Staff Reporter

As a show of might, over 200 000 people turned up for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s star rally in Mutawatawa, Uzumba Maramba Pfumgwe district, this Saturday, as Zanu PF drums up support for the impending elections.

Addressing the party supporters gathered, President Mnangagwa applauded the province for being pacesetters and remaining resolute to the party’s calls and activities.

"Mashonaland East always leads, while the rest follows. I remember that the Land Reform Act was even the brainchild of this province. We ended up having to come up with legislation to repossess our land from the white minority when Mash East (under Chief Svosve) had already reclaimed it."

He applauded the province for the huge turnout and rallied them to come out in their numbers and vote for the ruling party on August 23.

"I am so grateful to the people of Mashonaland East for the huge turnout. You have overlapped Masvingo for pulling the largest crowd, and the trophy is now yours.

"I have never seen such a large gathering in my entire life. I want to thank you very much, people of Mashonaland East."

He noted that the province had never lost to the opposition since independence.

"For the past 40 years, you have been recording 100 percent when it comes to election results, and I want to thank you for that as well."

He mockingly added that the foreign election observers present were equally shocked at such numbers.

The President also reiterated his call for peace, especially in rural areas.

"Traditional leaders, I want to tell your people here in the rural area that there will be people who will be spreading the gospel of hate. Ignore them and allow them to proceed with their journey.

"Do not beat them or unleash violence; just embrace them as they will pass on with their journey.

He pledged the Second Republic's commitment to upholding peace, noting that Zimbabwe was a peaceful country and should remain as such.