from dozens of leaders. Small countries (like Zim and others) don’t get big audiences.”
During his speech, President Mnangagwa lamented the debilitating effect of the illegal sanctions posed on Zimbabwe, which were impeding the country’s developmental aspirations. He further briefed world leaders on the political and economic reform strides that had been achieved under the New Dispensation.
