by Tendai Matunhu
Zimbabweans have come out in their numbers to forcefully and collectively call for the removal of the illegal sanctions placed on the country.
The day was set aside by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of States to call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the SADC Anti-sanctions Day commemorations today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appreciated the massive turn-out saying it is a testimony that the country is united and that they are stronger together.
He said the sanctions had a direct and indirect devastating impact adding that they had been felt in the region and today.
President Mnangagwa went on to say that it should be known that Zimbabwe are united in purpose as “our friends and neighbours equally join the Zimbabwe’s cause today. As the people of Zimbabwe we cannot continue to have our fundamental human rights and dignity trampled upon.”
The Harare event was graced by different Political party leaders namely, Independent candidate Brian Muteki, LEAD president Linda Masarira and NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku among others.
However, MDC leaders were not present at the anti-sanctions march despite earlier assurance by Nelson Chamisa that he was going to attend.
Polad has said that sanctions are not about President Mnangagwa and that they are an insult to everyone. Independent Norton Member of Parliament, Themba Mliswa also said sanctions were affecting everyone. Mliswa said the sanctions should be removed as they were not serving any purpose but destroying.
The business community has not been left out as it said it was suffering as a result of the sanctions. People living with disabilities have also come out calling for the removal of the sanctions as they said they were the hardest hit by these sanctions.
Chiefs have also come out in their numbers to call for the removal of the sanctions.
Harare crowd was being led by the First Lady as people marched from the Robert Mugabe Square to the National Sports Stadium where participants were given lunch and t-shirts as they got in. Bulawayo, Beitbridge, Gweru and Gwanda just to mention a few, also participated in the call for the removal of sanctions.
October 25 is the date set aside by SADC member States to collectively voice their disapproval of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA).
